Education, Employment and Housing
Rawlins County, KS, has one main high school, Rawlins County Jr/Sr High School, serving approximately 120 students with a graduation rate of about 97%. The county offers no four-year colleges, and only 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. With two public schools in the district and an average student-teacher ratio of 9:1, school safety is high, and the district reports very few disciplinary incidents annually. Educational programs include vocational training and college credit courses, supporting diverse student interests.
Rawlins County, KS, had an estimated labor force participation rate of about 58% in 2022, with an unemployment rate around 2.1%. Key employment sectors include agriculture (20%), education and health services (17%), and retail trade (11%). The most common occupations are management, sales, and office/administrative support. Approximately 72% of workers commute less than 15 minutes to work, with over 75% employed within the county. The median household income is around $53,000. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022, Kansas Department of Labor)
Rawlins County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values near $88,000 and median gross rents around $650 per month. The housing market remains stable with slight appreciation in recent years. Typical housing types include single-family homes and some older farmhouses, primarily in Atwood and McDonald neighborhoods. Property taxes average approximately 1.5% of a property’s value. The area offers affordable living compared to state and national averages, making it an attractive option for families and retirees seeking quiet rural communities.
County Crime & Safety
Rawlins County, KS, is known for its low crime and high safety ratings. According to 2022 FBI data, the county reported only 2 violent crimes and 6 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate significantly below state and national averages. Law enforcement agencies actively promote community safety, and crime reporting is efficient through the sheriff’s office. The overall crime rate is around 4.2 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a safe and secure environment for its population of about 2,500.
Elections
Rawlins County, KS, had approximately 1,700 registered voters in 2022, with about 65% Republican, 20% Democrat, and 15% unaffiliated. The county holds general, primary, and local elections, administering polling at the Rawlins County Courthouse in Atwood and community centers. In the 2020 presidential election, 85% voted Republican and 13% Democrat. Key local issues include agriculture and rural healthcare. Elections are managed by the County Clerk’s office. Voter turnout often exceeds 70%, reflecting strong civic participation despite the county's small, rural population.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Rawlins County, Kansas, had a population of approximately 2,561. The median age was 49.6 years, reflecting an aging population. About 51% were male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (95.6%), with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 2.8%, and other racial or ethnic groups making up less than 2%. The population density is low, consistent with its rural setting.
Popular names
- Austin Reuber
- Bailey Philpott
- Cheri Hutchison
- Dorothy Reinert
- Gary Worthy
- Gina Chvatal
- Jennifer Smith
- Kathryn Richardson
- Lee Skiles
- Lester Horinek
- Marilyn Horinek
- Mathew Withington
- Patricia Mulligan
- Scott Carlson
- Simon Micek
- Terry Kastens
- Aaron Sis
- Adam Ketterl
- Alan Archer
- Alan Reuber
- Albert Kompus
- Allen Antholz
- Alyssa Holste
- Amber Timm
- Anastasia Easterday
- Andrew Sramek
- Anna Newlin
- Anthony Horinek
- Anthony Merida
- April Green
- Arthur Dunker
- Ashleigh Peterson
- Ashton Bearley
- Austin Argabright
- Bessie Persinger
- Betty Kompus
- Betty Wilkens
- Blaine Ginther
- Blanche Vap
- Brad Pfortmiller
- Bradley Porubsky
- Brenda Smith
- Brett Carroll
- Brett Lankas
- Brianna West
- Brittney Swart
- Carol Williams
- Caroline Huff
- Casey Simminger
- Chandi Reed
- Charles Carroll
- Charles Felzien
- Charles Peckham
- Chelsie Kramer
- Chris Sramek
- Christopher Loeffler
- Colton Roesener
- Connie Peckham
- Connor Hazuka
- Cort Antholz
Other Counties in Kansas
- Allen
- Anderson
- Atchison
- Barber
- Barton
- Bourbon
- Brown
- Butler
- Chase
- Chautauqua
- Cherokee
- Cheyenne
- Clark
- Clay
- Cloud
- Coffey
- Comanche
- Cowley
- Crawford
- Decatur
- Dickinson
- Doniphan
- Douglas
- Edwards
- Elk
- Ellis
- Ellsworth
- Finney
- Ford
- Franklin
- Geary
- Gove
- Graham
- Grant
- Gray
- Greeley
- Greenwood
- Hamilton
- Harper
- Harvey
- Haskell
- Hodgeman
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Jewell
- Johnson
- Kearny
- Kingman
- Kiowa
- Labette
- Lane