Education, Employment and Housing

Miami County, KS features 17 public schools, with a high school graduation rate of around 92%. Approximately 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above average, with district-reported incidents remaining low. The county’s districts, including Paola and Louisburg, offer advanced placement (AP) and career technical education (CTE) programs. Adult education opportunities are provided through partnerships with nearby community colleges. Average public school ratings range from 6 to 8 out of 10.

As of 2023, Miami County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 96%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (14%), Manufacturing (13%), and Retail Trade (12%). Major occupation types include Management, Business & Finance (31%), Sales & Office (23%), and Production, Transportation & Material Moving (16%). About 85% of employed residents commute to work, with over 61% commuting to jobs outside the county, primarily to Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area. The average one-way commute time is 29 minutes.

Miami County, KS, features a homeownership rate around 78%, with median home values near $318,000 as of 2023, up 6% year-over-year. Rental rates average $1,120 monthly. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some townhomes and apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Paola, Louisburg, and Spring Hill, offering a mix of historic and newer developments. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value. The area remains attractive for its suburban lifestyle, excellent schools, and proximity to Kansas City, balancing affordability with rural charm.

County Crime & Safety

Miami County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the 2022 crime rate was approximately 1,151 incidents per 100,000 people—lower than the Kansas average of 2,630. Property crimes make up most reports, including 50 burglaries and 120 thefts annually, with violent crimes such as assaults and robberies below 40 cases each year. The Miami County Sheriff’s Office uses online reporting tools, and community watch programs contribute to enhanced safety and quicker response times in the area.

Elections

Miami County, Kansas, has approximately 24,000 residents, with around 17,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county administers local, state, and federal elections, with voters primarily affiliating as Republican (nearly 60%), Democrat (about 20%), and Unaffiliated (close to 20%). Polling locations include schools, churches, and public buildings across Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie. In the 2022 midterms, turnout was 52%. Key issues include education funding and property taxes. The county clerk manages elections, ensuring compliance with Kansas regulations. Republican candidates typically win, reflecting the county’s conservative leaning.

Demographics

As of 2023, Miami County, KS, has a population of approximately 35,000. The median age is about 40 years, with 24% under 18 and 17% aged 65 or older. The gender split is nearly even, at 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (over 89%), with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino (4%), African American (1%), Native American (1%), Asian (0.5%), and those of two or more races (5%).