countyscore
42.1
County Score
Cost of Living 67.2Soil Quality 66.1Schools 59.5

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, Kansas

Facing National Headwinds

With a composite score of 42.1, Cherokee County falls below the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests there are more challenges to livability here than in the average American community.

Trailing State Benchmarks

The county trails the Kansas average of 49.5, indicating a need for improvement across several local metrics. It currently ranks in the lower tier of counties within the state.

Affordability and Lower Taxes

Housing affordability remains a bright spot, with a Cost Score of 67.2 and a median home value under $100,000. It also offers a relatively low effective tax rate of 1.226%, outperforming many neighbors.

Safety and Health Concerns

Public safety is a primary concern, as reflected in the low Safety Score of 22.2. Additionally, the Health Score of 36.8 and Water Score of 26.4 suggest infrastructure and wellness gaps.

A Low-Overhead Value Play

This county best suits individuals looking for low taxes and affordable acreage who are willing to invest in their own home improvements. It is a value-play for those focused on low monthly overhead.

Score breakdown

Tax24.3Cost67.2Safety22.2Health36.8Schools59.5Income33.6Risk46.3Water26.4Weather58.6
🏛24.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.1
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

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Crawford County
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Labette County
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Jasper County
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Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee County offers lowest tax burden

Cherokee County's 1.226% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, nearly 25% below the national median of 1.6%. Homeowners pay just $1,219 annually—a remarkable 55% less than the national median of $2,690—because homes here average $99,400, roughly a third of the national average.

Second-lowest rate statewide

At 1.226%, Cherokee County ranks among Kansas's most tax-friendly counties, well below the state average of 1.549%. The median tax bill of $1,219 ranks in the lower half of state counties, making Cherokee County a relative bargain in the Kansas tax landscape.

Clear tax advantage over neighbors

Cherokee County's 1.226% rate beats every neighboring county in southeast Kansas, including Chautauqua (1.599%), Chase (1.595%), and Cheyenne (1.402%) counties. Homeowners here enjoy the region's lowest effective tax rate and among the lowest median bills.

Pay under $1,250 typically

A Cherokee County homeowner with the median home value of $99,400 pays roughly $1,219 in annual property taxes. When mortgage-related credits apply, the bill climbs to $1,342; without deductions, it drops to $1,108.

Even low rates can be challenged

Cherokee County's competitive rates don't mean assessments are always accurate. Review your latest assessment notice and compare it to recent comparable sales in your area—if your property is overassessed, appeal before the deadline.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee County's rent burden above average

Cherokee County renters spend 16.5% of their income on housing, nearly 2 percentage points higher than the national average of 14.7%. Despite slightly higher incomes than some neighbors ($58,274), the $801/month rent—well above the state average—creates affordability strain.

Among Kansas's least affordable counties

At 16.5%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kansas's 14.7% average, placing it among the state's more challenging housing markets. The median rent here is $14 higher than the state average, contributing to this affordability burden.

Priciest rents in the local area

Cherokee County's $801 monthly rent is the highest among its neighboring counties—$88 more than Chautauqua and $43 more than Chase County. This higher rent burden is offset only slightly by higher incomes than some neighboring counties.

Steep rent costs relative to income

Renters dedicate $801/month (16.5% of $58,274 income) to housing, while homeowners pay $685/month on a median home value of $99,400. The high rent relative to income makes renting particularly challenging in Cherokee County.

Check cheaper alternatives nearby

Cherokee County's higher rents make it one of the pricier rural Kansas options—compare with Chautauqua ($713) or Cloud County ($689) to maximize your housing budget. Homeownership here is more affordable relative to renting, if that's an option.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee County Below U.S. Median

Cherokee County's median household income of $58,274 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $16,500, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. counties. This income gap is typical for rural Midwestern counties.

Slightly Above Kansas Average

Cherokee County's median household income of $58,274 trails Kansas's state average of $64,428, though the county performs better than many rural neighbors. It ranks in the middle tier of Kansas's 105 counties for household earnings.

Strongest Earnings in Southeast Kansas

At $58,274, Cherokee County outperforms nearby Chase County ($54,518) and Chautauqua County ($54,592), making it the earnings leader in southeastern Kansas. The gap widens further when compared to neighboring states, where similar rural counties often earn less.

Housing Costs Well-Controlled

Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% keeps housing affordable and below the 30% sustainability threshold. The median home value of $99,400 pairs well with local incomes, supporting homeownership without financial strain.

Building Financial Resilience

Cherokee County's moderate incomes and controlled housing costs create room for savings and investment contributions. Residents should explore employer retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and low-cost investment vehicles to maximize long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Below National Averages

Cherokee County holds a safety score of 96.8, which is lower than many of its Kansas neighbors but still better than many urban centers. Its total crime rate of 1,996.9 per 100,000 residents remains below the national average of 2,385.5. However, this rate indicates more frequent criminal activity than in surrounding rural counties.

Higher Crime Than State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,996.9 significantly exceeds the Kansas state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. Similarly, its safety score of 96.8 falls below the state average score of 98.0. Four different reporting agencies work together to manage these higher-than-average activity levels.

A Regional High in Crime

Cherokee County experiences more crime than nearly all its immediate neighbors listed, including Chautauqua and Coffey. While Chautauqua reports only 590.1 crimes per 100,000, Cherokee’s rate is more than triple that figure. This suggests a more active environment for local law enforcement compared to the rest of the region.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime accounts for 1,651.2 incidents per 100,000, which is the primary driver of the local crime rate. The violent crime rate of 345.7 is close to the national average of 369.8, but still higher than the Kansas average of 235.9. Residents should be particularly mindful of theft and burglary risks.

Prioritizing Home Security Measures

Given the higher property crime rates, residents should consider investing in robust security systems and cameras. Locking vehicles and securing outbuildings is essential for deterring theft in this area. Staying connected with neighbors through local watch groups can also help lower incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cherokee County

via HealthByCounty

Cherokee County faces health headwinds

At 72.1 years, Cherokee County residents live 3.6 years less than the U.S. average of 75.7 years. With 18.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among the nation's lower performers.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Cherokee County's 72.1-year life expectancy significantly trails Kansas's 75.4-year average, marking it as one of the state's most challenged health jurisdictions. At 18.5% poor/fair health, it also ranks near the bottom statewide.

Most vulnerable county in region

Cherokee's 72.1-year life expectancy is the lowest among peers like Chase (78.0), Clay (78.2), and Coffey (76.6). Its 18.5% poor/fair health rate ties nearby Coffey as the worst in the immediate region.

Provider access below state standards

Cherokee offers only 21 primary care providers per 100K residents—far below state norms—while supporting 184 mental health providers per 100K. With 11.1% uninsured, coverage approaches the state average, but care access remains constrained.

Strengthen care access

Cherokee's 11.1% uninsured rate and tight provider network mean every insurance option matters. Enroll through the Kansas marketplace to ensure you're covered, then ask your health provider about wait times and telehealth options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional School System

Cherokee County features a diverse network of 16 public schools including eight elementary, three middle, and five high schools. Four school districts serve a total student population of 3,517 across the county.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 89.3% graduation rate, which is higher than both the Kansas and national averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,589 is lower than the state average, the county continues to produce competitive results.

Major Districts Lead the Way

The Columbus district is the largest with 942 students, closely followed by Baxter Springs with 893 students. The county's 16 schools are all traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently operating.

A Town-Centered Educational Experience

Fifteen of the county's 16 schools are located in town settings, creating a central hub for community life. Enrollment ranges from 423 students at Columbus Junior High and High School to 247 at Lincoln Elementary.

Great Schools and Homes Await

With high graduation rates and accessible town-based schools, Cherokee County is a prime location for growing families. Browse local real estate to find a home within these performing school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee County faces moderate national disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 53.69, Cherokee County ranks "Relatively Low" nationally but carries substantially higher exposure than most Kansas counties. The county's tornado and flood threats drive its elevated profile relative to the national average.

Higher-risk county by Kansas standards

Cherokee County's score of 53.69 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. This elevated ranking is primarily driven by notably high tornado risk and substantial flood exposure.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Cherokee County faces substantially higher tornado (74.33) and flood (54.80) risks compared to neighboring Crawford and Labette Counties. Its southeastern Kansas location exposes it to more severe weather patterns than western and central county peers.

Tornadoes and floods pose greatest threats

Tornado risk scores 74.33—Cherokee County's most significant hazard—while flood risk reaches 54.80, both substantially above state averages. These concurrent threats demand serious preparedness attention from county residents and property owners.

Prioritize flood and tornado coverage now

Homeowners must secure comprehensive flood insurance in addition to standard homeowner's policies, since flooding remains a persistent threat. Tornado coverage with adequate wind protection and a reinforced safe room significantly reduce injury and property loss risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rain and Subtropical Air

Cherokee County is exceptionally wet for the region, receiving 46.0 inches of annual precipitation. Its average annual temperature of 57.2°F is significantly higher than the national median.

The Wettest Corner of Kansas

Receiving 15.7 inches more rain than the state average, Cherokee is the wettest county in Kansas. It also ranks as one of the state's warmest locations with an annual average of 57.2°F.

More Rain Than Any Neighbor

Cherokee receives 6 more inches of annual rain than Chautauqua County to its west. It records the lowest snowfall in this group, with just 7.2 inches annually.

Damp Summers and Short Winters

Summers feature 46 days of extreme heat, while winters are the warmest in the state with a 36.2°F average. Snowfall is rare, often melting quickly after it hits the ground.

Prioritizing Drainage and Moisture Control

Homeowners must maintain robust gutter systems to manage the heavy 46-inch annual rainfall. Heavy winter coats are rarely needed, as winter temperatures stay well above the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

The Ancient Ultisols of the Southeast

Cherokee County features a notably acidic pH of 6.00, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This region is home to Ultisols, which are highly weathered soils typical of humid climates. Despite the acidity, the county achieves a soil score of 66.1, surpassing the Kansas state average.

Plant-Rich Texture with Silt Dominance

Uniquely, the dominant texture is defined by slightly decomposed plant material amidst a mix of 52.4% silt and 23.2% clay. Sand makes up 16.7% of the profile, assisting with some internal drainage. This distinctive organic-heavy texture creates a spongy, nutrient-reactive environment for roots.

Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels

Cherokee County has a staggering 7.38% organic matter, more than triple the Kansas average of 2.22%. Despite this massive nutrient potential, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.180. This suggests that while the soil is incredibly rich, it doesn't hold as much moisture as one might expect.

Fast Drainage in Hydrologic Group C

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained, which is unusual for soils with such high silt content. Belonging to hydrologic group C, it has a moderately high runoff potential when saturated. This makes it an excellent choice for plants that dislike 'wet feet' but requires careful irrigation management.

Lush Possibilities in Zone 7a

Cherokee County resides in Zone 7a, supporting a wide range of acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. The high organic content is a dream for vegetable gardeners, though you may need to add lime to balance the low pH. It is a fantastic place to build a high-production market garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Year for Cherokee Lawns

Cherokee County holds a lawn difficulty score of 56.1, which is slightly below the Kansas average of 59.1 but still above the national median. Situated in Zone 7a, the county faces unique hurdles despite its high rainfall totals. Maintaining a lush green space here requires careful attention to shifting moisture levels.

High Rainfall Meets Efficient Drainage

The county receives a massive 46.0 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the state average of 30.3 inches. With 4,409 growing degree days and 46 extreme heat days, the growing season is long and vigorous. This climate supports rapid growth, meaning you will likely mow more frequently than in drier parts of the state.

Working with Somewhat Excessively Drained Soil

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained, which can lead to quick drying despite heavy rains. With a pH of 6.00 and 23.2% clay, the soil sits at the edge of the ideal range but remains fertile. Adding organic matter can help improve water retention in this slightly decomposed plant material texture.

Severe Drought Risks in a Rainy Zone

Severe drought currently impacts 94.8% of the county, creating a paradox for homeowners accustomed to high rainfall. The area has endured 23 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation critical. Utilize mulching mowers to return clippings to the soil, which helps retain moisture during these critical dry periods.

Heat-Hardy Choices for the Southeast

Bermuda grass and Zoysia thrive in this Zone 7a environment, offering better resilience during the severe drought cycles. The last spring frost typically occurs on April 5, marking the start of the primary growing window. Aim to have your lawn established well before the first fall frost on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, Kansas has a composite county score of 42.1 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 Cherokee County rank among counties in Kansas?
Cherokee County ranks #79 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 Cherokee County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $1,219, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 24.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Kansas is $58,274 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 33.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, Kansas a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 42.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Cherokee 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 Cherokee County with other counties side by side.

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