Shawnee County

Shawnee County Demographics

Shawnee County, Kansas, has an estimated population of around 178,831 people. The median age in the county is 39.4 years, with 22.5% under 18 and 17% over 65. The gender distribution is balanced with 48.2% being male and 51.8% female. In terms of race and ethnicity, Shawnee County is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) at 74.9%, followed by Black (non-Hispanic) at 9.8%, Hispanic at 7.9%, and Asian at 1.8% of the population.

Shawnee County Crime & Safety

Shawnee County in Kansas experiences a crime rate of about 4,400 per 100,000 residents, with 580 violent crimes reported. The bulk of the crimes are property related, measuring around 3,820 per 100,000 inhabitants. The local law enforcement agencies undertake proactive community engagement and crime reporting measures. Although crime rates continue to be a concern, recent efforts have resulted in a mild decrease in crime.

Shawnee County Housing & Property

Shawnee County, KS, enjoys a homeownership rate of 64.5%, with median home values standing at $131,400, significantly lower than national averages. Median rent in the area is also affordable at $849. Housing options predominantly consist of single-family homes which contribute to 63.5% of the market while apartments account for 25.1% and townhomes 4.7%. Property values have appreciated by 5% over the past year. Property taxes in Shawnee County average around 1.4% annually.

Employment in Shawnee County

Shawnee County in Kansas has an employment rate of 90.88%. The key economic sectors contributing to employment are Public Administration (16.80%), Healthcare and Social Assistance (15.80%), and Retail Trade (11.80%). Approximately 18.2% of employees commute to jobs outside the county. Through the years, Shawnee County has seen a steady job growth rate of 1.4%. Most workers commute under 30 minutes to their place of work, while a smaller percentage commutes for over 45 minutes.

Education in Shawnee County

Shawnee County, KS is home to a rich educational environment, offering 55 public schools and several private institutions. The county boasts a graduation rate close to 82%, with a college readiness score of approximately 60%. Around 30% of Shawnee County's residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Adult education is widely available catering to thousands every year. Students also have access to extensive safety programs, and abundant options in STEM and arts educational opportunities.

Shawnee County Elections

Shawnee County in Kansas is home to over 110,000 registered voters with a 2020 turnout rate of approximately 71%. Elections encompass local, state, and federal levels with nearly 80,000 ballots cast in the 2020 general election at dozens of polling locations. The management of elections is overseen by the Shawnee County Election Office and includes a diverse mix of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters.

Average Income Rate in Shawnee County

Shawnee County, KS, has a median income of approximately $51,696, with a poverty rate of 12.7%. Here, women's earnings represent 78% of men's income. While median income for White households stands at $56,000, Black households earn around $37,000. This is lower than the national median income of $68,700. Among the professions, healthcare practitioners and technicians earn the most.

Shawnee County Healthcare

Shawnee County, KS is equipped with several healthcare facilities, including over 5 hospitals. The majority of the residents are insured, with a significant portion being covered by employer health plans. It holds an average ranking in the state of Kansas for health care. Life expectancy in the county borders on 78 years, with a slightly high rate of diabetes. Regular health screenings are carried out by a significant majority of the population. Several thousands of healthcare professionals serve the county, with average healthcare costs falling around $900 per capita annually.

Shawnee County Transportation

Shawnee County, KS offers diverse transportation options including multiple highways such as I-70 and I-335. Topeka Metro provides public transit with 15+ bus routes. Roughly 85% of residents have car ownership with an average commute time of 18 minutes. Shawnee County experiences frequent traffic, with a significant number of accidents each year. Moreover, there are numerous bike lanes and several ride-share programs available for local travelers. The county invests substantially in its transportation infrastructure to ensure robust and efficient systems.

Shawnee County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Shawnee County, located in Northeast Kansas, enjoys a temperate 57°F average, with moderate rainfall of around 36 inches per year. The region has an adequate Air Quality Index (AQI) of 47, classified as 'Good' for most individuals. A significant 96% of its population has access to clean water. The county has a moderately high recycling rate of around 35%. Renewable energy is gradually being adopted with several solar installations found in the area. The county has a near-zero risk of hurricanes and continually invests in eco-friendly buildings and energy-efficient infrastructures.