Building
A Strategic Future
With a vision of a safe, healthy, and thriving Bourbon County.
Strengthening the Local Tax Base
|
Encourage expansion and diversification of the tax base by attracting and retaining capital intensive industries and encouraging property improvements throughout the county. |
Encouraging Rural Revitalization
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Assist downtown revitalization and neighborhood business development by identifying additional resources to aid in economic development. |
Developing a Healthy Workforce.
Industry leaders look for healthy local labor force will meet their needs. Investments to enhance quality of life and build a health workfoce has the potential to yield dividends in the form of increased labor productivity.
Bourbon County by the
numbers
Population and Median Income
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bourbon County population in 2018 was 14, 653 with a median household income of $42,594.
Daytime Population
A prominent daytime population, with many workers commuting to the industrial park with a 18-31% increase.
Cost of Living Index
The cost of living index for Fort Scott is 71.3 (based on a 100 pt. US average, according to Sperling’s Best Places).
Real Personal Income
Bourbon County real personal income has grown 80.1% from 1970-2017, more than the average non-metro kansas community (69.9%).
Traffic Count
Two major highways, 69 and 54, run through Bourbon County. Hwy 69, recently expanded to 4-lane, has a traffic count of an average 13,000 vehicle per day.
Percent of Total Wages
Manufacturing and education/health services represent about 55 percent of total wages paid in Bourbon County.
Economic Development Director
Let’s Work Together!
Jody Hoener, LBSW MBA
620-215-5725 (C)
jhoener@bourboncountyks.org
Our Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance (15.1%)
A healthy community is one of Bourbon County’s top priorities. Several healthcare providers serve Bourbon County community with primary care, emergency department, and many ancillary services.
Nationwide, employment in healthcare services increased 92 percent from 1990 to 2015. For Bourbon County, in 2017, health services ranked number 3 in terms of employment. Also, in 2017, the health care sector’s impact on retail sales was $19,308,000, county sales tax impact of $270,000, and a total impact of $65,378,000. (Kansas Health Association, 2017).
Manufacturing (13.8%)
The Fort Scott Industrial Park houses several major manufacturers, a sector that pays, on average, 21.7% above average. Located south of Fort Scott on Highway 69. There is plenty of room for growth with shovel ready land available!
Retail Trade
Just take a stroll down Historic Downtown Fort Scott and you will see the momentum and revitalization! You will find shops, retaurants, bars, and housing. Perfectly situated along Highway 69 directly across from the Natioanl Fort Scott Historic Site!
Educational Services
Home to Fort Scott Community College, nationally renowned for the Rodeo Program! Bourbon County also boast two schools distrcits that see pride in offering fine arts courses!
Our quality of life: the right choice for you.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was created to coordinate community efforts and improve upon the health outcomes of Bourbon County. The Action Team consists of a cross sector of members with a shared vision to improve the quality of life of Bourbon County residents, foster economic growth, and remove barriers to living healthy lifestyles. With resources from the BCBS KS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant, we engage key stakeholders in areas of our community where members spend most of their time-where they eat, work & play.
Where we work
Join the workforce in one of the many businesses and organizations who have implemented WorkWell KS comprehensive worksite wellness policy and made environmental changes. Working should not be an obstacle to healthy living!
Where we eat
Increasing access to healthier food options! Enjoy locally produced food at nine local restaurants, including the community college, and five food retail!
Where we play
Enjoy the outdoors in Bourbon County! Whether it’s camping and fishing at one of our many lakes, cycling the single track trails at Gunn Park Trails, or off roading at the KS Rocks Recreations Park, there is something for the whole family to do!
Building Healthy Policy
Articles
Commission Minutes 04-07-25
Commission Minutes 04-07-25
Trash Service Bid Request
Trash Service Bid Request
Pest Control Bids
Pest Control Bid Request
Get In Touch
Get In Touch
Address
210 South National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone
(620) 215-5725