Cheyenne County

Kansas · KS

#24 in Kansas
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Cheyenne County, Kansas

Cheyenne County well above national livability median

Cheyenne County scores 68.9 on the composite index, 38% higher than the national median of 50.0. The county ranks solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties for livability.

Strong performer statewide

Cheyenne County scores 68.9, exceeding Kansas's average of 66.0 by nearly 3 points. The county is among the more livable communities in Kansas.

Balanced affordability and reasonable taxes

Cheyenne County offers a cost score of 85.7 with median home values at $119,300 and rent at $703/month, the lowest rental cost in this group. The tax score of 62.8 and effective rate of 1.402% provide solid tax relief for residents.

Income growth opportunities are limited

The county's income score of 19.8 and median household income of $55,765 suggest fewer high-wage opportunities than some peers. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable for a complete livability assessment.

Solid choice for budget-conscious settlers

Cheyenne County suits families and workers looking for low rents, affordable housing, and moderate tax burdens in western Kansas. The county offers practical livability without premium incomes or robust amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.8Cost85.7SafetyComing SoonHealth65.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.8Risk91.6WaterComing Soon
🏛62.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼19.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
65.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
91.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Cheyenne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cheyenne County

via TaxByCounty

Cheyenne County taxes well below national median

At 1.402%, Cheyenne County's effective tax rate runs slightly below the national median of 1.6%. Homeowners pay $1,673 annually—38% less than the national median of $2,690—because median home values of $119,300 remain well under the national average of $281,900.

Below-average rate for Kansas

Cheyenne County's 1.402% effective rate sits below Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, placing it in the lower-tax tier among the state's 105 counties. The median tax bill of $1,673 runs 14% below the state median of $1,943.

Lowest rate in the southwest region

At 1.402%, Cheyenne County offers the region's lowest effective tax rate, beating Chase County (1.595%), Chautauqua County (1.599%), and Rawlins County nearby. Its $1,673 median tax bill places it solidly in the middle for the area's property values.

Expect a $1,673 annual bill

A Cheyenne County homeowner with a median-value property of $119,300 pays approximately $1,673 per year in property taxes. With mortgage deductions, that rises to $1,637; without them, it increases slightly to $1,684.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Kansas property assessments are typically reviewed every four years, meaning your home's current value may not reflect recent market shifts. If you believe you're overtaxed, submit a formal assessment appeal—it's free and can provide meaningful savings.

Cost of Living in Cheyenne County

via CostByCounty

Cheyenne County: closer to national norms

At 15.1%, Cheyenne County's rent-to-income ratio sits above the national average of 14.7% but near the Kansas state average of 14.7%. The $703/month rent is affordable, but lower-than-average incomes ($55,765) keep housing burden elevated.

Slightly above Kansas average burden

Cheyenne County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is marginally higher than the Kansas state average of 14.7%, making it a middle-of-the-pack option statewide. The county offers one of the lower rents in Kansas but limited income opportunities keep relative affordability modest.

Competitive with neighboring counties

Cheyenne County's $703 rent is nearly identical to Cloud County ($689) and significantly cheaper than Chase ($758) or Cherokee ($801). On affordability ratios, it's competitive with most neighboring rural counties.

Low rent, but modest incomes matter

Renters pay $703/month (15.1% of $55,765 income), while homeowners pay $668/month on homes valued at $119,300—the second-highest in the region. Despite lower rents, income constraints keep affordability challenges present for renters.

Consider Cheyenne for balanced housing

Cheyenne County offers reasonable rent prices and the second-highest home values among rural neighbors, suggesting housing stock quality. If affordability is key, compare with Chautauqua or Cloud counties; if equity potential matters, the higher home values here are worth considering.

Income & Jobs in Cheyenne County

via IncomeByCounty

Cheyenne County Below National Median

Cheyenne County's median household income of $55,765 falls about $19,000 below the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the lower third of U.S. counties. This income profile is typical for agricultural and small-town Kansas counties.

Below Kansas State Average

At $55,765, Cheyenne County trails Kansas's median household income of $64,428 by roughly $8,700. The county ranks below the state median but performs better than several nearby southeastern peers.

Mid-Range Earnings for Region

Cheyenne County's income of $55,765 sits above Chase County ($54,518) and Chautauqua County ($54,592), but below Cherokee County ($58,274) and significantly below Coffey County ($67,377). Income levels here reflect a transition zone between rural southeast and central Kansas.

Very Affordable Housing Market

Cheyenne County boasts one of the state's lowest rent-to-income ratios at 15.1%, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $119,300 remains reasonably priced relative to local incomes, though it's the highest in the immediate region.

Strong Foundation for Savings

With housing costs taking only 15% of median income, Cheyenne County residents have substantial opportunity to build emergency reserves and invest for retirement. Financial literacy workshops and low-fee investment options can help residents make the most of their savings capacity.

Health in Cheyenne County

via HealthByCounty

Cheyenne holds its own nationally

At 76.4 years, Cheyenne County residents live 0.7 years above the U.S. average of 75.7 years. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health—slightly below national rates—the county maintains solid health standing.

Above-average health for Kansas

Cheyenne's 76.4-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's 75.4-year average, placing the county among the state's healthier jurisdictions. Its 17.7% poor/fair health rate also runs below the state trend.

Strong performer among peers

Cheyenne's 76.4-year life expectancy ranks above Cherokee (72.1), Chautauqua (74.0), and Cloud (73.4), positioning it as a regional health leader. Its 17.7% poor/fair rate is also among the best nearby.

Higher uninsured rate, good mental health

At 15.0% uninsured, Cheyenne exceeds the state average of 11.5%, indicating a coverage gap for residents. The county compensates with 152 mental health providers per 100K, though primary care provider data is limited.

Close the coverage gap

With 15.0% of Cheyenne residents uninsured—the highest rate we're tracking—access to care is at risk. Visit the Kansas health marketplace today to sign up and protect your family's health.

Disaster Risk in Cheyenne County

via RiskByCounty

Cheyenne County ranks among lowest-risk U.S. counties

Cheyenne County's composite risk score of 8.40 places it at the very bottom of the national disaster risk distribution, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county's northwestern Kansas location and landscape result in minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Kansas's safest counties

At 8.40, Cheyenne County scores dramatically below Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking among the top safest communities statewide. This exceptional safety profile reflects consistently low risk across flood, tornado, and earthquake categories.

Safer than all immediate neighbors

Cheyenne County's risk score significantly outperforms bordering Sherman and Thomas Counties, which face higher wildfire and tornado exposure. Its high plains location provides natural protection from many severe weather events affecting adjacent regions.

Wildfire represents primary concern

Wildfire risk scores 62.95 in Cheyenne County, making it the dominant hazard despite the county's overall very low composite risk. Tornado exposure at 35.34 remains low compared to state and national benchmarks.

Standard coverage with wildfire attention

Homeowners should maintain basic property insurance with explicit wildfire and wind coverage to address the county's primary threats. The low overall risk profile means comprehensive disaster insurance is less critical than in many other Kansas regions.

ByCounty Network

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