Bourbon County

As of the 2020 United States Census, Bourbon County, Kansas had a population of approximately 14,360 people. The racial makeup was about 90.7% White, 2.6% African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 4.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county had around 5,982 households, with an average household size of 2.32 and a median age of 41.2 years. The median household income was approximately $42,232, with 16.7% of the population living below the poverty line.

As of 2023, Bourbon County, Kansas has a median home price of approximately $85,000. The housing market here consists mainly of older homes, with around 60% built before 1970. The average property tax rate is about 1.31%, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is roughly $600 per month. Homeownership rate stands at approximately 70%, while the vacancy rate hovers around 15%. The area offers affordable living with a small-town atmosphere, attracting both retirees and families.

For Bourbon County, KS, election information, it is essential to check the official website or local government resources for the most up-to-date details. In the most recent elections, positions such as County Commission seats, Sheriff, Clerk, Attorney, Treasurer, and local school boards were contested. Voter turnout in Bourbon County typically ranges from 50-60% in general elections.

In the 2022 general elections, prominent candidates included:

• County Commission: Clifton Beth (incumbent) vs. James Harris
• Sheriff: Bill Martin (incumbent) vs. Ron Gray
• Clerk: Kendell Mason ran unopposed.

Results are often close for local elections, highlighting the importance of every vote. The County Clerk’s office provides specifics on voter registrations, polling places, and deadlines. For historical data, refer to Bourbon County Election archives or the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

As of the latest data, Bourbon County, Kansas, has a relatively modest educational profile. About 87.1% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88%. Furthermore, around 18.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 33.1% and also below the Kansas state average of 32.9%. This suggests that, while the majority of the adult population in Bourbon County has completed high school, a smaller proportion have pursued higher education compared to broader state and national trends.

As of the latest available data, Bourbon County, KS, had an employment rate of approximately 58% as of 2022. The top industries include manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education. Specifically, the manufacturing sector employs around 20% of the county's workforce, healthcare about 15%, retail approximately 12%, and education around 10%.

In comparison to national averages, where healthcare and social assistance usually dominate at about 14%, retail at 11%, and manufacturing at 8.5%, Bourbon County shows a higher emphasis on manufacturing. At the state level, Kansas has an average of roughly 13% in manufacturing, 11% in healthcare, and 10% in retail, putting Bourbon County above the state averages in these sectors, especially in manufacturing. This underscores the local economy's reliance on industrial and healthcare services.

Bourbon County, KS, shows an average household income of approximately $47,000 annually.

For comparison:

• The Kansas state average household income is about $61,000 per year.
• The national average household income is around $68,000 per year.

From this comparison, Bourbon County's average household income is below both the state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Bourbon County, Kansas, has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to national averages. For instance, the violent crime rate is approximately 3.5 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at about 22.4 per 1,000 residents. The statistics in the table below illustrate the types of crimes reported in recent years:

These numbers suggest that while violent crime is less common, property crimes like larceny and burglary are more frequent in Bourbon County.