Shawnee County Public RecordsKansas

As of 2022, Shawnee County, KS has an estimated population of 178,906. The median age is 39.1 years. Females make up about 51.4% and males 48.6% of residents. The racial/ethnic composition is approximately 74.6% White, 9.6% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, 1.5% Native American, and 12.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Shawnee County, KS, reported a crime rate of 34.5 per 1,000 residents in 2022, higher than the national average. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 4.7 per 1,000, while property crimes like burglary and theft comprised 29.8 per 1,000. The Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff handle crime reporting, emphasizing community safety initiatives. Crime reports can be filed online or in-person. Despite some decline in recent years, residents are advised to stay alert and involved in local safety programs to help further reduce crime rates.

Shawnee County, KS hosts 28 public schools, including 8 high schools, serving over 14,000 students. Around 91% of residents are high school graduates, while 31% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. The county’s student-teacher ratio averages 14:1, with graduation rates near 87%. Notable adult education and technical programs are available. School safety initiatives are active, and the average district performance score is 6/10.

As of 2023, Shawnee County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 62%. The leading industries are health care and social assistance (18%), educational services (14%), and public administration (13%). Office and administrative support roles make up 14% of occupations, followed by management at 11%. About 83% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 18 minutes. Major employment centers are Topeka and surrounding suburbs.

Shawnee County, KS, including Topeka, has a homeownership rate of approximately 64%. The median home value is around $159,000, with median monthly rent at about $950. Property values have risen roughly 7% year-over-year (2023–2024). Housing options include single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, with notable neighborhoods like Westboro and Lake Sherwood. Annual property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value. The area offers affordable living, with diverse neighborhoods catering to families, young professionals, and retirees.

Shawnee County, Kansas, has approximately 128,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with the 2022 general election seeing a 53% turnout. Key polling locations include the Election Office in Topeka and 20+ community sites. The county is administered by the Shawnee County Election Office. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with 44% Republican, 33% Democratic, and 23% unaffiliated voters. Hot issues include school funding and property taxes. In recent elections, Republicans narrowly led countywide results. Voter registration and polling information are accessible at the county election website.