Riley County Demographics

Riley County, KS, has a population of about 73,343 individuals. The median age is 24.5 years, with 17.8% under 18 and 9.1% over 65. Gender distribution is balanced almost evenly with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. In terms of racial distribution, 78.7% are White (non-Hispanic), 7.2% are Black or African American, 3.4% are Asian, and 6.2% identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Riley County Crime & Safety

Riley County, Kansas reports an approximate 3,000 crimes per 100,000 residents, including around 300 violent crimes. Property crimes are more frequent, standing at almost 2,700 per 100,000. With a robust law enforcement presence from the Riley County Police Department, they promote easy access to crime reporting and preventative measures. Crime rates in the area are on a consistent decrease due to ongoing community efforts and safety initiatives.

Riley County Housing & Property

Riley County, KS boasts a homeownership rate of 42.9%, with a median home value of around $189,300. The median rent in this county is approximately $886. Properties witnessed a growth of 1.6% in value last year. Predominantly, the housing market comprises 61.2% single-family homes, 22.3% apartments, and 16.5% townhomes. Property owners are charged an average of 1.2% in property taxes annually.

Employment in Riley County

Riley County, KS, showcases a robust employment rate of over 95%, which forms a large part of the county's vibrant economy. The leading employment sectors include education (at a significant 27%), healthcare (11%), and retail (9%). The county sees a balanced mix of commuters, with roughly 60% commuting less than 30 minutes and nearly 17% traveling for over 45 minutes. With work opportunities consistently growing at 3.9%, the future of Riley County's job market appears promising. A considerable portion of people, approximately 28%, also commute outside the county for their jobs.

Education in Riley County

Riley County, Kansas boasts an impressive array of educational opportunities. It is served by USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden school district which has 14 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Their graduation rate is over 90%. It's also home to Kansas State University, which significantly contributes to the overall 57% of adults with bachelor's degrees or higher in the county. The university provides a vibrant assortment of academic programs and research opportunities, attracting students from all over the country. Elementary through high school education systems also focus on STEM and arts education. Safety programs are well-integrated across all schools.

Riley County Elections

Located in Kansas, Riley County offers comprehensive elections including local, state, and federal levels. The county sees a healthy voter participation rate and has several polling locations scattered throughout for reduced voter wait times. Elections in the county are managed by the County Clerk. According to the voter registration records, Riley County has a diverse mix of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters. The county consistently emphasizes the importance of civic participation and promotes a wide array of resources to support voters.

Average Income Rate in Riley County

The median income for households in Riley County, Kansas is approximately $44,522, which is lower than both the state median income of $59,597 and the national median of $68,700. The poverty rate is around 27.6%. On average, women in Riley County earn 76% of what men earn. When broken down by race, White households earn about $49,000 annually, while Black households earn approximately $30,000. The highest earning occupations are among the Management, Business, Science, and Arts industry.

Riley County Healthcare

Riley County, KS, hosts several healthcare facilities, including the prominent Mercy Regional Health Center. There is a substantial insured population with most availing employer-based insurance policies. Though precise rankings within Kansas aren't available, the life expectancy is relatively high. Residents have a fairly active healthcare approach with most pursuing regular health screenings. This robust set up is supported by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Riley County healthcare expenditure per person lies around the national average.

Riley County Transportation

Riley County, KS, has a well-structured transportation system to facilitate commuting. The region features highways like US-24 and K-177. In terms of public transport, ATA Bus serves the county with multiple routes. Most residents prefer self-driving, as evidenced by the high automobile ownership. The average commute time is just over 20 minutes. The region also promotes biking, possessing several bike lanes for safer cycling. Riley County maintains its transportation infrastructure within its annual budget.

Riley County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Riley County, KS experiences an average temperature of 58°F and receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall. The overall air quality index is generally good, sitting around 49. It boasts of abundant clean water access with about 90% of the population serviced. The county has a recycling rate of roughly 35% as they endorse waste diversion. Riley County also encourages green energy, embracing around 50 solar installations across the region. It does not typically experience hurricane risk. Increasingly, the community aims to promote eco-friendly building and renewable energy solutions.