Riley County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Riley County, KS, has a population of approximately 71,959. The racial composition is 78.7% White, 7.5% African American, 4.3% Asian, 0.8% Native American, and 6.8% from other races or two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race make up about 8.4% of the population. The median household income is $49,744, and around 23.3% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county's population density is 155.6 people per square mile. Riley County is home to Manhattan, the primary city, and Kansas State University.

As of the latest data in 2023, Riley County, KS, has a median home value of approximately $191,000. The county features around 29,000 housing units with a homeownership rate of 42.9%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,050 per month. Home appreciation over the past decade stands at about 3.5% annually. The vacancy rate for homes is around 12%, reflecting the transient population influenced by Kansas State University.

Riley County, KS, has a variety of local, state, and federal elections. For the county commission, three districts are represented. In the 2022 elections, Republican John Ford and Democrat Kathryn Focke vied for seats. State legislature races include District 66, with incumbent Sydney Carlin, a Democrat, and District 67, represented by Mike Dodson, a Republican. Federal elections cover Kansas's 1st congressional district, with Republican Tracey Mann winning with 71.3% of the vote against Democrat Jimmy Beard (28.7%). Voter turnout in Riley County was approximately 51.9% in the 2022 midterms. Local positions also include school board members and city commissioners, with a mix of incumbents and challengers.

Riley County, KS, showcases a notably educated demographic, largely influenced by the presence of Kansas State University. Approximately 94.4% of residents 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, higher than the national average of 89%. Additionally, 52.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing both the national average of 33.1% and the Kansas state average of 36.2%. This educational attainment reflects the county's strong academic environment and the impact of higher education institutions.

As of the most recent data, Riley County, KS has an employment rate of approximately 95%, aligning closely with both state (Kansas) and national averages. Key industries in Riley County include Education and Health Services, largely driven by Kansas State University and affiliated medical facilities. The university is the county's largest employer. Other significant sectors are Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, and Public Administration.

In comparison, at the state level, Kansas also sees a strong presence in manufacturing and agriculture, industries less dominant in Riley County. Nationally, sectors such as technology and professional services play a larger role than they do locally.

Employment values show parallels with both state and national trends but are more heavily influenced by the educational institution's presence. This academic focus results in a higher percentage of jobs in education and public administration relative to the broader averages.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Riley County, KS, stands at approximately $54,324. This is below both the national average, which is around $68,700, and the Kansas state average of about $61,000.

Income Comparison

This disparity can be attributed to various factors, including the county's economic structure and cost of living.

As of the most recent data available in 2022, Riley County, KS has displayed various crime metrics. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 23.4. Here's a brief statistical breakdown of different types of crimes reported:

These values are subject to change annually and are influenced by various factors including population growth and law enforcement efficiency. Therefore, checking regular updates from local law enforcement agencies is advisable for the most current information.