Smith County

Smith County Demographics

Smith County, KS, has a smaller population of approximately 3,677 individuals. The median age in this county is 51.3 years, with 20.8% of the population under 18 and 28.1% over 65. The gender distribution is fairly balanced with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Ethnic and racial demographics reveal that the county is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 97.64%, with 0.92% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 0.33% Asian, and 0.11% Black.

Smith County Crime & Safety

Smith County, Kansas, maintains a relatively low crime rate with only around 20 crimes reported annually. The majority of these are less serious offenses like theft and burglary. Violent crimes, while rare, account for approximately 15% of overall crimes. This results in a crime rate of about 350 offenses per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than state and national averages. The local law enforcement agencies are constantly working to improve safety and security measures, contributing to a downward trend in crime rate over recent years.

Smith County Housing & Property

Smith County, KS, has a high homeownership rate of 77.5%, with a relatively low median home value of $56,600. The median rent in this rural area is around $643, substantially low compared to more populous regions. The housing market is primarily made up of single-family homes, roughly 78%, while the remaining is split between townhomes and apartments. Property taxes average about 1.5% annually. The county has seen minimal growth in property values in recent years.

Employment in Smith County

Smith County, KS maintains an employment rate of 94.7%. Major industries contributing to employment include agriculture (33%), education (12%), and healthcare (10%). Approximately 34% of residents commute outside the county for work. Smith County's employment has seen a 0.6% growth. While the majority of commuters (56%) have a travel time of fewer than 30 minutes, almost 18% travel for more than 45 minutes.

Education in Smith County

Smith County, located in Kansas, is host to a number of diverse educational institutions. The county offers a robust public school system, holding a high graduation rate, while also emphasizing the importance of college readiness. To supplement traditional education, adults in the region can also avail of continual learning programs. Safety measures are in place across all schools to ensure the wellbeing of students. Specialized STEM and arts programs are regularly offered, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and creativity. The rate of residents holding a bachelor's degree is commendable, enhancing the county's educational profile.

Smith County Elections

Smith County, located in Kansas, has a small yet active voter base. Elections range from local to state and federal levels. The County Clerk's office handles the overall arrangement and supervision of elections. Public participation varies, with a mix of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters. Behind each election, there is detailed coordination to manage polling locations within the county and ensure a smooth voting process for all registered voters.

Average Income Rate in Smith County

The median household income in Smith County, Kansas is approximately $43,500, which is significantly lower than the national median of $68,700. The poverty rate is relatively high at 16.2%. Men tend to earn more than women, as women's earnings are 79.6% of men's earnings. In terms of racial demographics, White households have the highest income. The income level in Smith County is also lower than the state's median of $59,597. The highest earning jobs by average wage in Smith County belong to management occupations.

Smith County Healthcare

Smith County, KS has several healthcare facilities, including a community hospital, nursing homes, and medical clinics. Although precise statistics are not available, the county's emphasis is on providing adequate rural healthcare, targeting preventative care and chronic disease management. It hosts various health initiatives promoting regular check-ups, senior care, and mental health services. Telemedicine is also incorporated to combat the challenges of rural health service delivery. The healthcare affordability varies, given the demographic realities of a rural economy.

Smith County Transportation

Smith County, Kansas is served by a system of highways including U.S. Route 36 and Kansas Highways 8, 9, 181 and 281. Popular modes of transportation include private vehicles and carpooling due to high rates of car ownership. An average commute time is around 20 minutes. The county experiences a lower rate of traffic accidents per year due to lesser vehicle density. Alternatives like bike lanes and ride-share programs are less prevalent in Smith County. The budget for transportation is not disclosed to the public.

Smith County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Smith County, KS features a temperate, continental climate with an average temperature of 55°F and annual rainfall of approximately 27 inches. It has an AQI of 49, indicating 'good' air quality. The county is largely rural and agricultural, with high access to clean water. The recycling rate is still emerging due to its rural characteristics. Smith County is gradually integrating solar energy, with more than 20 installations. Natural disasters, such as tornadoes, occur occasionally rather than annually. The county is beginning to focus on sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy sources.