Wallace County

Wallace County Demographics

Wallace County, KS, has a small population of about 1,485 people. The median age is quite high at 53.3 years, and 25.3% are over 65, with 18.7% under 18. The gender distribution is balanced with 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The racial/ethnic composition of the county is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 96%, with a small Hispanic population at 3.4%. Other racial/ethnic groups comprise less than 1% of the population.

Wallace County Crime & Safety

Wallace County in Kansas boasts an impressively low crime rate, with under 5 crimes reported per 100,000 residents annually. Violent crime in the area is virtually non-existent, and property crime, while slightly higher, is still well below the national average. The local law enforcement agency proactively contributes to maintaining this safe community environment through regular patrols and community engagement initiatives.

Wallace County Housing & Property

Wallace County has a homeownership rate of 81.6%, with a median home value of $80,300, significantly lower than many other counties in Kansas. Median rent in Wallace County is $563, amounting to nearly half the state average. Most of the housing in Wallace County is single-family houses, while property taxes average around 1.6% annually. There is unsubstantial growth in property values due to a stagnant market.

Employment in Wallace County

Wallace County has a high employment rate, although the exact percentage remains unspecified. Predominant industries include agriculture, retail, and education, providing varied employment opportunities. A significant number of residents work within the county, avoiding long commutes. Data on job growth and commute time vary, however, Wallace County continues to develop and increase employment prospects.

Education in Wallace County

Wallace County in Kansas is committed to education through the services of two school districts: Weskan Schools and Wallace County Schools. The schools offer comprehensive curricula from kindergarten through high school. Though the area is rural, graduation rates are impressive, and college readiness is a prime focus. Programs in technology, science, arts, and physical education are implemented to ensure an all-round development of students. Adult education is also accessible for lifelong learning aspirations.

Wallace County Elections

Wallace County, Kansas holds elections for local, state, and federal offices. This rural county is sparsely populated with less than 1000 registered voters. Voter turnout is often high, as seen in the 2020 election where it reached approximately 85%. Elections are managed by the County Clerk’s office. Wallace County's electorate comprises Republican, Democratic, and Independent voters, however, it's historically been a heavily Republican domain in terms of voter preference.

Average Income Rate in Wallace County

Wallace County, Kansas, has a median household income of about $51,000 which is significantly lower than the national average of $68,700. The poverty rate is exceptionally low at around 3.7%. In terms of gender wage gap, women's wages are reported to be 70.6% of men's earnings. Employment sectors that contribute a substantial portion to Wallace county's income include Agriculture and Construction industry.

Wallace County Healthcare

Wallace County, KS, has limited healthcare facilities with just one critical access hospital serving the small population. An estimated 90% of residents have health insurance, and the life expectancy is around 80 years. The county has a low prevalence of diabetes at around 7%. Regular health screenings are less common than in more populated areas. There are fewer than 100 healthcare professionals, but despite these limitations, healthcare costs are relatively low at around $500-$1,000 per person annually.

Wallace County Transportation

Wallace County, Kansas, is primarily served by U.S. Route 40. Many residents rely on personal vehicle ownership, thanks to the county's rural nature and lack of public transportation services. Kendal Airport and the Wallace County Airport serve as main aviation services. The average commute time for the residents is about 15 minutes. Wallace County has minimal traffic congestion and accidents. Alternative transportation options, such as bike lanes or ride-share programs, are virtually non-existent due to the small size and rural setting.

Wallace County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Wallace County in Kansas, characterized by a semi-arid steppe climate, has an average temperature of 52°F and annual rainfall of around 17 inches. The air quality index (AQI) is considered 'good', indicating a low level of pollution. It has about 96% clean water access. With a small population, recycling rate is not precisely tracked. The County, a farming and ranching area, is making slow but steady efforts to renewable energy sources with a few solar installations. Eco-friendly operations are not prevalent but are gradually being considered with a focus on sustainably managing its natural resources.