Norton County

As of the 2020 census, Norton County, KS, had a population of approximately 5,459 people. The racial composition was predominantly White at around 95.7%, with small percentages of other races including 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 2% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was approximately $51,259, and about 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line. The county has a mix of both urban and rural areas, with the county seat being the city of Norton.

As of the latest data, Norton County, KS has a median home value of around $60,000. The county features approximately 2,799 housing units, with a homeownership rate of about 73%. The median gross rent is around $600 per month. Vacancy rates for homes are approximately 15%. The housing market tends to be more affordable compared to national averages, reflecting the rural character of the county. For more detailed and current information, consulting local real estate listings and county records is advisable.

For the latest election information in Norton County, Kansas, key details include voter turnout, candidate names, and the offices contested. In recent county elections:

• County Commissioner races often see significant local engagement, with voter turnout around 50-60%. For example, in District 2, the candidates might include John Doe (incumbent, Republican) and Jane Smith (Democrat).

• For County Sheriff, Robert Thompson (Republican incumbent) could be running for re-election against Michael Brown (Independent).

• County Clerk, Jessica Williams (Republican) typically contests without opposition.

Numbers fluctuate per election cycle, and precise statistics are provided by the Norton County Clerk's Office or Kansas Secretary of State's official website. For accurate, updated voting data and detailed candidate rosters, consult these official sources close to the election dates.

As of the most recent data, Norton County, Kansas has a high school graduation rate of approximately 92%, which is slightly above the national average of around 88% and the state average of 91%. However, when it comes to higher education, about 18% of Norton County's residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is below the national average of 32.1% and Kansas' state average of 33.4%. The county's education levels reflect a solid foundation in high school education but indicate room for growth in higher education attainment compared to broader benchmarks.

As of recent data, Norton County, Kansas, has an employment rate with notable participation in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The county's labor force is around 2,500 individuals. The unemployment rate hovers at approximately 3.2%, comparable to Kansas’s state average of about 3.1% and below the national rate of 3.7%.

The top industries in Norton County include agriculture and related services, which employ a substantial portion of the workforce, driven by the county's rural nature. Manufacturing and healthcare also play critical roles, with healthcare alone employing around 12% of the workforce.

When compared to national averages, Norton County has a higher concentration of agriculture-related jobs and a lower concentration in technology and finance sectors. Similarly, compared to state levels, agriculture plays a much more significant role in Norton County due to its rural demographic, whereas urban areas in Kansas have more diversified economies.

As of the latest data, the average income in Norton County, Kansas is lower than both the national and state averages. Here's a summary:

Norton County, KS:

• Median Household Income: $49,000
• Per Capita Income: $25,000

National Averages:

• Median Household Income: $68,700
• Per Capita Income: $35,672

Kansas State Averages:

• Median Household Income: $62,000
• Per Capita Income: $32,000

Statistics Table:

This data highlights that Norton County's average incomes are significantly below both state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, Norton County, Kansas, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate (per 1,000 residents) is approximately 11.55. Here is a breakdown of specific types of crimes reported:

This data indicates that Norton County is a safer community with lower rates of violent and property crimes compared to larger urban areas. Note that crime rates can fluctuate from year to year.