Cherokee County Public RecordsKansas

Cherokee County, KS, had 13,865 registered voters as of 2022, with Republicans forming the majority, followed by Democrats and unaffiliated voters. The county conducts general, primary, and local elections, with turnout reaching about 55% in the 2020 general election. Polling locations include sites in Columbus, Baxter Springs, and Galena. Election issues often center on local governance, education, and taxation. The Cherokee County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Kansas regulations. In recent years, Republican candidates have won most countywide races, securing around 70% of the vote in 2020’s presidential election.

Cherokee County, KS, has around 13 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving approximately 2,300 students. About 87.5% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 13.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores in the county are near the state average, and dropout rates are below 4%. The schools offer vocational programs, dual-credit, and extra safety measures, with reported incidents of school violence significantly below the national average. Adult education and GED programs are available through the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center.

As of early 2024, Cherokee County, KS, has an employment rate of roughly 55.5%. Leading industries include health care and social assistance (17%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (11%). Most common occupations are in office/administrative support (14%) and production (12%). About 85% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute of 20 minutes. While many are employed locally, around 18% commute to nearby Joplin, MO, and other regional hubs. The county faces a labor force participation rate below the national average, reflecting its rural and aging demographics.

Cherokee County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with renters making up the remainder. The median home value is around $97,000, while median rents average about $700 per month. Housing types primarily include single-family homes, with some apartments in towns like Baxter Springs and Columbus. Notable neighborhoods are historic downtown Columbus and Galena’s residential areas. Market trends show modest property value growth of approximately 3% annually. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 1.3% of a home’s value per year, making Cherokee County an affordable place for both homeowners and renters.

Cherokee County, KS experiences a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 450 total crimes, including 40 violent crimes and 410 property crimes, yielding a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents. The local sheriff’s office actively promotes community-oriented policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activity. Despite fluctuations, the area’s crime rates have slightly decreased over the past five years, enhancing safety. Regular updates and statistics are available through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s online crime reporting system.

As of the 2020 Census, Cherokee County, Kansas had a population of 19,362. The median age was about 40.4 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female. Racially, the county was 85.7% White, 6.7% Native American, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 4.8% identifying as two or more races; 2.7% of residents were Hispanic or Latino.