Douglas County

Douglas County Demographics

Douglas County, KS, has a population of roughly 122,259 people. The median age is 27.6 years, with 17.5% of the residents under 18 and 9.6% over 65. The gender distribution stands at 49.6% male and 50.4% female. The racial composition is majorly 82.5% White (non-Hispanic), followed by 5.4% Black or African American, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.4% Asian.

Douglas County Crime & Safety

Douglas County, KS, demonstrates a mixed trend in crime and safety statistics. The county registers approximately 2,800 crimes per 100,000 residents annually, with violent crimes accounting for around 400 of these incidents. Crimes involving property are more common, with rates measuring around 3,000 per 100,000 population. Despite these numbers, community efforts, collaborative law enforcement, and accessible crime reporting have resulted in a slight decline in overall crime rates in recent years.

Douglas County Housing & Property

Douglas County, KS enjoys a homeownership rate of 48.1%, with a median home value of $189,100. The median monthly rent stands at $934. Last year, property values increased by 3.8%, reflecting a robust housing market. Housing options are varied, with 55% single-family homes, 35% apartments and a smaller fraction of town homes. Property taxes in Douglas County average about 1.3% annually.

Employment in Douglas County

Douglas County, KS maintains a promising employment rate of 96.2%. Main industries contributing to its economy include healthcare and social assistance (18%), educational services (15.5%), and retail trade (11.5%). A minor proportion, about 16%, commute outside the county for work. The county's job growth rate stands at 3.9%. A majority of the workforce, approximately 61%, have commute times less than 30 minutes, while 18% travel for more than 45 minutes.

Education in Douglas County

Douglas County, KS, is known for its strong emphasis on education with two notable public school districts and the University of Kansas within its boundaries. 15 public schools serve the area with a high graduation rate approximating 90%. Adult education programs are facilitated at Lawrence Adult Learning Center. Striking a balance between traditional academics and specialized programs, it offers abundant STEM opportunities, along with arts and music. A significant percentage of the population hold bachelor's degrees, reflecting the county's commitment to higher education.

Douglas County Elections

Douglas County, KS has a population of over 120,000, many of whom exercise their right to vote at various elections. In 2020, the registered voters amounted to approximately 87,000 with a voter turnout of about 80%. Elections involve local, state, and federal offices and are administered by the County Clerk's office. The political landscape consists of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters.

Average Income Rate in Douglas County

The median household income in Douglas County, KS is approximately $53,739, with 19.1% of the population living below the poverty line. The gender wage gap is evident, with women earning about 76.1% of what men earn. The income disparity between racial groups is significant, with White households earning around $56,723 while Black households earn $34,231. This is lower than the median national income of $68,700. Occupations in the education, healthcare, and social services sectors are the most prevalent in the county.

Douglas County Healthcare

Douglas County, KS, has several well-reputed medical facilities including the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The county has a high insurance coverage rate of about 90%, with a large portion gained through employer plans. Douglas County boasts a team of over 2,000 dedicated healthcare professionals. Life expectancy is about 80 years with a 9% diabetes incidence rate. Almost 80% of residents get regular health screenings. Its annual per capita healthcare spending falls significantly below the national average.

Douglas County Transportation

Douglas County, KS, has an extensive transportation network consisting of a variety of options. The County Road Department maintains over 400 miles of roads, and multiple bus routes are available via Lawrence Transit. Additionally, the county has a robust network of bike paths and trails. Car ownership is high, with over 90% of households owning at least one vehicle. The average commute time for residents is around 20 minutes. The county also has a significant number of ride-share services available.

Douglas County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Douglas County, KS enjoys a fairly warm climate with an average temperature of 59°F and annual precipitation levels of approximately 39 inches. Boasting an excellent air quality index score of 49 ('good'), the county places huge importance on maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The estimated recycling rate is roughly 30% and there's an increasing trend towards solar installations and other eco-friendly energy solutions. The region has 100% clean water access and is committed to environment-friendly construction and renewable energy.