countyscore
54.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.2Schools 81.3

County Report Card

About Anderson County, Kansas

Outperforming the National Median

Anderson County earns a composite score of 54.9, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a higher overall quality of life than the typical American county.

A Top-Tier Kansas Performer

The county's overall score exceeds the Kansas state average of 49.5 by over five points. It stands out as a more resilient and high-performing option within the state's rural landscape.

Exceptional Schools and Reliable Infrastructure

The county shines with a school score of 81.3 and a water score of 86.0, indicating excellent educational outcomes and resource management. Natural disaster risk is also quite low, evidenced by a strong risk score of 82.2.

The Burden of Local Property Taxes

Despite its many strengths, the county struggles with a tax score of only 11.7. This is driven by an effective tax rate of 1.528%, which may pinch the budgets of fixed-income residents.

Ideal for Growing Rural Families

With top-tier schools and clean water, Anderson County is a premier choice for families looking for a stable, high-quality rural life. The higher tax rate is a trade-off for the superior local services and safety found here.

Score breakdown

Tax11.7Cost55.1Safety61.6Health50.1Schools81.3Income54.1Risk82.2Water86Weather51.1
🏛11.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓81.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Kansas
40.2
Coffey County
Kansas
60.4
Allen County
Kansas
40.8
Linn County
Kansas
56.6
Woodson County
Kansas
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Miami County
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Osage County
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Bourbon County
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41.9

Deep Dives

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anderson County

via TaxByCounty

Anderson taxes below national average

Anderson County's effective rate of 1.528% falls slightly below the national median of 1.4%, putting it in the lower-middle range nationally. Residents pay a median of $2,260 annually—less than the national median of $2,690—despite having substantially higher home values than the Kansas average.

Below-average rate in Kansas

Anderson County ranks in the lower half of Kansas's 105 counties, with an effective rate of 1.528% below the state average of 1.549%. The median tax of $2,260 exceeds Kansas's median of $1,943, reflecting Anderson's higher median home value of $147,900.

Lower than Allen, higher than Atchison

Anderson County's 1.528% rate sits below Allen County's 1.652% but above Atchison County's 1.312%. In dollars, Anderson homeowners pay $2,260 annually—more than Allen ($1,659) but less than the regional median due to better tax efficiency on higher-valued homes.

Your Anderson County tax bill

A homeowner with a $147,900 property in Anderson County pays approximately $2,260 in annual property taxes. With mortgage considerations, the bill climbs to about $2,665, or drops to $2,069 without mortgage add-ons.

Review your assessment today

Anderson County property owners frequently discover their homes are assessed above fair market value. Submitting a formal appeal with comparable sales data could reduce your tax burden by hundreds annually and ensure your assessment reflects true property worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anderson County

via CostByCounty

Anderson County rents align with national average

Anderson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% hovers just below the national affordability threshold, matching what most Americans spend on rent. At $64,925, median household income falls $9,830 short of the national median, yet housing remains sustainably priced.

Mid-range affordability for Kansas

Anderson County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio sits fractionally below the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it in the moderate affordability tier. The county's median rent of $792 exceeds Kansas's state median by just $5, reflecting typical statewide housing costs.

Highest rents in Allen County vicinity

At $792 monthly, Anderson rents run $107 higher than Allen County's $685 but match Atchison County's $756 closely. This premium reflects Anderson's slightly higher median income of $64,925 compared to Allen's $57,618.

Anderson County's housing math

Anderson households earning $64,925 allocate $792 for rent or $866 for mortgages—ratios kept in check by decent local incomes. Median home values of $147,900 remain well within reach for Kansas buyers, balancing affordability across tenure types.

Anderson offers stable, moderate housing costs

Relocating to Anderson County means predictable rents and home prices aligned with state norms—neither bargain nor burden. Weigh Anderson's stability against surrounding counties if you prioritize housing sustainability alongside community connection.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Anderson County income nears national average

Anderson County's median household income of $64,925 remains 13% below the national median of $74,755. However, the county outperforms many rural Kansas peers, suggesting a more diversified economic base than agriculture alone.

Tops Kansas state median

Anderson County's median household income of $64,925 matches the Kansas state average of $64,428, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's income distribution. The county's per capita income of $30,213 aligns closely with the state average of $34,748.

Regional income leader

Anderson County's $64,925 median income outpaces surrounding counties like Allen ($57,618), Brown ($58,886), and Atchison ($62,164). Only Butler County to the north generates notably higher household earnings at $80,375.

Housing costs remain manageable

A rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% shows housing expenses are proportional to earnings in Anderson County. With a median home value of $147,900, residents can pursue homeownership without overextending their budgets.

Invest in your future here

Anderson County households averaging $64,925 annually can allocate $6,492-$9,738 toward savings and investments yearly. Starting a systematic investment plan or maximizing employer 401(k) matches enables residents to build wealth over the long term.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Anderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Anderson County Ranks Among Safest Nationally

The county boasts an impressive safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 884.8 per 100K is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Kansas Safety Average

Anderson County is safer than the average Kansas county, exceeding the state safety score of 98.0. Three local agencies maintain consistent reporting to keep the public informed.

Leading Neighbors in Public Safety

The crime rate here is less than half that of nearby Bourbon County at 2,124.3 per 100K. Anderson County also maintains a much lower incident rate than Allen County to the south.

Low Rates for Both Crime Types

Violent crime is low at 333.4 per 100K, while property crime sits at 551.4. These figures suggest a very low risk of incident for the average resident compared to national benchmarks.

Maintain Security Even in Safe Areas

Even with high safety scores, basic precautions like locking vehicles and entryways remain important. Simple habits help preserve the county's reputation as a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Anderson County

via HealthByCounty

Anderson County outpaces national health

Anderson County residents live to 76.6 years—more than 4 years longer than the U.S. average of 80.1 years shows strong local health trends. With just 17.9% reporting poor or fair health, Anderson performs better than many rural Kansas counties on this key indicator.

Top performers in the state

At 76.6 years, Anderson County beats Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, placing it among healthier counties in the state. This success reflects community-level investments and health behaviors worth examining and replicating.

Neighboring county standout

Anderson County's 76.6-year life expectancy ranks it above most immediate neighbors, including Allen (74.5) and Bourbon (73.6). However, primary care access at 39 per 100K trails some peer counties, suggesting potential bottlenecks despite strong overall health outcomes.

Insurance and provider gaps

Anderson County's uninsured rate of 13%—above the state average of 11.5%—affects over 1 in 8 residents despite generally strong health metrics. With only 39 primary care providers per 100K and 51 mental health providers per 100K, access barriers may be masking deeper vulnerabilities.

Close the coverage gap

Anderson County's 13% uninsured rate means real people delay care and face financial stress—often preventable with coverage. Visit Kansas healthcare enrollment resources to find affordable plans and local clinics that serve without insurance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Anderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education Across Two Growing Districts

Anderson County operates six public schools across two distinct districts to serve 1,211 students. The landscape consists of four elementary schools and two high schools, focusing heavily on primary education. These facilities provide a streamlined path for students from early childhood through graduation.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Above National Averages

The county boasts an impressive 95.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 88.7% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $8,418 is lower than the state average, the county achieves a school score of 59.7. This high score suggests efficient use of resources to deliver top-tier academic results.

Garnett Leads County Educational Enrollment

The Garnett school district serves as the primary educational hub, enrolling 961 students across four schools. The Crest district manages the remaining two schools with an enrollment of 250 students. Traditional public schools account for all educational offerings here, as there are zero charter schools in the county.

Purely Rural School Environments

Every school in Anderson County is classified as rural, offering a quiet and focused atmosphere for students. Garnett Elementary is the largest facility with 433 students, while Westphalia serves as a small, intimate primary school for just 52 children. This range of sizes allows parents to choose between more robust programs and highly personalized environments.

Invest in High-Performing Rural Schools

Families looking for academic excellence should explore homes near Garnett's high-performing schools. The exceptional graduation rates in this county provide long-term value for local property owners. Anderson County is a premier choice for those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anderson County

via RiskByCounty

Anderson County faces low national risk

Anderson County scores 17.81 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it substantially below the national average. The county's exposure to major natural disasters remains minimal compared to most U.S. counties. Tornado risk of 40.71 is its most pronounced hazard, though still moderate in national context.

Well below Kansas average risk

At 17.81, Anderson County's composite risk score is just 60% of the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it safely in the state's lower-risk tier. The county benefits from lower wildfire exposure and minimal flood and earthquake threats relative to other Kansas communities. This positions Anderson County as one of the state's more resilient areas.

Safest county in this region

Anderson County (17.81) sits slightly above Allen County (15.27) but below Bourbon County (35.66) in the local risk hierarchy. Compared to nearby Barton County (60.31) and Butler County (74.40), Anderson County remains notably safer. The eastern Kansas region shows considerable variation in natural disaster risk across short distances.

Tornado and wildfire dominate hazards

Tornadoes pose Anderson County's highest risk at 40.71, followed by wildfire exposure of 37.15—both moderate but not exceptional by Kansas standards. Flood risk (19.18) and earthquake risk (23.57) remain minor concerns. Spring severe weather preparedness and familiarity with local shelters should be residents' primary disaster readiness focus.

Build your disaster readiness plan

While Anderson County's overall risk remains low, tornado season demands serious preparation including a designated safe room or basement shelter and a family communication plan. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage from tornadoes but excludes flooding, so evaluate your property's specific flood risk and consider supplemental coverage if warranted. Review your insurance and emergency plan at the start of each severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Anderson County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate climate with high precipitation

Anderson County’s annual average temperature of 55.2°F sits comfortably above the U.S. median. The region receives 41.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is high for the Great Plains.

Exceeding the Kansas precipitation average

At 55.2°F, the county is slightly warmer than the state average of 54.8°F. Its 41.1 inches of rain far exceeds the state average of 30.3 inches, marking it as a notably damp part of Kansas.

Slightly cooler than southern Allen County

Anderson County averages 55.2°F, making it nearly a degree cooler than its neighbor Allen County to the south. However, it sees more winter snowfall at 12.8 inches compared to Allen's 8.6 inches.

Swinging from 90-degree days to snowy winters

The county experiences 46 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging 78.6°F. Winter brings a significant shift, delivering 12.8 inches of snow and a January average of 30.1°F.

Balance your home for all four seasons

Invest in a versatile HVAC system to handle both the 46 annual heat days and the freezing January nights. Keeping a sturdy snow shovel handy is wise given the nearly 13 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Anderson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Anderson County

The soil here maintains an average pH of 6.18, making it notably more acidic than the Kansas state average of 6.80. This level is also below the national median of 6.5, which may require lime applications for certain crops. It is a distinctive chemical signature that influences local land management.

A Dense Mix of Silt and Clay

Anderson County soil is dominated by 57.6% silt and 29.1% clay, leaving only 12.0% for sand. This high silt percentage makes the soil very workable but prone to erosion if left uncovered. The significant clay portion helps the soil hold onto essential minerals for plant health.

Strong Organic Foundation for Farming

The county boasts 2.47% organic matter, outperforming the state average of 2.22%. While the available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is just a hair below the state average, the high organic content helps mitigate moisture loss. This makes the land resilient and productive for local producers.

Managing Water in Silt-Heavy Ground

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for this county. Given the low sand content, water likely moves slowly through the soil profile. Gardeners should consider raised beds to ensure proper aeration for sensitive root systems.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6b

In Zone 6b, Anderson County gardeners find success with a wide range of perennials and summer vegetables. The silty composition is particularly friendly to root crops and grains. It is a great time to start a backyard plot and tap into this fertile earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Anderson County

via LawnByCounty

Anderson County Leads in Lawn Ease

Anderson County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 69.9, making it one of the more hospitable places in Kansas to grow grass. This score is nearly 20 points higher than the national average, suggesting a much lower barrier to entry for novice gardeners. The 6b hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of turf selections.

Ideal Precipitation Meets Moderate Heat

The county averages 41.1 inches of rain per year, providing ample natural hydration for local landscapes. With 46 extreme heat days, the climate is milder than the Kansas average of 58 days, reducing summer stress on cool-season grasses. The 4,079 growing degree days support a steady, predictable mowing schedule from spring through fall.

A Stable Foundation of Clay and Sand

A soil pH of 6.18 ensures that essential nutrients remain available to grass roots without the need for intensive chemical adjustments. The soil profile consists of 29.1% clay and 12.0% sand, a combination that holds water effectively during the warmer months. Periodic core aeration is recommended to improve oxygen flow to the root zone in these clay-heavy soils.

Short-Term Drought Demands Water Efficiency

The county experienced 14 weeks of drought last year, and currently, 44% of the land area is abnormally dry. To conserve water, residents should maintain a taller mowing height of 3 to 4 inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. This practice helps the lawn survive dry spells with less supplemental irrigation.

Late Spring Starts for Lush Lawns

Tall Fescue is the regional favorite for its durability and heat tolerance in the transition zone. Wait until after the final frost on April 17 to start new spring projects, or target the cooling window after the first fall frost on October 22. These dates provide the best temperature buffers for seed germination and establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anderson County's county score?
Anderson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 54.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Anderson County rank among counties in Kansas?
Anderson County ranks #35 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Anderson County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Anderson County is $2,260, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Anderson County a tax score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anderson County?
The median household income in Anderson County, Kansas is $64,925 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anderson County earns an income score of 54.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anderson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Anderson County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Anderson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Anderson County with other counties side by side.

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