Riley County Public RecordsKansas

Riley County, KS offers quality education with 19 public schools serving over 9,000 students, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 90%. About 47% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, due largely to Kansas State University in Manhattan. Schools score above the state average, with average math and reading proficiencies at 52% and 56%, respectively. School safety initiatives and varied educational programs, including STEM and adult learning opportunities, enhance student experience.

As of 2022, Riley County, KS reported an unemployment rate of approximately 2.5%. Major employment sectors include education and health services (33%), thanks to Kansas State University and Fort Riley, followed by retail trade (12%) and accommodation/food services (11%). The leading occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (38%), and service occupations (23%). About 70% of workers commute less than 15 minutes, with most (over 85%) working within the county. Manhattan is the primary employment hub, attracting residents from nearby areas for work.

Riley County, KS, features a homeownership rate of about 45%, with the remainder renting, largely due to the Kansas State University population. The median home value is around $235,000, while the median rent is $1,000 per month. Recent trends show steady appreciation in property values, rising approximately 5% annually. Housing types include single-family homes, student apartments, and duplexes, especially concentrated in Manhattan neighborhoods like Aggieville and Westloop. Annual property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value. These factors make Riley County’s housing market dynamic and accessible for both renters and homeowners.

As of 2023, Riley County, KS, has an estimated population of around 73,000. The median age is approximately 25.6 years, reflecting a large student population at Kansas State University. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county is about 78% White, 7% Black or African American, 5% Asian, and 9% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and multiracial residents comprise the remaining percentage, highlighting the county’s moderate diversity.

Riley County, KS, had about 45,000 registered voters for the 2022 general election. The county holds elections for federal, state, and local offices, as well as ballot issues. In 2022, turnout was 54%. Key polling locations include Manhattan Fire Station Headquarters and Riley County Senior Center. The county clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance. Results often favor Republicans—Ron Estes received 58% of the vote in 2022—while Democrats remain competitive in local races. Major issues include property taxes and school funding. Both Republican and Democratic parties have active local organizations.

Riley County, KS, typically reports lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the property crime rate was about 11.8 per 1,000 residents, and the violent crime rate was 4.4 per 1,000, both below national figures. The Riley County Police Department actively encourages community reporting and transparency, reflected in their open-access annual crime statistics. Despite occasional increases in theft or assault, the overall safety index remains high, making Riley County one of the safer counties in Kansas.