County Crime & Safety

Greeley County, KS, is among the safest counties in Kansas, reporting notably low crime rates. In 2022, the county recorded just 2 property crimes and zero violent crimes, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. This results in a property crime rate of about 1.9 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Law enforcement maintains an active presence, and continued low incident reports indicate a strong sense of safety and community vigilance throughout the area.

Education, Employment and Housing

Greeley County, KS, has one K-12 public school, Greeley County Schools (USD 200), serving about 170 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 93%. Only 16.6% of residents age 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. School safety ratings are above average, with minimal reported incidents. The district offers career and technical education (CTE), dual-credit courses, and adult education opportunities. Average test scores hover near the state average, and the student-teacher ratio is roughly 8:1, supporting individualized instruction and community-driven educational programs.

As of 2022, Greeley County, KS, had an employment rate of approximately 57%, with around 540 residents in the labor force. Key industries include agriculture (31%), education and health services (22%), and retail trade (13%). Top occupation types are management (22%), office/administrative support (16%), and construction/extraction (12%). Average commute time is 11.6 minutes, with 82% driving alone and most residents employed within the county. Only 6% commute out for work, primarily to neighboring Wallace and Wichita counties.

Greeley County, KS, features a high homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values near $70,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent stands at approximately $650 per month. The housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with some multi-family units, concentrated in small towns like Tribune. Property values have remained relatively stable, reflecting slow population growth. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and close-knit. Property taxes are moderate, with an average effective rate of about 1.5%. The real estate market is affordable, making it attractive for buyers seeking low-cost rural living.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Greeley County, Kansas, had a population of 1,284. The median age was 45.8 years, reflecting an aging population. About 51% were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (88.2%), with 1.6% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, and 6.8% from other races; 18.3% identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

As of 2024, Greeley County, KS has approximately 950 registered voters, with Republicans constituting 78%, Democrats 14%, and unaffiliated or other parties 8%. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, with polling places commonly at the Tribune Hall. In the 2022 general election, Republican candidates received over 80% of local votes. Key issues include agricultural policy, rural healthcare, and water rights. Elections are administered by the Greeley County Clerk’s office. Voter turnout averages 72% in presidential years, reflecting strong civic engagement within this small, rural county.