Located 45 minutes southwest of Wichita, Harper County is a vibrant community of about 5,600 people, living in safe and clean rural towns, with a surprisingly diverse local economy. The population includes an educated and productive workforce, with home-town values and a superior work ethic.
Opened in 2019, the 62,500-square-foot Patterson Health Center is a model for innovative rural health care in Harper County. Employing more than 150 people, the facility features a 16-bed critical access hospital, emergency department, rural health clinic, rehabilitation services and advanced diagnostic capabilities. The health center also supports community wellness through facilities in Harper and Anthony. In 2026, Patterson Health Center was recognized as one of the nation's Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals for the fourth consecutive year.
Beyond its health care offerings, Harper County combines the charm of rural Kansas, with scenic country roads, wooded streams and abundant prairie wildlife, with convenient access to regional highways, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and higher education institutions throughout south-central Kansas.
| Population | 5,600 |
| Land area | 801 |
| Average population density | 7 |
| Median age | 40.6 |
| High School Graduate or Higher | 90.4% |
| Some College, No Degree | 15.7% |
| Associate Degree | 4% |
| Bachelor Degree or Higher | 17.1% |
| Average 1-Way commute to work (min) | 16.1 |
| Civilian labor force | 2,665 |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Unemployment | 100 |
| Number of business establishments | 212 |
| Employees | 2,310 |
| Average annual pay | $37,206 |
| Median household income | $49,455 |
Sources: 2019 Population Estimates for the 10-County Region; 2010 Census; American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2014-2018; Bureau of Labor Statistics - Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Bureau of Labor Statistics - Quarterly Census of Wages 2018 Average | |
Melinda McCurley
Director Harper County
P (620) 842.6030
mmccurley@harpercountyks.gov
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