Wakarusa, Douglas County, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,958
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,478/yr
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,055
0.3% year-over-year change

Wakarusa population

How many people live in Wakarusa

Wakarusa is home to 18,958 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Wakarusa locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
18,958
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
9,375
Female
50.6%
9,583
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,375 49.4% -1.8%
Female 9,583 50.6% 1.5%
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 Wakarusa is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.1% are children under 15, then 23% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 18.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
23%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
18.7%
Over 65
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,678 14.1% -7.0%
15 to 24 4,365 23% -2.8%
25 to 44 5,752 30.3% 4.5%
45 to 64 3,538 18.7% -2.2%
Over 65 2,626 13.8% 5.1%
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 Wakarusa, 89.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.6% of locals are Caucasian, 5.3% are African American and 6.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,009 89.7% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 895 4.7% 20.1%
Non-citizens 1,054 5.6% -10.5%
Racial breakdown
White
72.6%
Black or African American
5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.9%
Asian
6.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.7%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 13,757 72.6%
Black or African American 1,004 5.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 357 1.9%
Asian 1,212 6.4%
Two or more races 2,224 11.7%
Other 405 2.1%

Households in Wakarusa

A peek inside Wakarusa households

Wakarusa has 8,501 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51% are families, while the remaining 49% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,501
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,169
Family households
4,332
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,169 49% -0.1%
Family households 4,332 51% 0.9%
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 Wakarusa

The housing landscape of Wakarusa

Wakarusa's housing consists of 9,055 units, with 48% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.1% 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 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,055
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,351 48%
1 unit, attached 918 10.1%
2 units 174 1.9%
3 or 4 units 581 6.4%
5 to 9 units 600 6.6%
10 to 19 units 1,263 14%
20 to 49 units 641 7.1%
50 or more units 325 3.6%
Mobile home 200 2.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
243
29.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wakarusa

In Wakarusa, the median construction year is 1993. About 3.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 351 3.9% 24.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 133 1.5% -8.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 701 7.7% -2.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 993 11% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,235 13.6% -4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,317 14.5% -0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,521 16.8% -5.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,502 16.6% -0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,060 11.7% 11.8%
Built in 2020 or later 243 2.7% 29.3%
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.

Wakarusa occupancy rates

Out of the 8,501 occupied housing units in Wakarusa, 47.8% are owner-occupied, while 52.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,501
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,440
Owner occupied
4,061
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,440 52.2% 0.3%
Owner occupied 4,061 47.8% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
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.

Wakarusa housing costs

Housing costs in Wakarusa come to a median of $1,253 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,147.

Median housing costs per month
$1,253/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 Wakarusa
$1,147/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 Wakarusa

Wakarusa education at a glance

About 23.4% of the population in Wakarusa went to high school, while 27.9% pursued college studies. Another 5% earned an associate degree and 23.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 178 1.1% -18.4%
High school diploma 3,701 23.4% 7.5%
College diploma 4,400 27.9% 3.0%
Associate degree 790 5% -19.9%
Bachelor's degree 3,653 23.1% -3.0%
Graduate degree 3,063 19.4% 6.5%
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 Wakarusa

How much people earn in Wakarusa

The average annual household income in Wakarusa was $82,391 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,478, reflecting a +6.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wakarusa
$82,391/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wakarusa
$65,478/year
6.5% year-over-year change

Wakarusa income by age

In Wakarusa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,934. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,343 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,970, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $75,000 in earnings. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,970 1.4%
25 - 44 $75,934 1.2%
45 - 64 $94,343 7.2%
Over 65 $75,000 0.9%
Above poverty level
15,681
Below poverty level
2,690
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,681 85.4% -0.2%
Below poverty level 2,690 14.6% 0.5%

Employment in Wakarusa

Workforce and job types in Wakarusa

83.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 21% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
9,285
Blue collar
1,799
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,285 83.8% 3.0%
Blue collar 1,799 16.2% -7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
21%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 737 6.6% 4.7%
Private companies 6,911 62.4% 1.4%
Governmental workers 2,326 21% -2.1%
Not for profit companies 1,110 10% 4.9%

Transportation in Wakarusa

How people get around in Wakarusa

In Wakarusa, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% 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
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,605 92.2% -0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 294 3.2% -12.0%
Motorcycle 12 0.1% 50.0%
Bicycle 74 0.8% 25.4%
Walk 348 3.7% 18.8%
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 Wakarusa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66046 19,658 8,788 $65,478 $78,145
66047 20,473 9,095 $65,392 $90,023
66049 32,015 14,540 $90,147 $117,102

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FAQs about Wakarusa demographics 

What is the total population of Wakarusa?

Wakarusa has a total population of 18,958 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wakarusa?

The gender ratio in Wakarusa is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (9,375 residents)
  • 50.6% females (9,583 residents)

What is the median age in Wakarusa?

The median age in Wakarusa is 32.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wakarusa?

The age distribution in Wakarusa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.1% (2,678 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23% (4,365 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (5,752 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.7% (3,538 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.8% (2,626 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wakarusa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wakarusa is as follows:
  • White: 72.6% (13,757 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.3% (1,004 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.9% (357 residents)
  • Asian: 6.4% (1,212 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.7% (2,224 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (405 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.7% of the population in Wakarusa.

How many housing units are there in Wakarusa?

There are 9,055 housing units in Wakarusa, 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 Wakarusa and what is the average household size?

Wakarusa has a total of 8,501 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wakarusa?

Wakarusa has a median household income of $65,478, representing a +6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Wakarusa?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.8% (9,285 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.2% (1,799 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (737 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (6,911 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21% (2,326 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (1,110 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