Leavenworth County has several significant measurements that place it among the healthiest area counties and are likely to position it among the leaders in the near future.

With a population of just over 72,000, Leavenworth is closer in size to Platte County across the river in Missouri than it is to neighboring Wyandotte or Johnson County to the south. But Leavenworth’s growth is well above average in several ways. Its population expanded by 6.7 percent between 1990 and 2000 and is currently growing at an average of 5.5 percent per year—well above Kansas’ average of 1.7 percent. Two of its communities, Basehor and Tonganoxie, are among the six fastest growing cities in the state, with development averaging 30-35 percent over the past five years.

This growth is expected to accelerate, especially to the south where Basehor and Tonganoxie offer attractive, small town options for nearby western Wyandotte. The county is expected to add nearly 10,000 more residents in the next 10 to 15 years.

Equally significant, Leavenworth’s growth leans toward a healthy end of the development spectrum. Leavenworth ranks fifth out of Kansas’ 105 counties in terms of average wages per job. This average wage of more than $35,000 per year is indicative of the high-paying jobs that form a solid economic foundation for the entire county, and place Leavenworth among only six counties to exceed the state average wage.

As a result, average household income here has grown most in the over $75,000 and above category since 1990 and in the last four years. Even the medium household income of $57,486 is solid.

Education is a factor. High school graduates make up the largest percentage followed closely by those with some college. Nearly 30 percent of all Leavenworth residents have either an associate, bachelor or graduate/professional degree.

Leavenworth County’s job market is another issue. With relatively high-paying jobs available in military, law enforcement and related areas, the region has an abundance of executive and managerial, professional and service positions.