Ellis County Public RecordsKansas

Ellis County, KS, had around 19,800 registered voters as of 2022, predominantly Republican (about 60%), with Democrats and unaffiliated making up the rest. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, including school boards and referenda. In the 2020 presidential election, 74.7% voted Republican, 22.9% Democrat. Polling locations include sites in Hays and Victoria. Administration is handled by the Ellis County Clerk’s Office; key issues are rural healthcare, education, and agriculture. The county tends to support conservative policies, with voter turnout averaging 70% in major elections.

As of the 2020 Census, Ellis County, KS, had a population of approximately 28,934. About 50.4% were female and 49.6% male. The median age was 34.1 years. Racially, the population was 91.2% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 3.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with the remainder being other or multiracial groups.

Ellis County, KS, features five public school districts, including Hays USD 489, with a high school graduation rate of about 93%. In Hays, Fort Hays State University enrolls over 13,000 students, and approximately 32% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in Ellis County generally score above state average on standardized tests, and local high schools offer AP and dual-credit programs. Safety protocols are strong, and adult education is available via technical colleges. The student-teacher ratio averages 15:1, supporting personalized instruction.

As of 2022, Ellis County, KS, had an employment rate of approximately 63.5%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (18.3%), Educational Services (14.4%), and Retail Trade (11.6%). The leading occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (12.5%) and Sales (10.7%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 13.1 minutes. Most residents work within Ellis County itself, notably in Hays, which is the county’s major employment hub.

Ellis County, KS, features a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $190,000 and median rents near $800 monthly. Housing consists mostly of single-family homes, with some apartments and duplexes, especially around Hays, the largest city. Neighborhoods range from established areas with mid-century homes to newer developments. Property values have risen roughly 5% year-over-year. Ellis County’s property tax rate is about 1.7%, resulting in annual taxes of approximately $3,200 on a median-priced home. The market offers affordable options for both buyers and renters.

Ellis County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 320 total crimes, including 35 violent crimes and 285 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is about 21.2 per 1,000. Hays, the largest city, accounts for the majority of incidents. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office encourages regular public reporting and community watch participation, contributing to effective law enforcement and general public safety.