Elk County

Elk County Demographics

Elk County, KS, has a population of roughly 2,699 people. The median age is 51.9 years, with 19.8% under 18 and 28.5% over 65. The gender distribution is 49.4% male and 50.6% female. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, 95.9% of the population is White (non-Hispanic), 0.5% Hispanic, 0.3% Black, and 0.2% Asian. The remaining population identifies as two or more races or other races.

Elk County Crime & Safety

Elk County, Kansas, is known for its low crime rates. With around 3.74 daily crimes occurring per 100,000 residents, Elk County is safer than approximately 63% of the counties in the United States. Violent crime rate stands at about 1.49 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is at approximate 13.71 incidents per 1,000 residents. The county's law enforcement agencies are proactive in preventing and tackling crime, contributing to making Elk County a safe place to live.

Elk County Housing & Property

Elk County, KS has lower homeownership at 76.5%, with a median home value of $45,291, considerably lower than national averages. The median rent is $573, making it affordable for its residents. The housing market in Elk County is primarily made up of single-family homes. Average property tax rates are on the lower side, around 1.4% annually.

Employment in Elk County

Elk County, KS has a lower employment rate, registering at 66.5%. The major industries contributing to employment in the county include education (15.3%), healthcare (14.5%), and manufacturing (11.3%). Roughly 50% of the employed population commute outside the county for work. Job growth is a bit low, merely 0.4% over the past year. The majority of the residents, about 55%, commute for less than 30 minutes, while 10% of the county's workers commute more than 45 minutes.

Education in Elk County

Elk County, KS has a well-rounded education system with several public schools offering quality education. The school district boasts a high graduation rate with a significant number of students ready for college. A variety of educational programs are offered including STEM subjects. Adult education is also available for those seeking to continue education beyond traditional school age. Safety measures are in place to ensure a secure learning environment. Additionally, the county supports arts programs for the holistic development of students.

Elk County Elections

Elk County, Kansas conducts elections across various levels such as local, state, and federal, managed by the county election officer. This small county has fewer than 1,500 registered voters with a turnout rate of 69.9% in the 2020 Presidential Election. The county's results predominantly lean Republican in presidential elections. Elections are conducted at multiple polling stations across the county to facilitate equitable voter participation.

Average Income Rate in Elk County

Elk County, KS has a median household income of around $41,082, significantly lower than the national average of $68,700. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%. There is gender disparity, with women's income being around 71.5% of men's. The income distribution reveals that White households earn the maximum with an average annual income of approximately $42,000. The highest earning professionals belong to the healthcare industry.

Elk County Healthcare

Elk County, KS has limited healthcare facilities with just a few small clinics and health centers. Health insurance coverage is lower with a substantial number of uninsured people. It does not provide a wide variety of specialty medical services. Life expectancy is slightly lower than the state average, and chronic diseases such as diabetes are common. There are fewer healthcare professionals per capita compared to other regions. Annual healthcare costs are relatively lower here due to lack of extensive facilities.

Elk County Transportation

Elk County, KS is characterized mainly by rural transportation means. The infrastructure includes local roads and highways but lacks major interstates. Many residents rely on personal vehicles, with a high car ownership rate and an average commute time of over 30 minutes. Public transportation is not widely available, and there is minimal ride-sharing service presence, making car dependency significant. Bike lanes and paths may exist, but they are not prevalent. There isn't a considerable number of yearly traffic accidents due to the county's low population density. The county operates on a modest annual transportation budget.

Elk County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Elk County, KS, is characteristic of a mild climate, with an average temperature of 58°F. It receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually. There is widespread access to clean water, significantly above national average. The county's AQI (Air Quality Index) is about 68, indicating 'Good' air quality. There's an emphasis on recycling but specific rates are not disclosed. Solar installations are gaining ground but are not widespread yet. The county is also relatively safe from natural disasters such as hurricanes. Eco-conscious practices such as energy conservation and efficient building are being promoted.