Barber County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Barber County, Kansas had a population of approximately 4,228 people. The racial makeup was predominantly White (around 93.7%), with small percentages of other races, including Hispanic or Latino (4%), and two or more races (1.7%). The county has a median age of about 47.6 years, reflecting a relatively older population. There were around 1,884 households, with an average household size of 2.23. The median household income was estimated at $49,688, and about 10.8% of the population lived below the poverty line.

As of the latest data, Barber County, KS has a median home value of approximately $60,000. The homeownership rate is around 75.3%. The median rent is about $575 per month. There are roughly 2,500 housing units, with a vacancy rate of 11.5%. The majority of homes are single-family residences. Construction trends show most homes were built before 1980, contributing to varied architectural styles. For detailed and updated information, consulting local property listings or government sources is recommended.

Barber County, Kansas, participates in local, state, and federal elections. As of the most recent election cycle, the county's registered voter count stands at approximately 2,500. In local elections, positions such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, and various township trustees are contested. Barber County's three County Commissioner districts held elections, with candidates like incumbent Phil E. Hathcock running for re-election.

In the 2020 Presidential Election, Barber County leaned heavily Republican, with Donald Trump receiving 80% of the vote against Joe Biden's 18%. State legislative seats, such as those in the Kansas House of Representatives, also see competition, with Republican candidates typically prevailing. City-level offices in Medicine Lodge, Kiowa, and other municipalities include council members and mayors. Voter turnout rates vary but generally hover around 60% during presidential election years and 40% in midterms. Always verify details with Barber County's Election Office for the latest information.

As of the latest data, Barber County, KS has about 88.7% of its population aged 25 and over holding at least a high school diploma. About 18.6% possess a bachelor's degree or higher. Comparatively, the national high school graduation rate is approximately 88%, and the national rate for those holding a bachelor's degree or higher is around 33%. Kansas state averages are roughly 91% for high school graduates and 32.3% for bachelor's degree holders. Barber County falls slightly below the state and national averages in terms of higher education attainment but is on par with the national high school graduation rate.

As of the most recent data, Barber County, KS has an unemployment rate of around 3.0%, which is slightly lower than the U.S. national average of approximately 3.7% and Kansas state average of 3.3%. Key employment sectors in Barber County include agriculture, education, healthcare, and retail trade. Agriculture and related activities employ a significant portion of the workforce, reflecting the rural character of the county.

Compared to the national job distribution, Barber County has a higher percentage of employment in agriculture (approximately 20%) compared to the national average of less than 2%. Healthcare and social assistance make up around 12% of the jobs, broadly aligning with national and state averages. Retail trade employs about 10% of the workforce, also similar to the national and state averages.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Barber County, KS is estimated to be around $45,000. In comparison, the average household income for the state of Kansas is approximately $64,000, while the national average household income is about $68,700. This places Barber County below both the state and national averages in terms of household income.

Statistics Table:

These figures highlight the economic challenges faced by residents of Barber County when compared to broader state and national economic conditions.

As of the most recent data, Barber County, KS, has a fairly low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported the following crime statistics:

The violent crime rate is estimated at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate stands at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. These figures illustrate that Barber County is a relatively safe area, with a lower incidence of both violent and property crimes compared to many other regions.