1st Advantage MortgageThe median Cherokee County household earns $57,668, and 14% of residents live below the poverty line. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Kansas before sharing details.
On this page
- Who lives in Cherokee County
- Jobs and commutes in Cherokee County
- Paychecks and income spread in Cherokee County
- Housing costs in Cherokee County
- Towns and communities in Cherokee County
- The counties around Cherokee County
- Who lives in Cherokee County, in numbers
- What the numbers mean for Cherokee County borrowers
- Room for a loan payment in Cherokee County
- Four steps for Cherokee County borrowers
- Kansas rules that apply in Cherokee County
- More guides for Cherokee County
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Cherokee County
With an estimated 19,151 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Cherokee County ranks 28th of 105 in Kansas for population. Spread over 588 square miles, that works out to roughly 32.6 residents per square mile. The federal metro definitions (OMB, July 2023) place it in the Joplin, MO-KS metropolitan area. Baxter Springs is the biggest of its 11 Census places, at roughly 3,855 people (20% of the county total).
Jobs and commutes in Cherokee County
Education and health care employs 27% of working residents, the largest share; manufacturing is next with 19%. Manufacturing stands out: 19% of workers here, versus 12% statewide. ACS puts five-year average unemployment at 3.3% in Cherokee County. About 84% drive to work alone and 7% have trips of 45 minutes or more. Households without a car make up 4.9% of the total (5.1% statewide).
| Where residents work | Cherokee County | Difference from Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 26.8% | +1.8 pts |
| Manufacturing | 19.0% | +6.6 pts |
| Retail trade | 10.2% | -0.4 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 9.2% | +1.7 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 6.9% | +1.3 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 6.2% | -3.8 pts |
If your hours swing with the season or with overtime, size a loan payment against your base pay, not your best month.
Paychecks and income spread in Cherokee County
Cherokee County households have a median income of $57,668 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 87th of 105 in Kansas.
| Band | Cherokee County | Compared with Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 31.1% | +9.3 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 46.8% | +4.6 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 18.8% | -7.7 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 3.4% | -6.2 pts |
About 31% of households earn under $35,000, while 22% clear $100,000. The poverty rate is 14.1%, 3 points higher than the state's 11.3%. None of these numbers decides a Cherokee County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Housing costs in Cherokee County
Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $799 in Cherokee County versus $1,060 statewide. 48% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 25% spend half or more. With a median value of $100,100, a typical Cherokee County house costs 1.7 times what the median household earns in a year. 76% of Cherokee County households own their home and 24% rent. The median home was built in 1966, so roofs, wiring and heating systems are a common source of repair bills.
| Measure | Cherokee County | Kansas | Median U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $799/mo | $1,060/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $100,100 | $217,200 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 76% | 67% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 48% | 43% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 27% | 22% | n/a |
Because most Cherokee County households own, home repairs are a frequent reason to borrow. An unsecured personal loan leaves the house out of the deal, while a HELOC uses it as collateral.
Towns and communities in Cherokee County
Here are the 11 most populous of the county's 11 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 63% of Cherokee County residents live in one of the 11. Incomes vary by place: $90,365 at the median in Riverton, $37,961 in Columbus. No Cherokee County place has a separate guide yet; this county page serves all 11.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter Springs | city | 3,855 | $51,404 | $754 | 12 mi |
| Columbus | city | 2,881 | $37,961 | $774 | 0 mi |
| Galena | city | 2,754 | $49,006 | $692 | 13 mi |
| Weir | city | 855 | $58,828 | n/a | 10 mi |
| Riverton | CDP | 769 | $90,365 | n/a | 10 mi |
| Scammon | city | 371 | $55,833 | $581 | 8 mi |
| Lowell | CDP | 278 | $90,806 | $1,008 | 11 mi |
| West Mineral | city | 154 | $35,417 | $894 | 9 mi |
| Crestline | CDP | 139 | n/a | n/a | 8 mi |
| Roseland | city | 63 | $41,528 | n/a | 8 mi |
| Hallowell | CDP | 39 | n/a | n/a | 9 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
The counties around Cherokee County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (23 to 34 miles). Newton County leads the group on income ($66,301), Ottawa County trails ($49,947), and Cherokee County out-earns 4 of the six. Some neighbors are in Missouri and Oklahoma. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Cherokee County resident follows Kansas rules.
| Adjacent area | How far | HH income (median) | Rent (median) | Owner share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee County | - | $57,668 | $799/mo | 76% |
| Ottawa County, OK | 23 mi | $49,947 | $788/mo | 68% |
| Crawford County, KS | 23 mi | $52,844 | $849/mo | 61% |
| Labette County, KS | 25 mi | $56,325 | $746/mo | 74% |
| Jasper County, MO | 28 mi | $60,694 | $973/mo | 63% |
| Newton County, MO | 33 mi | $66,301 | $817/mo | 77% |
| Craig County, OK | 34 mi | $51,922 | $810/mo | 74% |
Who lives in Cherokee County, in numbers
19% of Cherokee County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. 11.4% of residents have no health coverage.
| Residents | Cherokee County | Kansas | Middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42.2 | 37.4 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 19.4% | 35.6% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 10.6% | 8.0% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 11.4% | 8.8% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 4.9% | 5.1% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 5.0% | 11.8% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 14.1% | 11.3% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 3.3% | 3.9% | 4.4% |
| Travel time to work | Workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 34.5% |
| 15 to 29 min | 41.6% |
| 30 to 44 min | 16.5% |
| 45 to 59 min | 5.1% |
| 60+ min | 2.4% |
What the numbers mean for Cherokee County borrowers
Where the Cherokee County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Health costs. With 11% of the county uninsured, an interest-free hospital payment plan usually beats a loan (medical bills).
- Renters under pressure. When 48% pay 30% or more for rent, the smallest loan that solves the problem is the right size.
- Credit reports. Pull free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors before applying.
Room for a loan payment in Cherokee County
How much room does a median Cherokee County budget have? Take median income, subtract median rent, and check what is left under a few common debt-to-income limits.
- Start: $4,806 gross per month ($57,668 / 12)
- Housing at the median rent of $799 uses 17%
- Under a 40% cap, $1,922 total minus rent leaves $1,123
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
Four steps for Cherokee County borrowers
Before you apply, wherever you live in Cherokee County:
- Price the Cherokee County expense first and borrow that amount, no more.
- Prequalify with soft pulls where offered, then compare in writing.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Read the final agreement; it must match the offer.
Kansas rules that apply in Cherokee County
The Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner is the place to verify any lender's Kansas license. Problems with a lender can also go to the CFPB. Statewide data and rules: Kansas guide.
More guides for Cherokee County
The Kansas guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
How much do households in Cherokee County earn?
The median is $57,668; 22% earn $100,000 or more and 31% under $35,000. A lender uses your own documented income, not this figure.
Is Cherokee County expensive for renters?
Median rent is $799 against $1,060 statewide, and 48% of renter households are cost-burdened.
Does this page cover Baxter Springs?
Yes, along with the other 10 Census places in Cherokee County, such as Columbus, Galena, Weir.
Can Cherokee County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every Kansas county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.
Who do I complain to about a lender in Cherokee County?
Start with the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner, then the CFPB complaint portal. Keep copies of every message.