Rooks County Public RecordsKansas

Rooks County, KS, has 5 public schools, including Rooks County High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 94%, while about 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, with limited major incidents reported. Educational programs include advanced placement, vocational training, and dual-credit courses. Adult education offerings are available through regional partnerships. Average standardized test scores are near the state median, reflecting consistent performance.

As of 2023, Rooks County, KS, has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.5%. The labor force is largely employed in Health Care & Social Assistance (21.5%), Educational Services (15.2%), and Retail Trade (12.7%). Major occupational groups include Management, Business, Science, and Arts (34%) and Service Occupations (23%). Most residents (over 80%) commute by car, with an average travel time of 17 minutes; about 85% work within Rooks County, while others commute to nearby counties such as Osborne and Phillips.

Rooks County, KS, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with a median home value around $93,000 (2022). Rental units represent about 22% of housing, with a median gross rent of $590 monthly. The county’s housing market remains stable, showing modest value growth over recent years. Housing options include single-family homes, farmhouses, and a few multi-unit buildings, mostly in communities like Plainville and Stockton. Property tax rates average 1.62%, making taxes relatively affordable. Neighborhoods offer quiet, rural living with access to schools, parks, and local shops, supporting a close-knit and affordable community atmosphere.

Rooks County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to the latest data, the county reported approximately 45 criminal incidents in 2022, with property crimes making up the majority—about 35 cases—while violent crimes remained rare at around 10 cases. The crime rate stands at roughly 9.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the Kansas average of 28.5 per 1,000. Local law enforcement encourages prompt reporting and proactive community involvement, helping maintain a safe environment throughout Rooks County.

As of the 2020 Census, Rooks County, Kansas had a population of 4,919. The median age is about 47.3 years, reflecting an older demographic, with 22.8% aged 65 or older. The gender split is nearly even, with females making up 50.4% of the population. The county is predominantly White (93.6%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.8%), Asian (0.3%), and individuals identifying as two or more races (1.6%).

Rooks County, Kansas, had 3,520 registered voters in 2022, with Republican registration vastly outnumbering Democrats (approx. 78% Republican, 14% Democrat, 8% unaffiliated). The county participates in local, state, and federal elections, with general, primary, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won 84% of the county vote. Polling locations include the Rooks County Courthouse in Stockton and community centers in Plainville, Palco, and Damar. Key local issues include agricultural policy and rural healthcare. Elections are administered by Rooks County Clerk’s office, and voter turnout often exceeds 60%, reflecting strong civic participation.