Wichita, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
397,945
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,620/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
176,411
0.5% year-over-year change

Wichita population

How many people live in Wichita

Wichita is home to 397,945 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Wichita locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
397,945
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
197,801
Female
50.3%
200,144
Value Percent YoY change
Male 197,801 49.7% 0.3%
Female 200,144 50.3% 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 Wichita is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 78,185 19.6% -2.4%
15 to 24 57,316 14.4% 2.4%
25 to 44 110,508 27.8% 0.9%
45 to 64 89,325 22.4% -0.5%
Over 65 62,611 15.7% 2.4%
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 Wichita, 88.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.1% of locals are Caucasian, 9.5% are African American and 5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 352,364 88.6% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23,083 5.8% 3.8%
Non-citizens 22,498 5.6% 3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
64.1%
Black or African American
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.3%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 255,138 64.1%
Black or African American 37,888 9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,693 0.9%
Asian 19,984 5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 170 0%
Two or more races 57,075 14.3%
Other 23,997 6%

Households in Wichita

A peek inside Wichita households

Wichita has 158,589 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.7% are families, while the remaining 40.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
158,589
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
63,849
Family households
94,740
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 63,849 40.3% 1.0%
Family households 94,740 59.7% 0.3%
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 Wichita

The housing landscape of Wichita

Wichita's housing consists of 176,411 units, with 66% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% 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 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
176,411
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 116,362 66%
1 unit, attached 8,899 5%
2 units 6,415 3.6%
3 or 4 units 8,597 4.9%
5 to 9 units 7,051 4%
10 to 19 units 9,582 5.4%
20 to 49 units 6,462 3.7%
50 or more units 8,113 4.6%
Mobile home 4,814 2.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 116 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
2,121
79.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wichita

In Wichita, the median construction year is 1974. About 10.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17,936 10.2% -0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14,311 8.1% 5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 30,255 17.2% -4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15,816 9% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 23,080 13.1% -0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 22,775 12.9% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19,548 11.1% -0.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 17,736 10% 0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12,833 7.3% 5.3%
Built in 2020 or later 2,121 1.2% 79.9%
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.

Wichita occupancy rates

Out of the 158,589 occupied housing units in Wichita, 58.9% are owner-occupied, while 41.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
158,589
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
65,216
Owner occupied
93,373
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 65,216 41.1% -0.5%
Owner occupied 93,373 58.9% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
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.

Wichita housing costs

Housing costs in Wichita come to a median of $1,016 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $975.

Median housing costs per month
$1,016/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 Wichita
$975/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 Wichita

Wichita education at a glance

About 34.6% of the population in Wichita went to high school, while 24% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 18.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13,580 4.5% 3.3%
High school diploma 104,669 34.6% 0.1%
College diploma 72,618 24% -0.5%
Associate degree 25,005 8.3% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 55,131 18.2% 0.0%
Graduate degree 31,134 10.3% 5.3%
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 Wichita

How much people earn in Wichita

The average annual household income in Wichita was $90,196 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,620, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wichita
$90,196/year
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wichita
$64,620/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Wichita income by age

In Wichita, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,743. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,304 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,030, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,481 in earnings. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,030 -3.5%
25 - 44 $69,743 3.5%
45 - 64 $80,304 4.4%
Over 65 $54,481 2.6%
Above poverty level
325,388
Below poverty level
61,019
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 325,388 84.2% 0.4%
Below poverty level 61,019 15.8% 0.2%

Average renter income in Wichita

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wichita, their median household income was $39,465 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,465
Rent-to-income ratio
29.6%
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 Wichita

Workforce and job types in Wichita

The job market in Wichita is powered by 193,368 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 71.1% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
193,368
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
142,990
Blue collar
50,378
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 142,990 74% 0.6%
Blue collar 50,378 26% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
71.1%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14,564 7.5% -1.1%
Private companies 137,451 71.1% 0.1%
Governmental workers 25,156 13% 5.5%
Not for profit companies 16,197 8.4% 4.2%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-1.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wichita stands at 5.6%, 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 Wichita

How people get around in Wichita

Commuting methods vary: 88.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% 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 169,526 88.6% -0.1%
Taxicab 483 0.2% 39.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,294 0.7% 7.5%
Subway or elevated 45 0% N/A
Ferryboat 9 0% -86.2%
Motorcycle 223 0.1% -10.1%
Bicycle 759 0.4% 9.1%
Walk 1,776 0.9% 0.0%
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 Wichita by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67202 2,046 1,317 $58,234 $63,557
67203 30,710 13,269 $52,028 $65,537
67204 22,538 9,003 $71,999 $90,451
67205 20,098 7,201 $121,245 $144,001
67206 17,380 8,030 $82,252 $147,121
67207 27,414 11,374 $67,889 $93,454
67208 18,950 7,278 $60,914 $93,787
67209 13,289 5,067 $77,940 $98,956
67210 9,024 3,023 $59,082 $67,560
67211 19,105 8,162 $44,120 $56,085

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FAQs about Wichita demographics 

What is the total population of Wichita?

Wichita has a total population of 397,945 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wichita?

The gender ratio in Wichita is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (197,801 residents)
  • 50.3% females (200,144 residents)

What is the median age in Wichita?

The median age in Wichita is 35.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wichita?

The age distribution in Wichita is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (78,185 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (57,316 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (110,508 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (89,325 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (62,611 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wichita?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wichita is as follows:
  • White: 64.1% (255,138 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.5% (37,888 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (3,693 residents)
  • Asian: 5% (19,984 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (170 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.3% (57,075 residents)
  • Other: 6% (23,997 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.6% of the population in Wichita.

How many housing units are there in Wichita?

There are 176,411 housing units in Wichita, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wichita has a total of 158,589 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wichita?

Wichita has a median household income of $64,620, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in Wichita, with a workforce of 193,368 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74% (142,990 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26% (50,378 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (14,564 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.1% (137,451 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (25,156 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (16,197 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