Liberal, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,316
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,706/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,444
1.3% year-over-year change

Liberal population

How many people live in Liberal

Liberal is home to 19,316 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.5% of Liberal locals are male, and 47.5% are female.

Total population
19,316
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.5%
10,134
Female
47.5%
9,182
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,134 52.5% 1.2%
Female 9,182 47.5% 0.9%
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 Liberal is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 26% are children under 15, then 16% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
26%
15 to 24
16%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,029 26% 1.0%
15 to 24 3,095 16% 2.4%
25 to 44 5,111 26.5% -2.8%
45 to 64 4,097 21.2% 3.0%
Over 65 1,984 10.3% 5.9%
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 Liberal, 69.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 31.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.7% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 36.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.1%
Non-citizens
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,459 69.7% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,730 14.1% 26.1%
Non-citizens 3,127 16.2% -11.3%
Racial breakdown
White
31.2%
Black or African American
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
36.2%
Other
23.2%
Value Percent
White 6,020 31.2%
Black or African American 716 3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 587 3%
Asian 503 2.6%
Two or more races 7,001 36.2%
Other 4,489 23.2%

Households in Liberal

A peek inside Liberal households

Liberal has 6,533 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.9% are families, while the remaining 33.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,533
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,163
Family households
4,370
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,163 33.1% -2.7%
Family households 4,370 66.9% 5.0%
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 Liberal

The housing landscape of Liberal

Liberal's housing consists of 7,444 units, with 64.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 9.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,444
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,834 64.9%
1 unit, attached 200 2.7%
2 units 312 4.2%
3 or 4 units 691 9.3%
5 to 9 units 193 2.6%
10 to 19 units 356 4.8%
20 to 49 units 110 1.5%
50 or more units 73 1%
Mobile home 675 9.1%
Homes built since 2020
29
61.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Liberal

In Liberal, the median construction year is 1973. About 10.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 798 10.7% 12.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 161 2.2% -9.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,034 13.9% -17.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,376 18.5% 3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,062 14.3% -18.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,061 14.2% 27.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 731 9.8% -15.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 458 6.2% 63.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 734 9.9% 23.1%
Built in 2020 or later 29 0.4% 61.1%
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.

Liberal occupancy rates

Out of the 6,533 occupied housing units in Liberal, 59.4% are owner-occupied, while 40.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,533
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,652
Owner occupied
3,881
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,652 40.6% -0.2%
Owner occupied 3,881 59.4% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.2%
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.

Liberal housing costs

Housing costs in Liberal come to a median of $884 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $900.

Median housing costs per month
$884/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 Liberal
$900/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 Liberal

Liberal education at a glance

About 43.2% of the population in Liberal went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 6.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,881 14.1% -0.5%
High school diploma 5,784 43.2% 5.7%
College diploma 2,879 21.5% -7.0%
Associate degree 1,625 12.2% 16.1%
Bachelor's degree 875 6.5% -14.6%
Graduate degree 329 2.5% 15.4%
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 Liberal

How much people earn in Liberal

The average annual household income in Liberal was $80,772 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,706, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Liberal
$80,772/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Liberal
$63,706/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Liberal income by age

In Liberal, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,458. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,397 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,714, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,857 in earnings. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,714 1.4%
25 - 44 $56,458 -13.8%
45 - 64 $76,397 0.1%
Over 65 $51,857 9.5%
Above poverty level
16,232
Below poverty level
2,408
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,232 87.1% 3.0%
Below poverty level 2,408 12.9% -7.7%

Average renter income in Liberal

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Liberal, their median household income was $45,012 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$45,012
Rent-to-income ratio
24%
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 Liberal

Workforce and job types in Liberal

The job market in Liberal is powered by 8,898 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,898
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
4,871
Blue collar
4,027
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,871 54.7% -5.9%
Blue collar 4,027 45.3% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
12.5%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 629 7.1% 14.4%
Private companies 6,655 74.8% -2.3%
Governmental workers 1,114 12.5% -7.6%
Not for profit companies 500 5.6% -21.3%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
21.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Liberal stands at 5.2%, 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 Liberal

How people get around in Liberal

Commuting methods vary: 92.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 7,979 92.2% -4.6%
Taxicab 15 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 4 0% -20.0%
Walk 179 2.1% -2.2%
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 Liberal by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67901 20,902 6,968 $64,783 $81,317

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FAQs about Liberal demographics 

What is the total population of Liberal?

Liberal has a total population of 19,316 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Liberal?

The gender ratio in Liberal is as follows:
  • 52.5% males (10,134 residents)
  • 47.5% females (9,182 residents)

What is the median age in Liberal?

The median age in Liberal is 30.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Liberal?

The age distribution in Liberal is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26% (5,029 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16% (3,095 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (5,111 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (4,097 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.3% (1,984 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Liberal?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Liberal is as follows:
  • White: 31.2% (6,020 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.7% (716 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3% (587 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (503 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 36.2% (7,001 residents)
  • Other: 23.2% (4,489 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.7% of the population in Liberal.

How many housing units are there in Liberal?

There are 7,444 housing units in Liberal, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Liberal has a total of 6,533 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Liberal?

Liberal has a median household income of $63,706, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Liberal, with a workforce of 8,898 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.7% (4,871 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.3% (4,027 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (629 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (6,655 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.5% (1,114 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (500 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