Meade County

Meade County Demographics

Meade County, KS, has a roughly estimated population of about 4,236 people. The median age is 38.9 years, with 30.1% under 18 and 18.1% over 65. The gender split stands at 50.6% male and 49.4% female. The racial and ethnic breakdown is as follows: 85.8% are White (non-Hispanic), 10.7% Hispanic, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian.

Meade County Crime & Safety

Meade County, Kansas has a slightly high crime rate with about 2,350 crimes per 100,000 residents. The county experiences approximately 200 violent crimes, which is lower than the national average. Property crimes occur at higher rates, around 2,150 per 100,000 residents. The local Sherriff's department is diligent in organizing crime reporting and different community outreach programs are ongoing to reduce crime rates in the area.

Meade County Housing & Property

Meade County, KS has a homeownership rate of 76.1% with a median home value of $90,300. The median rent is comparatively low at $577. The housing market is primarily composed of single-family homes, with minimal focus on apartments and townhomes. The community saw a significant 8.5% increase in property values over the past year. The property tax is relatively low at around 1.4% annually.

Employment in Meade County

Meade County, Kansas, has a 69.5% employment rate. Notable areas of employment include agriculture and livestock farming, accounting for about 31% of jobs, while education and healthcare services provide around 18%. The employment growth rate is a modest 1.6%. A majority of the population, about 70%, has a commute time of less than 30 minutes, while around 10% commute for more than 45 minutes.

Education in Meade County

In Meade County, Kansas, education is centered around the Meade Unified School District 226, which has three schools serving over 500 students from K-12. The district boasts a high graduation rate, with a significant percentage of graduates pursuing further education. Importantly, they provide a comprehensive curriculum which includes STEM and creative arts programs. Meade County also offers adult education opportunities, ensuring local residents can continue lifelong learning. Safety of students is prioritized, with various measures in place across all schools.

Meade County Elections

Meade County, located in Kansas, has a considerably smaller electorate. In the 2020 general election, the county reported a voter turnout of roughly 75%. Elections in Meade County encompass local, state, and federal races and are overseen by the County Clerk's Office. Although specific party affiliation data is not readily available, Kansas as a whole tends to lean Republican. The county's voters have access to multiple voting methods, including advance voting, mail-in ballots, and in-person voting on Election Day.

Average Income Rate in Meade County

The median household income in Meade County, Kansas is approximately $56,839. This is less than the national US median income of $68,700 and the Kansas statewide median of $62,087. The poverty rate is noticeably low at 5.5%. Men tend to earn 1.33 times more than women, with the major earners working in the agriculture and farming sector. The income disparity between races is not significantly noticeable, with White households bringing in around $58,990 annually.

Meade County Healthcare

Healthcare in Meade County, Kansas is primarily catered by Meade District Hospital, Meade Rural Health Clinic, and Lone Tree Retirement Center, which provide a range of services from preventive care to surgical procedures. Insurance coverage is above average, though specific figures are not widely publicized. While the prevalence of common conditions like diabetes is on par with national averages, demographic and lifestyle factors may contribute to a slightly lower than average life expectancy. It is estimated that healthcare cost per person per year in Meade County is near the national average.

Meade County Transportation

Meade County in Kansas is primarily served by U.S. Highways 54 and 160. Additionally, the county maintains numerous local roads covering large rural area. The majority of residents use private vehicles for transportation, with a 94% car ownership rate. The average commute time is approximately 19 minutes, notably lower than the national average. Meade County does not have any fixed bus routes, bike lanes, or ride-sharing programs. However, it does benefit from regional connections provided by Dodge City Regional Airport, which is within a two-hour drive. The county’s transport infrastructure is constantly enhanced by the Public Works Department.

Meade County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Located in southwestern Kansas, Meade County has a semi-arid steppe climate with an average temperature around 55°F and annual rainfall approximately 23 inches. Majority residents have access to clean water. The county is primarily agricultural, with an emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are also gaining momentum. The AQI isn't high, generally indicating 'good' air quality. With a low probability of extreme weather events, it significantly contributes towards maintaining a relatively steady, clean, and eco-friendly environment.