59.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.7Safety 82.2Cost of Living 75.4

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.

Score breakdown

Tax9.4Cost75.4Safety82.2Health66.9Schools68.2Income24.1Risk90.7Water5.7Weather49.8
🏛9.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡82.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
66.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓68.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
90.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧5.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨72.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱71.3
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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Deep Dives

Chase County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Chase County

via CostByCounty

Chase County rents eat more than average

Renters in Chase County spend 16.7% of their income on housing, compared to the national average of 14.7%—meaning housing costs here demand a bigger slice of paychecks. The median rent of $758/month is slightly below the national median, but income levels are significantly lower than the U.S. average of $74,755, creating the affordability squeeze.

Above-average rent burden for Kansas

Chase County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Kansas's state average of 14.7%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. While median rent here ($758) is actually $29 lower than the state average, lower incomes push the affordability burden higher.

Slightly pricier than rural neighbors

Chase County's $758 monthly rent sits between Chautauqua County ($713) and Cheyenne County ($703), though all three rural counties struggle with similar affordability challenges. Renters in Chase face a tighter squeeze than those in neighboring Chautauqua (15.7% ratio) or Cloud County (14.4%).

Rent vs. ownership in Chase County

Monthly rent of $758 consumes 16.7% of the median $54,518 household income, while homeowners pay $649/month on a median home value of $106,200. Neither housing option is particularly affordable here, with both requiring significant income commitment.

Consider affordability before relocating

If you're considering Chase County, expect housing to take a larger bite than national averages, especially on the rental market. Neighboring Chautauqua and Cloud counties offer slightly better rent-to-income ratios if affordability is your priority.

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.

Health in Chase County

via HealthByCounty

Chase County outlives the nation

At 78.0 years, Chase County residents live 2.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.7 years. Only 16.6% report poor or fair health—below the national rate of roughly 18%—suggesting a community with strong health fundamentals.

Tops Kansas on longevity

Chase County leads its state with a life expectancy of 78.0 years, outpacing Kansas's 75.4-year average by 2.6 years. This places Chase among the healthiest counties in the state.

A regional health leader

Chase County's 78.0-year life expectancy far exceeds nearby Cherokee (72.1), Clark (73.0), and Cloud (73.4) counties. Its 16.6% poor/fair health rate also ranks better than most neighbors, signaling consistent wellness advantages.

Good insurance coverage, limited data

At 9.2% uninsured—well below the state average of 11.5%—Chase County residents have stronger insurance access than most Kansans. Specific data on primary and mental health providers isn't available, but the county's health outcomes suggest adequate care availability.

Keep your coverage strong

With 9.2% of residents uninsured, Chase County has room to ensure everyone accesses care. Visit Kansas's health marketplace or speak with a local benefits counselor to confirm your coverage fits your needs.

Schools in Chase County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Close-Knit Education Infrastructure

Chase County operates a highly focused school system with just two public schools serving the entire region. A single school district manages an elementary and a high school for a total enrollment of 387 students.

Strong Results and Local Investment

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing both the state average of 88.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment reaches $9,818 per pupil, which exceeds the Kansas average of $9,009.

One District Serves All Students

The Chase County school district manages all 387 students across its two facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

Rural Schools with Personal Attention

Education here feels personal with an average school size of just 194 students across entirely rural settings. Chase County Elementary is the larger of the two buildings with 222 students, while the Junior Senior High School serves 165.

Find Your Home in Chase County

Families seeking high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore housing near these community-centered schools. Education quality remains a top reason to plant roots in this rural Kansas gem.

Disaster Risk in Chase County

via RiskByCounty

Chase County's disaster risk ranks very low nationally

With a composite risk score of 9.35, Chase County sits well below the national average and poses minimal natural disaster exposure overall. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects relatively modest threats across most hazard types, making it one of Kansas's safer communities.

Safest counties in Kansas

Chase County's score of 9.35 is significantly below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the lowest-risk counties statewide. This strong performance is driven by minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake exposure compared to peers.

Safer than neighboring counties

Chase County's risk profile outperforms nearby Butler and Lyon Counties, which face higher tornado and wildfire threats. The county's balanced hazard exposure—without severe concentration in any single category—distinguishes it from southwestern Kansas neighbors.

Wildfire poses the primary threat

Wildfire risk scores 80.38 in Chase County, representing the most significant natural hazard despite the county's overall low composite score. Tornado risk, at 30.69, presents a secondary concern but remains below state averages.

Prioritize wildfire and weather coverage

Homeowners should maintain robust property insurance that covers wildfire damage and ensure they have adequate tornado and wind coverage. Given Chase County's low overall risk, standard homeowner's policies with these protections are typically sufficient.

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 $1,694, with an effective tax rate of 1.60%. This earns Chase County a tax score of 9.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chase County?
The median household income in Chase County, Kansas is $54,518 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chase County earns an income score of 24.1/100 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.