Graham County Public RecordsKansas

Graham County, KS, has three unified public school districts, including Hill City Junior-Senior High School, serving around 400 K-12 students countywide. About 89% of adults have a high school diploma; 20% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. GreatSchools rates local schools between 5-7/10. School safety is generally rated above state average with low incidence reports. Adult education options include GED and community college programs nearby. Schools offer diverse educational programs, including career and technical education, and extracurriculars, supporting student achievement and post-secondary readiness.

As of 2022, Graham County, KS, had an employment rate of approximately 59%, with about 1,180 residents employed. Major industries include health care and social assistance (25%), agriculture (19%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupations are management (20%), sales (11%), and office/administrative support (10%). Around 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 13 minutes, and over 60% work within the county. The labor force participation rate stands at about 56%, reflecting a largely local and agriculturally driven economy.

Graham County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with a median home value around $80,000. The rental vacancy rate is high, with median gross rents near $600 per month. Most homes are single-family houses, predominantly built before 1980. The county is largely rural, with communities such as Hill City and Morland. Property values have seen slow, steady growth in recent years. Property taxes average roughly 1.4% of a home’s value. Neighborhoods are quiet, featuring wide lots and affordable living, attracting families seeking low cost of living and a close-knit atmosphere.

Graham County, KS, maintains a low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the latest FBI data, the county recorded just 3 violent crimes and 15 property crimes in 2022. This equates to a violent crime rate of 0.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents, both substantially below Kansas state averages. The Graham County Sheriff’s Office regularly reports incidents, emphasizing transparency and quick response, contributing to the area’s overall sense of safety.

Graham County, KS, had approximately 1,770 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts federal, state, and local elections, predominantly via paper ballots at polling sites such as the Graham County Courthouse in Hill City. In the 2020 presidential election, 85% voted Republican, 13% Democrat. Common issues include rural healthcare and agriculture policy. Elections are administered by the Graham County Clerk. Republican registration dominates, with GOP voters comprising nearly 80% of total registrants, Democrats around 13%, and unaffiliated voters about 7%. Voter turnout often exceeds 65% in general elections.

As of the 2020 Census, Graham County, KS had a population of 2,441. The median age was 49.4 years, reflecting an older population. Approximately 51% were male and 49% female. The racial composition was predominantly White (94.7%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), two or more races (1.9%), and African American, Native American, and Asian populations making up less than 1% each.