Ellis County

As of the 2020 Census, Ellis County, KS, had a population of approximately 28,934. The racial makeup included 94.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.7% Asian, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 3.0% of the population. The median age was about 35.5 years. The county had roughly 11,954 households, with an average household size of 2.3 individuals. Approximately 59.4% of the population was married, and the median household income was around $52,605.

As of the latest data, Ellis County, KS has a median home value of approximately $148,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. About 65% of residents are homeowners, while the remaining 35% are renters. The housing market has seen a slight appreciation in recent years, with a growth rate of about 2-3% annually. The county features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and some rural properties, catering to a diverse population. The vacancy rate is relatively low, contributing to steady demand.

Ellis County, Kansas, participates in various elections, including federal, state, and local. The Elections Office administers these and is responsible for voter registration and absentee ballots. Key 2023 races include municipal and school board elections.

For instance, in the Hays City Commission race, candidates are Roger Beougher, Sandy Jacobs, Michael Burgardt, and John Delton. The USD 489 (Hays) Board of Education election features Chris Dinkel, Tammy Wellbrock, and Steve Hopkins, among others.

As of October 2023, Ellis County has approximately 17,000 registered voters. Voter turnout in past off-year elections has ranged from 20% to 35%.

For the latest updates, sample ballots, and polling locations, visit the Ellis County Clerk's office website or contact their office directly. Voting can be done early in-person, by mail, or at designated polling places on Election Day.

As of recent data, Ellis County, KS has relatively high educational attainment levels. Approximately 93% of residents 25 and older have completed high school, exceeding the national average of about 89%. Furthermore, around 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33%. Within Kansas, about 91% of adults have a high school diploma and roughly 32% hold at least a bachelor's degree. Ellis County thus boasts educational attainment rates slightly above both state and national averages, reflecting strong educational outcomes in the region.

As of the latest data, Ellis County, KS, had an employment rate of approximately 95%, aligning favorably against the U.S. national average of 93%-94%. The county's key industries include healthcare, education, retail trade, and manufacturing. Specifically, healthcare and social assistance employ around 20% of the workforce, reflecting national trends where the sector is a major employer. Education services employ approximately 15%, supported by institutions like Fort Hays State University, which is higher compared to the national average due to the university's local impact. Retail trade accounts for about 14%, while manufacturing employs 10% of the workforce. Comparatively, Kansas has a strong agricultural and aviation manufacturing presence statewide, but these sectors are less pronounced in Ellis County. Unemployment in Ellis County is typically lower than both the Kansas state average (4%-5%) and the national rate, highlighting a strong local job market.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Ellis County, KS is approximately $53,000. This figure is notably lower than both the national median household income, which stands at around $68,700, and the state median for Kansas, which is approximately $62,000. Below is a comparative statistics table for better clarity:

These figures highlight the discrepancy between local income levels and broader state and national averages, possibly reflecting regional economic factors.

As of the most recent data available, Ellis County, KS, had varying crime rates across different types of criminal activities. In 2020, the county's overall crime rate was lower than the national average. Here are some crime statistics for Ellis County, KS:

Ellis County boasts a relatively low violent crime rate compared to the national average of approximately 398 per 100,000 people. However, property crimes like larceny-theft are more prevalent. These statistics may vary annually, reflecting law enforcement effectiveness and community safety programs. Always refer to the latest data from credible sources like the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program for the most current information.