Russell County Public RecordsKansas

Russell County, Kansas, has approximately 4,000 registered voters as of 2024, with registration split mostly between Republican (about 70%) and Democrat (around 20%) parties; the rest are unaffiliated or minor parties. Elections include federal, state, local, and school board races. In the 2022 general election, the county voted 76% Republican and 22% Democrat. Key polling locations include the Russell County Courthouse and Dole-Specter Center. Voting issues focus on rural healthcare and school funding. Elections are managed by the Russell County Clerk’s office, following state and federal regulations to ensure fair and accurate results.

Russell County, KS, has three public schools, including Russell High School, and serves around 850 students. About 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, while approximately 22% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county average a rating of 6/10. The district emphasizes career and technical programs, special education, and extra-curricular activities. School safety is a priority with regular drills and security measures. Adult education opportunities are available through Barton Community College’s outreach programs. Graduation rates exceed 85%, reflecting a strong commitment to student achievement.

As of 2022, Russell County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 59%. Key employment sectors include health care and social assistance (16.5%), retail trade (13.1%), and educational services (10.8%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (12%) and sales-related jobs (10%). About 74% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 14 minutes. Most employed residents work within Russell County, while a minority commute to nearby Ellis or Barton Counties for employment.

Russell County, KS, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median home values around $88,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $620 per month. The county predominantly features single-family homes, with some duplexes and apartments concentrated in Russell—the largest city. Property values have seen slight annual increases of 2-4% in recent years. Neighborhoods are quiet and family-friendly, with easy access to schools and parks. The average effective property tax rate is roughly 1.4%, resulting in an average annual property tax bill of about $1,230 per household.

Russell County, KS, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Russell County saw 38 total crimes in 2022, including 6 violent crimes and 32 property crimes. The violent crime rate was approximately 1.1 per 1,000 residents, and property crimes were around 5.8 per 1,000, both below state averages. Local law enforcement encourages regular public reporting and transparency to maintain community safety. Overall, Russell County remains a safe rural area with effective crime prevention measures in place.

As of the 2020 Census, Russell County, KS had a population of 6,691. The median age was 47.4 years, reflecting an older demographic. Approximately 51% of residents were female and 49% male. Racially, the county was 94.5% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The relatively small, mostly White population highlights limited racial diversity and an aging community.