countyscore
35.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.3Soil Quality 74.8Lawn Care 72.5

County Report Card

About Butler County, Kansas

Significant National Gap

Butler County holds a composite score of 35.8, well below the national median of 50.0. This reflects a county with high individual assets but significant challenges in overall livability balance.

Lagging Behind the Kansas Average

Butler County trails the state average of 49.5 by nearly 14 points. Despite high incomes, the county's other metrics drag its state standing down significantly.

Wealth and Health Excellence

The county boasts an impressive income score of 84.3 and a median household income of $80,375. Public health is another strong point, with a health score of 65.9 that leads most neighboring counties.

Cost and Environmental Risks

Affordability is a major hurdle here, as the cost score of 23.8 reflects home values near $200,000. Residents also face elevated environmental concerns, noted by a risk score of 25.6 and a safety score of 28.2.

Preferred for High-Income Earners

Butler County is a fit for high-earning individuals who can afford the state's more expensive housing market. It appeals most to those who prioritize health services and personal income over the broader cost of living or natural risk factors.

Score breakdown

Tax14.8Cost23.8Safety28.2Health65.9Schools36.8Income84.3Risk25.6Water34.1Weather51
🏛14.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.5
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

Chase County
Kansas
59.7
Harvey County
Kansas
40.2
Greenwood County
Kansas
49.6
Marion County
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Sedgwick County
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Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Butler County

via TaxByCounty

Butler taxes slightly above median

Butler County's effective tax rate of 1.462% sits just above the national median of 1.4%, placing it in the upper-middle range for property tax burden nationally. Homeowners pay a median of $2,918 annually—9% above the national median of $2,690—due to Butler's higher median home value of $199,600, among Kansas's strongest.

Below-average rate, above-average taxes

Butler County's effective rate of 1.462% falls below the Kansas average of 1.549%, yet median taxes of $2,918 exceed the state median of $1,943 by 50%. This paradox reflects Butler's substantially higher home values compared to most Kansas counties.

Strongest market, moderate rate

Butler County's median home value of $199,600 far exceeds neighboring counties—Allen ($100,400), Anderson ($147,900), and Atchison ($147,900)—explaining why residents pay more in absolute dollars despite mid-range tax rates. Butler homeowners pay $2,918 annually, the highest in this group.

Your Butler County tax bill

A homeowner with a $199,600 property in Butler County pays approximately $2,918 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-inclusive taxes climb to about $2,994, while non-mortgage taxes drop to roughly $2,748.

Appeals matter at higher values

Butler County homeowners with high-value properties should prioritize assessment reviews—even a 1% reduction in assessed value saves nearly $2,000 annually. Recent market shifts may have left assessments outdated; a professional appeal can ensure your bill reflects current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butler County

via CostByCounty

Butler County commands Kansas's highest prices

Butler County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% matches national affordability benchmarks, but rents of $984 and mortgages of $1,224 run 40%+ above national medians. Higher household incomes of $80,375 support these costs, yet Butler demands significantly steeper housing investments than peer counties.

Butler County premium above state norms

At 14.7%, Butler's rent-to-income ratio exactly matches the Kansas state average, yet its $984 median rent towers 25% above the state median of $787. Butler represents Kansas's most expensive rental market, reflecting strong local incomes and likely proximity to urban El Dorado/Wichita.

Butler rents dwarf surrounding counties

Butler's $984 monthly rent and $1,224 mortgage payments exceed all peer counties by $190+ for rent and $300+ for mortgages. Median home values of $199,600 nearly double Brown County's $111,100, positioning Butler as Kansas's premium housing market in this analysis.

Butler County's premium housing economy

Butler households earning $80,375 invest $984 monthly in rent (14.7% of income) or $1,224 in mortgages (18.2% of income), the highest proportional mortgage burden analyzed. Home values averaging $199,600 reflect a fundamentally different housing market—closer to suburban Kansas City dynamics than rural Kansas norms.

Butler County suits higher earners only

Consider Butler County if your household income exceeds $80,000 and you seek Kansas's most developed urban amenities and housing stock. For renters and modest earners, Brown, Bourbon, or Allen offer superior affordability; Butler requires premium earning power to feel financially comfortable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butler County

via IncomeByCounty

Butler County outearns national average

Butler County's median household income of $80,375 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 7%, making it the strongest-earning county in this analysis. The above-average income reflects a more developed economy with larger employers and diverse job opportunities.

Significantly above Kansas average

Butler County's median household income of $80,375 towers 25% above the Kansas state average of $64,428, the largest advantage among these eight counties. The per capita income of $37,381 also significantly exceeds the state average of $34,748.

Clear regional income leader

Butler County's $80,375 median household income dramatically outpaces all regional peers, with the next highest being Bourbon County at $67,555. The substantial income advantage reflects Butler County's location near Kansas City and more robust urban job market.

Housing affordable despite higher values

Despite the highest median home value at $199,600, Butler County maintains a reasonable rent-to-income ratio of 14.7%. Higher incomes allow residents to pursue more expensive properties while preserving financial flexibility.

Maximize wealth-building potential

Butler County households earning $80,375 can direct $8,037-$12,056 annually toward investments, retirement savings, and wealth diversification. Superior income position enables residents to pursue multiple financial goals simultaneously, from real estate investment to college endowments and business ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butler County

via CrimeByCounty

Butler County Maintains Secure Environment

Butler County’s total crime rate of 1,733.2 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a reliable safety score of 97.3 out of 100.

State Context and Agency Reporting

The county's safety score of 97.3 is just under the Kansas state average of 98.0. Ten different reporting agencies contribute to a comprehensive understanding of local safety.

Safer Than Many Nearby Regions

Butler County reports less crime than Barton County at 1,994.0 and significantly less than Allen County. It remains one of the more secure populated areas in this part of the state.

Low Violent Crime Rate Noted

Violent crime is low at 187.8 per 100K, while property crime is reported at 1,545.4. Residents should be more concerned with protecting property than personal safety risks.

Enhance Your Personal Home Security

Visible security systems can deter property crimes, which make up the bulk of local incidents. Joining a neighborhood watch program can also help strengthen community ties and safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butler County

via HealthByCounty

Butler County nears national health

At 75.3 years, Butler County approaches the U.S. life expectancy of 80.1 years and leads this group on good health reports. With just 14.3% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest rate here—Butler residents enjoy comparatively strong wellness.

Meets Kansas state benchmark

Butler County's 75.3-year life expectancy essentially matches Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the healthy middle of the state's counties. Low poor/fair health rates reinforce this solid performance.

Top performer on health metrics

Butler County's 75.3-year life expectancy and 14.3% poor/fair health rate lead this peer group, outperforming most adjacent counties on both measures. With 78 primary care and 147 mental health providers per 100K, Butler balances access across care types well.

Strong coverage and provider balance

Butler County's 8.3% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in this group—meaning over 91% of residents have financial access to care. With 78 primary care and 147 mental health providers per 100K, Butler offers well-distributed healthcare resources supporting its healthier population outcomes.

Maintain Butler's coverage success

Butler County's 8.3% uninsured rate puts it among Kansas's best, but those 8% should know that affordable coverage options exist and can prevent health crises. Visit the Kansas marketplace to ensure continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butler County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure of Forty-Two Schools

Butler County boasts a large-scale education system with 42 public schools serving 18,065 students. Managed by nine districts, the system includes 21 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and ten high schools. This extensive network makes Butler one of the most educationally diverse counties in the region.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

Butler County maintains a strong 91.9% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. Surprisingly, this is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of only $5,802, significantly below the state average of $9,009. The composite school score of 51.9 indicates the county is focused on fundamental outcomes like graduation.

Andover Leads the Nine Local Districts

Andover is the county's largest district, enrolling 8,987 students across 11 schools. El Dorado and Circle districts also play major roles, serving over 2,000 students each. All schools in the county are traditional public facilities, as charter schools represent 0% of the educational landscape.

From Suburban Campuses to Rural Schools

The county offers a diverse locale mix with 24 rural, 10 town, and 8 suburban schools. The Andover eCademy is the largest program with 3,223 students, while traditional campuses like Andover High serve 1,014. This variety allows families to choose between modern suburban environments and traditional rural schoolhouses.

Find a Home in a Diverse School Hub

With 42 schools to choose from, Butler County offers more housing and educational options than almost anywhere in Kansas. Whether you prefer the suburban excellence of Andover or the rural charm of the outlying districts, you can find a high-graduation area that fits your needs. School quality is a major driver of the thriving real estate market here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butler County

via RiskByCounty

Butler County faces elevated risk nationwide

Butler County scores 74.40 on the national composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, placing it significantly above the national average and among the nation's higher-risk counties. The county's exposure across multiple major hazards—tornadoes (90.17), wildfire (95.64), and flooding (67.75)—creates a complex and serious disaster landscape. This is Kansas's most hazard-exposed county in this analysis.

Kansas's highest-risk county analyzed

Butler County's composite risk of 74.40 is 149% of the Kansas state average of 29.89, the highest among all eight counties examined. The county faces hazard exposure that is truly extreme for Kansas, particularly in tornado (90.17) and wildfire (95.64) categories. Butler County residents confront a demanding and multi-faceted natural disaster environment requiring serious preparation.

Riskier than all surrounding counties

Butler County (74.40) carries dramatically more composite risk than any neighboring county, including Barton County (60.31) directly north. It represents an escalation zone where central and south-central Kansas hazards converge most intensely. The sharp risk increase in Butler County reflects its geography and exposure to major severe weather and wildfire corridors.

Extreme tornado and wildfire exposure

Butler County's tornado risk of 90.17 and wildfire risk of 95.64 are among the most severe in Kansas and demand serious preparation and vigilance. Flood risk of 67.75 adds substantial secondary concern, creating a three-front disaster landscape. Residents face one of the state's most challenging natural disaster environments.

Comprehensive preparedness is critical

Butler County residents must invest in robust tornado shelters or safe rooms and maintain comprehensive early warning systems for spring severe weather. Wildfire preparation including defensible space, evacuation plans, and emergency supplies is essential during dry seasons. Flood insurance is critical given the county's 67.75 flood risk score—purchase it immediately, as coverage requires a 30-day waiting period.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Butler County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather in the Flint Hills

Butler County averages 55.4°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. It receives 37.8 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many other Great Plains counties.

Slightly warmer than the Kansas average

The county's 55.4°F average temperature sits just above the state-wide average of 54.8°F. It is also wetter than the state average, recording about 7.5 more inches of rain than the Kansas norm.

Wetter and milder than western neighbors

Butler County receives 37.8 inches of rain, which is about 10 inches more than Barton County to the west. It also faces fewer extreme heat days, recording 49 compared to Barton's 70.

Hot July days and manageable snow

Summers are warm with a July average of 79.0°F and 49 days of extreme heat. Winter brings a modest 9.5 inches of snow, with January temperatures typically hovering around 30.9°F.

Prepare for rain and summer heat

With 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, residents should ensure roofs and drainage systems are ready for heavy spring storms. A reliable AC system is necessary to handle the 49 days of 90-degree heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butler County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Perfect pH Levels in Butler County

Butler County features an average soil pH of 6.43, which is almost exactly at the national median of 6.5. While more acidic than the state average of 6.80, this level is considered optimal for the majority of garden plants and crops. It represents a balanced chemical environment for diverse land use.

Silt-Heavy Soils Hold the Ground

The county's soil composition is 60.1% silt and 29.8% clay, with a very low sand content of 10.1%. This silty texture is excellent for nutrient retention and provides a smooth, stable medium for roots. However, the high clay and silt fractions can lead to a sticky consistency after rainfall.

High Organic Content and Water Capacity

With 2.82% organic matter, Butler County is well above the state average of 2.22%. It also boasts a high available water capacity of 0.197 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.180. These metrics indicate a robust, fertile soil that handles dry spells better than most.

Managing Water in Silty Terrain

Formal drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this county. Given the 60.1% silt content, the soil likely has moderate to slow permeability. Proper water management is key for both farmers and homeowners to keep the soil productive and healthy.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 7a

Butler County's Zone 7a status provides a generous window for growing warm-season crops. The combination of high organic matter and excellent water storage makes it a premier location for gardening. Dig in and take advantage of some of the best soil metrics in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butler County

via LawnByCounty

Butler County Offers Prime Growing Conditions

Butler County scores a 72.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the easiest places in Kansas to grow a lawn. This score easily beats the state average of 59.1, providing a welcoming environment for Zone 7a plant life. Local homeowners enjoy a significant advantage over many other Midwest regions.

Balanced Moisture and Moderate Heat

Butler County averages 37.8 inches of precipitation, which is well within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While it hits 49 extreme heat days, this remains below the state average of 58, sparing the grass from the worst Kansas summers. The 4,119 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for consistent turf development.

Superior Nutrient Availability in Butler Soil

A soil pH of 6.43 provides the perfect environment for grass to absorb the nutrients it needs to stay green. The soil contains 29.8% clay and a low 10.1% sand, meaning it holds onto water and fertilizer with high efficiency. Regular aeration can help prevent these clay-heavy soils from becoming too compact during the growing season.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Weather

Only 12 weeks were spent in drought last year, and currently, less than half the county (45.9%) is abnormally dry. This relative stability makes lawn care much more predictable compared to western Kansas. To stay resilient, homeowners should focus on building soil organic matter to further increase water-holding capacity.

Success with Tall Fescue and Zoysia

In Zone 7a, a mix of Tall Fescue for green winters and Zoysia for heat-proof summers works exceptionally well. Start your spring projects once the frost threat passes on April 18, and finish fall renovations before the October 22 frost. These dates offer the most stable soil temperatures for new seedlings to take root.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butler County's county score?
Butler County, Kansas has a composite county score of 35.8 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 Butler County rank among counties in Kansas?
Butler County ranks #94 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 Butler County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Butler County is $2,918, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Butler County a tax score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butler County?
The median household income in Butler County, Kansas is $80,375 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butler County earns an income score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butler County, Kansas a good place to live?
Butler County scores 35.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Butler 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 Butler 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.