Bourbon County

Bourbon County Demographics

Bourbon County, KS, has a population of approximately 14,834 people. The median age is 39.8 years, with 24.4% under 18 and 19.8% over 65. The gender distribution is 49.6% male and 50.4% female. In terms of race and ethnicity, 88.5% of the population is White (non-Hispanic), 5.7% Hispanic, 2.4% Black, and 0.5% Asian.

Bourbon County Crime & Safety

Bourbon County, KS has lower average crime rates than the national average, with roughly 1,947 crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is particularly low, with about 157 occurrences per 100,000 residents. Property crimes, in comparison, happen at a rate of 1,790 per 100,000 residents. The Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining these low rates through vigilant law enforcement and community engagement. The local crime rate has experienced a gradual decline due to these efforts.

Bourbon County Housing & Property

Bourbon County, KS boasts a homeownership rate of 66.6%, with a median home value set at $76,600. Median rent in Bourbon County is lower than national averages at $693. The housing market mainly consists of single-family homes, with a marginal increase in home values of about 1.6% in the last year. Property taxes average around 1.3% each year, marginally higher than the neighboring areas.

Employment in Bourbon County

Bourbon County, KS has an employment rate of 90.3%. Key industries include manufacturing (16.9%), healthcare & social assistance (15.7%), and retail trade (12.5%). More than 21.7% of workers commute outside the county for work. Job growth has been relatively steady at 1.4%. Nearly 70% of workers experience a commute of fewer than 30 minutes, while approximately 10% experience commutes longer than 45 minutes.

Education in Bourbon County

Bourbon County, KS has a variety of educational options including public and private schools. Its 9 public schools have a graduation rate of around 97% with the emphasis on rural education. The college readiness score is around 26%. Approximately 19% of residents possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Adult education and vocational programs are also accessible. STEM programs are increasingly significant and the safety policies are firmly implemented across all schools.

Bourbon County Elections

Bourbon County in Kansas has a registered voter population of approximately 10,000 individuals, with a 74% turnout rate for the 2020 general election. Polling is held at several locations across the County. The election process in Bourbon County includes local, state and federal levels, overseen by the County Election Officer. The electorate consists of Democratic, Republican, as well as independent voters.

Average Income Rate in Bourbon County

Bourbon County, KS has a median household income of around $41,229, which is significantly lower than the national average of $68,700. The poverty rate is approximately 16.7%, higher than the national average. Females are earning about 77% of what males earn. The average earnings of White households are approximately $41,000. The healthcare sector largely contributes to the highest earning industry in the county.

Bourbon County Healthcare

Bourbon County, KS, hosts several healthcare facilities and a range of healthcare professionals serving its residents. However, the community faces healthcare challenges as the uninsured rate stands at 12%. While specific rankings in the state are not available, the county has a high prevalence of smoking and physical inactivity amongst its residents, contributing to a higher diabetes rate. The number of individuals receiving regular health screenings falls below the national average. Healthcare per capita spending in Bourbon County seems to trend below the national median.

Bourbon County Transportation

Bourbon County, Kansas is served by U.S. Route 54 and U.S. Route 69, which provide easy accessibility for vehicles. It doesn't have a county-wide public transport system, but it does have Fort Scott Community College's Greyhound Buses, providing limited services. The majority of residents have car ownership with an average commute time of 17 minutes. The county has several bike routes for non-motorized transportation. Traffic accidents in the area are relatively low, contributing to a safer driving environment. The county maintains its transportation infrastructure under its public works budget.

Bourbon County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Bourbon County, KS, experiences an average temperature of 57°F with around 41 inches of annual rainfall. The air quality index is generally good. The majority of residents have access to clean water. Efforts towards recycling and renewable energy in the form of solar installations are picking up. Natural disasters like tornadoes are common, posing a higher annual risk than hurricanes. The region has a steadily growing interest in eco-friendly building and energy-saving initiatives.