Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Republic County, Kansas, had a population of 4,674. The median age was 48.5 years, with 24% aged 65 or older. The gender split was approximately 49% male and 51% female. The county is predominantly White (96.7%), with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino (2%), and other races making up less than 2% combined.
Elections
Republic County, KS, had 3,856 registered voters in 2022, with 65% Republican, 20% Democrat, and 15% unaffiliated. Local elections cover county officials, school boards, and cities, with state and federal races during even years. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won 79% of the county vote. Main polling sites include the Courthouse in Belleville and several township halls. Key issues include rural healthcare and school funding. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk’s Office, following Kansas statutes. Republican dominance is consistent, though unaffiliated registrations have gradually increased since 2016.
County Crime & Safety
Republic County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the latest available FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, the county recorded fewer than 50 reported crimes in 2022, including less than 5 incidents of violent crime and around 40 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are about 9 per 1,000. Law enforcement actively monitors and addresses issues, making Republic County one of the safer counties in Kansas.
Education, Employment and Housing
Republic County, KS, offers education through Republic County USD 109, which includes Republic County High School and Belleville East Elementary. The graduation rate is approximately 95%, and about 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 public schools serving just over 600 students. School safety is a high priority, with zero on-campus incidents reported in 2023. Educational programs include FFA, STEM clubs, and dual-credit courses with nearby colleges. The district's average state assessment score is 74. Adult education opportunities are available through North Central Kansas Technical College.
As of 2022, Republic County, KS, had an employment rate of approximately 59.3%. Key industries include health care (21.7%), retail trade (13.5%), and manufacturing (12.2%). The most common occupations are management (19.3%), office/administrative (12.6%), and sales (10.5%). About 27% of county residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 16.7 minutes. Major employment locations include Belleville (the county seat) and surrounding rural areas, reflecting a workforce largely engaged in local services, education, and agriculture.
Republic County, KS, boasts a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $81,000 and median gross rents near $670 (2022 ACS). Single-family homes are most common, with some multifamily and mobile units. Housing values remain stable, with slight appreciation in recent years. Notable neighborhoods include Belleville and Courtland, offering quiet, rural living. Property taxes average 1.6% of home value, resulting in annual taxes near $1,300 for a median home. The affordable market and low rents make the county attractive for both homeowners and renters.
Popular names
- Harley Edwards
- Joshua Bowen
- Joshua Garst
- Rebecca Odell
- Waylon Sheetz
- Alan Richecky
- Alfred Havel
- Beverly Krob
- Billy Tabor
- Brandon Pierson
- Brian Schultze
- Burdette Callaway
- Carolyn Cornett
- Carolyn Skocny
- Christian Lambert
- Christian Tipton
- Cody Runft
- Derrick Nutsch
- Douglas Edwards
- Dustin Kasl
- Evelyn Johnson
- Gary Housholder
- Gary Lervold
- Jacob Wilber
- Janel Voorhees
- Jason Swafford
- Jean Farlee
- Julius Johnson
- Kade Cooper
- Kandi Wallin
- Kathy Johnson
- Leon Hartsock
- Lois Lahodny
- Lori Hall
- Mark Thomas
- Mary Brown
- Myron Eitzmann
- Nancy Gliwa
- Nathan Larkins
- Randy Skocny
- Robert Craig
- Rydal Tuxhorn
- Scott Whitefoot
- Steve Latham
- Aaron Dyke
- Aaron Kadavy
- Aaron Stone
- Aaron Strait
- Adam Anderson
- Adam Simmons
- Alene Lundberg
- Alex Heeger
- Alexis Nutsch
- Alexis Weatherhead
- Alfonso Paredes
- Alice Bowersox
- Amber Fees
- Amy Rickard
- Andre Dyke
- Andrea Carver
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