The Wichita metro area serves as a major economic and cultural hub for the state of Kansas. But just how many people call this area home?
This article provides a quick overview of the Wichita metro population, and why understanding the size and trends within that population is so important for businesses, policymakers, and the people who live there.
What area are we talking about?
When we talk about the “Wichita metro area,” we’re generally referring to the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This is a specific region that’s been defined for statistical purposes.
The MSA includes Sedgwick County, where Wichita is located, as well as surrounding counties. Some people also use the term “Greater Wichita Region,” which can include even more counties. For the purposes of this article, we’ll stick to the Wichita MSA.
Current Population Size and Growth
As of 2019, the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had an estimated population of 640,218. That represents growth of 59,307 people (10.2%) since 2000.
Within the MSA, the City of Wichita had a population of 389,255 in 2019, an increase of 6,529 (1.7%) since 2010.
Sedgwick County, where Wichita is located, had a 2019 population of 516,042, which is 16,914 (3.4%) more than in 2010.
These figures show that while the Wichita area is growing, the rate of growth has slowed somewhat in recent years.
What are the future population trends?
The Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) at Wichita State University projects the Wichita MSA to reach a population of 750,166 by the year 2040.
A variety of economic factors could influence this growth, including the expansion or contraction of key industries. Demographic shifts, such as an aging population or changes in migration patterns, could also affect how the population changes over the next decade and beyond.
Summary
The Wichita metropolitan area is home to roughly [Insert Current Wichita MSA Population]. Within the metro area, the City of Wichita has a population of approximately [Insert Current City of Wichita Population].
Because population trends have such a big impact, it’s important to keep monitoring these figures as the Wichita area continues to grow and change.