Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Doniphan County, Kansas had a population of 7,510. The median age was 40.3 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the county was predominantly White (92.3%), with smaller proportions of Hispanic or Latino (3.9%), Black or African American (1.6%), and Native American (0.7%). About 1.5% identified as two or more races.

Elections

Doniphan County, KS, had 4,224 registered voters in 2022, primarily Republican (roughly 65%), with Democrats (24%) and unaffiliated voters (11%). The county holds primary, general, and special elections, administered by the County Clerk. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won 79% of the vote. Polling locations include Troy, Highland, and Elwood. Key recent issues include local school funding and tax levies. Election administration is overseen by a three-member Board of County Commissioners, with results consistently favoring the Republican Party.

Education, Employment and Housing

Doniphan County, KS, features three public school districts, with two high schools and a combined student body of around 900. The county’s high school graduation rate is approximately 92%. About 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety rankings are generally above state average, and schools score a combined 6/10 on GreatSchools. Northeast Kansas Technical College offers adult education and career programs. Districts offer STEM initiatives, dual credit courses, and vocational training, supporting diverse educational needs across the county.

As of 2023, Doniphan County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 60%. Major industries include manufacturing (18%), education and healthcare (23%), and retail trade (12%). The dominant occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (29%), and sales and office roles (23%). About 70% of workers commute outside the county, with 80% driving alone and an average commute time of 22 minutes. Key employment destinations include Atchison and St. Joseph, MO.

Doniphan County, KS, has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $127,000 in 2023. The rental vacancy rate is about 7.5%, and the median gross rent is $760 per month. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some apartments in towns like Troy and Elwood. Property values have shown slight annual increases of 2-4% recently. Neighborhoods are largely rural and close-knit. The average property tax rate is 1.51%, leading to an estimated annual tax of $1,918 on a median-valued home, making Doniphan an affordable option in Northeast Kansas.

County Crime & Safety

Doniphan County, KS, reports lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents—both below Kansas averages (4.1 and 21.8 per 1,000, respectively). The sheriff’s office maintains regular crime reporting and community safety initiatives. Overall, Doniphan County is considered a safe area, with proactive policing and above-average public safety efforts contributing to its low crime statistics.