countyscore
50.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 84.7Cost of Living 82Lawn Care 77.6

County Report Card

About Brown County, Kansas

Slightly Above National Median

Brown County earns a composite score of 50.4, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is slightly better than the typical U.S. county.

Outpacing the Kansas Average

At 50.4, Brown County is a solid performer that exceeds the Kansas state average of 49.5. It offers a more stable environment than many of its more rural neighbors.

Stability and Lower Tax Rates

The county excels in disaster resilience with a risk score of 84.7 and offers affordable housing with a cost score of 82.0. Additionally, its tax score of 23.4 is significantly better than its neighbors, thanks to a lower 1.248% tax rate.

Resource and Safety Limitations

Water quality or availability is a primary concern here, evidenced by a very low water score of 20.4. Safety also remains a moderate challenge with a score of 36.8.

A Strategic Choice for Homeowners

Brown County is perfect for those who want a low-tax, low-risk environment with very affordable $675 median rents. It suits practical residents who are willing to manage water resource issues in exchange for financial security and safety from natural risks.

2040608010023.48236.844.461.835.284.720.447.8Tax23.4Cost82Safety36.8Health44.4Schools61.8Income35.2Risk84.7Water20.4Weather47.850.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Brown County DNA

Foverall

How Brown County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Brown County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (84.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (20.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.4-28.6
Cost
82+34
Safety
36.8-18.200000000000003
Health
44.4
Schools
61.8
Income
35.2-15.799999999999997
Risk
84.7+37.7
Water
20.4-37.6
Weather
47.8-8.200000000000003
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Many homeowners in Brown 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

$111,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$675/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$111,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,886/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

63.7

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Ramsey County
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Nearby counties

Richardson County
Nebraska
60
Nemaha County
Kansas
72.2
Holt County
Missouri
57.5
Jackson County
Kansas
55.1
Doniphan County
Kansas
59.6
Atchison County
Kansas
48.6
Pawnee County
Nebraska
62.5
Nemaha County
Nebraska
57.7

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County's tax burden runs low

Brown County's effective tax rate of 1.248% falls well below the national median of 1.4%, placing it in the bottom 20% for property tax burden across America. Homeowners pay just $1,387 annually—49% below the national median of $2,690—combining a low rate with modest Kansas home values.

Lowest-taxing county in Kansas

Brown County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Kansas at 1.248%, substantially below the state average of 1.549%. The median tax of $1,387 ranks among Kansas's lowest, making Brown County exceptionally affordable for property owners.

Clear tax advantage statewide

Brown County's 1.248% rate is the lowest among all profiled neighbors, including Atchison County (1.312%), Anderson County (1.528%), and Allen County (1.652%). Homeowners save hundreds annually compared to nearby counties due to Brown's uncommonly favorable tax structure.

Your Brown County tax bill

A homeowner with a $111,100 property in Brown County pays roughly $1,387 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With mortgage considerations, the bill rises to approximately $1,546, or falls to $1,292 without mortgage-related additions.

Maintain your tax advantage

Brown County residents already enjoy Kansas's lowest tax rates, but periodic assessment reviews ensure fairness. Even in favorable tax climates, overassessments occur—a successful appeal protects your substantial tax advantage long-term.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County ranks among nation's most affordable

Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% stands among America's lowest, nearly matching Bourbon's benchmark and sitting well below national affordability stress levels. At just $675 monthly rent against $58,886 household income, Brown delivers genuine housing accessibility.

Brown County affordability tops Kansas

Brown County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio edges out Bourbon's 13.9%, ranking it the state's most affordable county in this analysis. The median rent of $675 represents the lowest in any county examined, undercutting the Kansas average of $787 by $112 monthly.

Brown County stands out regionally

Brown's $675 rent dramatically undercuts regional peers like Atchison ($756) and Anderson ($792), offering $81 to $117 monthly savings. Combined with its 13.8% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest statewide—Brown emerges as the region's affordability leader.

Brown County's lean housing budget

Brown households earning $58,886 spend just $675 for rent (13.8% of income) or $668 for mortgages, among the most conservative ratios analyzed. Median home values of $111,100 remain modest, making both rental and ownership pathways genuinely accessible for typical earners.

Brown County delivers unmatched affordability

For renters and homebuyers prioritizing maximum affordability, Brown County stands undefeated—lowest rents ($675), lowest rent-to-income ratios (13.8%), and modest home values all align. Relocate to Brown if housing cost relief and financial flexibility matter most to your family's future.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown County trails national income

Brown County's median household income of $58,886 sits 21% below the national median of $74,755. The gap reflects challenges faced by rural Midwestern counties dependent on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

Below Kansas state median

Brown County's median household income of $58,886 trails the Kansas state average of $64,428 by $5,542 annually. The per capita income of $31,355 also falls short of the state per capita average of $34,748.

Mid-range rural income level

Brown County's $58,886 median income places it between lower-earning Allen ($57,618) and higher-earning Anderson ($64,925). The county reflects typical northeast Kansas rural economics with modest employment growth.

Strong housing affordability ratio

Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% is among the most favorable in the region, with residents spending relatively little of earnings on housing. The median home value of $111,100 remains accessible for households at or near the county average income.

Leverage affordability to save

Brown County households earning $58,886 can allocate $5,888-$8,832 annually to savings and investments. The county's favorable housing ratio creates opportunity to direct additional income toward retirement accounts, education savings, and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Brown County Is Safer Than National Average

Brown County’s total crime rate of 1,465.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 97.7.

Alignment with Kansas Safety Standards

With a safety score of 97.7, Brown County is nearly in line with the Kansas average of 98.0. Four agencies report data, providing a robust view of safety across the county.

Local Safety Comparison with Atchison

Brown County is notably safer than neighboring Atchison County, which has a higher rate of 2,256.4. It also reports fewer incidents than Barton and Bourbon counties.

Violent Crime Stays Relatively Low

The violent crime rate is 337.3 per 100K, while property crime is 1,128.0. Property theft remains the primary focus for local law enforcement and residents.

Reinforce Security Measures at Home

Prevent property crime by installing motion-activated outdoor lighting and keeping gates locked. These small steps go a long way in maintaining the county’s overall security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Educational Access in Brown County

Brown County manages 1,450 students through six public schools split between two districts. The landscape is perfectly balanced with two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This symmetrical structure ensures that students in both districts have clear transitions between learning levels.

Strong Investment and Competitive Results

Brown County invests $9,227 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $9,009. This funding supports an 88.9% graduation rate and a school score of 57.8, both of which surpass state averages. The county remains competitive with national benchmarks, particularly in graduation outcomes.

Hiawatha and South Brown County Districts

The Hiawatha district serves 902 students across three schools, making it the largest in the county. South Brown County manages 548 students across its three facilities. All education is provided through these traditional public districts, as there are no charter schools available locally.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

The county features an even split of three town schools and three rural schools. Hiawatha Elementary is the largest school with 359 students, while Everest Middle is the smallest at 174 students. With an average school size of 242, the county offers a manageable and intimate learning environment for all ages.

Invest in a Community with Strong Schools

Brown County's commitment to per-pupil spending makes it a great choice for families looking for well-resourced schools. Hiawatha provides a classic town lifestyle with schools that outperform state medians. Consider a home here for the perfect balance of rural peace and academic quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County's favorable risk position

Brown County scores 15.33 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's overall risk remains minimal by U.S. standards despite modest elevation in tornado and wildfire exposure. This favorable standing reflects Brown County's northern Kansas geography and relative distance from major hazard zones.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Brown County's composite risk of 15.33 is just 51% of the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it firmly in the state's lower-risk tier. The county benefits from particularly low flood (17.65) and earthquake (22.17) exposure relative to other Kansas communities. This safety advantage is notable across the state's ranking.

Part of safe northeastern cluster

Brown County (15.33) ranks nearly identically to Allen County (15.27) and Atchison County (15.97), forming a cohesive low-risk cluster in northeastern Kansas. Anderson County (17.81) and Bourbon County (35.66) nearby show the beginning of risk escalation southward. This region represents Kansas's most resilient natural disaster environment.

Tornado and wildfire warrant planning

Brown County's tornado risk of 54.96 and wildfire risk of 71.41 are its most significant hazards, though the county's overall low exposure suggests they remain manageable with proper preparation. Flood risk (17.65) and earthquake exposure (22.17) are minimal concerns. Residents should focus preparedness efforts on spring tornado season and summer wildfire awareness.

Maintain basic disaster readiness

Brown County residents should establish a household emergency plan with tornado shelter location and severe weather warning systems as the priority. Wildfire awareness and defensible space, while less critical than in western Kansas, still warrant attention during dry seasons. Annual insurance reviews and emergency plan practice sessions help ensure household readiness across the county's modest hazard spectrum.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Brown County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations in Brown

Brown County earns an F grade with 9 health violations, resulting in a rate of 128.1 per 100K residents. This violation rate is nearly double that of many neighbors, although still below the state average of 313.4.

Watershed Assessment N/A

Local watersheds have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. There is no official record of impaired streams for the current reporting cycle.

Heavy Organic and Pesticide Monitoring

The county maintains 16 sites and nearly 5,000 measurements over five years, focusing heavily on organics and pesticides. This robust monitoring effort provides a detailed look at potential agricultural impacts.

No Live Streamgage Data

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live data for Brown County. Without this signal, compliance records and monitoring data are the primary tools for assessing local water health.

Caution Regarding Chemical Runoff

The F compliance grade and high pesticide monitoring suggests residents should be cautious about chemical runoff. Certified water filters can help mitigate risks from both health violations and the organic compounds detected locally.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler temperatures on the northern plains

Brown County has an average annual temperature of 52.9°F, which is lower than the national median. It receives 36.3 inches of precipitation, providing ample moisture for its agricultural landscape.

One of the chillier corners of Kansas

At 52.9°F, Brown County is nearly two degrees cooler than the Kansas state average. It also experiences more winter intensity, with 13.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Colder winters than eastern neighbors

Brown County is notably cooler than Atchison County, with a January average of just 26.0°F. While both see 38 extreme heat days, Brown's winter average of 29.1°F makes it a colder regional outlier.

Moderate summers and biting winter cold

July averages 77.4°F, providing a relatively mild summer compared to southern Kansas. However, January is harsh, with temperatures averaging 26.0°F and nearly 14 inches of seasonal snow.

Prioritize insulation and winter readiness

Homeowners should focus on high-quality insulation and heating systems to combat the cold January averages. Snow removal equipment is a necessity for managing the 13.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Brown County's Distinctive Acidic Soil

The soil in Brown County has an average pH of 6.34, which is slightly acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. This value is lower than the Kansas average of 6.80, a common trait for the state's northeastern corner. While taxonomic data is limited, this pH level is highly conducive to regional agriculture.

Fine-Textured Silt and Clay Dominance

The soil is remarkably low in sand at 11.4%, dominated instead by 59.0% silt and 29.6% clay. This fine texture creates a soil that is heavy and dense, capable of holding onto nutrients with great efficiency. It requires careful management to prevent compaction, especially when wet.

Exceptional Organic Matter and Water Storage

Brown County leads with a massive 3.04% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 2.22%. Its available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is also significantly higher than the state average. This makes the county's soil some of the most drought-resistant and fertile land in Kansas.

Watching Water Flow in Heavy Soil

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently not recorded for this county. The high concentration of silt and clay suggests that water moves slowly through the soil profile. Gardeners should ensure their plots have enough slope or drainage to prevent root rot.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 6a

The Zone 6a climate and rich, moisture-retaining soil make Brown County a gardener's dream. Large-scale crops like corn and soybeans thrive here, as do home-grown vegetables. Get started in your garden today and watch how the high organic matter transforms your plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Brown County: A Top-Tier Kansas Lawn Location

Brown County features a remarkable lawn difficulty score of 77.6, the highest in this group and well above the national average of 50.0. This Zone 6a county offers some of the most forgiving conditions for turf in the entire state. Homeowners here can achieve professional-looking results with relatively standard maintenance.

Cooler Summers and Reliable Rain

With only 38 extreme heat days, Brown County avoids much of the summer scorched-earth reality seen elsewhere in Kansas. Annual precipitation of 36.3 inches is perfectly aligned with the needs of traditional turfgrass. The lower growing degree day count of 3,736 means your mowing frequency is much more manageable than southern counties.

Rich Clay Foundation for Thirsty Turf

The soil pH of 6.34 is nearly ideal, requiring almost no lime or sulfur corrections for standard lawns. A clay content of 29.6% ensures that the 36.3 inches of rain is held near the roots where it is needed most. While specific texture and drainage data is missing, the high clay-to-sand ratio suggests excellent nutrient retention.

The Most Drought-Resilient County in the Region

Brown County experienced only 7 weeks of drought over the last year, and only 18.3% of the area is currently abnormally dry. These numbers are among the best in the state, allowing for a much more relaxed irrigation schedule. Even so, maintaining a 3-inch mowing height will help preserve soil moisture during occasional dry spells.

Cool-Season Grasses Excel in Brown County

The cooler Zone 6a climate is perfect for fine fescues and premium Kentucky Bluegrass blends. Aim for spring seeding after the April 18 frost, or take advantage of the generous window before the October 22 first frost. The moderate climate allows these grasses to stay green longer into the season than in southern Kansas.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Kansas has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Brown County rank among counties in Kansas?
Brown County ranks #53 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 Brown County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $1,387, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 23.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Kansas is $58,886 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 35.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Kansas a good place to live?
Brown County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.