countyscore
41.8
County Score
Cost of Living 69.4Schools 65.8Disaster Risk 64.4

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.

20406080100969.418.941.765.831.564.427.355.5Tax9Cost69.4Safety18.9Health41.7Schools65.8Income31.5Risk64.4Water27.3Weather55.541.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Bourbon County DNA

Foverall

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

Bourbon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (69.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9-43
Cost
69.4+21.400000000000006
Safety
18.9-36.1
Health
41.7-8.299999999999997
Schools
65.8+11.799999999999997
Income
31.5-19.5
Risk
64.4+17.400000000000006
Water
27.3-30.7
Weather
55.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bourbon County?

Many homeowners in Bourbon 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

$113,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,238/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
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Counties with similar scores

Tuolumne County
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Median income: $77,404
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Glynn County
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Median income: $69,799
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Johnson County
Kansas
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Rush County
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Jones County
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Median income: $52,216
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Lincoln County
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Median income: $51,119
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Gloucester County
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Median income: $105,115
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Caddo County
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Median income: $55,353
41.8

Nearby counties

Crawford County
Kansas
36
Allen County
Kansas
40.2
Vernon County
Missouri
42.3
Linn County
Kansas
55.8
Neosho County
Kansas
43.7
Barton County
Missouri
44.9
Anderson County
Kansas
54.6
Bates County
Missouri
44.6

Deep Dives

Bourbon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 41.8 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 #79 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 $1,789, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Bourbon County a tax score of 9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bourbon County?
The median household income in Bourbon County, Kansas is $59,238 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bourbon County earns an income score of 31.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bourbon County, Kansas a good place to live?
Bourbon County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 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.
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.