Saline County Public RecordsKansas

Saline County, KS, had about 33,800 registered voters in 2022. Voter registration is managed by the County Clerk. Elections held include general, primary, and special elections, often at 30+ polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 67.1% voted Republican, 30.3% Democrat, and 2.6% other. Issues regularly include local taxes and school bonds. The Republican and Democratic parties are most active. The county ensures secure ballot handling and offers advance voting options. Voter turnout in general elections often approaches 65%.

As of 2022, Saline County, KS, has a population of approximately 54,800. The median age is 39.2 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male. Racially, the county is 81% White, 5% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and about 10% Hispanic or Latino. Other races, including Native American and multiracial individuals, make up the remainder.

Saline County, KS boasts 24 public schools and several private institutions, serving approximately 6,900 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is 91%, while 28.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average district test scores in Salina USD 305 are around the state average. Adult education is available through Salina Area Technical College and Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational offerings include Advanced Placement, career and technical education, and gifted programs, supporting diverse student needs and workforce development.

As of 2022, Saline County, KS had an employment rate of 62.1%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (21.5%), Retail Trade (14.6%), and Manufacturing (13.2%). Leading occupations are Office & Administrative Support (11.9%), Sales (10.6%), and Production (10.5%). The average commute time is 15.5 minutes, with 88.4% of workers driving alone. Most residents work locally, with about 83% employed within Saline County. The Salina micropolitan area, centered in the city of Salina, is the primary employment hub.

Saline County, KS features a homeownership rate of about 65%, with rental occupancy around 35%. The median home value is approximately $165,000, with property values rising roughly 5% annually in recent years. Typical housing includes single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartment complexes, especially in Salina neighborhoods like Indian Rock and Brookville. Median gross rent is about $900/month. Property tax rates average 1.4% of home value. Newer subdivisions offer modern homes, while historic areas have older, character-rich properties.

Saline County, KS, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. According to 2022 FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 3.1 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 23.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. Salina, the county seat, sees the majority of these cases. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Salina Police Department actively report and address crime, emphasizing community involvement and safety programs. Overall, while property crimes are higher, violent crime remains below national averages, making Saline County relatively safe.