CountyScore

Atchison County

Kansas · KS

#17 in Kansas
70.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Atchison County, Kansas

Atchison County leads Kansas on livability

Atchison County's composite score of 68.6 ranks it in the top tier nationally, beating the national median of 50.0 by 37%. This positions the county among the stronger-performing regions nationwide for overall livability and quality of life.

Kansas' livability leader among these counties

At 68.6, Atchison County exceeds Kansas' state average of 66.0 by 2.6 points, claiming the top position among the eight counties examined. This distinction reflects particularly strong performance in tax efficiency and housing affordability.

Tax advantages and housing affordability shine bright

Atchison County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these counties at 1.312% and a tax score of 65.4, paired with strong housing affordability (cost score 82.1). Median rent of $756 and home values of $147,900 offer reasonable paths to homeownership.

Income levels remain below state potential

The income score of 24.0 with median household earnings of $62,164 suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities compared to wealthier Kansas counties. Comprehensive data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available for fuller assessment.

Perfect for tax-conscious families seeking value

Atchison County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, stable housing affordability, and reasonable living costs. The county's strong tax position and moderate home prices make it an attractive base for those seeking financial predictability and rural small-town character.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.4Cost82.1SafetyComing SoonHealth71.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome24Risk84.1WaterComing Soon
🏛65.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡84.1
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 Atchison County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fremont County
Colorado
70.6
Median income: $61,027
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
70.6
Median income: $59,221
Jones County
Georgia
70.6
Median income: $68,259
Jerome County
Idaho
70.6
Median income: $69,338
Jefferson County
Indiana
70.6
Median income: $59,987

Deep Dives

Atchison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Atchison County

via CostByCounty

Atchison County stays affordable nationally

At 14.6%, Atchison's rent-to-income ratio meets the national affordability standard, keeping housing costs manageable despite household incomes running $12,591 below the U.S. median. Renters here spend 14% of income on housing—well within sustainable limits.

Atchison ranks near Kansas average

Atchison County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Kansas's state average of 14.7%, positioning it firmly in the mainstream of Kansas affordability. The county's median rent of $756 undercuts the state average of $787 by $31, offering slight savings to local renters.

Middle ground for regional housing costs

Atchison's $756 rent splits the difference between Allen County's $685 and Anderson County's $792, reflecting its position as a moderate-cost option. The county's median home value of $147,900 matches Anderson's exactly, suggesting comparable homebuying pressures.

Atchison household housing breakdown

Median Atchison households earning $62,164 invest $756 monthly in rent or $841 in mortgages, consuming roughly 14.6% and 16.2% of income respectively. Home values averaging $147,900 demand moderate down payments but remain achievable for local wage earners.

Atchison balances rent and ownership costs

Consider Atchison if you want state-average affordability without the premium prices of urban Kansas centers. The county offers balanced options across both rental and homeownership paths, making it ideal for families weighing long-term housing stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Atchison County

via HealthByCounty

Atchison County reaches healthy average

At 75.9 years, Atchison County approaches the U.S. life expectancy of 80.1 years from a lower baseline, yet outperforms many rural peers. The county's 17.2% poor/fair health rate—below the national median—signals better overall population health.

Above state average lifespan

Atchison County's 75.9-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's 75.4-year state average, placing it in the healthier half of Kansas counties. This edge reflects effective local health management and community engagement.

Strongest insured rate nearby

Atchison County boasts the lowest uninsured rate among its peers at 8.4%, compared to Allen (11.1%) and Barton (13.4%), giving residents better financial protection. With 49 primary care and 187 mental health providers per 100K, Atchison balances coverage and access well.

Leading coverage, adequate capacity

Atchison County's 8.4% uninsured rate is a bright spot—nearly 3 percentage points below the state average—meaning most residents have financial access to care. Primary care availability at 49 per 100K is modest, but strong mental health provider density of 187 per 100K supports behavioral health access.

Keep Atchison's coverage strength

With 8.4% of residents uninsured, Atchison is doing better than most, but those 8% should know that coverage options are available and affordable. Reach out to local health navigators or the Kansas marketplace to eliminate gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Atchison County

via RiskByCounty

Atchison County's below-average risk profile

Atchison County scores 15.97 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it well below the U.S. average. The county experiences relatively modest exposure to major natural disasters by national standards. Tornado risk of 49.46 stands as its most prominent hazard, though it remains manageable with proper planning.

Among Kansas's lower-risk counties

Atchison County's composite risk of 15.97 is 47% below the Kansas state average of 29.89, positioning it firmly in the state's safer tier. The county's particular strength lies in low flood and earthquake risk relative to other Kansas communities. This favorable standing reflects the county's geographic and geologic advantages.

Part of northeastern Kansas's safe zone

Atchison County (15.97) ranks alongside Allen County (15.27) and Brown County (15.33) as the region's lowest-risk communities. Anderson County (17.81) nearby also maintains Very Low status. This cluster of counties in northeastern Kansas represents the state's most resilient natural disaster-prone areas.

Tornado risk requires attention

Tornadoes present Atchison County's primary natural disaster threat at a risk score of 49.46, substantially higher than the county's overall profile suggests. Wildfire risk of 72.74 is notable but less immediate to most residents than tornado preparedness. Flood risk (21.72) and earthquake exposure remain secondary concerns for county residents.

Prepare for severe weather season

Atchison County residents should prioritize tornado preparedness with an identified safe shelter space and a family emergency plan finalized before spring storms arrive. Homeowners insurance covers tornado wind damage but not flood damage, so review your policy and your property's flood zone status with your agent. Regular plan reviews ensure your household can respond quickly and safely when warnings occur.

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.