Demographics

As of 2023, Reno County, KS, has an estimated population of 61,800. The median age is 41.1 years, with 21.6% under 18 and 20.5% aged 65 or older. Females comprise 50.4% of the population. Racially, the county is 86.7% White, 4.0% Black, 1.1% Asian, 0.6% Native American, and 6.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

Reno County, KS has approximately 37,000 registered voters as of 2024, with around 48% Republican, 22% Democrat, and the rest unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, plus special referenda. In the 2020 presidential election, about 67% voted Republican and 31% Democrat. Key issues often include agriculture, taxes, and education funding. Polling locations are managed by the Reno County Clerk’s office, with 12 precincts countywide. Election administration emphasizes transparency and security, using both in-person and advance mail-in voting options. Election results and polling info are posted at https://www.renogov.org/193/Elections.

Education, Employment and Housing

Reno County, KS, has 22 public schools, including 5 high schools with a graduation rate of around 89%. Approximately 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school district score is 6/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education is supported by Hutchinson Community College. School safety initiatives include School Resource Officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational offerings span AP, vocational-technical, and dual-credit courses.

As of 2023, Reno County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 59.1%. The leading industries are health care and social assistance (17.8%), manufacturing (15.6%), and retail trade (12.7%). Major occupation types include office and administrative support (12.3%) and production (11.7%). Around 83% of employed residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 17.6 minutes. Most employees work within Reno County, with Hutchinson serving as the primary employment hub.

Reno County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $120,000 in 2023. The typical rent is approximately $850/month. Property values have risen modestly, with a 3% annual growth over the past year. Housing options range from single-family homes to apartments, with popular neighborhoods like Hutchinson and Buhler. The average property tax rate is 1.5%, resulting in yearly taxes of about $1,800 on a median-priced home. The area offers affordable living and diverse housing options, appealing to both families and professionals.

County Crime & Safety

Reno County, KS has a crime rate slightly above the national average. According to recent statistics, the overall crime rate is 29.1 per 1,000 residents annually. Property crime constitutes the majority, with 1 in 46 residents likely to be victims, while violent crime stands at 3.8 per 1,000 people. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting through online and phone channels, contributing to consistent crime data updates. Although safety varies by neighborhood, Reno County’s proactive approach fosters ongoing improvements in public safety.