Colby, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,387
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,494/yr
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,464
0.9% year-over-year change

Colby population

How many people live in Colby

Colby is home to 5,387 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Colby locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
5,387
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
2,684
Female
50.2%
2,703
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,684 49.8% -2.2%
Female 2,703 50.2% 2.2%
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 Colby is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.6% are children under 15, then 17.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.6%
15 to 24
17.8%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,219 22.6% 2.5%
15 to 24 958 17.8% 6.4%
25 to 44 1,274 23.6% 6.3%
45 to 64 1,122 20.8% -12.1%
Over 65 814 15.1% -1.4%
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 Colby, 94.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,101 94.7% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 28 0.5% -40.4%
Non-citizens 258 4.8% 2.4%
Racial breakdown
White
87.3%
Black or African American
1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 4,705 87.3%
Black or African American 78 1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Two or more races 392 7.3%
Other 211 3.9%

Households in Colby

A peek inside Colby households

Colby has 2,131 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,131
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
873
Family households
1,258
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 873 41% -3.9%
Family households 1,258 59% 6.4%
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 Colby

The housing landscape of Colby

Colby's housing consists of 2,464 units, with 73.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 6.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,464
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,816 73.7%
1 unit, attached 34 1.4%
2 units 64 2.6%
3 or 4 units 191 7.8%
5 to 9 units 146 5.9%
10 to 19 units 41 1.7%
20 to 49 units 9 0.4%
Mobile home 163 6.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Colby

In Colby, the median construction year is 1969. About 15.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.5% 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 374 15.2% 3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 309 12.5% 13.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 215 8.7% -11.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 358 14.5% -21.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 694 28.2% 30.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 152 6.2% -16.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 275 11.2% -17.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 21 0.8% -4.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 66 2.7% 53.5%
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.

Colby occupancy rates

Out of the 2,131 occupied housing units in Colby, 67.1% are owner-occupied, while 32.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,131
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
701
Owner occupied
1,430
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 701 32.9% 10.4%
Owner occupied 1,430 67.1% -1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
13.5%
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.

Colby housing costs

Housing costs in Colby come to a median of $846 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $750.

Median housing costs per month
$846/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 Colby
$750/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 Colby

Colby education at a glance

About 23.4% of the population in Colby went to high school, while 25.7% pursued college studies. Another 15.8% earned an associate degree and 26.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 0.6% -80.0%
High school diploma 925 23.4% -12.9%
College diploma 1,014 25.7% 2.0%
Associate degree 626 15.8% -3.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,048 26.5% 21.0%
Graduate degree 313 7.9% 5.0%
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 Colby

How much people earn in Colby

The average annual household income in Colby was $78,079 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,494, reflecting a -4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Colby
$78,079/year
-8.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Colby
$63,494/year
-4.8% year-over-year change

Colby income by age

In Colby, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,561. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,240 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,055, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,470 in earnings. Overall, 92.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,055 N/A
25 - 44 $67,561 2.9%
45 - 64 $97,240 1.9%
Over 65 $37,470 -26.4%
Above poverty level
4,542
Below poverty level
373
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,542 92.4% 0.4%
Below poverty level 373 7.6% -3.6%

Average renter income in Colby

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Colby, their median household income was $31,034 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,034
Rent-to-income ratio
29%
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 Colby

Workforce and job types in Colby

The job market in Colby is powered by 2,996 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.9% run their own businesses, 60.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,996
5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,437
Blue collar
559
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,437 81.3% 6.8%
Blue collar 559 18.7% 0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.9%
Private companies
60.2%
Governmental workers
18.6%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 326 10.9% 48.2%
Private companies 1,804 60.2% -1.5%
Governmental workers 556 18.6% 20.4%
Not for profit companies 310 10.4% -4.6%
Unemployment rate
0.6%

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Colby stands at 0.6%, 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 Colby

How people get around in Colby

Commuting methods vary: 87% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,585 87% 5.9%
Bicycle 10 0.3% 0.0%
Walk 73 2.5% -22.3%
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 Colby by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67701 6,134 2,477 $70,250 $89,222

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FAQs about Colby demographics 

What is the total population of Colby?

Colby has a total population of 5,387 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 -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Colby?

The gender ratio in Colby is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (2,684 residents)
  • 50.2% females (2,703 residents)

What is the median age in Colby?

The median age in Colby is 32.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Colby?

The age distribution in Colby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.6% (1,219 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.8% (958 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (1,274 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (1,122 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (814 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Colby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Colby is as follows:
  • White: 87.3% (4,705 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.4% (78 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (392 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (211 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.7% of the population in Colby.

How many housing units are there in Colby?

There are 2,464 housing units in Colby, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Colby has a total of 2,131 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Colby?

Colby has a median household income of $63,494, representing a -4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.4% in Colby, with a workforce of 2,996 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.3% (2,437 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.7% (559 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.9% (326 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.2% (1,804 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.6% (556 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (310 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