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Johnson County, Kansas

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Johnson County
County
Map of Kansas highlighting Johnson County
Location within the U.S. state of Kansas
Map of the United States highlighting Kansas
Kansas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°52′00″N 94°52′00″W / 38.8667°N 94.8667°W / 38.8667; -94.8667
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedAugust 25, 1855
SeatOlathe
Largest cityOverland Park
Area
 • Total480 sq mi (1,244 km2)
 • Land477 sq mi (1,235 km2)
 • Water3 sq mi (9 km2)  0.70%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2006)
516,731
 • Density1,083.3/sq mi (418.4/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Websitewww.jocogov.org

Johnson County (county code JO) is a county located in northeast Kansas, in the central United States of America. The county's population—the fastest growing in the state of Kansas—was 451,086 at the 2000 census, and it was estimated to be 516,731 in the year 2006,[1] making it the largest in the state. Its county seat is Olathe,Template:GR and its most populous city is Overland Park. Johnson County has the highest median household income in the state and 19th in the nation (as of 2000) and the nation's 46th highest per-capita income (as of 2005). Most of the county is suburban, being a part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

In 2008 CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked three cities in Johnson County on its list of the "100 Best Cities to Live in the United States."[2] Overland Park was ranked ninth, and Olathe was ranked 11th, and Shawnee was ranked 39th.[2] Olathe was also ranked 24th in the 2008 list of the top 25 fastest growing cities in the nation, compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.[3]

History

Johnson County is named for Rev. Thomas Johnson, and was one of the first counties established in the Kansas Territory in 1855. The Oregon-California and Santa Fe Trails, which originated in nearby Independence, Missouri, passed through the county. The renowned gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok settled for a time in the county, becoming constable of Monticello Township in 1858. Johnson County was the site of many battles between Abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates during Bleeding Kansas. In 1862 Confederate Guerrillas from nearby Missouri led by William Quantrill raided the Johnson County communities of Olathe and Spring Hill, killing half a dozen men and destroying numerous homes and businesses.

The county was largely rural until the early 20th century, when communities such as Overland Park and Mission Hills were developed as suburbs of Kansas City, Missouri. Suburban development boomed after World War II, and today Johnson County is one of the fastest growing areas in the Kansas City Metropolitan area, as well as being one of the most affluent areas in the country. It is known by some as "the Orange County of the Midwest" for its massive development of new, upper-middle class and upper-class homes, especially in its southern portion (South of Interstate 435).

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 480 square miles (1,244 km²), of which 477 square miles (1,235 km²) is land and 3 square miles (9 km²), or 0.70%, is water.Template:GR

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18604,364—
187013,648212.7%
188016,85323.5%
189017,3853.2%
190018,1044.1%
191018,2881.0%
192018,3140.1%
193021,17915.6%
194033,32757.4%
195062,78388.4%
1960143,792129.0%
1970220,07353.0%
1980270,26922.8%
1990357,04832.1%
2000451,08626.3%

Johnson County's population was estimated to be 516,731 in the year 2006, an increase of 62,089, or +13.7%, over the previous six years;[1] it has the fastest growing and largest population in the state.

As of the U.S. Census in 2000,Template:GR there were 451,086 people, 174,570 households, and 121,675 families residing in the county. The population density was 946 people per square mile (365/km²). There were 181,612 housing units at an average density of 381 per square mile (147/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.11% White, 2.83% Asian, 2.61% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.55% from other races, and 1.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.98% of the population. 25.1% were of German, 12.2% Irish, 12.0% English and 7.9% American ancestry according to Census 2000.

By 2005 85.8% of Johnson County's population was non-Hispanic whites. 3.7% of the population was African-American. An equal amount were of Asian descent. 0.4% of the population was Native American. 5.5% of the population was Latino.[4]

Population pyramid

There were 174,570 households out of which 36.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 7.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.30% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the county the population was spread out with 27.10% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 32.80% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 10.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $61,455, and the median income for a family was $72,987. Males had a median income of $49,790 versus $32,145 for females. The per capita income for the county was $30,919. About 2.10% of families and 3.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.30% of those under age 18 and 3.60% of those age 65 or over.

According to a 2007 Census Bureau estimate, the median income for a household and for a family had risen to $71,540 and $72,987 respectively.[5]

Law and government

Laws

Johnson County was a prohibition, or "dry", county until the Kansas Constitution was amended in 1986 and voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.[6]

Federal representation

Johnson County is a part of Kansas's 3rd congressional district, which has been represented by Democrat Dennis Moore since 1999. The two U.S. Senators from Kansas are Republican Senator Sam Brownback and Republican Pat Roberts. The most affluent county in Kansas, Johnson County is solidly Republican. President George W. Bush received 61% of the vote in 2004. Johnson County has not supported a Democrat on the Presidential ticket since Franklin D. Roosevelt.[7]

State representation

Johnson County is home to 22 Kansas state representatives and 7 Kansas state senators. 19 out of 22 of Johnson County's representatives are Republicans, as are all 7 of the county's senators.[8][9] Most Johnson County Republicans identify themselves as moderates, the more socially progressive and fiscally conservative faction of the Kansas Republican Party.[citation needed] Johnson County House and Senate members at times come into conflict with representatives from other areas of the state, most notably in 2004 in the debate over school finance.[10]

Sales taxes

The current sales tax rate in Johnson County is 6.4%, slightly higher than the 6.3% rate in Wyandotte (where Kansas City, Kansas is located).[11] The sales tax rates of each of the surrounding counties are nearly the same as the rate in Johnson County.[11] Individual cities also have additional sales taxes that are added on to these figures.

Property taxes

Property taxes are a conglomeration of state, county, city, and school district taxes. Property tax rates are generally lower in Johnson County because property values in the county are higher than in other counties throughout Kansas.

Property tax rates by city in Johnson County (2005)[12]
City Commercial Real Property Motor Vehicle
De Soto 3.20 1.47 3.84
Gardner 3.39 1.56 4.07
Leawood 3.39 1.56 4.07
Lenexa 2.75 1.26 3.30
Merriam 2.57 1.18 3.08
Olathe 3.09 1.42 3.71
Overland Park 2.31 1.06 2.77
Prairie Village 2.71 1.25 3.25
Shawnee 2.61 1.20 3.13

Note: Some cities have multiple tax rates because they are divided among multiple school districts. The above rates are what exist for the majority of residents in the city.

Cities and towns

Map of Johnson County (map legend)

Incorporated cities

Name and population (2005 estimate):[13]

*Cities included in Shawnee Mission, a postal designation encompassing the cities in northern and eastern Johnson County. The main Shawnee Mission post office is in Mission.

Unincorporated places

  • Bonita
  • Clare
  • Countryside, formerly a city, consolidated with the city of Mission in 2003.
  • Ocheltree
  • Stilwell

Townships

Johnson County is divided into nine townships. All of the cities are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.

Township FIPS Population
center 		Population Population
density
/km² (/sq mi) 		Land area
km² (sq mi)		 Water area
km² (sq mi)		 Water % Geographic coordinates
Aubry 03225 5,440 43 (112) 126 (49) 0 (0) 0.31% 38°46′48″N 94°41′4″W / 38.78000°N 94.68444°W / 38.78000; -94.68444
Gardner 25450 2,143 21 (55) 102 (39) 1 (0) 0.53% 38°49′7″N 94°54′31″W / 38.81861°N 94.90861°W / 38.81861; -94.90861
Lexington 39800 1,315 10 (25) 135 (52) 2 (1) 1.79% 38°55′0″N 95°0′13″W / 38.91667°N 95.00361°W / 38.91667; -95.00361
McCamish 43625 878 8 (20) 112 (43) 0 (0) 0.34% 38°47′22″N 94°59′48″W / 38.78944°N 94.99667°W / 38.78944; -94.99667
Monticello 47950 0 0 (0) 1 (0) 0 (0) 0  % 39°1′59″N 94°47′57″W / 39.03306°N 94.79917°W / 39.03306; -94.79917
Olathe 52600 1,187 27 (70) 44 (17) 0 (0) 0.04% 38°54′21″N 94°49′18″W / 38.90583°N 94.82167°W / 38.90583; -94.82167
Oxford 53825 2,020 121 (313) 17 (6) 0 (0) 1.54% 38°49′58″N 94°40′54″W / 38.83278°N 94.68167°W / 38.83278; -94.68167
Shawnee 64525 0 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0  % 39°1′51″N 94°47′47″W / 39.03083°N 94.79639°W / 39.03083; -94.79639
Spring Hill 67650 2,059 29 (76) 70 (27) 0 (0) 0.30% 38°46′35″N 94°48′55″W / 38.77639°N 94.81528°W / 38.77639; -94.81528
Sources: "Census 2000 U.S. Gazetteer Files". U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

Transportation/Layout

Johnson County has a grid network through most of the county with a road every mile. The grid has facilitated rapid growth and easy access. Interstate 435 runs through much of the county, and serves as a developmental "border" in the along the northbound/southbound portion. The westbound/eastbound part of I-435 divides the county into a northern and southern section. The northern section is older, while the southern portion is the fastest-growing area in Johnson County, as well as containing a massive volume of new homes.

The Johnson County street grid begins at around Johnson Drive (near 55th street), and is a continuation of the adjacent Kansas City, Missouri street grid. The grid continues to about 175th street, with most suburban development ending around 159th street.

Other highways running through the area are Interstate 35, which runs diagonally through the county, starting from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri and continuing through Olathe, KS, Gardner, KS and eventually leads to the US-Mexico border, US Highway 69, which changes from Interstate 635 at the Wyandotte County border. 69 Highway eventually splits and goes on to form its own separate highway that runs southbound down halfway between the Johnson County-Kansas City, Missouri border at State Line Road and North/Southbound I-435.

Major highways

  • I-35 - Southwest corner with Franklin County northeast through Edgerton, Gardner, Olathe, Lenexa, Overland Park, and Merriam to the northeast corner with downtown Kansas City
  • I-435 - Northern border with Wyandotte County south through Shawnee and Lenexa to K-10 then east through Overland Park and Leawood to the Missouri border
  • K-10 - Western border with Douglas County east through DeSoto, Lenexa, and Olathe to I-435
  • US-69 - Southeast border with Miami County north through Stilwell and Overland Park past I-435 to I-35
  • K-7 - Southern border with Miami County north through Spring Hill, Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee to Wyandotte County
  • US-56 Southwest border with Douglas County east though Edgerton and Gardner to I-35
  • US-169 - Southern border with Miami County. Joins with I-35 in Olathe.

Other major roads

  • Shawnee Mission Parkway - Interchange with K-7 in Shawnee east through Merriam, Mission, Fairway, and Mission Woods then joining up with Ward Parkway in Missouri
  • Metcalf Avenue - Runs parallel with US-69 from Miami County north through Stilwell and Overland Park past I-435 and Shawnee Mission Parkway to join up with I-635 and I-35 in Wyandotte County
  • 135th Street / Sante Fe Street - Interchange with State Line Road at MO-150 in south Kansas City, Missouri, west to Spoon Creek Road. Within the city limits of Olathe, 135th Street is legally known as Sante Fe Street. The numbering system changes to reflect the change in street name.
  • 175/179th Street - Interchange with US-56 and I-35 as 175th St. east to Pflumm Rd. where it turns southeast to become 179th street then east to US-69 and Metcalf Ave.
  • 199th Street - Intersection with US-56 in Edgerton east through Spring Hill and Stilwell to the Missouri border

Public transit

Johnson County Transit is the public transit operator.

Education

Unified school districts

Colleges and universities

See also

Community information for Kansas

References

  1. ^ a b "Population Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help) Annual estimates of the population to 2006-07-01. Released 2007-03-22. Population change is from 2000-07-01 to 2006-07-01.
  2. ^ a b "Best Places to Live 2008 - Kansas". Money Magazine. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  3. ^ Olathe cracks top 25 in fastest-growing U.S. cities
  4. ^ Johnson County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau, United States Census Bureau, 2007-05-07. Accessed 2007-08-22.
  5. ^ http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=05000US17097&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US17%7C05000US17097&_street=&_county=johnson&_cityTown=johnson&_state=04000US20&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=geoSelect&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=050&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=ACS_2007_3YR_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry=
  6. ^ "Map of Wet and Dry Counties". Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue. 2006. Retrieved 2007-12-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections
  8. ^ Kansas Senate
  9. ^ Kansas House of Representatives
  10. ^ LJWorld.com / Lawmakers debate what constitutes 'suitable education'
  11. ^ a b Kansas County Treasurer's Association Kansas Sales Tax Rates by County
  12. ^ Kansas City Area Development Council ThinkKC Property Taxes (accessed 6/7/06)
  13. ^ "Population Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help) Annual estimates of the population to 2005-07-01. Released 2006-06-21.

Official sites

Additional information

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