Franklin County Public RecordsKansas

Franklin County, Kansas, had approximately 16,800 registered voters as of 2023. The county conducts general, primary, and local elections, with results typically favoring Republican candidates—Donald Trump won 68% of the county’s 2020 presidential vote. Fourteen polling locations serve its precincts. Key issues include rural infrastructure and property taxes. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance with Kansas law. Voter registration is roughly 58% Republican, 22% Democrat, and 20% unaffiliated. Early voting and mail-in ballots are available. Election information, including sample ballots and result summaries, can be accessed via the official county website.

Franklin County, KS, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported an overall crime rate of approximately 21.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime was relatively low, with 1.5 incidents per 1,000 people, while property crime stood at about 20.1 per 1,000 residents. The county sheriff’s office encourages prompt reporting, leading to a clearance rate of roughly 30% for all crimes. Overall, Franklin County is considered safer than 42% of U.S. communities.

Franklin County, KS has 13 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 91% of adults have a high school diploma, while 21% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 6/10. Schools offer career and technical education and advanced placement programs. Adult education opportunities are available through Neosho County Community College's Ottawa campus. School safety metrics report low incidents, with fewer than 5 major safety events annually.

As of 2023, Franklin County, KS has an employment rate of approximately 62%. Key industries include manufacturing (17%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (12%). Leading occupation types are production (13%), office/administrative support (12%), and sales (10%). The average commute time is 24 minutes, with about 27% of residents working outside the county, mainly commuting to Johnson and Douglas counties.

Franklin County, KS has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with a median home value of approximately $168,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is about $930 per month. Property values have steadily increased by 5-7% annually over the past three years. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with some multi-family units, especially in Ottawa. Popular neighborhoods include Ottawa, Wellsville, and Pomona. Property tax rates average 1.6% of assessed value, aligning with state averages. The area offers a mix of rural and small-town living.

As of 2023, Franklin County, Kansas, has a population of approximately 25,000. The median age is about 40 years, with 22% under 18 and 18% aged 65 and over. The gender distribution is nearly even, at 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county is 89% White, 2% Black or African American, 1% Native American, 1% Asian, and 6% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with other groups comprising the remaining 2%.