County Crime & Safety

Sheridan County, KS, is known for its low crime rates, offering a safe environment for residents. In 2022, the county reported only 3 total crimes, including 1 violent crime and 2 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of approximately 68 per 100,000 residents—significantly below the national average. Law enforcement maintains a prompt response, and most incidents are minor in nature. Crime reporting is transparent, with data regularly updated by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, contributing to community trust and overall safety.

Education, Employment and Housing

Sheridan County, KS, has one unified school district, USD 412, which includes Hoxie High School, serving grades 7-12. The county’s high school graduation rate is approximately 92%. Around 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Student-teacher ratios average 11:1, and school safety incidents are rare, with no major reports in recent years. Educational programs include FFA, sports, and vocational training. Adult education options are limited locally, but online and nearby community college programs are accessible, supporting lifelong learning in the area.

As of 2022, Sheridan County, KS has an employment rate of approximately 62.5%. The largest industries are agriculture (20%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (10%). Leading occupation types include management (25%), sales (12%), and office/administrative support (11%). About 82% of employed residents commute by car alone, with an average one-way commute of 15 minutes. Most work within the county, though around 20% travel to neighboring areas such as Hoxie and Oakley for employment.

Sheridan County, KS has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with median home values around $96,500 as of 2023. The rental vacancy rate is high, with median gross rent near $655 per month. Housing consists mainly of single-family detached homes, with few multifamily units. Most neighborhoods are rural or small-town, centered in Hoxie, the county seat. Property values have remained relatively stable, experiencing modest growth of about 2% annually. The county's effective property tax rate averages 1.4%, supporting local services while remaining lower than the national average.

Elections

Sheridan County, Kansas, had 1,745 registered voters as of 2022—about 71% Republican, 19% Democrat, and 10% unaffiliated. Elections include federal, state, county, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 83% voted Republican, 15% Democrat. Main polling location is the Sheridan County Courthouse in Hoxie. Voter turnout typically exceeds 60%. Key issues include agriculture, rural healthcare, and education funding. The County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with Kansas statutes. Both absentee and in-person voting are available. No significant third-party presence has been reported in recent election cycles.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Sheridan County, Kansas, had a population of 2,447. The median age was 45.8 years, indicating an older population. Gender distribution was nearly equal, with 50.6% male and 49.4% female. Racially, the county was predominantly White (94.8%), with small minorities including Hispanic or Latino (3.6%), two or more races (1.2%), Asian (0.2%), and Black or African American (0.1%).