Riley County, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,946
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,098/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
30,755
0.3% year-over-year change

Riley County population

How many people live in Riley County

Riley County is home to 71,946 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.2% of Riley County locals are male, and 46.8% are female.

Total population
71,946
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.2%
38,282
Female
46.8%
33,664
Value Percent YoY change
Male 38,282 53.2% 0.3%
Female 33,664 46.8% 0.3%
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 Riley County is 26, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 35% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 14.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10% are 65 or older.

Median age
25.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
35%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
14.4%
Over 65
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,844 13.7% -1.3%
15 to 24 25,191 35% -1.6%
25 to 44 19,384 26.9% 4.0%
45 to 64 10,324 14.4% -1.6%
Over 65 7,203 10% 2.7%
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 Riley County, 91.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.8% of locals are Caucasian, 6.6% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 65,905 91.6% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,916 4% -6.3%
Non-citizens 3,125 4.3% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
76.8%
Black or African American
6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.6%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 55,289 76.8%
Black or African American 4,714 6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 760 1.1%
Asian 2,995 4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 91 0.1%
Two or more races 6,170 8.6%
Other 1,927 2.7%

Households in Riley County

A peek inside Riley County households

Riley County has 27,695 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.7% are families, while the remaining 48.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,695
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,366
Family households
14,329
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,366 48.3% 1.1%
Family households 14,329 51.7% 3.0%
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 Riley County

The housing landscape of Riley County

Riley County's housing consists of 30,755 units, with 50% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.4% 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 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
30,755
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,377 50%
1 unit, attached 3,195 10.4%
2 units 1,301 4.2%
3 or 4 units 1,681 5.5%
5 to 9 units 1,913 6.2%
10 to 19 units 3,334 10.8%
20 to 49 units 1,697 5.5%
50 or more units 719 2.3%
Mobile home 1,538 5%
Homes built since 2020
206
25.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Riley County

In Riley County, the median construction year is 1984. About 8.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,618 8.5% 2.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,026 3.3% -10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,756 9% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,595 8.4% 4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,085 16.5% 5.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,475 11.3% -0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,563 11.6% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,540 14.8% 1.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,891 15.9% -0.4%
Built in 2020 or later 206 0.7% 25.6%
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.

Riley County occupancy rates

Out of the 27,695 occupied housing units in Riley County, 46.1% are owner-occupied, while 53.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,695
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14,932
Owner occupied
12,763
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14,932 53.9% -0.2%
Owner occupied 12,763 46.1% 4.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
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.

Riley County housing costs

Housing costs in Riley County come to a median of $1,103 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,046.

Median housing costs per month
$1,103/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 Riley County
$1,046/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 Riley County

Riley County education at a glance

About 22.5% of the population in Riley County went to high school, while 33.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 20.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 577 1% 10.8%
High school diploma 13,583 22.5% 1.9%
College diploma 20,275 33.6% -4.6%
Associate degree 5,070 8.4% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 12,482 20.7% 4.4%
Graduate degree 8,370 13.9% 3.8%
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 Riley County

How much people earn in Riley County

The average annual household income in Riley County was $85,480 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,098, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Riley County
$85,480/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Riley County
$61,098/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Riley County income by age

In Riley County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,601. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,920 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,987, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,417 in earnings. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,987 4.7%
25 - 44 $69,601 1.1%
45 - 64 $95,920 16.1%
Over 65 $65,417 -0.3%
Above poverty level
48,963
Below poverty level
12,071
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 48,963 80.2% 3.7%
Below poverty level 12,071 19.8% -9.5%

Employment in Riley County

Workforce and job types in Riley County

The job market in Riley County is powered by 35,778 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 53.1% are employed by private companies, and 32.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
35,778
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
29,945
Blue collar
5,833
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,945 83.7% 0.9%
Blue collar 5,833 16.3% 9.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
53.1%
Governmental workers
32.6%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,682 7.5% -1.9%
Private companies 18,995 53.1% 0.8%
Governmental workers 11,679 32.6% 5.5%
Not for profit companies 2,422 6.8% 3.1%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-18.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Riley County stands at 3.8%, 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 Riley County

How people get around in Riley County

In Riley County, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
2.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 30,702 73.3% 1.6%
Taxicab 123 0.3% 296.8%
Bus or trolleybus 76 0.2% 5.6%
Motorcycle 147 0.4% 44.1%
Bicycle 226 0.5% -35.2%
Walk 5,677 13.6% 2.7%
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 Riley County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67447 207 89 $65,288 $58,921
66411 1,127 481 $57,361 $96,855
66442 16,890 4,076 $51,610 $59,278
66449 937 319 $90,089 $109,685
66502 43,693 18,855 $54,833 $76,872
66503 17,273 7,071 $97,846 $129,818
66506 3,155 4 $0 $0
66517 1,696 730 $68,421 $70,288
66531 1,256 500 $79,063 $95,458
66554 770 245 $97,411 $113,168

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FAQs about Riley County demographics 

What is the total population of Riley County?

Riley County has a total population of 71,946 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Riley County?

The gender ratio in Riley County is as follows:
  • 53.2% males (38,282 residents)
  • 46.8% females (33,664 residents)

What is the median age in Riley County?

The median age in Riley County is 25.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Riley County?

The age distribution in Riley County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (9,844 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 35% (25,191 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (19,384 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.4% (10,324 residents)
  • Over 65: 10% (7,203 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Riley County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Riley County is as follows:
  • White: 76.8% (55,289 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.6% (4,714 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (760 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (2,995 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (91 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.6% (6,170 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (1,927 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.6% of the population in Riley County.

How many housing units are there in Riley County?

There are 30,755 housing units in Riley County, 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 Riley County and what is the average household size?

Riley County has a total of 27,695 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Riley County?

Riley County has a median household income of $61,098, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Riley County?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Riley County, with a workforce of 35,778 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.7% (29,945 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.3% (5,833 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (2,682 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.1% (18,995 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 32.6% (11,679 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (2,422 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