Seward County Public RecordsKansas

Seward County, KS, serves around 3,600 K-12 students in 9 public schools, including Liberal High School, with a graduation rate of approximately 85%. Seward County Community College enrolls about 1,800 students, awarding associate’s and some bachelor’s degrees. The county offers adult education and GED programs. Average ACT scores at the high school are about 18.5, slightly below the state average. School safety measures and resource officers are present. Educational programs include STEM, vocational-technical tracks, and ESL. Student-to-teacher ratio averages 16:1, supporting individualized learning across schools and colleges.

As of 2022, Seward County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 64.8%. Major industries include manufacturing (23%), agriculture (17%), and retail trade (13%). Leading occupations are production (21%), office/administrative support (15%), and sales (11%). About 87% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 13.5 minutes. The majority (over 90%) work within Seward County itself, primarily in Liberal, the county seat.

Seward County, KS has a homeownership rate of about 64%, with median home values around $125,000. Median monthly rents average $750. The housing market has remained stable, with values increasing about 3% annually in recent years. Single-family homes dominate, though some apartments and manufactured homes exist. Liberal, the county seat, is the largest neighborhood, offering a mix of older and newer developments. Property taxes average approximately 1.5% of home value. The area is affordable compared to state and national averages, attracting both homeowners and renters seeking value.

Seward County, KS has a crime rate slightly above the national average, with a 2022 violent crime rate of 4.46 per 1,000 residents and property crime rate of 19.73 per 1,000. The most commonly reported crimes include theft and burglary. The Seward County Sheriff’s Office and Liberal Police Department regularly report crime statistics, emphasizing community engagement and prevention. In 2022, about 167 violent crimes and 738 property crimes were reported. Overall, while crime exists, ongoing law enforcement efforts aim to enhance public safety throughout the county.

As of 2023, Seward County, KS, has a population of approximately 21,600. The median age is around 30 years. Males make up 51%, and females 49% of the population. The racial and ethnic composition is notably diverse: about 51% Hispanic or Latino, 38% White (non-Hispanic), 5% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 3% other or multiracial. This mix reflects Seward County’s multicultural character and relatively young population.

Seward County, KS, had approximately 12,100 registered voters in 2022. Voters elect officials in federal, state, county, and local elections—including school board and city commission races. In the 2020 Presidential election, 72% voted Republican, 27% Democrat. Major polling locations include Seward County Activity Center and City Hall. Common issues include education funding and agricultural policy. Election administration is overseen by the County Clerk’s office. The county trends Republican, with about 60% of voters registered GOP, 25% Democrat, and 15% unaffiliated. Voter turnout averaged around 55% in recent general elections.