Jefferson County Public RecordsKansas

As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson County, KS, had a population of 18,368. The median age was 42.4 years, with 48.9% male and 51.1% female residents. Racially, the county was 93.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, with other races and multiracial individuals comprising 4.4%.

Jefferson County, KS, has approximately 13,000 residents with around 9,500 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds general, primary, municipal, and school board elections. In the 2022 general election, turnout was about 56%, with Republican candidates typically receiving over 65% of the vote. Polling locations include multiple sites, such as the Jefferson County Courthouse in Oskaloosa. Key issues include property taxes and school funding. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk. The voter base is predominantly Republican, with fewer registered Democrats and independents. Polls generally open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Jefferson County, KS, has 8 public schools serving K-12, including 3 high schools such as Jefferson West and Oskaloosa High. Graduation rates average 92%, with about 28% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. School safety measures are robust, with all schools reporting regular emergency drills in 2023. Average student test scores are near the state median. Special programs include career and technical education, and adult learning opportunities are available through nearby community colleges and online platforms, with over 150 adults enrolled annually in continuing education courses.

As of 2023, Jefferson County, KS had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.7%. Major employment industries include educational services, health care & social assistance (22%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (11%). Among employed residents, management, business, science, and arts occupations make up 34%, while 19% work in service occupations. About 88% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 29 minutes; most travel to Topeka, Lawrence, or nearby Douglas and Shawnee counties for employment. Over 70% of residents work outside the county.

Jefferson County, KS, has a homeownership rate of approximately 81%, with median home values around $190,000 in 2023. Rental options are limited; median rent is about $990 per month. Most housing consists of single-family homes, commonly in small towns like Oskaloosa and Valley Falls, or rural neighborhoods. Recent market trends show moderate appreciation, with property values rising about 5% from 2022 to 2023. Property tax rates average 1.4% of a home’s assessed value. The area offers affordable living compared to national averages, appealing mainly to families and retirees seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.

Jefferson County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported 163 total offenses, with property crimes (including 26 burglaries and 40 larcenies) outnumbering violent crimes (6 assaults, 2 robberies, and zero homicides). The overall crime rate stands at approximately 13 per 1,000 residents. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office encourages public reporting and community involvement, contributing to effective law enforcement and maintaining a strong sense of safety in the area.