Smith County Public RecordsKansas

Smith County, Kansas, with a population of approximately 3,500, had 2,425 registered voters as of 2022. The county oversees federal, state, and local elections, with major parties being Republican and Democrat (Republicans hold over 80% of registrations). In the 2020 presidential election, 85% voted Republican, 13% Democrat. Key polling locations include the Smith Center Courthouse. Issues often focus on agriculture, rural healthcare, and property taxes. Elections are administered by the Smith County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with Kansas state laws and providing accessible early and absentee voting options.

Smith County, KS, has three public schools, including Smith Center Jr-Sr High School. About 90% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school district’s average state assessment scores hover near the Kansas average. School safety is prioritized, with comprehensive policies in place. Educational programs include career and technical education. Adult education opportunities are available through nearby community colleges and online programs, supporting ongoing learning and workforce readiness in the region.

Smith County, KS, has an employment rate of approximately 55.1% among residents aged 16 and over. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (21.5%), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (15.2%), and Educational Services (12.8%). Most workers are employed in management, sales, or office occupations. About 77.7% of employees commute by car, with a mean travel time of 13.5 minutes. The majority of workers are employed within Smith County, indicating a strong local job base.

Smith County, KS, has a high homeownership rate of about 77%, with the median home value around $67,000 as of 2022. Rental housing is limited; median gross rent is roughly $570. The housing market remains stable with modest annual appreciation. Most homes are single-family, many built before 1970, and neighborhoods tend to be rural or small-town. Property taxes average 1.5% of assessed value, lower than the national average. Affordable prices and low population density define Smith County’s housing market.

Smith County, KS, reports a notably low crime rate, reflecting its rural, close-knit community. According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation 2022 data, the county had just 6 reported total crimes, including 2 violent crimes and 4 property crimes. This results in a crime rate of approximately 2.4 per 1,000 residents—well below the national average. Local law enforcement emphasizes community involvement in crime reporting and prevention, contributing to the area's strong sense of safety and security.

As of the 2020 Census, Smith County, Kansas, had a population of 3,570. The median age was 49.7 years, indicating an older population. Approximately 50.2% were female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county was 96.6% White, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 2.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The aging demographic and overwhelming racial homogeneity reflect broader rural Kansas trends.