Education, Employment and Housing

Sherman County, KS, hosts several public schools under USD 352, including Goodland High School, with a graduation rate around 90%. The county has three public schools and no four-year colleges; about 21% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 6/10, reflecting solid performance. School environments are safe, with low incident reports. Northwest Kansas Technical College offers adult education and vocational programs. Educational initiatives focus on STEM and technical training, preparing students for regional workforce needs.

Sherman County, KS has an employment rate of approximately 61% among residents aged 16 and over. The leading industries are agriculture (18%), healthcare and social assistance (17%), and educational services (14%). Major occupation types are management, business, and science roles (29%) and natural resources, construction, and maintenance (22%). The average commute time is 13 minutes, with about 80% of workers driving alone to employment, primarily within Sherman County, especially in Goodland. Only around 3% of residents work outside the county, indicating strong local employment retention.

Sherman County, KS, features a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values around $108,000 and median gross rent about $689. The housing market remains stable, with moderate year-over-year price growth. Most homes are single-family units, with small pockets of multi-family housing in Goodland, the county seat. Neighborhoods are predominantly quiet and residential. Property taxes average roughly 1.5% of assessed value, translating to an estimated $1,620 annually for a median-priced home. The area offers affordable living compared to statewide averages, making it attractive for families and retirees alike.

Demographics

Sherman County, Kansas, had a 2020 population of 5,927. About 51% were male and 49% female. The median age was 38.7 years, with 23% under 18 and 18% aged 65 or older. Racially, the county was 91.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 2.9% from other races, and 2.4% multiracial. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 15.1% of the population.

Elections

Sherman County, Kansas, had approximately 3,500 registered voters in 2022, with Republicans comprising about 75%, Democrats 17%, and unaffiliated 8%. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, including general, primary, and special elections. In the 2020 Presidential election, Donald Trump received 81% of the vote versus Joe Biden’s 17%. Polling is typically at the Sherman County Courthouse in Goodland. Issues of focus include agriculture, rural healthcare, and education. Election administration is managed by the County Clerk. Local politics are dominated by the Republican Party, with consistent conservative voting patterns.

County Crime & Safety

Sherman County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to the 2023 Kansas Bureau of Investigation report, Sherman County recorded 54 total offenses, comprising 6 violent crimes and 48 property crimes. The overall crime rate is approximately 7.8 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement diligently investigates and reports incidents, ensuring transparency and community safety. Residents generally experience a safe environment, with proactive crime prevention measures contributing to the county’s positive safety record.