Cherokee County

Cherokee County Demographics

Cherokee County, KS, has an estimated population of around 20,533 people. The average age is 43.5 years, with approximately 24% under 18 and 20% over 65. The gender balance is roughly 49.4% male and 50.6% female. As for race and ethnicity, the county is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at about 85.4%, followed by Hispanic individuals at about 3.23%, American Indian and Alaska Native at 4.98%, Black individuals accounting for around 1.43%, and Asian individuals making up close to 0.59%.

Cherokee County Crime & Safety

Cherokee County in Kansas has a crime rate of approximately 2,000 per 100,000 residents, including around 150 violent crimes. The majority of the crimes reported are property crimes, which take place at a rate of 1,850 per 100,000 residents. The county Sheriff's Department offers accessible crime reporting for community members. Crime rates have seen a slight decrease, potentially as a result of local community safety initiatives and proactive law enforcement.

Cherokee County Housing & Property

Cherokee County, KS features a homeownership rate of 76.2%. The median home value there is $73,500, significantly lower than the national average, while the median rent is quite affordable at $494. The area observed a 2.9% increase in property values over the last year. Around 74% of housing consists of single-family homes, with 22% allocated to apartments and the remaining 4% for townhomes. The county maintains a modest property tax, averaging around 1.39% per year.

Employment in Cherokee County

Cherokee County, KS, has a 92.2% employment rate. The key sectors offering employment opportunities include healthcare (13%), education services (10%), and manufacturing (10%). Around a fifth of the workforce commutes outside the county for work. The county has experienced recent job growth of 2.3%. More than half of the population commutes less than 30 minutes, while 18% commute for over 45 minutes.

Education in Cherokee County

Cherokee County, KS, has 12 public schools and one private school following a dropout rate of 0.8%, which is significantly lower than the national average. The graduation rate stands at 89%, which is equally promising. Meanwhile, 15% of the residents have obtained a bachelor’s degree. The county highlights safety measures across all its schools and offers STEM initiatives. College readiness, however, isn't publicly documented.

Cherokee County Elections

Cherokee County, Kansas, holds elections for local, state, and federal positions. The county has approximately 15,000 registered voters with a significant turnout rate. Voting can take place in several polling locations scattered throughout the county. The elections are managed by the County Clerk's office which handles the activity of both major parties: Democrat and Republican, as well as Independent voters.

Average Income Rate in Cherokee County

Cherokee County median income is approximately $45,616, slightly below the national average. The poverty rate in this county stands at about 14.3%. Women's earnings are approximately 79% of men's income. White households have a median income of around $46,712 while Black households have a substantially lower median income. This is below Kansas's average income of approximately $59,597. The highest earners in Cherokee County are those in the Utilities sector.

Cherokee County Healthcare

Cherokee County, KS, has limited healthcare access, featuring few major hospitals. Health insurance coverage is relatively high, with the majority of residents insured. Despite limited resources, the county strives to provide quality healthcare, focusing on chronic diseases concern like diabetes. The rate of patients getting regular screenings is unclear, but healthcare professionals offer services at standard rates. Annual healthcare costs are unspecified due to limited public data. More investment is needed to enhance the county's healthcare system and its capacity.

Cherokee County Transportation

Cherokee County, KS, has a robust transportation system that includes numerous highways like U.S Routes 66, 69 and 160, and state highways such as K-7 and K-26. For public transportation, the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program offers bus services. The county features a high car ownership rate, and its average commute time is less than the national average. Furthermore, residents have access to a network of bike lanes and several ride-share programs. The safety of drivers is paramount, with efforts to reduce traffic accidents annually.

Cherokee County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Cherokee County, KS features a typically midwestern environment with a seasonal climate, averaging around 57°F. The annual precipitation is approximately 45 inches. The air quality index is relatively good, around 45, and 95% of residents enjoy access to clean water. Despite limited solar installations, the county has enhanced efforts in recycling with a rate close to 30%. The county enjoys a significantly low annual tornado risk, but no major hurricane risk. The use of eco-friendly building and energy solutions is growing but is not yet a significant practice in the area.