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Friday, November 13, 2026

Shawnee County

29°F (-2°C)

Clear · H 48° L 28°

Population

178,0252024

Higher than communities in Kansas

Household income

$67,1042024

Similar to communities in Kansas

Home value

$180,9002024

Similar to communities in Kansas

Unemployment

4.5%2026

Similar to communities in Kansas

Violent crime

7622023

Less favorable than communities in Kansas

Work from home

11.2%2024

Higher than communities in Kansas

Source: Polco GPAL, using data from the original source shown for each indicator.

Infrastructure Stormwater

Westlake Dam slated for rebuild; pond dredging to accompany construction

After a stormwater study found seepage and deficiencies, Parks staff said the Westlake Dam will be removed and rebuilt to meet regulations; planning will start early 2027 with construction hoped for fall 2027 and reopening by spring 2028, and the pond will be dredged as it is drained.

Shawnee County — Nov 9, 2026

Shawnee County Master Gardener program reports surge in volunteer hours and resident inquiries

Nov 9, 2026

Residents urge Shawnee County to address proposed data-center development; petitions circulated

Nov 9, 2026

Extension Office reorganizes staff, announces earlier 2027 response-line start

Nov 9, 2026

Gage Park carousel, Big Playland and sand-volleyball upgrades described as 'well received'

Nov 9, 2026

Gage Authority Governance

Authority board raises governance, messaging and security priorities for Gage Park

Nov 9, 2026

Corrections

County opens behavioral health unit at corrections facility, Rippon says many inmates need mental‑health care

Nov 6, 2026

Parks

Gage Park gets skywalk, new courts and war‑memorial work, Rippon says

Nov 6, 2026

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What stands out in Shawnee County

Data from Polco GPAL
Standouts compare Shawnee County with communities in Kansas or of similar population size. Surprises are where the measured figure was unusually far from what Polco's model expected. Each fact gives its year; public data runs one to two years behind.

In 2021, Shawnee County was less favorable than communities in Kansas on adults with depression.

0th percentile · 2021 · CDC PLACES, via Polco GPAL

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All the data →

Recent meetings

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Nov 9Shawnee County Kansas Commission Work Session 2026/11/09Board appointments are not staggered and lapsed together; authority receives a 5% discretionary allocation (~$35k–$37k/month); board funded free/reduced admission grants for Discovery Center and zoo; discussions planned on messaging, arch feasibility, security camera expansion and foundation partnerships.Nov 6State of the Community November 5, 2026 – Commissioner RiphahnCompleted street renovations on 29th and 45th streets; roundabouts installed at multiple intersections including in front of a middle school.Oct 30Shawnee County Kansas Commission Meeting 10/29/2026Both capital expenditures approved 3-0.Oct 302026 Shawnee County Community Conversation on Health October 2, 2026A 60‑bed behavioral‑health unit was opened with mixed funding but covers ~1/3 of needed capacity.

More coverage

Deer Creek Trail linked to Lake Shawnee, completing key trail connection

Nov 6, 2026

County completes courthouse renovations, moves offices into renovated '707' building

Nov 6, 2026

County installs roundabouts, renovates major streets near Lake Shawnee, Rippon says

Nov 6, 2026

Commissioner Bill Rippon reviews eight years of Shawnee County projects

Nov 6, 2026