Thomas County

Thomas County Demographics

Thomas County, KS, has an estimated population of 7,858 residents. The median age is 43 years, with 20.8% under 18 and 26.7% over the age of 65. Gender distribution is somewhat balanced, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female. In terms of racial demographics, 95.1% are White (non-Hispanic), around 1.2% are Hispanic, and less than a percent each are Black and Asian.

Thomas County Crime & Safety

Thomas County, Kansas has a relatively low crime rate, with approximately 745 crimes per 100,000 residents. Of these, violent crimes are few, reported at a rate of 40 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crimes are more frequent but still lower than national averages, with about 705 instances per 100,000 residents. The local law enforcement agencies are proactive in ensuring safety and reducing crime rates in the area.

Thomas County Housing & Property

Thomas County, Kansas has a homeownership rate of 74.5%, with a median home value of $103,700. The median rent is fairly low at $599. Property values in the county have seen a 5.9% increase over the past year. While the county is predominantly composed of single-family homes, it also has a selection of apartments and townhomes. Property taxes average around 1.4% annually.

Employment in Thomas County

Thomas County, Kansas maintains a commendable employment rate of 94.5%. Dominant industries in the county include agriculture, constituting 17%, and education and healthcare, shaping 15%. Interestingly, approximately 30% of the employees commute outside of the county for work, and the average commute time is just under 30 minutes. The county enjoys a promising job growth rate of 3.2%.

Education in Thomas County

Located in Kansas, Thomas County has a strong focus on education with a high school graduation rate of around 90%. The county has a college readiness rating of 51%, slightly lower than the national average. Approximately 21% of the county's adults aged 25 or older hold a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Thomas County emphasizes on implementing safety measures in schools and promotes special programs in fields such as STEM.

Thomas County Elections

Thomas County, Kansas, is a small jurisdiction with around 3,000 registered voters. The county has a high voter turnout, with around 75% in the 2020 elections. Elections here encompass local, state, and federal levels. The county’s Clerk's office overseas the elections and there is a diverse mix of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters. Voting can take place at several polling locations throughout the county.

Average Income Rate in Thomas County

Thomas County, Kansas, has a median household income of approximately $54,444, which is lower than the national average of $68,700. The county has a poverty rate of about 9.5%. In regards to gender pay gap, women in this region typically earn 76.5% of what men earn. The median income for white households stands roughly at $55,789, whereas the earnings for other races have not been specified. The highest earners in Thomas County are those in the agriculture and forestry industries.

Thomas County Healthcare

Located in northwestern Kansas, Thomas County has several healthcare facilities, including the Citizens Medical Center. The county has a high rate of insured residents, with nearly 95% of its population having some form of health coverage. It outperforms many other counties in Kansas in terms of life expectancy, which stands at an impressive 81 years. Preventative care is highly prioritized with many residents having regular health screenings. Thomas County homes a significant number of healthcare professionals and the annual healthcare expense per person is relatively low.

Thomas County Transportation

Thomas County, KS is serviced by highway routes including US Route 24 and Kansas Highways K-25 and K-9. Many residents commute by personal vehicle, with an average commute time of around 15 minutes. There is an airport, Colby Municipal Airport, for private and charter flights. Public transportation is limited in this rural county, mainly confined to services for seniors and people with disabilities. Bike routes and ride-shares are not widely documented in Thomas County.

Thomas County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Thomas County, KS, features a relatively dry environment with an annual average temperature of approximately 50°F and an annual rainfall totalling roughly 23 inches. The county's air quality index (AQI) remains within 45 ('good') through most of the year, indicating a relatively clean and healthy environment. The county has 100% access to clean water and maintains a decent recycling rate. This county is in the early stages of promoting solar installations and sustainable energy resources while also focusing on eco-conscious building protocols to further reduce its environmental impact.