countyscore
41.9
County Score
Schools 65.8Disaster Risk 64.4Cost of Living 63.6

County Report Card

About Bourbon County, Kansas

Falling Behind National Trends

With a score of 41.9, Bourbon County ranks in the lower tier compared to the national median of 50.0. This suggests that residents may experience fewer amenities or lower service levels than the average American.

Underperforming Relative to Kansas

The county's composite score lags behind the Kansas average of 49.5. This performance highlights specific local challenges that set it apart from the state's higher-performing regions.

Higher Incomes and Affordable Rents

Bourbon County surprises with a strong income score of 60.5 and a median household income of $67,555. This financial health is paired with a cost score of 63.6, making it one of the more economically balanced counties on the list.

Taxes and Infrastructure Gaps

The county struggles with a tax score of 7.8 due to a high property tax rate of 1.670%. Infrastructure is also a concern, as shown by a low water score of 27.3 and a safety score of 18.9.

Well-Suited for Working Professionals

Bourbon County is an interesting choice for earners who want their dollars to stretch further in the housing market. It is ideal for those who value higher local wages and can tolerate higher taxes and lower public safety ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax7.8Cost63.6Safety18.9Health41.7Schools65.8Income60.5Risk64.4Water27.3Weather55.5
🏛7.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.6
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

Crawford County
Kansas
35.5
Allen County
Kansas
40.8
Vernon County
Missouri
42
Linn County
Kansas
56.6
Neosho County
Kansas
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Barton County
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Anderson County
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Bates County
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Deep Dives

Bourbon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bourbon County

via TaxByCounty

Bourbon taxes rank high nationally

Bourbon County's effective tax rate of 1.670% exceeds the national median of 1.4%, placing it in the upper quartile for property tax burden across the United States. Residents pay a median of $1,797 annually—33% below the national median of $2,690—reflecting Kansas's characteristically lower home values.

One of Kansas's highest rates

Bourbon County ranks among Kansas's highest-taxing counties at 1.670%, notably above the state average of 1.549%. The median tax of $1,797 falls below the state median of $1,943, despite the high rate, because Bourbon's median home value of $107,600 remains modest.

Highest rate in the region

Bourbon County's 1.670% rate edges above most neighbors, matching Atchison County's regional dominance in tax efficiency. Bourbon homeowners pay $1,797 annually—more than Atchison ($1,941 in absolute dollars) despite having lower home values—underscoring Bourbon's elevated rate burden.

Your Bourbon County tax bill

A homeowner with a $107,600 property in Bourbon County pays approximately $1,797 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-inclusive taxes climb to about $1,943, while non-mortgage taxes drop to roughly $1,664.

Challenge inflated assessments

Bourbon County's higher-than-average tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important for homeowners. Filing an appeal with current comparable sales data becomes even more valuable when your effective rate is among the state's highest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bourbon County

via CostByCounty

Bourbon County achieves top affordability

Bourbon County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% ranks among the nation's most affordable, sitting nearly a full percentage point below national affordability thresholds. Higher household incomes of $67,555 combine with moderate rents of $784 to create sustainable housing costs.

Kansas affordability sweet spot

At 13.9%, Bourbon County's rent-to-income ratio bests the Kansas state average of 14.7% by 0.8 percentage points, placing it firmly in the state's affordability elite. The median rent of $784 runs just $3 below Kansas's state median, underscoring that Bourbon's advantage stems from strong local incomes.

Bourbon offers relief from regional strain

Bourbon's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio provides meaningful relief compared to Barber (15.5%) and Barton (15.7%), despite rents only slightly lower than those stressed counties. Higher median income of $67,555 transforms the rental equation, making Bourbon's $784 rent genuinely sustainable.

Bourbon County's balanced housing economy

Bourbon households earning $67,555 spend just $784 for rent (13.9% of income) or $759 for mortgages—both comfortably proportioned. Median home values of $107,600 align with purchase affordability, offering buyers and renters equally manageable pathways.

Bourbon County rewards relocating families

If affordability anchors your relocation decision, Bourbon County delivers—strong incomes ($67,555) paired with moderate housing costs create breathing room in family budgets. Compare Bourbon's balanced accessibility to cost-strained alternatives like Barton or premium options like Butler County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bourbon County

via IncomeByCounty

Bourbon County approaches national income level

Bourbon County's median household income of $67,555 trails the national median of $74,755 by just 10%, performing notably better than most rural Kansas counties. The county's stronger income position suggests a more resilient, diversified economic base.

Tops Kansas state average

Bourbon County's median household income of $67,555 exceeds the Kansas state average of $64,428 by $3,127 annually. The county's per capita income of $31,717 nearly matches the state per capita average of $34,748.

Regional income outperformer

Bourbon County's $67,555 median income stands among the highest in this analysis, surpassed only by Butler County at $80,375. The county outearns Anderson ($64,925), Atchison ($62,164), and all other rural neighbors.

Most affordable housing ratio

Bourbon County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.9%, indicating residents spend less of their earnings on housing than county peers. The median home value of $107,600 provides accessible homeownership for households earning near the county average.

Build substantial wealth strategically

Bourbon County households earning $67,555 can direct $6,755-$10,133 annually toward retirement savings, investments, and wealth building. With above-average incomes and favorable housing ratios, residents are well-positioned to pursue financial goals like college savings or property diversification.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bourbon County

via CrimeByCounty

Bourbon County Scores High on Safety

Bourbon County maintains a safety score of 96.6, with a total crime rate of 2,124.3 per 100K. This rate sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Trends Near the State Average

The safety score of 96.6 is slightly below the Kansas average of 98.0. Two reporting agencies provide the data necessary for monitoring the county’s crime trends.

Comparing Bourbon and Allen Counties

Bourbon County is safer than neighboring Allen County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2,684.4. However, it sees more activity than Anderson County's rate of 884.8.

Property Crime vs Violent Incidents

Property crime stands at 1,763.3 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is 361.0. These numbers mean residents are nearly five times more likely to experience a property-related crime.

Stay Proactive with Home Security

Reducing property crime starts with making your home a difficult target. Using smart home technology and ensuring all valuables are out of sight can help lower the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bourbon County

via HealthByCounty

Bourbon County faces serious gaps

At 73.6 years, Bourbon County residents live nearly 7 years less than the U.S. average of 80.1 years—the lowest in this group. With 19.3% reporting poor or fair health (the highest rate here), Bourbon faces concentrated health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Bourbon County's 73.6-year life expectancy is nearly 2 years below Kansas's 75.4-year average, ranking it among the state's most challenged counties. The 19.3% poor/fair health rate further confirms acute population health stress.

Starkest health disparities

Bourbon County's 73.6-year life expectancy trails all nearby counties by 1-3 years, including Barber (74.2) and Allen (74.5). With 42 primary care and 83 mental health providers per 100K, Bourbon has below-average provider density relative to need.

Better coverage, strained care

Bourbon County's 10.1% uninsured rate—below the state average—suggests coverage is less the barrier than provider scarcity and population health drivers. With only 42 primary care providers per 100K and 83 mental health providers per 100K, residents struggle to convert insurance into accessible care.

Coverage is the foundation

While Bourbon's 10.1% uninsured rate is better than state average, the remaining uninsured residents face high health risks in this county. Ensure coverage through Kansas programs, then partner with local health centers to address the deeper care access challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bourbon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Six-School System in Bourbon

Bourbon County provides public education to 2,325 students through a network of six schools across two districts. The system includes three elementary, one middle, and two high schools. This structure concentrates resources into larger, more centralized facilities than many neighboring counties.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

The county reports a strong 91.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than both state and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $8,275 is lower than the Kansas average, the school score of 57.2 exactly matches the state average. This indicates high efficiency, as the county produces state-standard results with less spending.

Fort Scott Leads Enrollment Efforts

The Fort Scott district is the primary provider of education, serving 1,839 students across four schools. Uniontown manages the remaining two schools with an enrollment of 486 students. There are no charter schools in Bourbon County, with all students enrolled in the traditional public system.

Larger Campuses in a Town Setting

Four of the county's six schools are located in towns, contributing to an average school size of 388 students. Fort Scott Senior High is the largest campus, hosting 581 students. These larger enrollment numbers allow for more specialized secondary programs and diverse primary school activities.

Find Home Near Fort Scott’s Schools

For families moving to the area, Fort Scott offers the stability of a larger district with excellent graduation rates. The efficiency of the local schools makes this county an attractive option for budget-conscious but education-minded homebuyers. Explore your options in Bourbon County for a strong community foundation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bourbon County

via RiskByCounty

Bourbon County's moderate risk standing

Bourbon County scores 35.66 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it modestly above the national average. The county experiences a balanced mix of hazards rather than a single dominant threat, with meaningful exposure to tornadoes (43.70), wildfire (44.85), and earthquakes (42.78). This diversified risk profile distinguishes Bourbon County from single-hazard counties.

Middle-tier risk among Kansas counties

Bourbon County's composite risk of 35.66 slightly exceeds the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it in the state's middle range. The county shows relatively balanced exposure across multiple hazard types rather than extreme concentration in any single category. This moderate profile reflects Bourbon County's southeastern Kansas location at the intersection of several climatic and geologic zones.

Riskier than northeastern peers

Bourbon County (35.66) carries more composite risk than Allen County (15.27), Anderson County (17.81), Atchison County (15.97), and Brown County (15.33) to the north and east. However, it remains substantially safer than Barton County (60.31) and Butler County (74.40) to the west and south. Bourbon County occupies a middle position in eastern Kansas's risk spectrum.

Balanced hazard exposure requires awareness

Tornado risk of 43.70 and wildfire risk of 44.85 stand as Bourbon County's most significant natural disaster threats, roughly equal in impact potential. Earthquake risk of 42.78 is notably higher than most eastern Kansas counties, reflecting the county's proximity to seismic zones. Flood risk (40.11) adds a fourth meaningful consideration, making this a multi-hazard environment.

Prepare for multiple disaster types

Bourbon County residents should maintain tornado shelters and early warning systems while also creating defensible space around homes against wildfire spread. Earthquake preparedness—securing heavy furniture, knowing safe positions indoors—should supplement traditional severe weather planning. Review your homeowners insurance for all covered hazards and consider flood insurance given the county's elevated flood risk of 40.11.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bourbon County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm temperatures and high-volume rainfall

Bourbon County is warm and wet, with an average annual temperature of 57.0°F. Its 43.7 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the national median, creating a lush environment.

Among the warmest and wettest in Kansas

The county's 57.0°F average is well above the state norm of 54.8°F. It also receives 43.7 inches of rain, far exceeding the Kansas state average of 30.3 inches.

Warmer and wetter than Allen County

Bourbon County is a full degree warmer on average than neighbor Allen County. It also receives more annual precipitation and experiences 53 extreme heat days compared to Allen's 45.

Humid summers and light winter snow

Summer is long and hot, with a July average of 80.3°F and 53 days above 90°F. Snowfall is light at just 8.4 inches annually, making winters relatively easy to navigate compared to northern counties.

Humidity control is a top priority

With 43.7 inches of rain and high temperatures, dehumidifiers and robust HVAC systems are essential for home maintenance. The high precipitation also requires well-maintained gutters and drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bourbon County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Bourbon County

Bourbon County soils have an average pH of 6.25, which is lower than the state average of 6.80. This slightly acidic profile is just below the national median of 6.5. This chemical makeup is typical for the region and supports a variety of native grasses and agricultural staples.

High Silt Levels Support Soil Structure

The composition is 53.8% silt and 28.9% clay, with sand making up 16.7% of the total. This high silt content gives the soil a smooth feel and provides plenty of surface area for nutrient storage. The clay content adds necessary body to help the soil resist rapid temperature changes.

Rich Organic Matter for Plant Health

Bourbon County boasts 2.67% organic matter, outperforming the Kansas state average of 2.22%. Available water capacity stands at 0.175 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.180. Even so, the high organic content helps maintain a healthy, living soil ecosystem.

Managing Moderate Drainage Needs

Data regarding specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups for the county are currently limited. Given the nearly 29% clay content, the soil likely holds moisture for significant periods. Landowners should consider drainage solutions if they notice persistent damp spots in their fields or yards.

Warm-Climate Gardening in Zone 7a

As part of Zone 7a, Bourbon County enjoys a longer growing season than its northern neighbors. The soil is well-suited for tomatoes, beans, and berries that thrive in slightly acidic conditions. It's a fantastic place to cultivate a productive backyard oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bourbon County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Bourbon County

Bourbon County matches the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 59.6, indicating a standard Kansas lawn experience. As a Zone 7a region, it supports many southern grass varieties that can handle warmer winter lows. It remains nearly 10 points easier to manage a lawn here than the national median.

High Rainfall Meets Long Growing Seasons

Bourbon County receives a robust 43.7 inches of rain, the highest among its neighbors, providing a great natural water supply. However, 53 extreme heat days and 4,457 growing degree days mean the grass grows fast and requires frequent mowing. The high precipitation helps offset the heat, but high humidity can increase fungal risks.

Clay-Rich Soils with Optimal Acidity

A soil pH of 6.25 makes Bourbon County an excellent place for phosphorus and nitrogen availability. The soil is 28.9% clay, which keeps that 43.7 inches of rainfall from draining away too quickly. Gardeners should watch for drainage issues during heavy downpours, as specific drainage data is not available to confirm runoff rates.

Critical Water Management for 100% Dry Areas

Despite the high annual rainfall, the county is currently 100% abnormally dry and saw 23 weeks of drought last year. This volatility makes it essential to water deeply once a week rather than light daily sprinkling. Deep watering encourages roots to dive further into the clay, protecting them when the rain stops.

Early Spring Starts for Bourbon Turf

With the last frost occurring early on April 5, Bourbon County residents can start their lawn work before most of the state. Zoysia or Bermuda grass are excellent Zone 7a choices that love the local heat and high growing degree days. If you prefer cool-season grass, ensure it is well-established before the 53 heat days begin.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bourbon County's county score?
Bourbon County, Kansas has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Bourbon County rank among counties in Kansas?
Bourbon County ranks #82 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 Bourbon County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Bourbon County is $1,797, with an effective tax rate of 1.67%. This earns Bourbon County a tax score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bourbon County?
The median household income in Bourbon County, Kansas is $67,555 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bourbon County earns an income score of 60.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bourbon County, Kansas a good place to live?
Bourbon County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Bourbon 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 Bourbon County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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