CountyScore

Butler County

Kansas · KS

#90 in Kansas
62.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Butler County, Kansas

Butler County meets the national livability standard

Butler County's composite score of 63.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 27%, demonstrating solid livability by American standards. However, this represents the lowest score among the eight counties examined, reflecting trade-offs in affordability.

Bottom of the eight-county ranking in Kansas

Butler County's 63.4 score falls below Kansas' state average of 66.0 by 2.6 points, positioning it as the least livable among these eight counties. The shortfall reflects higher housing costs that offset other economic advantages.

Highest incomes and reasonable tax rates shine

Butler County stands apart with an income score of 35.8 and median household earnings of $80,375—by far the highest earning potential in this group. The tax score of 61.2 with a 1.462% effective rate remains reasonable despite higher home prices.

Housing costs significantly exceed rural averages

Butler County's cost score of 72.0 is the lowest in this group, with median home values of $199,600 and rent at $984/month—reflecting urbanized pricing. This affordability challenge substantially drags down the overall livability score despite strong income advantages.

Best for high-income professionals and families

Butler County suits affluent professionals, dual-income families, and those with solid earning power who can afford higher housing costs for more developed amenities. The strong income profile makes it the only county in this group accessible primarily to above-average earners.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.2Cost72SafetyComing SoonHealth73.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.8Risk25.6WaterComing Soon
🏛61.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡25.6
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 Butler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake County
Indiana
62.8
Median income: $68,985
St. Tammany Parish
Louisiana
62.8
Median income: $79,277
Berkshire County
Massachusetts
62.8
Median income: $72,565
Harrison County
Mississippi
62.8
Median income: $57,233
Howard County
Texas
62.8
Median income: $71,457

Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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