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
over $15 million in new capital investment and 201 new jobs per year.
| Harvey County | Wichita MSA |
| Population, July 2004 | 33,769 | 584,671 |
| Population growth, 1990-2000 | 5.9% | 12.7% |
| Land area (sq. mi.), 2000 | 539 | 4,145 |
| Households, 2000 | 12,581 | 220,440 |
| Homeownership rate, 2000 | 71.9% | |
| Median age, 2000 | 37.6 | 34.1 |
| High school grads, 2000 | 85.3% | 85.3% |
| College grads, 2000 | 23.0% | 24.7% |
| Labor force, 2004 | 17,784 | 304,798 |
| Unemployment rate, 2004 | 5.0% | 5.9% |
| Public school enrollment, 2004-05 | 6,070 | 103,298 |
| High school graduates, 2004 | 408 | 5,726 |
| Median household income, 1999 | $40,907 | $42,651 |
| Percapita income, 1999 | $18,715 | $20,692 |
| Retail sales (thousands), 1997 | 185,779 | 4,870,965 |
| Business 2003 |
Firms |
804 |
14,252 |
| Employment |
13,353 |
274,608 |
| Avg. weekly wage |
$506 |
$522 |
| |
|
|
|
| Mfg. business 2003 |
Firms |
58 |
767 |
| Employment |
3,413 |
58,420 |
| Avg. weekly wage |
$682 |
$767 |
| Major employers |
AGCO Corporation
Mid-Continent Cabinetry
Newton Medical Center
Excel Industries – Bunting Magnetics
|
| Largest school districts |
Newton
Hesston
Halstead
|
Wichita
Derby
Maize
Haysville
Goddard
|
Sources: Kansas
State Department of Education for public school enrollment
and graduates; Kansas
Department of Labor for labor force, unemployment,
businesses, employees and wages; Journal
Communications for major employers; and U.S.
Census Bureau for all other data. |
