CountyScore

Allen County

Kansas · KS

#42 in Kansas
68
County Score

County Report Card

About Allen County, Kansas

Allen County's livability above the national median

Allen County scores 66.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0—placing it in the upper third nationally. This 33% advantage over typical American counties reflects stronger-than-average affordability and tax conditions across the region.

Holding steady at Kansas' middle tier

Allen County's 66.3 score matches Kansas' state average of 66.0, positioning it firmly in the middle of the state's livability rankings. This consistency reflects a county that's representative of broader economic conditions across Kansas.

Housing affordability is the standout strength

Allen County excels in cost (85.5/100), with a median home value of just $100,400 and rent averaging only $685 per month—among the lowest in the state. The effective tax rate of 1.652% is moderate, though the income score of 21.0 reflects below-average earnings at $57,618 median household income.

Income growth and wage levels lag behind

Allen County's income score of 21.0 represents its primary challenge, with median household earnings of $57,618 trailing state and national norms. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains limited, making a complete picture of quality of life impossible at this time.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking affordability

Allen County suits cost-focused families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and modest tax burdens over higher earning potential. The exceptionally affordable real estate market makes this county ideal for those looking to stretch limited incomes or downsize into a smaller-town setting.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax55.8Cost85.5SafetyComing SoonHealth67.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome21Risk84.8WaterComing Soon
🏛55.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡84.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Allen County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Jackson County
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Calhoun County
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Early County
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Median income: $53,750

Deep Dives

Allen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Allen County

via TaxByCounty

Allen taxes run light nationally

Allen County's effective tax rate of 1.652% sits above the national median of 1.4%, placing it around the 60th percentile for property tax burden across the country. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,659 annually, well below the national median of $2,690, because Kansas home values average significantly lower than the U.S. norm.

Slightly above Kansas average

Allen County ranks in the middle-to-upper range among Kansas's 105 counties, with an effective rate of 1.652% compared to the state average of 1.549%. The median tax bill of $1,659 falls below Kansas's state median of $1,943, reflecting the county's lower property values.

Higher than nearby Anderson County

Allen County's 1.652% rate edges above Anderson County's 1.528%, though both counties fall near the state average. Allen homeowners pay slightly less in absolute dollars ($1,659 vs. $2,260), thanks to a lower median home value of $100,400 compared to Anderson's $147,900.

Your Allen County tax bill

A homeowner with a $100,400 property in Allen County pays roughly $1,659 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. This figure rises to approximately $1,829 with mortgage-related taxes included, or dips to $1,553 without mortgage provisions.

Challenge your assessment

Many Kansas property owners carry inflated assessments that don't reflect current market values. If you believe your Allen County home is overvalued, filing a formal appeal could lower your annual tax burden—the median reassessment can save hundreds of dollars per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allen County

via CostByCounty

Allen County rents stay below national strain

Allen County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits comfortably below the national threshold where housing becomes unaffordable. Renters here spend roughly the same share of income on housing as Americans nationwide, despite earning $17,137 less than the national median income of $74,755.

Kansas affordability leader

Among Kansas counties, Allen stands out with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio—0.4 percentage points better than the state average of 14.7%. This ranks Allen among the more affordable counties statewide, where median rents average $787 compared to the county's $685.

Cheapest rents in the region

Allen County's median rent of $685 undercuts nearby Anderson County ($792) and Atchison County ($756) by $107 and $71 monthly. Despite lower incomes than these neighbors, Allen renters enjoy the region's most affordable housing market.

How Allen County budgets housing

A typical Allen household earning $57,618 annually pays $685 for rent or $706 for a mortgage, leaving substantial income for other expenses. Homebuyers here face median values of $100,400, making purchase-to-income ratios remarkably accessible compared to state benchmarks.

Consider Allen for affordable living

If you're weighing Kansas counties for a fresh start, Allen offers rare affordability: low rents, sub-$100k home values, and minimal housing-cost burden. Compare this stability to higher-cost neighbors like Butler County before making your decision.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allen County

via IncomeByCounty

Allen County trails national earnings

Allen County's median household income of $57,618 sits 23% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning counties nationally. This gap reflects the rural character of much of Kansas and its economy centered on agriculture and small manufacturing.

Below average among Kansas counties

Allen County ranks below the Kansas state median of $64,428, earning about $6,810 less per household annually. The county's per capita income of $29,176 also trails the state average of $34,748.

Similar to neighboring rural counties

Allen County's $57,618 median income closely mirrors nearby Barber County ($57,615) and Brown County ($58,886), reflecting the shared rural and agricultural character of southeast Kansas. Neighboring Anderson County performs better at $64,925, suggesting stronger job diversity in that area.

Rent remains affordable for most

A rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% indicates housing costs are well-managed relative to household earnings in Allen County. With a median home value of $100,400, the county offers accessible homeownership for residents seeking to build wealth.

Build financial security locally

Allen County residents earning $57,618 can establish a solid financial foundation by targeting savings of 10-15% annually, which yields $5,761-$8,643 per year. Working with local credit unions or advisors to explore retirement accounts and home equity can help residents grow wealth despite modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Allen County

via HealthByCounty

Allen County's health gap widens

At 74.5 years, Allen County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 80.1 years. With 18% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national median—Allen faces significant health challenges that demand attention and resources.

Lagging behind Kansas

Allen County's 74.5-year life expectancy trails Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's health rankings. The county's 18% poor/fair health rate mirrors state struggles but suggests local factors compound broader trends.

Compared to nearby counties

Allen County's life expectancy sits between Barber County (74.2) and Butler County (75.3), with peer counties showing mixed results on provider availability. Mental health services here are stronger at 193 per 100K—exceeding Barber's 49—but primary care lags some neighbors.

Healthcare access and insurance

Just over 11% of Allen County residents lack health insurance, slightly below the state average of 11.5%, yet 64 primary care providers per 100K residents suggests unmet demand in rural areas. Mental health capacity is relatively robust, but geographic and transportation barriers may still limit care reach.

Take action on coverage

If you're among the 11% uninsured in Allen County, now is the time to explore options through the Kansas health marketplace or local community health centers. Coverage can mean earlier treatment, better outcomes, and real savings when health challenges arise.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allen County

via RiskByCounty

Allen County's natural disaster risk

Allen County scores 15.27 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below the national average. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to the typical U.S. county. However, tornadoes remain the most notable hazard, with a risk score of 35.27.

Among Kansas's safer counties

Allen County's composite risk score of 15.27 is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it among the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects the county's distance from major wildfire corridors and relatively modest flood and earthquake exposure. The county remains a relatively safe place to live by Kansas standards.

Comparable to similar Kansas counties

Allen County's risk profile closely matches neighboring Brown County (15.33) and Atchison County (15.97), all considered Very Low risk. Anderson County and Bourbon County carry slightly higher composite scores but remain in the Very Low category. Collectively, this region of Kansas represents the state's more resilient communities.

Tornadoes your primary concern

Tornado risk is Allen County's most significant natural disaster threat at 35.27, a score that warrants preparedness but remains well below state average tornado exposure. Flood risk (26.34) and earthquake risk (28.85) pose secondary considerations. Residents should maintain a household emergency plan and know where to seek shelter during spring severe weather season.

Insurance coverage for peace of mind

Although Allen County faces below-average natural disaster risk, standard homeowners insurance often excludes flood and earthquake damage—coverage you'll want to evaluate separately with your agent. Even in low-risk counties, a single severe event can cause substantial losses, making supplemental policies a practical investment. Review your coverage annually and ensure your household has an up-to-date emergency plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.