Elk County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Elk County, Kansas had a population of 2,483. The racial composition was predominantly White (94.8%), followed by American Indian and Alaska Native (1.8%), two or more races (2.4%), and other races (0.3%). The county covers an area of 650 square miles, and has a population density of approximately 3.8 people per square mile. The median age was around 51 years, indicative of an aging population.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau.

Elk County, KS has a median home value around $53,300. The homeownership rate is approximately 78%. The median monthly owner costs are $633 with a mortgage and $356 without. Renters constitute about 22% of the population, with a median gross rent of $644 per month. The housing market includes a mix of single-family homes, farms, and some rental units, reflecting the rural character of the county. Housing affordability is generally higher compared to urban areas. Data might vary; always refer to the latest sources for up-to-date statistics.

As of the most recent elections, Elk County, Kansas, holds various local, state, and federal elections. The Board of County Commissioners is a key local election, with three districts in the county. In the 2020 general election, Elk County saw voter turnout of approximately 68%.

Key positions often on the ballot include County Sheriff, Commissioners, County Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds. For example, in 2020, John Walker (Republican) won the County Sheriff race.

State legislative elections can feature representatives for Kansas's 12th Senate District and the 12th House District. Nationally, voters participate in elections for Kansas's 4th Congressional District.

Details on candidates and specific numerical values vary by election cycle. For precise, up-to-date information, the Elk County Clerk's office or the Kansas Secretary of State's website can provide comprehensive data.

As of the latest available data, Elk County, KS, reveals an education profile that highlights several key points:

1. High school diploma or higher: Approximately 84.2% of Elk County residents aged 25 and older possess at least a high school diploma. This is below the national average of around 88% and Kansas state average of about 90%.
2. Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 15.2% of Elk County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is also below the national average of 33.1% and the Kansas state average of 32.9%.

These figures suggest that Elk County has a lower level of educational attainment compared to both state and national averages, reflecting potential challenges in higher education access and completion within the county.

As of the latest update, Elk County, Kansas, has a modest labor market reflecting its rural status. The county’s unemployment rate is approximately 4.0%, slightly below the national average of 3.7% and the Kansas state average of 3.8%. The labor force participation rate is around 58%.

Top industries in Elk County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, employing a significant portion of the workforce. Retail trade and manufacturing follow, albeit at smaller scales compared to state and national averages. While agriculture dominates locally, Kansas overall has a more diversified economy with significant contributions from manufacturing, finance, and professional services.

Comparatively, the county's dependence on agriculture is considerably higher than both the national average, where service-based industries prevail, and the state average, where manufacturing plays a larger role. This specialization highlights the local economy's unique characteristics within the broader context of Kansas and the United States.

Elk County, Kansas, has a median household income of roughly $41,500. In contrast, the median household income for the United States is approximately $68,700, while Kansas as a whole has a median household income of about $59,600.

Here's a comparison table:

This shows that Elk County's median household income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.

As of the latest data, Elk County, Kansas, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county's crime rates per 1,000 residents are outlined below:

These figures suggest that Elk County experiences low incidences of both violent and property crimes, making it a relatively safe area compared to larger urban regions. Note that these statistics are based on the latest available data and can fluctuate over time. For ongoing updates, monitoring local law enforcement reports and official crime databases is recommended.