Finney County Public RecordsKansas

Finney County, KS, has about 20,800 registered voters as of 2024, primarily Republican (over 55%), with Democrats and unaffiliated making up the rest. The county conducts general, primary, and local elections, with turnout around 52% in recent presidential years. Official polling locations include the 4-H Building and Garden City Recreation Center. Elections are administered by the Finney County Clerk. Recent results show Republicans winning most offices. Key issues include agriculture, water use, and immigration. Administration is transparent with adherence to Kansas’ voter ID laws. Major parties active are Republican and Democratic.

Finney County, KS, hosts about 20 public schools, including Garden City High School, serving over 7,500 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 81%, while around 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools offer a range of educational programs, including Advanced Placement and vocational training. Standardized test scores average slightly below the state mean, with a typical ACT composite score of 18.9. School safety measures, such as secure entrances and on-site officers, contribute to a low incident rate. Adult education and GED opportunities are available through Garden City Community College.

Finney County, KS, reported an unemployment rate of 2.5% in March 2024. Key employment sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, and health care, with 18% in agriculture, 23% in manufacturing (notably meatpacking), and 14% in health care. Major occupation types are production (22%), transportation/material moving (18%), and office/administrative support (13%). About 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 15.8 minutes. Most residents work within the county, particularly in Garden City, which serves as the region’s employment hub.

Finney County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 61%, with the median home value around $146,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $900 per month. Single-family homes dominate, though apartments and mobile homes are common. Notable neighborhoods in Garden City include Quail Plains and Schulman Crossing. The area has seen modest property value growth, rising about 5% annually since 2020. Property tax rates average 1.6% of assessed value. The housing market remains affordable compared to national averages, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.

Finney County, KS, reports a crime rate of approximately 35.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, higher than the national average. In 2022, there were about 1,340 total reported offenses, with property crimes (1,044 cases) outnumbering violent crimes (296 cases). The Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Garden City Police Department maintain public safety, utilizing community policing and prompt response. Crime trends are regularly reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation; recent years have seen minor declines, but residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially regarding property-related incidents.

As of 2022, Finney County, Kansas, has a population of approximately 38,400. The median age is around 31 years. Gender distribution is roughly 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the population is 49% White, 3% Black, 2% Asian, and 43% from other races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 52% of the population, reflecting significant diversity in the county.