Kearny County Public RecordsKansas

Kearny County, KS, is served primarily by USD 215 (Lakin) and USD 216 (Deerfield), encompassing 3 public schools: 2 elementary, 1 high school. In 2023, high school graduation rates exceeded 92%. About 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the state average. School safety scores are above Kansas’s mean, with robust anti-bullying and security measures. Educational programs include FFA, robotics, and dual-credit college courses. Adult education options are limited but accessible through regional community colleges and online platforms.

As of 2022, Kearny County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 66%, with about 2,000 people employed. The largest industries are agriculture (27%), education and health services (18%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupation types include management (22%), office/administrative support (15%), and production (10%). Over 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 14 minutes; most are employed within the county, while around 12% commute to nearby areas such as Finney County.

Kearny County, KS, features a homeownership rate of around 70%, with median home values near $120,000 in 2023. Monthly rents average about $800. The housing market remains stable, with modest appreciation in property values. Most homes are single-family residences, common in Garden City and Lakin neighborhoods. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value, translating to approximately $1,680 annually for a median-priced home. The county offers quiet, family-friendly communities, and affordable housing options relative to state and national averages.

As of the 2020 Census, Kearny County, Kansas, had a population of 3,983. The median age was 33.6 years. Approximately 51% of residents were male and 49% female. The racial/ethnic composition was 57% White, 1% Black or African American, 2% Native American, 1% Asian, and 35% from other races; 50% identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Kearny County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 35 total crimes, with 5 violent crimes (including 0 murders) and 30 property crimes. The crime rate stands at roughly 9.6 per 1,000 residents, well below Kansas’s state average of 27.2 per 1,000. Law enforcement prioritizes community safety, and most incidents involve minor thefts or burglaries. Crime statistics are reported annually by the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, ensuring transparency and prompt public information.

Kearny County, KS, has approximately 2,200 registered voters as of 2022, with around 65% Republican, 20% Democrat, and 15% unaffiliated. The county holds elections for local offices, state legislature, and federal positions, with recent general election turnout at about 55%. Major polling locations include the Kearny County Courthouse and local community centers in Lakin and Deerfield. Voting issues typically involve agriculture and education funding. The County Clerk’s office administers elections. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received 75% of the vote; Democrats garnered 23%. Advance and mail-in ballots are available.