Education, Employment and Housing
Allen County, KS has approximately 14 public schools, including one main high school (Iola High School), and no four-year colleges, though Allen Community College offers associate degrees and adult education programs. About 88% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 18% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above average per state reports, and local schools offer vocational, dual-credit, and special education programs. Graduation rates average 89%, with student-teacher ratios near 13:1, supporting individualized attention and a diverse range of learning opportunities across the county.
As of 2022, Allen County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 58.5%. The largest industries by employment are Health Care & Social Assistance (19.6%), Retail Trade (13.1%), and Manufacturing (11.5%). Most workers are employed in Office & Administrative Support, Production, and Sales occupations. About 75% of employed residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 15.9 minutes. Major employment locations include Iola and Humboldt, with a small share commuting outside the county for work (around 16%).
Allen County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with renters making up the rest. The median home value is approximately $88,000, and the median monthly rent is around $700. Property values have remained relatively stable, seeing slight annual increases of 2–3%. Housing types primarily include single-family homes and some multi-family units, especially in larger towns like Iola and Humboldt. Neighborhoods offer quiet, close-knit communities. Property taxes average roughly 1.5% of a home’s value, translating to about $1,320 annually for a median-priced home.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Allen County, KS had a population of 12,526. The median age was 41.7 years, with 21.4% under 18 and 21.5% over 65. The gender makeup was approximately 50.8% female and 49.2% male. Racially, the county was 88.3% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 6.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with 4.2% reporting two or more races.
Elections
As of 2024, Allen County, KS has approximately 7,500 registered voters. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including city council and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 68% voted Republican and 29% Democrat. Polling locations include the Allen County Courthouse in Iola and sites in Moran and Humboldt. Local issues often focus on education funding and rural development. Elections are administered by the County Clerk's office. The county leans Republican, with about 60% registered as Republicans, 22% Democrats, and 18% unaffiliated or other parties.
County Crime & Safety
In Allen County, KS, the crime rate is notably lower than the national average, with a violent crime rate of approximately 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate around 13.9 per 1,000. Recent statistics from 2023 indicate a continued downward trend in both categories. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, reflected in a clearance rate of over 45% for reported offenses. Residents generally report feeling safe, with enhanced neighborhood watch programs bolstering prevention efforts throughout the county.
Popular names
- James Hunt
- Archie Smith
- Joshua Martin
- Larry Kress
- Michael Miller
- Paul Porter
- Robert Wilson
- Adam Cole
- Brian Shaughnessy
- Clifford Peterson
- David Velasquez
- Donna Evans
- Jacob Hamlin
- James Appling
- James Kelley
- James Shaw
- Kyle King
- Matthew Kerr
- Rachel Bellman
- Ralph Shafer
- Rex Hobbs
- Ronald Hawley
- Shelby Brown
- Steven Richards
- Timothy Genoble
- Alanna Knavel
- Alexis Poffenbarger
- Andrea Northcutt
- Andrew Patterson
- Angela Thompson
- Angela Whitaker
- Anthony Maness
- Anthony Throckmorton
- Arlene Thornhill
- Barbara Wilson
- Becky Fewins
- Ben Slife
- Blake Mueller
- Bradlee Bennett
- Branden Thomas
- Brandon Berntsen
- Brent Aiello
- Brett Daniels
- Brett Erickson
- Brieanna Mueller
- Cara Thomas
- Carol Wilson
- Carolyn Maloney
- Carolynn Krohn
- Chase Sigg
- Chelsea Shrum
- Cheryl Anderson
- Chris Valentine
- Clint Haigler
- Cody Strickler
- Cody Weast
- Cole Herder
- Crystal Hall
- Dakota Kogan
- Dale Sandlin
Other Counties in Kansas
- Anderson
- Atchison
- Barber
- Barton
- Bourbon
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- Chase
- Chautauqua
- Cherokee
- Cheyenne
- Clark
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- Coffey
- Comanche
- Cowley
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- Dickinson
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- Edwards
- Elk
- Ellis
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- Ford
- Franklin
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- Grant
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