countyscore
48
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.1Schools 74.3

County Report Card

About Atchison County, Kansas

Consistent with National Averages

Atchison County posts a composite score of 48.6, nearly matching the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that mirrors the standard American living experience.

Aligned with the Kansas Mean

The county's performance is almost identical to the Kansas state average of 49.5. It serves as a reliable representative of the state's overall livability standards.

Clean Water and Low Natural Risk

The county is highly resilient, boasting a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 84.1. Its educational system is another bright spot, with a school score of 74.3 that outperforms many neighbors.

Public Safety and Tax Concerns

Public safety represents the county's weakest dimension with a score of 16.8. Residents also contend with a tax score of 20.4, reflecting a tax burden that is higher than many nearby regions.

A Practical Choice for School-Aged Families

Atchison County is a solid fit for families who value quality education and reliable infrastructure in a traditional setting. While safety metrics are lower, the strong school and utility scores provide a compelling foundation for local life.

2040608010017.962.916.859.674.33784.18651.5Tax17.9Cost62.9Safety16.8Health59.6Schools74.3Income37Risk84.1Water86Weather51.548/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Atchison County DNA

Foverall

How Atchison County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Atchison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (84.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (16.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.9-34.1
Cost
62.9+14.899999999999999
Safety
16.8-38.2
Health
59.6+9.600000000000001
Schools
74.3+20.299999999999997
Income
37-14
Risk
84.1+37.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
51.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Atchison County?

Many homeowners in Atchison County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$145,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$765/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$145,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,112/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

55.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Atchison County with Alpine County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Buchanan County
Missouri
31.7
Doniphan County
Kansas
60.8
Platte County
Missouri
44.7
Jefferson County
Kansas
52.5
Leavenworth County
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39.4
Jackson County
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56.7
Brown County
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50.5
Andrew County
Missouri
53.5

Deep Dives

Atchison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Atchison County

via TaxByCounty

Atchison offers lowest tax rate

Atchison County's effective tax rate of 1.312% ranks well below the national median of 1.4%, placing it in the bottom quartile for property tax burden across America. Homeowners pay a median of $1,941 annually—29% less than the national median of $2,690—thanks to both low rates and modest home values.

Lowest-taxing county in Kansas

Atchison County boasts one of Kansas's lowest effective tax rates at 1.312%, significantly below the state average of 1.549%. At a median of $1,941, Atchison taxes are slightly below the state median of $1,943, placing it among the state's most tax-efficient counties.

Clear winner among neighbors

Atchison County's 1.312% rate is the lowest in its region—well below Allen County (1.652%), Anderson County (1.528%), and Bourbon County (1.670%). Despite having identical median home values to Anderson ($147,900), Atchison homeowners save $319 annually ($2,260 vs. $1,941) due to favorable tax rates.

Your Atchison County tax bill

A homeowner with a $147,900 property in Atchison County pays roughly $1,941 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. Mortgage-inclusive taxes reach about $1,987, while non-mortgage taxes drop to approximately $1,875.

Protect your advantage

Atchison County residents already enjoy some of Kansas's lowest tax rates, but overassessments still occur. Filing an appeal if your home's assessed value exceeds comparable local sales ensures you maintain this tax advantage year after year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Atchison County

via IncomeByCounty

Atchison County lags national income

Atchison County's median household income of $62,164 trails the national median of $74,755 by 17%. The gap underscores the challenges rural Kansas communities face competing in a national economy increasingly driven by technology and services.

Slightly below Kansas average

Atchison County's median household income of $62,164 falls short of the state average of $64,428 by $2,264 annually. The county's per capita income of $29,910 similarly sits below the state per capita average of $34,748.

Middle of the regional pack

Atchison County's $62,164 median income sits between nearby Bourbon County ($67,555, higher) and Brown County ($58,886, lower). The moderate income position reflects the county's mix of agricultural heritage and emerging light industrial activity.

Housing costs well-balanced

A rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% demonstrates that Atchison County residents allocate a reasonable share of earnings to housing. The median home value of $147,900 remains within reach for most households earning near the county average.

Strategic planning unlocks opportunity

Atchison County households with $62,164 annual income can direct $6,216-$9,325 toward savings and wealth-building annually. Consulting with a financial advisor about tax-advantaged savings vehicles ensures residents maximize their earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Atchison County

via CrimeByCounty

Atchison County Stays Below National Crime Levels

The county reports a total crime rate of 2,256.4 per 100K, remaining slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in an overall safety score of 96.4.

Safety Metrics Just Below State Average

Atchison County's safety score of 96.4 is a few points lower than the Kansas state average of 98.0. Two reporting agencies provide the data that shapes this local safety profile.

Comparing Safety with Neighboring Brown County

The crime rate in Atchison County is higher than in nearby Brown County, which sees only 1,465.3 incidents per 100K. However, it remains safer than more distant Allen County.

Property Incidents Outpace Violent Crime

Property crime is the dominant issue at 1,986.6 per 100K, compared to a violent crime rate of 269.8. Most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and larceny cases.

Secure Property to Prevent Local Theft

Since property crime is the primary risk, installing security cameras or smart doorbells provides a strong deterrent. Keeping outbuildings and garages locked can significantly reduce your risk of property loss.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Atchison County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic continental climate profile

Atchison County averages 54.2°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate zones. The area receives 36.2 inches of precipitation, providing a consistent moisture profile throughout the year.

Cooler and snowier than the Kansas norm

The county's average temperature of 54.2°F sits just below the state average of 54.8°F. Atchison is significantly snowier than the average Kansas county, recording 16.6 inches of snowfall annually.

Warmer than northern neighbor Brown County

Atchison County is roughly 1.3 degrees warmer on average than Brown County to its northwest. Despite this, both counties share a similar risk for extreme heat, with Atchison recording 38 days over 90°F.

Brisk winters and humid July peaks

Winters are cold with a January average of 27.3°F and over 16 inches of snow. July brings relief from the chill as temperatures climb to an average of 78.4°F during the peak of summer.

Winterize early and expect snow

Residents should prioritize insulation and winter weather gear to handle the 16.6 inches of annual snow. With 38 extreme heat days, summer cooling remains a necessity even in this cooler part of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Atchison County

via SoilByCounty

A Balanced Acidic Profile

Atchison County's soil shows an average pH of 6.28, sitting comfortably near the national median of 6.5. This is more acidic than the Kansas state average of 6.80 but remains within a healthy range for most regional vegetation. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the chemical balance supports diverse plant life.

Silty Soils Offer Great Workability

The local composition consists of 53.7% silt and 28.8% clay, providing a sturdy texture for agriculture. With only 15.7% sand, these soils are excellent at retaining nutrients and preventing rapid leaching. This mix offers a good balance between ease of tillage and structural stability.

High Moisture Retention and Rich Matter

Atchison County excels in fertility with 2.70% organic matter, significantly beating the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is also higher than the state benchmark. These factors combine to create a soil that resists drought and feeds crops efficiently.

Evaluating Water Flow Patterns

Detailed hydrologic and drainage class data are unavailable for this county. The high percentage of silt and clay suggests that the soil holds water well, though it may be slow to drain after heavy rains. Local landowners should monitor for standing water during the spring thaw.

Four Seasons of Growth in Zone 6a

USDA Hardiness Zone 6a allows Atchison County residents to grow everything from leafy greens to hardy fruit trees. The high organic matter in the soil provides a natural head start for any gardening project. Start your seeds today to take advantage of this premium Kansas earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Atchison County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Atchison Landscapes

Atchison County earns a 69.7 lawn difficulty score, significantly outperforming the state average of 59.1. As a Zone 6a region, it offers slightly cooler winters than southern Kansas while remaining very manageable for most homeowners. The high score indicates that beautiful lawns are achievable with standard maintenance routines.

Lower Heat Stress Protects Turf

Atchison enjoys a relatively cool summer with only 38 extreme heat days, far below the Kansas average of 58. Annual precipitation of 36.2 inches falls squarely within the ideal range, though it is lower than some neighboring eastern counties. This combination of moderate heat and steady rain creates a longer peak greening period.

Consistent Soil Quality Across the County

The local soil pH of 6.28 is near perfect for traditional lawn grasses, requiring very few amendments for health. The texture is defined by 28.8% clay and 15.7% sand, providing a balance of water retention and structural stability. While drainage data is not specifically categorized, the soil composition suggests a need for routine aeration to manage the clay content.

Monitoring Dry Conditions in Atchison

Despite 17 weeks of drought in the past year, only 51.4% of the county currently shows as abnormally dry. Irrigation should focus on deep watering rather than frequent light misting to encourage deep root growth. Using smart irrigation controllers can help residents adjust to the county's variable rainfall patterns.

Optimize Growth with Frost Awareness

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in Zone 6a, especially given the county's lower heat day count. Plan your spring seeding for after the April 11 frost, or prepare for fall overseeding once the first frost arrives around October 29. These clear seasonal boundaries help ensure your grass has enough time to harden before extreme weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atchison County's county score?
Atchison County, Kansas has a composite county score of 48 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 Atchison County rank among counties in Kansas?
Atchison County ranks #63 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 Atchison County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Atchison County is $1,925, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Atchison County a tax score of 17.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atchison County?
The median household income in Atchison County, Kansas is $61,112 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atchison County earns an income score of 37/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atchison County, Kansas a good place to live?
Atchison County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Atchison 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 Atchison County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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