Osage County Public RecordsKansas

As of the 2020 Census, Osage County, Kansas, had a population of 15,766. Approximately 49.6% were male and 50.4% female, with a median age of about 42 years. The racial makeup was predominantly White (91.7%), followed by Native American (1.6%), Black or African American (0.5%), Asian (0.3%), and those identifying as two or more races (5.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for 2.7% of the population.

Osage County, KS, has 9 public schools serving around 2,000 K-12 students, with a high school graduation rate of about 90%. Around 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Schools score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools ratings, reflecting moderate academic performance. Adult education opportunities are available via nearby community colleges. School safety is a priority, with district policies in place and a low incident rate. Educational programs include career and technical education, special education, and gifted programs, supporting diverse student needs.

As of 2023, Osage County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 59.4%. The leading industries are education, health services (22%), manufacturing (14%), and retail trade (12%). Most workers are employed in management, office, and administrative support roles (about 29%), with production and transportation at 18%. The average commute time is 27 minutes; over 80% of residents drive alone to work, with Topeka being a common employment destination. Agriculture and public administration also contribute significantly to local employment.

Osage County, KS has a homeownership rate of approximately 79%, with median home values around $125,000 and typical rents near $800 per month. The housing market has seen modest growth, with property values rising around 5% yearly. Most homes are single-family dwellings, accompanied by some mobile homes and rentals. Popular neighborhoods include Lyndon, Osage City, and Carbondale. Annual property taxes average about 1.3% of assessed value, roughly $1,625 for a median-priced home, making the area attractive for both homeowners and renters seeking affordable living.

Osage County, Kansas, had 11,476 registered voters in 2022. It conducts elections for federal, state, county, and local offices, including school boards. In the 2020 presidential election, 72.5% voted Republican and 25.3% Democrat. The county has 18 polling locations. Voter turnout averages 58%. Recent ballot issues included school funding and marijuana decriminalization. The Osage County Election Office administers elections, maintaining compliance with Kansas Secretary of State directives. Republican voters dominate (about 62%), followed by Democrats (22%) and unaffiliated voters (16%), reflecting the county's conservative leanings. No major reported polling problems occurred in recent cycles.

Osage County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent data, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are around 11.2 per 1,000, both lower than national averages. The sheriff’s office actively promotes community safety through crime prevention programs and encourages prompt crime reporting. In 2023, the county reported fewer than 120 total crimes. Overall, Osage County is considered a safe community with proactive law enforcement and active community involvement in crime reduction.