Anderson County

Here are key demographics for Anderson County, Kansas. Figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Decennial Census and 2018–2022 American Community Survey 5-year estimates).

Population size

• Total population (2020): 7,836

Age

• Median age: about 42–43 years
• Under 18: ~23%
• 18–64: ~57%
• 65 and over: ~20%

Gender

• Female: ~50%
• Male: ~50%

Racial/ethnic composition

• White (non-Hispanic): ~90–93%
• Hispanic or Latino (any race): ~3–5%
• Two or more races: ~2–4%
• American Indian/Alaska Native: ~1%
• Black or African American: ~0.5–1%
• Asian: ~0.3%

Households

• Total households: ~3,200–3,300
• Average household size: ~2.4
• Family households: ~2,000
• Owner-occupied housing rate: ~75–80%
• Median household income: roughly mid–$50,000s

Notes: Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding and differing Census/ACS categorizations. For a specific year or exact point estimates, specify the reference year/source you prefer.

Anderson County, KS email usage (approx.)

• Population and density: ~8,000 residents across ~580 sq mi (≈13 people/sq mi). Garnett is the main population/connectivity hub.
• Estimated email users: 5,600–6,200 residents. Basis: ~6,000 adults with roughly 85–95% email adoption, plus some teens.
• Age profile of email users (approx.): 18–34: 30–35%; 35–64: 45–50%; 65+: 15–20% (lower adoption but rising).
• Gender split: ~50/50, mirroring the county’s population.
• Digital access and trends: Household broadband subscription in rural Kansas counties of similar size is typically about three‑quarters to four‑fifths; higher‑speed options concentrate in/near Garnett. Outlying areas more often rely on fixed wireless or satellite; legacy DSL persists in some corridors; fiber is limited but slowly expanding. Smartphone access is widespread, and a noticeable share of households are mobile‑only. Connectivity gaps occur in sparsely populated or hilly/wooded areas.

Notes: These are planning estimates synthesized from recent Census/ACS county demographics and national/state patterns for email and internet adoption (e.g., Pew, ACS/FCC). For precise local figures, consult the latest ACS 5‑year tables and Kansas broadband maps.

Below is a county-focused snapshot of mobile phone usage in Anderson County, Kansas, with estimates and contrasts to statewide patterns. Figures are best-available approximations based on recent ACS device/Internet-use patterns, county population, and FCC-reported coverage as of 2023–2024.

User estimates

• Population and base: ~7,700–7,900 residents; ~6,000–6,300 adults (18+).
• Smartphone users: roughly 4,800–5,300 adult users (smartphone adoption rates in rural KS counties typically run 10–15 percentage points below the statewide average).
• Households with at least one smartphone: about 2,400–2,600 of ~3,100–3,300 households.
• Mobile-only Internet households (no fixed home broadband, use phone hotspots or cellular home Internet): approximately 10–15% of households (higher than the statewide share, which is closer to high single digits).
• 5G-capable devices: about 60–70% of local smartphone users, reflecting slower upgrade cycles than urban/state averages.

Demographic breakdown (and how it shapes usage)

• Older population mix: Anderson County has a larger 65+ share than Kansas overall. Result:
  • Lower smartphone adoption among seniors (often 20–30 points below younger adults).
  • Higher prevalence of basic/feature phones and longer device replacement cycles among older residents.
• Income/education: Median household income and postsecondary attainment trail the Kansas average. Result:
  • More price-sensitive plan selection, greater use of shared/family plans, and delayed upgrades to 5G-capable phones.
  • A somewhat higher share of households relying on a mobile connection in place of fixed broadband.
• Urban/rural split: Garnett vs. outlying areas.
  • Garnett residents show usage patterns closer to the state norm (more 5G, more app-centric use).
  • Outlying areas show more voice/SMS reliance and hotspotting for home connectivity.

Digital infrastructure points

• Coverage: All three national carriers report near-universal outdoor 4G LTE coverage across primary roads; 5G coverage clusters around the county seat (Garnett) and major highway corridors, thinning in low-density areas. Indoor coverage can be inconsistent in metal-roofed and farther-rural structures.
• Capacity and spectrum: Rural cells lean on low-band spectrum for reach; mid-band 5G capacity is more limited and localized than in metro Kansas, which can mean slower peak-hour speeds outside town.
• Fixed alternatives and substitution: Fewer fiber/cable options outside Garnett contribute to above-average “mobile-as-primary” internet use and interest in cellular fixed wireless access (where signal allows).
• Public/anchor connectivity: Schools, the library, and municipal buildings are important Wi‑Fi anchors that offset weaker residential broadband in some tracts.
• Public safety: FirstNet coverage is present via AT&T’s network, but rural-site spacing means responders may still see pocketed weak spots off main corridors.

How Anderson County differs from Kansas overall

• Adoption level: Smartphone and home–broadband adoption lag the state by roughly 10–15 percentage points; mobile-only households are more common.
• Upgrade cadence: Slower turnover to 5G-capable devices and plans than the state average due to older demographics and budget sensitivity.
• Coverage experience: More frequent transitions between 5G and LTE and more variable indoor reception than in metro or large-micropolitan Kansas counties.
• Usage profile: A higher share of practical/utility use (voice, SMS, navigation, farm/ranch apps, hotspotting) relative to high-bandwidth entertainment compared with urban Kansas.

Notes on methodology and uncertainty

• County-level ownership and subscription rates are inferred from ACS computer/Internet-use tables and rural Kansas deltas; FCC maps inform the coverage patterns. Exact carrier performance varies by location, device, and plan.

Below is a concise, data‑informed snapshot for Anderson County, Kansas. Because platforms don’t publish county‑level figures, percentages are modeled by applying recent Pew Research Center social media adoption rates (with rural adjustments) to Anderson County’s older‑leaning age mix (U.S. Census/ACS). Treat as ballpark estimates.

Context and overall penetration

• Population: roughly 8,000; adults (18+) ≈ 6,000.
• Adults using at least one social platform: 75–80% (~4,500–4,800).
• Daily users: 55–60% of adults (3,300–3,600) check at least one platform daily.

Most‑used platforms (share of all adults; estimated)

• YouTube: 70–80% (≈4,200–4,800). Broad across ages; how‑to, news, ag/outdoors.
• Facebook: 60–65% (≈3,600–3,900). Dominant for local news, school/sports, groups, Marketplace.
• Instagram: 30–35% (≈1,800–2,100). Skews under 50; lifestyle and local events.
• TikTok: 18–25% (≈1,100–1,500). Growth in 18–34 and for short local videos.
• Snapchat: 18–22% (≈1,100–1,300). Concentrated under 30; messaging and Stories.
• Pinterest: 28–34% (≈1,700–2,000). Strong among women; DIY, recipes, home.
• LinkedIn: 12–18% (≈700–1,100). Lower in rural labor mix; used for job search/networking.
• X (Twitter): 10–15% (≈600–900). Niche; state news, sports, weather.
• Reddit: 8–12% (≈500–700). Niche; hobby and advice forums.
• Nextdoor: 1–3% (<200). Limited footprint; Facebook Groups fill the “neighborhood” role.

Age patterns (adults)

• 18–29: 90–95% on any platform. YouTube ~95; Instagram 70–80; Snapchat 65–70; TikTok 60–65; Facebook 55–60.
• 30–49: 85–90% any. YouTube ~90; Facebook 75–80; Instagram 45–55; TikTok 35–40; Snapchat 25–35.
• 50–64: 75–80% any. Facebook 70–75; YouTube 80–85; Instagram 25–35; TikTok 12–18.
• 65+: 55–60% any. Facebook 45–55; YouTube 55–65; Instagram 10–18; TikTok 8–12.

Gender patterns (adults; directional)

• Women: Higher Facebook (≈65–70%), Instagram (≈35–40%), Pinterest (≈40–50%), TikTok (≈22–28%). More engagement with community, schools, events, shopping.
• Men: Higher YouTube (≈80–85%), Reddit (≈10–15%), X (≈12–18%). More sports, outdoors, equipment/DIY, national news.

Behavioral trends to know

• Community-first usage: Facebook Groups and Marketplace are the digital town square (buy/sell/trade, school boosters, local sports, church and fair announcements, weather/road updates).
• Video rises everywhere: Short vertical video (Reels/TikTok) is the fastest mover for events, sports highlights, and local businesses; YouTube remains the how‑to and “explainer” hub.
• Messaging over posting for youth: Under‑30s favor Snapchat/Instagram DMs for coordination; many “lurk” more than they post publicly.
• Timing: Engagement typically clusters before work (6–8 a.m.), lunch (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.), and evenings (8–10 p.m.), with weekend spikes around community events.
• Ad response: Local businesses see the best ROI on Facebook/Instagram (geo‑targeted within 15–40 miles, boosted posts, Marketplace listings). TikTok ads work for younger demos; YouTube pre‑roll useful for broad reach.
• Information sourcing: Heavy reliance on Facebook for local updates; trust hinges on known local voices and moderator‑run groups.

Sources and method

• Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau (Decennial Census; ACS 5‑year), older‑leaning rural profile.
• Social platform adoption: Pew Research Center (Social Media Use 2023–2024; urban–suburban–rural cuts; age/gender splits).
• Estimates reflect county age mix and rural adjustments; ranges shown to avoid false precision.