Ellis Co. #1 in the Nation

That's only for counties with population over 25,000 and it's based on limited data. Ask someone in Hays if their rent is fair compared to their wages and see if they are still least stressed.

Ratzilla wrote:

That's only for counties with population over 25,000 and it's based on limited data. Ask someone in Hays if their rent is fair compared to their wages and see if they are still least stressed.

It's a lot worse in other places.

Ratzilla wrote:

That's only for counties with population over 25,000 and it's based on limited data. Ask someone in Hays if their rent is fair compared to their wages and see if they are still least stressed.

Nice spin...I think you need to take into account that the rent compared to wage problem has not changed over the last several years, and thus the reason the stress factor is low. I guess if it starts bad and stays at the same level, then it will show as not being stressed (making your argument for you).

Oh there's alot here who do well enough to stay out of debt. Then there are those in other places doing the same jobs but they're looking at the new cars instead of the used lot.

One of my nieces lived in Wichita making $18 an hour and came back here to care for her ailing mother and give her kids a small town atmosphere to grow up in. She started here at less than half that yet she said it was cheaper living in Wichita.

Ellis County is not terrible, but my memory of the great American dream was not living paycheck to paycheck. Of course factories in this area being non-union pretty much tells the story.

That's an interesting statistic. I did a little googling to find what it's based on.

http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_national/stress_index/

Hit 'enter' and hover over the county of your choice. Based on foreclosures, bankruptcies, and unemployment rate, Ellis and surrounding counties are doing pretty damn good... MUCH better than much of the country.

But if you'll notice, all of these indices are strongly correlated with population density. In other words, it's pretty much meaningless to compare Ellis County KS with say Denver CO. The places and their economies are vastly different. And furthermore this index says very little about wages vs. cost of living.

What I take from this is that small, rural areas- particularly in farm country- are pretty insulated from national economic trends. The standard of living in Hays is demonstrably lower than lots of more populated areas (hence Ratzilla's rant)... but it's also a lot more stable.

An unemployment rate of under 4% is IMPRESSIVE, though. I imagine it has a lot to do with the (heavily government subsidized) farm economy and the (heavily government subsidized) oil industry. And don't forget that (heavily government subsidized) university. Ain't much in/around Hays except for shitty manufacturing jobs.

What's really intersting is to click on different maps via links at the top. You can see unemployment rate, foreclosure, and bankruptcies individually. Funny how trends often follow state lines... must have to do with the laws and enforcement in individual states. And it looks to me like Hays' housing market is pretty much unaffected by this whole 'crash'.

It is nice to see Ellis County make a top ranking that doesn't involve alcohol, though.

Bighead wrote:

It is nice to see Ellis County make a top ranking that doesn't involve alcohol, though.

I saw a beer vending machine during spring break. Long way from Hays, though. The guy who built this was there.

I think people are looking at that index wrong, it isn't talking about the cost of living or how great Ellis County is to live. It is just taking into account the changes (or lack there of) in those factors of unemployment, foreclosures, bankruptcies, etc. We are at the top, because the indexes haven't moved much.

Its just amazing that people will try to talk down everything because of their one sidedness.

The Other One wrote:

Bighead wrote:

It is nice to see Ellis County make a top ranking that doesn't involve alcohol, though.

I saw a beer vending machine during spring break. Long way from Hays, though. The guy who built this was there.

That van-boat is awesome. But I'd think it would be a little top-heavy.

lilchefed wrote:

I think people are looking at that index wrong, it isn't talking about the cost of living or how great Ellis County is to live. It is just taking into account the changes (or lack there of) in those factors of unemployment, foreclosures, bankruptcies, etc. We are at the top, because the indexes haven't moved much.

Its just amazing that people will try to talk down everything because of their one sidedness.

Nobody is talking down these stats. But the reality of it is that they don't reflect the paycheck to paycheck living alot of the population does while their landlords charge them big city rent. As Bighead said we are more stable here overall, but when you pay the same rent as someone who makes 1 1/2 to 2 times more than you and can't get near the bargains on merchandise that they do in the cities it's just pointless.

Bighead wrote:

The Other One wrote:

Bighead wrote:

It is nice to see Ellis County make a top ranking that doesn't involve alcohol, though.

I saw a beer vending machine during spring break. Long way from Hays, though. The guy who built this was there.

That van-boat is awesome. But I'd think it would be a little top-heavy.

My cousin built it. It's the second of its family, after the ca'boat. As stated in this article, the idea sprang from a few beers.

But back to the original topic (sort of), Maine, where he lives, was recently ranked as the second hardest place to make a living, ranking ahead of only Hawaii. Kansas ranked 15th.

Ratzilla wrote:

lilchefed wrote:

I think people are looking at that index wrong, it isn't talking about the cost of living or how great Ellis County is to live. It is just taking into account the changes (or lack there of) in those factors of unemployment, foreclosures, bankruptcies, etc. We are at the top, because the indexes haven't moved much.

Its just amazing that people will try to talk down everything because of their one sidedness.

Nobody is talking down these stats. But the reality of it is that they don't reflect the paycheck to paycheck living alot of the population does while their landlords charge them big city rent. As Bighead said we are more stable here overall, but when you pay the same rent as someone who makes 1 1/2 to 2 times more than you and can't get near the bargains on merchandise that they do in the cities it's just pointless.

This isn't a cost of living stat, so you can't use it to be one, like you were trying to do...that was my point.

lilchefed wrote:

Ratzilla wrote:

lilchefed wrote:

I think people are looking at that index wrong, it isn't talking about the cost of living or how great Ellis County is to live. It is just taking into account the changes (or lack there of) in those factors of unemployment, foreclosures, bankruptcies, etc. We are at the top, because the indexes haven't moved much.

Its just amazing that people will try to talk down everything because of their one sidedness.

Nobody is talking down these stats. But the reality of it is that they don't reflect the paycheck to paycheck living alot of the population does while their landlords charge them big city rent. As Bighead said we are more stable here overall, but when you pay the same rent as someone who makes 1 1/2 to 2 times more than you and can't get near the bargains on merchandise that they do in the cities it's just pointless.

This isn't a cost of living stat, so you can't use it to be one, like you were trying to do...that was my point.

Don't you know that the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent Ratzo is the world's foremost authority on everything? It's useless to try to correct him. He's never wrong.

I didn't say "their" stats were about wages or housing. I'm saying "their" stats don't reflect overall economics of the county and wages and housing are part of it.

The original post said.....

Quote :

Ellis County is ranked as the least economically stressed county in the country.

If you don't think economics has anything to do with income and spending you really aren't worth arguing with.

As far as me having my opinions goes, I find it increasingly interesting how a couple of you on this site think that there can only be one opinion or one way of doing anything. Maybe you need to learn thinking for yourselves instead of just thinking as the political, financial, or social propagandists instruct you to.

Ratzilla wrote:

That's only for counties with population over 25,000 and it's based on limited data. Ask someone in Hays if their rent is fair compared to their wages and see if they are still least stressed.

Beatles Twist & Shout Lyrics

Well, shake it up, baby, now, (shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout. (twist and shout)



Chubby Checker
The Twist Lyrics

Come on baby let's do the twist
Come on baby let's do the twist



3OH!3 - My First Kiss Lyrics featuring Kesha

[3OH!3]
My first kiss went a little like this
And twist
And twist

[Ke$ha]
Well my first kiss went a little like this
And twist
And twist

I'll give you an E for effort for attempting dumb comedy to sidestep an issue. Sorry it doesn't give you points for anything else.

But hey, if thats your idea of how to win a debate, I found your picture.



Or is this funnier?

Just pointing out that you were the one who twisted the original post into your own agenda.

lilchefed wrote:

Just pointing out that you were the one who twisted the original post into your own agenda.

Gee, that's a surprise.

I prefer to say I was expanding on the original post to more accurately address the issue. But if you like living in a Mary Poppins world and not looking at any negatives it's your choice.

Big companies, government, and researchers hire individuals to look for underlying problems. They also hire individuals who are expert at hiding or minimizing those problems when presenting it to the public, or just feeding the public a complete line of shit. I see at least two of you were worth the money spent on the latter.

Enjoying the comments. I moved to N. Colorado 2 years ago from Hays America thinking this is where everyone wants to live. Well the housing market and job bottomed out. You could see in one week blocks of new houses going under due to bad loans to people who did even have job or most couldn't even speak English. If you can find a job here there are no benefits, mainly really bad part time jobs. You too can work for way less than you can in Western Kansas. My career is in medical and wow what a shock. You see RN working housekeeping jobs ect. So when I deciced this wasn't the most brillant idea I had ever had, I am trying to move back the Hays area. Oh I can get a job, but have to turn down some really decent jobs because I could find housing that would allow PETS. Total GRRRR.... You know how hard it is to get on with Hays Med fulltime and then have to reject the offer because you can't find housing that will let you have 2 small dogs that don't weigh 25 lbs all together. I can deal with the rent prices , that's just the way it is but come on .. $400 pet deposit ?? I am still looking for housing to move back home .. Anyone have any idea... Have a great day all !

I hate to always be the guy who recommends Schwaller... but I'm gonna do it again.

My Supreme Commandress and I rented a house from Schwaller & Associates for the 4 years I was in Hays. It was cheap, in decent shape, allowed pets. They raised the rent one time in 4 years (by $20/month). There were few problems with the place- and those were fixed right away. And they allow pets.

I'll agree when others chime in- Schwaller rents some real DUMPS around Hays. You could rightly call him a small-time slum-lord. But for the 2-bedroom house that we rented in Hays, I have zero complaints.

Now look Sidney- I know it's none of my business. But you need to get your priorities in order. I like dogs as well as anybody- I have two similar in size to yours. But turning down jobs due to the pet situation? In an economy like this?? While you're moving in from a different state??? No offense but that's fukcing stupid. Here's how you fix it: First, call up Schaller & Associates. If they can't help you, call up one of the trailer parks. I know that you may be too good to live in a trailer- most people are. But you can deal with it for a month or three until you find a proper place to live. Beats the hell out of being stuck in a shitty job.

Sorry if I'm being a little hard on you... but this hits a nerve with me. My wife has the same fucked up priorities- thinks these goddamn dogs are her kids and puts them first as if they were. Good thing she has me around to set her straight.

Bighead has people who will "take care" of the dogs if necessary....

THOR would make three or four nice roasts. I imagine he'd be kinda fatty though.

Bighead wrote:

THOR would make three or four nice roasts. I imagine he'd be kinda fatty though.

Gotta carve 'em right...

I finally got a place ready to rent and already have renter trouble. Pets allowed, (non-venoumous only) no pet fees, but no pets over 200 pounds or 5 feet long allowed in the house unless it's paying the rent. Rent discounts allowable if the renter does the yardwork and minor upkeep. Veeery cheap by local standards and if the current renter doesn't get on the ball and mow it the rent will be more reflective of the rest of the county or I will have a place available so cheap it'd cause the local slumlords to have a fit.

I have lived in some pretty bad places to keep my dogs. Last place I live at was decent I mowed, trimmed trees ect. Even put wallpaper in the kithcen dining area. Jobs arent' the deal. I'm not lazy , just got done helping run cement and puttin in new decking last weekend. Some people are really attached to their pets and some aren't and I respect that. Just have tried the old route of finding housing and turn up nothing. It is great to have feed back one way or the other. Sometimes you have to really dig for what you want. (hard headed Irish here).

Its hard finding decent housing in Hays. I'm moving back and had a rough time finding a place to live. I'm going to be looking into a small house to buy. I can't keep forking money over for rent and since I have decided Hays is where im going to live so Im wanting to find my own house.