Elections

Labette County, KS, had 13,245 registered voters as of 2022, with 46% Republican, 28% Democrat, and 26% unaffiliated. The county administers federal, state, and local elections, with recent results showing Republicans winning 68% in the 2020 presidential race. Polling sites include the Parsons Municipal Building and Altamont City Hall. Major issues include rural broadband access and school funding. Voter turnout reached 62% in 2020. The county clerk's office oversees election administration, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Education, Employment and Housing

Labette County, KS, is served by several public school districts, including Labette County USD 506 and Parsons USD 503, with around 11 public schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, with reported incidents below the national average. Educational programs include college prep, vocational training, and dual-credit courses. Labette Community College supports adult education and workforce training. Average state test scores are slightly below the Kansas state average, reflecting ongoing efforts for academic improvement.

Labette County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 57% (2022). Major industries include health care and social assistance (22%), manufacturing (20%), and retail trade (10%). Top occupation types are production (16%), office and administrative support (13%), and sales (10%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 17 minutes. Roughly 67% work within the county, while the rest travel to nearby areas like Parsons and Coffeyville for employment.

Labette County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with a median home value of approximately $82,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is around $700 monthly. The market has seen modest value increases of about 2% year-over-year. Housing includes single-family homes, some apartments, and mobile homes, with popular neighborhoods in Parsons and Oswego. Property tax rates average 1.49%, leading to annual taxes near $1,220 for a median-priced home. The area offers affordable housing but limited new development, keeping prices accessible for both buyers and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Labette County, KS, has a higher crime rate than the national average, with a total crime rate of about 38.2 per 1,000 residents. In 2022, there were roughly 1,400 reported crimes, including 1,200 property crimes and 200 violent crimes. The county’s violent crime rate (3.3 per 1,000 residents) is above the Kansas average. Law enforcement encourages residents to report suspicious activity, helping improve community safety. Despite efforts, theft and burglary remain leading concerns, accounting for approximately 70% of reported offenses.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Labette County, Kansas had a population of 20,184. The median age is approximately 41 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the county is 84% White, 3% Black or African American, 4% Native American, 1% Asian, and 5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 4% of the population.