Douglas County Public RecordsKansas

Douglas County, KS, has over 93,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, with polling at 30+ locations. In the 2020 Presidential election, 70.2% voted for the Democratic candidate. The County Clerk administers elections, ensuring secure processes. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, though Democrats hold a registration advantage. Major local issues include affordable housing and education funding. Voters can vote early, by mail, or on Election Day.

Douglas County, KS has 18 public K-12 schools and several private schools, serving over 11,000 students. The county boasts a high school graduation rate of 92%, with 47% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas, supporting strong higher education options. School safety scores remain above the state average, and schools offer advanced placement, STEM, and arts programs. Adult education is supported through community college and continuing education classes, maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning and educational excellence.

Douglas County, KS has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.8% (April 2024, BLS). Key industries include educational services (27%), health care/social assistance (14%), and retail trade (10%). Common occupations are education (18%), management/business (17%), and sales (10%). Around 75% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 18 minutes; 65% work within Douglas County, mostly in Lawrence, while about 15% commute to neighboring counties like Johnson and Shawnee.

Douglas County, KS, boasts a 54% homeownership rate, with median home values around $275,000 in 2024, up 4% year-over-year. The average monthly rent is approximately $1,250. Housing types range from historic homes in Old West Lawrence to modern apartments near the University of Kansas. Popular neighborhoods include East Lawrence and Prairie Park. Property tax rates average 1.37% of assessed value. The market remains competitive, with limited inventory fueling steady price growth.

Douglas County, KS had an estimated 2023 population of about 122,000. The median age is approximately 30.3 years due to the University of Kansas’s presence. About 50.1% are female and 49.9% male. Racially, the county is 81.2% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, 0.9% Native American, and 4.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with remaining percentages comprising other races and multiracial residents.

Douglas County, KS, generally has lower crime rates compared to national averages, with a 2022 violent crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 20.1 per 1,000. The Lawrence Police Department reported 310 violent crimes and 2,430 property crimes in 2022. Crime has seen a slight downward trend in recent years. Residents are encouraged to report incidents through local law enforcement agencies or anonymous tip lines, contributing to robust community safety and responsive policing efforts.