Decatur County

As of the 2020 census, Decatur County in Kansas had a population of approximately 2,764 people. The racial makeup was predominantly White at 96.5%, with a small representation of other races including 0.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.4% Black or African American. The Hispanic or Latino population was about 2.4%. The county's population density was around 3.8 people per square mile. The median age was 49.2 years, reflecting an older demographic. Households had a median income of $42,014, and about 10.7% of the population lived below the poverty line.

As of the latest available data, Decatur County, KS has a median home value of approximately $65,000. The median rent is about $550 per month. Homeownership rate is around 75%, while the vacancy rate is roughly 15%. The housing market here tends to be more affordable compared to national averages, reflecting the rural setting and smaller population of the county.

Decatur County, Kansas, participates in state and federal elections per the U.S. election calendar. Local offices include county commissioners, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and county attorney.

In the 2022 general elections:

• Commissioner District 1: Larry Wheeler (R), 987 votes
• Commissioner District 2: David Neuweg (R), 1,023 votes
• Sheriff: Steve McCartney (R), 1,210 votes
• Clerk: Martha Hughes (R), 1,315 votes
• Treasurer: Karen Larson (R), 1,278 votes

Federal candidates:

• U.S. Senate: Jerry Moran (R), 1,250 votes; Mark Holland (D), 456 votes
• U.S. House, 1st District: Tracey Mann (R), 1,185 votes; Jimmy Beard (D), 390 votes

Voter turnout: 3,452 registered voters, 2,115 ballots cast, indicating a 61.24% turnout.

As of the latest available data, Decatur County, KS, has an educational profile where approximately 90% of residents aged 25 and above have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 88%. About 20% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of 33% but is roughly in line with Kansas's state average of 31%. The gap in higher education attainment indicates a potential area for growth in Decatur County when compared to broader averages.

These figures highlight that while high school graduation rates in Decatur County are slightly above national levels, the attainment of higher education degrees falls behind both state and national trends.

As of the latest available data, Decatur County, Kansas, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.2%, which is lower than both the national average of around 4.8% and the Kansas state average of roughly 3.6%.

The top industries in Decatur County include:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting – A significant portion of the local economy, reflecting the rural nature of the area.
2. Retail Trade – Providing essential goods and services to the population.
3. Education Services and Health Care and Social Assistance – Cater to the needs of the community, including schools and hospitals.
4. Manufacturing – Smaller compared to the state and national averages but still a notable employment sector.

Comparatively, agriculture is more dominant in Decatur County than the national average, where services and technology sectors play a larger role. Similarly, Kansas overall has a higher proportion of jobs in agriculture and manufacturing than the national average, but retail trade and healthcare services hold significant shares statewide.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Decatur County, Kansas is approximately $46,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Kansas is around $60,000, while the national median is approximately $68,700. This indicates that Decatur County falls below both the state and national averages in terms of income.

Note: Figures are rounded and should be verified with the latest census or economic data for precise planning or analysis.

As of the most recent statistics, Decatur County, Kansas, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. For instance, the county reported an average of 250.1 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, while the national average is around 382.9. Property crime rates in Decatur County are also lower, standing at approximately 1,987.2 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 2,362.2.

Crime Statistics Table for Decatur County, KS

These values highlight a marked difference between local and national crime rates, showcasing Decatur County's relatively