| Statistic | Great Bend | Kansas | National |
| Population | 15,685 | 3,026,509 | 336,919,644 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,494 | 37 | 91 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 36.2 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 61% | 59% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 43% | 45% | 43% |
| Speak English | 86% | 89% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 13% | 8% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Great Bend is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Great Bend population is 15,685, with a population density of 1,494 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 36.7, and 61% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 43% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Great Bend, 24% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 10% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
The Great Bend racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Great Bend is 86.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 1.4% American Indian and 0.4% Native Hawaiian - 23.5% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 85.8% reported speaking English only, while 13.5% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 8.8% of residents were considered foreign born.
Great Bend, characterized by above-average population density, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. The Great Bend population density stands at 1,494, exceeding the national average, at 91 people per square mile, positioning it in a nice position to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Great Bend is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Great Bend demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Great Bend demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Great Bend has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
| Race | Great Bend | Kansas | National |
| White | 86.91% | 85.19% | 73.35% |
| Black | 1.12% | 5.79% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.22% | 2.68% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 1.37% | 0.82% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.41% | 0.06% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.56% | 3.31% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 3.42% | 2.15% | 4.75% |
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