Jewell County

As of the 2020 census, Jewell County, Kansas, has a population of approximately 2,932 people. The racial makeup is predominantly White at about 96.5%, followed by small percentages of other races. The median age is around 50 years. The county has about 1,385 households, with an average household size of 2.1 individuals. The median household income is approximately $44,000, and about 12% of the population lives below the poverty line.

As of the latest data, Jewell County, KS has a median home value of approximately $53,100. The homeownership rate stands at around 80%, with a median rent of about $561 per month. The county has a low population density, contributing to a small but steady housing market. New housing development is minimal, reflecting the rural nature of the area. The average household size is 2.07, and the housing vacancy rate is 15.9%. These figures highlight a stable yet slow-growing housing environment.

As of the most recent election cycle in 2022, Jewell County, Kansas held elections for various local and state positions. The major races included county commissioners, sheriff, and other county officials. For the Board of County Commissioners, two districts had elections:

• District 1: Mary Beth Taylor (Republican) won with 422 votes against independent write-in candidates.
• District 2: Steve Greene (Republican) was re-elected with 387 votes.

The County Sheriff race saw Don Jacobs (Republican) securing the position with 1,276 votes, running unopposed.

Overall, voter turnout in Jewell County was approximately 62.3%. Additionally, state and federal positions were voted on, with Republican candidates generally prevailing, reflecting the conservative political leaning of the county's electorate. These results mirror broader state trends favoring Republican majorities in Kansas.

As of the most recent data, Jewell County, Kansas, shows the following educational attainment levels among its residents aged 25 and over:

• High school diploma or higher: Approximately 91%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 17%

Comparatively, these numbers fall slightly below both the national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

• National average for high school diploma or higher: Around 88%

• National average for bachelor's degree or higher: Approximately 33.1%

• Kansas state average for high school diploma or higher: Around 91.3%

• Kansas state average for bachelor's degree or higher: Approximately 33.4%

Jewell County’s high school graduation rate aligns closely with the state average but exceeds the national average. However, the percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher is notably lower than both the national and state averages.

Jewell County, KS, with a modest population, has a labor force participation rate lower than the national average. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate is approximately 3.5%, slightly below both the Kansas state average of 3.8% and the national average of 4.0%.

Top industries in Jewell County include agriculture, manufacturing, and retail trade. Agriculture is particularly dominant here, reflecting the county's rural nature, with a significant portion of employment attributed to farming and related activities. Manufacturing and retail provide additional employment opportunities but at lower rates compared to more urbanized regions.

Nationally and across Kansas, industries like health care, professional and business services, and technology play a larger role compared to Jewell County, where traditional sectors remain prominent. These differences highlight the unique economic landscape of Jewell County, contrasting with broader state and national employment trends.

(Note: Specific percentages and numerical values of employment in each industry may vary; updated local sources should be consulted for the most current statistics.)

As of the most recent data, Jewell County, Kansas, has an average household income of approximately $50,000. This figure is lower than both the state and national averages. The state of Kansas has an average household income of around $68,000, while the national average household income is approximately $75,000. The lower income levels in Jewell County may reflect its rural nature and smaller population base.

This comparison highlights the economic challenges faced by rural counties relative to state and national figures.

Jewell County, Kansas, boasts relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. As of the latest data, the county experiences minimal instances of violent and property crimes. Below is a summarized table featuring the types of crimes and their respective annual occurrences:

These values indicate a generally safe environment for residents and visitors. The low crime rates in Jewell County make it one of the safer regions in Kansas.