Ford County, Kansas
Ford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat and most populous city is Dodge City. As of the 2020 [United States census|2020 census], its population was 34,287. The county was named in honor of James Ford, a brevet brigadier general during the Civil War.
History
One of the earliest military posts in Kansas, Fort Atkinson, was located in Ford County. Fort Dodge, established in 1864, was on the north bank of the Arkansas River, about five miles southeast of what would become Dodge City. During the California Gold Rush in 1849, thousands of gold seekers passed through the area along the Santa Fe Trail, but few settled there.Ford County was established in 1867 and named for Colonel James H. Ford of the Second Colorado Cavalry, who was in charge of the construction of Fort Dodge after the Civil War. The region had been frequently traveled by pioneers along the Santa Fe Trail since the early 19th century.
The town of Dodge City was established in 1872 upon the completion of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. Before the buffalo were wiped out, their hides were extensively shipped from Dodge City. Dodge City would later develop into a rough and tumble cowtown during the peak cattle drive years of 1875–1885.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which are land and is covered by water.Adjacent counties
Transit
Major highways
- 20px U.S. Route 50
- 20px U.S. Route 54
- 20px U.S. Route 56
- 20px U.S. Route 283
- 20px U.S. [Route 400 (Kansas)|U.S. Route 400]
- 25px K-34
Demographics
The Dodge City Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Ford County.2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 34,287. The median age was 31.3 years. 31.0% of residents were under the age of 18 and 11.3% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 103.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 102.9 males age 18 and over. 80.8% of residents lived in urban areas, while 19.2% lived in rural areas.The racial makeup of the county was 50.1% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 24.5% from some other race, and 19.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 57.4% of the population.
There were 11,376 households in the county, of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 23.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.
There were 12,550 housing units, of which 9.4% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 62.0% were owner-occupied and 38.0% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 10.9%.
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, 33,848 people, 10,852 households, and 7,856 families were residing in the county. The population density was. The 11,650 housing units averaged.The racial makeup of the county was 75.3% White, 2.1% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 17.8% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race were 51.2% of the population.
Of the 10,852 households, 40.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% were not families. About 22.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92, and the average family size was 3.42.
In the county, the age distribution was 31.10% under 18, 11.20% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 17.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who were 65 or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,860, and for a family was $42,734. Males had a median income of $27,189 versus $22,165 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,721. About 9.90% of families and 12.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.40% of those under age 18 and 8.40% of those age 65 or over.