Education, Employment and Housing

Geary County, KS, hosts 15 public schools, including Junction City High School, serving over 7,000 students. About 87% of residents hold a high school diploma, and 19% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average test score is around 40% proficiency in math and reading. School safety initiatives include SRO programs and regular safety drills. Adult education programs are available through Junction City Workforce Center. Educational offerings range from STEM and AP courses to career and technical programs, supporting diverse learning needs in a moderately safe learning environment.

As of 2022, Geary County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 62.5%, with a labor force of around 13,000. The largest industries are Public Administration (23%)—driven by the presence of Fort Riley—followed by Health Care & Social Assistance (13%), and Retail Trade (11%). Top occupations include Office & Administrative Support (14%) and Sales (10%). About 68% of workers commute less than 15 minutes, with most employment located within the county; over 75% both live and work in Geary County, while 20% commute from other areas.

Geary County, KS, features a homeownership rate of about 51%, with the remainder renting. The median home value is approximately $154,000, while median rent is around $1,030 monthly. Property values have risen roughly 7% year-over-year as of 2023. Housing options include single-family homes, apartments, and some townhouses, mainly concentrated in Junction City and Grandview Plaza neighborhoods. The area offers stable rental demand due to Fort Riley’s military presence. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value. The market is considered affordable compared to state and national averages, making it attractive for first-time buyers and renters alike.

Demographics

Geary County, KS had an estimated 2023 population of 34,036. The age distribution skews young, with a median age of 29.5 years. Approximately 54% are male and 46% female, reflecting the presence of Fort Riley military base. Racially, 60.9% identify as White, 20.7% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 14.7% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The county is notably diverse compared to other Kansas counties.

Elections

Geary County, KS, has approximately 17,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Republicans comprising about 48%, Democrats 22%, and Unaffiliated 30%. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, with recent turnout near 55% in general elections. Polling locations include the Junction City Municipal Building and Milford City Building. Key issues are local schools and military community support, given Fort Riley’s presence. The Geary County Clerk administers elections. In 2022, Republicans won most local offices, although competitive races occur. Early voting and mail-in ballots are both available to accommodate voters.

County Crime & Safety

Geary County, KS, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 1,200 crimes, including 120 violent offenses (such as 2 homicides and 18 robberies) and 1,080 property crimes (with 900 thefts and 65 burglaries). The crime rate stands at about 28 crimes per 1,000 residents, slightly above the Kansas state average. The Geary County Sheriff's Office encourages crime reporting through online and phone channels, contributing to improved community safety and proactive policing.