Small towns in the midst of a larger metropolitan area, such as Newton in Harvey County, have provided the perfect fit for several national employers looking to expand. The Newton City/County Airport, rail access, highway access to routes in all four directions and local incentives give Harvey County a competitive edge. This is highly apparent, as over the past five years, Harvey County has averaged more than $15 million in new capital investment and 201 new jobs per year.
Land Area (square miles) -- 2000
539
Total Population – 2008
33,675
Average Population Density (per sq. mile) – 2008
62
Median Age – 2000
37.6
Educational Attainment – 2000 (Population Age 25+)
High School Graduate or Higher
85.3%
Some College – No Degree
26.0%
Associate Degree
6.2%
Bachelor Degree or Higher
23.0%
Average 1-Way Commute to Work (minutes) – 2000
18.2
Civilian Labor Force – December 2009
18,976
Unemployed
1,651
Unemployment Rate
8.7%
Business Establishments – 2007
841
Employees
12,458
Average Annual Pay
$29,011
Median Household Income – 2008
$50,640
Source Land Area, Median Age, Educational Attainment, Average 1-Way Commute to Work – 2000 Census
Population (July 1 Estimates) – Census Bureau | Labor Force Data – Kansas Department of Labor
Business Establishments, Employees, Average Annual Wage/Salary Pay – County Business Patterns (Census Bureau) | Median Household Income – Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates (Census Bureau)
Section Highlights:
Wichita boasts an average commute time of 18.5 minutes.
The median price for a newly-built single-family home is $191,770.