Barton County

Barton County Demographics

Barton County, KS, has a population of around 26,775 people. The median age is 43.1 years, with 23.4% under the age of 18 and 19.4% over the age of 65. The gender ratio is distributed as 50.6% male and 49.4% female. The racial makeup of Barton County is predominantly White (non-Hispanic), at 81.1%, with 12.8% identifying as Hispanic, 1.5% Black, 0.6% Asian, and 3.5% identifying as two or more races.

Barton County Crime & Safety

Barton County, KS witnesses a crime rate of approximately 2,385 crimes per 100,000 residents with about 206 being violent crimes. Property crimes touch approximately 2,179 per 100,000 residents. The local law enforcement agencies invest in maintaining transparent crime stats and safety measures. Due to the collective efforts of law agencies and community initiatives, the crime rate in Barton County has seen a gradual decrease over the years.

Barton County Housing & Property

Barton County, KS, showcases a homeownership rate of 71.5%, with a median home value of about $93,500, significantly lower than the national average. Rent stands at a median value of approximately $674. The property values remained fairly consistent throughout the years. The housing market consists of 79% single-family homes, 15% apartments, with the rest being a mix of townhomes and other types of units. Property taxes in the county average around 1.3% annually.

Employment in Barton County

Barton County, Kansas has an employment rate of 91.2%. Majority of jobs are in healthcare and social assistance (25.5%), manufacturing (13.7%), and retail trade (11.9%). A significant portion of workers commute within the county, while around 24.3% commute outside. The county managed a job growth record of 1.9%, with 60% of workers commuting less than half an hour. Approximately 15% experience longer commutes exceeding 45 minutes.

Education in Barton County

Barton County, KS is committed to providing quality education to its residents, with multiple public and private schools operating in the region. Graduation and college readiness rates consistently rise above national averages. Many residents go on to earn bachelor's degrees. Adult education is highly promoted with various programs offered annually. Safety measures are thoroughly employed and supplemented with a strong focus on STEM and arts education.

Barton County Elections

Barton County, KS, hosts elections for municipal and county offices, the Kansas House of Representatives, and U.S. Congressional representatives. The County Clerk serves as the election officer, managing around 16,000 registered voters. Voter turnout is generally healthy - in the 2020 Presidential Election, it was about 76%. Voting can be accomplished through traditional poll stations, mailing, or advance voting. Barton County comprises a mix of Republican, Democratic, and independent voters.

Average Income Rate in Barton County

The median income in Barton County, KS stands at approximately $48,229. The poverty rate in this region is 12.6%. Women make almost 76.4% of what men earn. White households have the highest income, standing at about $50,680. This income is significantly lower than the national median of $61,937. The highest-paid individuals are those working in the utilities sector.

Barton County Healthcare

Barton County, KS, offers comprehensive healthcare services with five healthcare centers, including the well-regarded Great Bend Regional Hospital. Over 85% of residents have health insurance, predominantly through employer-provided plans. Life expectancy in the county is approximately 78 years. Prevalence of diabetes among adults is quite high, estimated around 14%. Regular health screenings are sought by two-thirds of the population. The county has an active network of nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals. On average, individuals spend around $1,000 annually on healthcare services and treatments. Medical cost here tend to be lower than the national average.

Barton County Transportation

Barton County, KS, is served by a network of well-maintained roads and highways that provide access to daily amenities and services, including major highways like the U.S. Route 281 and Kansas Highway 4. The county relies on personal vehicles, with high car ownership. The average commute time is about 15 minutes. Public transit is provided by the Barton County Area Special Transportation service, which offers demand-response bus service. The county also contains one public airport, Great Bend Municipal Airport, which offers general aviation services. Additionally, there are several private airstrips in the county.

Barton County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Barton County, KS, experiences an approximately 57°F average annual temperature and around 30 inches of annual rainfall. Within its prairies and farmlands, it provides 90% clean water access to its residents. With a commendable emphasis on eco-friendly practices, Barton County has a recycling rate of about 40%. Though it doesn't harbor as many solar installations as some counties, it still values renewable energy sources. The Air Quality Index is typically around 45, indicating 'good'. It's not prone to hurricanes, making it a relatively stable environmental region.