Atchison, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,785
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,474/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,175
0.3% year-over-year change

Atchison population

How many people live in Atchison

Atchison is home to 10,785 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Atchison locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
10,785
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
5,068
Female
53%
5,717
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,068 47% 0.4%
Female 5,717 53% -0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Atchison is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 27.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
27.1%
25 to 44
19%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,069 19.2% -5.6%
15 to 24 2,921 27.1% 8.2%
25 to 44 2,045 19% -6.9%
45 to 64 2,228 20.7% -0.2%
Over 65 1,522 14.1% 3.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Atchison, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.1% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,334 95.8% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 290 2.7% -18.1%
Non-citizens 161 1.5% 42.5%
Racial breakdown
White
84.1%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.5%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 9,071 84.1%
Black or African American 587 5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.1%
Asian 52 0.5%
Two or more races 1,023 9.5%
Other 42 0.4%

Households in Atchison

A peek inside Atchison households

Atchison has 3,482 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.1% are families, while the remaining 35.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,482
-3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,251
Family households
2,231
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,251 35.9% -4.2%
Family households 2,231 64.1% -3.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Atchison

The housing landscape of Atchison

Atchison's housing consists of 4,175 units, with 78.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,175
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,272 78.4%
1 unit, attached 4 0.1%
2 units 154 3.7%
3 or 4 units 95 2.3%
5 to 9 units 60 1.4%
10 to 19 units 124 3%
20 to 49 units 255 6.1%
50 or more units 122 2.9%
Mobile home 89 2.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Atchison

In Atchison, the median construction year is 1962. About 33.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,416 33.9% 2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 167 4% -33.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 430 10.3% 15.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 438 10.5% -10.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,030 24.7% 19.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 404 9.7% 15.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 159 3.8% -48.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 104 2.5% -17.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 0.6% 17.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Atchison occupancy rates

Out of the 3,482 occupied housing units in Atchison, 60.4% are owner-occupied, while 39.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,482
-3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,377
Owner occupied
2,105
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,377 39.6% 0.2%
Owner occupied 2,105 60.4% -6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
16.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Atchison housing costs

Housing costs in Atchison come to a median of $803 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $737.

Median housing costs per month
$803/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Atchison
$737/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Atchison

Atchison education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Atchison went to high school, while 30.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 13% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 101 1.2% -9.0%
High school diploma 3,377 41% -0.7%
College diploma 2,511 30.5% 9.2%
Associate degree 555 6.7% 7.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,068 13% -5.2%
Graduate degree 622 7.6% -6.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Atchison

How much people earn in Atchison

The average annual household income in Atchison was $74,332 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,474, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Atchison
$74,332/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Atchison
$54,474/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Atchison income by age

In Atchison, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,786. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,167 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $18,599, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,375 in earnings. Overall, 84.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $18,599 -29.9%
25 - 44 $71,786 19.0%
45 - 64 $54,167 -15.4%
Over 65 $56,375 8.8%
Above poverty level
7,631
Below poverty level
1,438
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,631 84.1% -1.8%
Below poverty level 1,438 15.9% 4.3%

Average renter income in Atchison

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Atchison, their median household income was $27,043 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,043
Rent-to-income ratio
32.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Atchison

Workforce and job types in Atchison

The job market in Atchison is powered by 4,990 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.2% run their own businesses, 61.6% are employed by private companies, and 19.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,990
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,894
Blue collar
1,096
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,894 78% -1.2%
Blue collar 1,096 22% 8.7%
Employer type
Self employees
4.2%
Private companies
61.6%
Governmental workers
19.4%
Not for profit companies
14.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 208 4.2% -5.0%
Private companies 3,074 61.6% 0.3%
Governmental workers 968 19.4% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 740 14.8% 2.8%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
7.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Atchison stands at 5.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Atchison

How people get around in Atchison

In Atchison, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 12.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-4.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,632 77% -6.7%
Walk 585 12.4% 45.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Atchison by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66002 13,276 4,386 $61,364 $81,016

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FAQs about Atchison demographics 

What is the total population of Atchison?

Atchison has a total population of 10,785 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Atchison?

The gender ratio in Atchison is as follows:
  • 47% males (5,068 residents)
  • 53% females (5,717 residents)

What is the median age in Atchison?

The median age in Atchison is 29.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Atchison?

The age distribution in Atchison is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (2,069 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 27.1% (2,921 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19% (2,045 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (2,228 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (1,522 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Atchison?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Atchison is as follows:
  • White: 84.1% (9,071 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (587 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (52 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.5% (1,023 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (42 residents)

What percentage of the population in Atchison are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Atchison.

How many housing units are there in Atchison?

There are 4,175 housing units in Atchison, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Atchison and what is the average household size?

Atchison has a total of 3,482 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Atchison?

Atchison has a median household income of $54,474, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Atchison?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Atchison, with a workforce of 4,990 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78% (3,894 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22% (1,096 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.2% (208 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.6% (3,074 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.4% (968 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.8% (740 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025