countyscore
59.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.7Safety 82.2Soil Quality 72.8

County Report Card

About Chase County, Kansas

Beating the National Median

Chase County earns a composite score of 59.7, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places it well above the average American county for overall quality of life.

A Standout in Kansas

With its high score, Chase stands out in Kansas by exceeding the state average of 49.5. It remains one of the more desirable rural locations within the state's 105 counties.

High Safety and Resilience

The county excels in environmental resilience and security, posting a Risk Score of 90.7 and a Safety Score of 82.2. Residents also benefit from a Cost Score of 75.4, reflected in a modest median rent of $758.

Infrastructure and Tax Pressures

A low Water Score of 5.7 and a high tax burden represented by a 9.4 Tax Score present hurdles. The effective tax rate of 1.595% is a significant consideration for potential property owners.

A Secure Rural Sanctuary

This county is ideal for retirees or remote workers prioritizing safety and extreme peace of mind over high income. Its low-risk environment and affordable housing market make it a stable sanctuary.

2040608010016.170.282.266.968.224.590.75.749.8Tax16.1Cost70.2Safety82.2Health66.9Schools68.2Income24.5Risk90.7Water5.7Weather49.859.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Chase County DNA

Foverall

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

Chase County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (90.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.1-35.9
Cost
70.2+22.200000000000003
Safety
82.2+27.200000000000003
Health
66.9+16.900000000000006
Schools
68.2+14.200000000000003
Income
24.5-26.5
Risk
90.7+43.7
Water
5.7-52.3
Weather
49.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Chase County?

Many homeowners in Chase 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

$109,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$825/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,484/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Chase County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chase County

via TaxByCounty

Chase County taxes run below national average

At 1.595%, Chase County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.6%, placing it near the middle of the national distribution. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,694 annually—37% less than the national median of $2,690—largely because median home values ($106,200) are less than half the national average ($281,900).

Slightly above Kansas average rate

Chase County's 1.595% effective rate edges out Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 105 counties. The median tax bill of $1,694 runs 13% below the state median of $1,943, reflecting lower property values rather than lower rates.

Moderate taxes in southwest Kansas

Chase County's rate of 1.595% places it between Chautauqua County (1.599%) to the south and Cheyenne County (1.402%) to the west, making it fairly typical for the region. The $1,694 median tax bill aligns closely with regional peers, though it varies significantly based on home value differences across the area.

Expect roughly $1,700 annually

A Chase County homeowner with a median-value property of $106,200 pays approximately $1,694 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related deductions factored in, that bill rises to about $1,971, but without such credits it drops to $1,533.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Many Kansas property owners are assessed above fair market value and never know it. If your property has declined in value or improvements were overestimated, filing a formal appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your annual bill.

Income & Jobs in Chase County

via IncomeByCounty

Chase County Lags National Income

Chase County's median household income of $54,518 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $20,200, placing the county roughly in the bottom third of U.S. counties for household earnings. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Kansas compared to national averages.

Below Average for Kansas

At $54,518, Chase County's median household income falls about $10,000 below Kansas's state average of $64,428. The county ranks in the lower half of Kansas's 105 counties, signaling lower earning potential compared to state peers.

Among Kansas's Lower-Income Counties

Chase County's income of $54,518 mirrors nearby Chautauqua County ($54,592) and sits below Cherokee County ($58,274) and Cheyenne County ($55,765). Coffey County to the east stands out significantly higher at $67,377, suggesting stronger job markets in adjacent areas.

Rent Is Manageable Here

Chase County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume less than one-fifth of median household income. The median home value of $106,200 remains accessible relative to local earnings, providing stability for homeowners.

Building Wealth in Chase County

With modest but stable incomes and affordable housing, Chase County residents have room to invest surplus income into retirement accounts, emergency funds, and wealth-building tools. Consider consulting a financial advisor about tax-advantaged savings strategies tailored to rural Kansas income levels.

Safety in Chase County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest Havens

Chase County achieves a remarkable safety score of 99.3, placing it far above the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 428.0 per 100,000 residents is nearly 82% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects an exceptionally low-crime environment compared to the rest of the United States.

Outperforming the Kansas Average

With a safety score of 99.3, Chase County comfortably exceeds the Kansas state average score of 98.0. The local crime rate of 428.0 is significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,282.2 per 100,000 people. As a single-agency reporting county, these numbers highlight an impressively quiet public safety landscape.

Low Crime Compared to Neighbors

Chase County maintains a much lower crime profile than several regional peers, including nearby Clay and Cloud counties. While some neighbors see rates exceeding 1,500 per 100,000, Chase keeps its total incidents below 500. This disparity makes it a standout for safety in the central Kansas region.

Property Crimes Lead Local Reports

Property crimes account for 272.4 incidents per 100,000, while violent crimes sit at a low 155.6. These figures are both substantially lower than the national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively. In practical terms, residents face very low risks of both theft and physical confrontation.

Preserving Peace in Chase County

Even with elite safety scores, basic home security provides essential peace of mind. Residents should ensure doors stay locked and outdoor lighting remains functional to deter opportunistic property crimes. Maintaining these simple habits helps preserve the county's reputation as a secure place to live.

Weather & Climate in Chase County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Humid Continental Climate

Chase County’s average annual temperature of 55.4°F sits slightly above the national median for U.S. counties. The area receives 35.7 inches of precipitation annually, making it wetter than the typical American county.

Warmth in the Flint Hills

The county is slightly warmer than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. This temperature profile places it among the warmer half of counties in the state.

Lusher Than Western Neighbors

With 35.7 inches of rain, Chase is significantly wetter than counties in western Kansas but drier than its eastern neighbor, Coffey County. Its 10.8 inches of annual snowfall is typical for the central region.

Searing Summers and Brisk Winters

Summers are intense with 52 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters remain relatively mild for the plains, averaging 32.6°F from December through February.

Preparing for the Prairie Heat

Residents should ensure HVAC systems are ready for over 50 days of extreme heat each summer. Sturdy winter gear is recommended to handle the 10.8 inches of snow that typically falls.

Soil Quality in Chase County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of the Flint Hills

Chase County features a soil pH of 6.44, sitting just under the national median of 6.5 and notably lower than the Kansas average of 6.80. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, this near-neutral profile offers a balanced environment for most common crops. The overall soil score of 72.8 indicates these lands are significantly more productive than the state average of 55.4.

High Silt Content for Heavy Lifting

The soil is dominated by 60.9% silt and 31.9% clay, with only a small 7.2% sand component. This heavy texture creates a soil that holds nutrients well but may be slow to dry after a rain. Gardeners should expect a dense soil that requires careful timing to avoid compaction during tillage.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage

Chase County excels in fertility with 2.92% organic matter, well above the Kansas average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in also beats the state average, providing a vital buffer for crops during dry spells. This combination suggests a high natural growth potential without excessive intervention.

Reliable Moisture Management

While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the high available water capacity suggests consistent moisture retention for deep-rooted plants. Producers should be mindful that the high clay and silt percentages typically correlate with slower infiltration rates. Proper field contouring can help manage runoff in this productive landscape.

Native Grasses and Hardy Perennials

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Chase County provides a reliable window for growing everything from prairie grasses to robust vegetable gardens. The high soil score makes this an excellent location for starting a home orchard or a native pollinator plot. Focus on plants that appreciate consistent moisture and rich, silty earth.

Lawn Care in Chase County

via LawnByCounty

A High Bar for Lawn Success in Chase County

Chase County earns a lawn difficulty score of 71.3, making it significantly easier to maintain grass here than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, the area outperforms the Kansas state average score of 59.1. Homeowners benefit from a climate that is generally more hospitable to turf than many of their neighbors.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

The county receives 35.7 inches of annual precipitation, which falls right in the ideal range for healthy lawns. While residents face 52 extreme heat days over 90°F, this is slightly below the state average of 58 days. The 4,153 growing degree days support a robust growing season that typically begins after the final frost around April 19.

Balanced Soil with a Heavy Clay Touch

The local soil pH of 6.44 sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. With 31.9% clay and just 7.2% sand, the soil holds moisture well but can become compacted over time. Periodic aeration is essential to ensure oxygen reaches the roots through this dense clay foundation.

Resilient Landscapes in Dry Spells

The county saw only 9 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the area faces abnormal dryness. This high level of resilience means lawns typically require less supplemental irrigation than in more arid parts of Kansas. To maintain this advantage, use deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems.

Tall Fescue Leads the Way

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for Zone 6b and this soil profile. Plan to seed or overseed in late September once the summer heat breaks but well before the first frost on October 22. With a score this high, your lawn has a great chance to thrive with standard seasonal care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chase County's county score?
Chase County, Kansas has a composite county score of 59.7 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 Chase County rank among counties in Kansas?
Chase County ranks #14 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 Chase County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Chase County is $1,500, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Chase County a tax score of 16.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chase County?
The median household income in Chase County, Kansas is $56,484 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chase County earns an income score of 24.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chase County, Kansas a good place to live?
Chase County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Chase 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 Chase County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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