Harper County Public RecordsKansas

As of 2024, Harper County, KS has approximately 3,400 registered voters. The county conducts general, primary, local, and special elections, managed by the Harper County Clerk’s Office. In the 2022 general election, 68% of registered voters participated; 75% voted Republican, 22% Democrat, and 3% other. Major issues include local school funding and property taxes. Polling locations include the Harper County Courthouse and community centers in Anthony and Attica. Voter registration by party is roughly 60% Republican, 30% Democrat, and 10% unaffiliated. The county emphasizes transparent election administration and efficient polling processes.

As of the 2020 census, Harper County, Kansas, had a population of 5,485. The median age was 44.6 years, with 22.5% under 18 and 23.2% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was nearly even, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female. The county is predominantly White (89.8%), with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 6.9%, and smaller percentages for Black (0.7%), Native American (0.7%), and other races.

Harper County, KS has three public school districts with a total of five schools (elementary to high school). About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while approximately 14% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety incidents are below state averages, and district report cards show an average state assessment proficiency score of 60%. Adult education options include GED preparation and career certification programs. Educational programs feature FFA, dual-credit college courses, and various extracurricular activities, supporting both academic and vocational development in a safe environment.

As of 2023, Harper County, KS has an employment rate of approximately 60%. The leading industries are Agriculture (20%), Health Care (18%), and Retail Trade (14%). Major occupation types include management (13%), production (12%), and sales (10%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes; 65% work within the county, while others commute to nearby areas such as Wichita and Kingman. The unemployment rate stands near 3.4%.

Harper County, KS, has a homeownership rate around 73%, with median home values near $66,000 and median gross rents approximately $630 per month (2022 estimates). The housing market has remained steady, with modest appreciation in recent years. Single-family homes dominate, along with some multi-unit rentals. Byron, Anthony, and Attica are primary neighborhoods, offering rural and small-town lifestyles. Property taxes average about 1.6% of assessed home value. The county’s affordability makes it attractive for buyers, but housing inventory remains limited.

Harper County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to the latest 2022 Kansas Bureau of Investigation report, Harper County reported 40 total criminal offenses, including 4 violent crimes and 36 property crimes. The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents was approximately 0.78, well below the state average of 3.9. Local law enforcement encourages community involvement and timely reporting; over 90% of crimes are cleared by arrests or exceptional means. Despite its rural size, continued vigilance and engagement help keep Harper County one of Kansas’s safer communities.