Barber County Public RecordsKansas

Barber County, KS, had 3,446 registered voters as of 2022, mostly Republican (over 75%). The county holds general, primary, and local elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 83% voted Republican, 14% Democrat. Main polling locations include the Medicine Lodge Courthouse. Key issues involve agriculture and property taxes. Elections are administered by the County Clerk’s office. The county consistently favors Republican candidates; in 2022, all county commissioners elected were Republicans. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active, but Republican dominance is clear in both voter registration and election outcomes.

Barber County, KS, serves around 800 K-12 students across three public schools, including two elementary and one high school. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, while 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, with low reported incidents. Educational programs include agriculture, vocational training, and dual-credit options. For adults, the county offers GED and continuing education courses through community partnerships. Overall, Barber County schools average a 7/10 rating, reflecting strong student support and diverse programming despite limited size.

Barber County, KS, had an employment rate of about 55.5% in 2022. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (19.3%), Retail Trade (16.7%), and Agriculture (13.2%). Major occupation types include Management (25.1%) and Sales (20.4%). Most workers (81.9%) drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 15 minutes. While many residents work locally, around 20% commute to nearby counties, mainly Pratt and Harper.

Barber County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $77,000 and median gross rents near $615 (2022 ACS). Housing stock mainly comprises single-family homes, concentrated in towns like Medicine Lodge and Kiowa. Property values have remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. Neighborhoods offer quiet, rural living with low population density. The county’s property tax rate averages 1.4%, resulting in annual taxes of roughly $1,080 on a median-valued home. Renting is less common, but affordable. Overall, Barber County offers cost-effective, modest housing options with affordable taxes.

Barber County, KS, generally reports low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county recorded a total of 44 reported crimes, with property crimes (32 incidents) outnumbering violent crimes (12 incidents). The crime rate stands at approximately 14.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, notably below both state and national rates. The local sheriff’s office actively engages in crime prevention and community outreach, contributing to higher reporting accuracy and robust public safety.

As of 2023, Barber County, Kansas, has an estimated population of 4,150. The median age is around 44.8 years, with 21% under 18 and 24% over 65. The gender distribution is nearly equal, with approximately 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (91.5%), with small proportions of Hispanic or Latino (4.7%), two or more races (2.1%), African American (0.6%), and Native American (0.9%).