According to Countryaah, Bourbon County, Kansas is located in the Southeast region of the state and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. According to the 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a population of 15,179 people spread across an area of 942 square miles. The county seat and largest city is Fort Scott, with a population of 8,087 as of 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The racial makeup of Bourbon County is predominantly white with 91% non-Hispanic white people, 3% Hispanic or Latino of any race, and 6% being other races according to 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The median age for Bourbon County residents is 40 years old which is slightly lower than both Kansas’ median age (40 years old) and that for America overall (38 years old). In terms of gender breakdown, there are slightly more females than males in Bourbon County with 50.8% females compared to 49.2% males according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau as well as an average household size that is slightly below the national average at 2.45 persons per household versus 2.6 persons per household nationally on average according to 2018 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau.
In terms of income level, Bourbon County’s median household income was estimated at $48,919 in 2018 according to data from the US Census Bureau which is slightly lower than both Kansas’ median household income figure ($56,247) and that of the United States overall ($61,937). The poverty rate for Bourbon County was estimated at 14%, which is higher than that for Kansas (11%) but lower than that for America overall (10%).
In terms of education level, the majority of adults aged 25 and over in Bourbon County have at least a high school diploma or equivalent with 84.8% having completed high school or some college according to 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, 17.1% of people aged 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 30.9% nationally according to 2019 estimates from the same source.
Bourbon County has a strong agricultural base with corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, cattle and hogs being among the county’s most important crops and livestock products according to 2018 estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the county also has several manufacturing companies including Fort Scott Foods and Fort Scott Foundry & Machine Co., along with several other small businesses located throughout the county as well as a few bed & breakfasts and wineries in more rural areas of the county adding to its vibrant economic landscape.
History of Bourbon County, Kansas
Bourbon County, Kansas is located in the southeastern part of the state and is named after Bourbon County, Kentucky. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1808 and soon after, a trading post was established at what would become the town of Fort Scott. In 1855, the county was officially organized as one of the original 33 counties in Kansas.
The area is rich in Native American history with many tribes such as the Osage, Kansa, and Pawnee having lived and hunted here for centuries prior to European settlement. In fact, many of the county’s towns and villages have Native American names such as Fort Scott (named after General Winfield Scott), Uniontown (named after Chief Union), Redfield (named after Chief Redfield), and Hiattville (named after Chief Hiatt).
During the Civil War era, Bourbon County played a major role in both sides of the conflict with numerous battles being fought throughout its borders. Many Confederate soldiers were buried at Fort Scott National Cemetery while Union forces were stationed at Fort Blair which was used to protect travelers on their way to California during this time period.
The town of Fort Scott served as an important military post during both World Wars I & II due to its strategic location along U.S highways 54 & 69 as well as its proximity to several large railroads that ran through town which helped transport supplies to troops overseas. After World War II ended, there was a population boom in Bourbon County due to veterans returning home from war with many settling down in this rural area and starting families.
Today, Bourbon County has a population of 15,639 people according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau with an average age of 38 years old which is slightly lower than both Kansas’ median age (40 years old) and that for America overall (38 years old). In terms of gender breakdown there are slightly more females than males in Bourbon County with 50.8% females compared to 49.2% males according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau as well as an average household size that is slightly below the national average at 2.45 persons per household versus 2.6 persons per household nationally on average according to 2018 estimates.
The county is also home to many businesses, both small and large, ranging from manufacturing and retail to agriculture and healthcare. Additionally, there are several educational institutions in the area such as Fort Scott Community College and the University of Kansas Medical Center which help to provide educational opportunities for local residents. In terms of transportation, Fort Scott has an airport that services both commercial and private aircraft as well as a bus station that connects the city with other towns in Kansas. These amenities have helped to make Bourbon County a desirable place to live for many people over the years which has contributed to its growth.
Major cities and towns in Bourbon County, Kansas
Bourbon County, Kansas is a rural area located in the southeastern corner of the state. It has a population of 15,639 people according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau and an average age of 38 years old which is slightly lower than both Kansas’ median age (40 years old) and that for America overall (38 years old). In terms of gender breakdown there are slightly more females than males in Bourbon County with 50.8% females compared to 49.2% males according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau as well as an average household size that is slightly below the national average at 2.45 persons per household versus 2.6 persons per household nationally on average according to 2018 estimates.
The county seat and largest city in Bourbon County is Fort Scott with a population of 8,068 people as of 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau which makes it one of the larger cities in southeastern Kansas. It has a rich history dating back to its founding by John C Freeland in 1842 when it served as an important military post during both World Wars I & II due to its strategic location along U.S highways 54 & 69 as well as its proximity to several large railroads that ran through town which helped transport supplies to troops overseas.
Other major towns and cities in Bourbon County include Redfield, Fulton, Bronson, Mapleton, Hiattville, Hepler, Uniontown, Garland City and Pleasanton with populations ranging from around 200 up to nearly 1,000 people respectively according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau with Redfield being the second largest city in Bourbon County behind Fort Scott with a population of 1,091 people according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau, making it one of the largest towns in southeast Kansas outside Fort Scott itself.
In addition, there are several unincorporated communities within Bourbon County such as Corbin Cross Roads, Deerfield Crossing and Halstead just to name a few which help make up this rural area located just north of Joplin Missouri along US Highway 54 & 69 near Interstate 44 making it easily accessible by road or air via nearby airports such as Fort Scott Municipal Airport or Joplin Regional Airport for those who wish a visit or move here permanently for work or leisure purposes alike.
Population in Bourbon County, Kansas
According to existingcountries.com, Bourbon County, Kansas is home to a population of 15,389 people according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The largest city in Bourbon County is Fort Scott, with a population of 8,108. The remaining 7,281 people live in the surrounding rural areas and small towns. The racial makeup of Bourbon County is 91.4% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.2% Asian and 2% from two or more races. The median age of the population is 39 years old and the median income for a household in Bourbon County is $41,913 per year according to 2019 estimates from the U.S Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates data set. The population has seen modest growth over the past decade with an estimated increase of 1%.
The economy of Bourbon County has traditionally been driven by agriculture and manufacturing but has seen an increase in tourism as well as service related industries such as health care and education in recent years due to its location between two major metropolitan areas (Kansas City and Tulsa). Agriculture continues to be a major economic driver for the county with cattle production being the most important revenue source followed by wheat farming and hay production. Manufacturing also continues to play an important role in Bourbon County’s economy with local companies providing employment opportunities for many residents throughout the area including Fort Scott Manufacturing which produces metal products used primarily in agricultural equipment manufacturing as well as other industries within Kansas and beyond.
