Chautauqua County Public RecordsKansas

Chautauqua County, KS, had approximately 2,600 registered voters as of 2022. The county administers general, primary, and local elections under the supervision of the County Clerk’s office. In the 2020 Presidential election, over 81% voted Republican, 17% Democrat. Polling locations include courthouses in Sedan and Cedar Vale. Key issues often revolve around agriculture, rural healthcare, and education funding. Both Republican and Democratic parties are represented, but Republicans hold the majority. Voter turnout typically exceeds 70% in general elections.

Chautauqua County, Kansas, maintains a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the county reports under 100 total crimes annually, with violent crimes making up less than 10% of cases. Property crimes, including theft and burglary, are the most common, but occur at rates below 2 per 1,000 residents. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office releases annual crime reports and encourages prompt reporting to aid prevention. Overall, the county is considered safe, with proactive community policing contributing to its secure environment.

As of the 2020 Census, Chautauqua County, KS had a population of 3,379. The median age was approximately 49.2 years, reflecting an older population. Gender distribution was nearly balanced, with about 50.1% male and 49.9% female residents. The racial makeup was predominantly White (88.2%), with Native Americans representing 5.1%, those of two or more races 5.2%, and Hispanic or Latino individuals at 2.3% of the population.

Chautauqua County, KS has 4 public schools serving about 400 students, including 1 high school: Sedan High. Around 85% of residents hold a high school diploma while only about 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 5/10, and safety incidents are notably low. Adult education and vocational training opportunities are limited but available through regional partnerships. Educational programs focus on core academics and agriculture, with some extracurricular offerings.

Chautauqua County, Kansas, has an employment rate of approximately 52.6% for residents ages 16 and over. Key employment sectors include educational services, health care, and social assistance (25%), followed by agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (12%). The leading occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (29%), and production, transportation, and material moving (23%). Most residents (about 75%) commute by car, with a mean travel time to work of 19 minutes, primarily to locations within the county or nearby towns such as Independence and Sedan.

Chautauqua County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values near $62,000—well below state and national averages. Rental options are limited, with median gross rent around $575 monthly. The county’s housing stock primarily consists of single-family homes, many built before 1970, scattered across rural neighborhoods and small towns like Sedan and Cedar Vale. Property values have remained stable, with minimal annual appreciation. Property tax rates average 1.4% of home value. The area is known for its affordable living and rural charm, attracting those seeking a quiet lifestyle and lower housing costs.