countyscore
56
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.6Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.2

County Report Card

About Cheyenne County, Kansas

A Strong National Competitor

Cheyenne County secures a composite score of 54.9, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-functioning rural community with strong foundations.

Regional Leader in Kansas

It exceeds the Kansas average of 49.5, positioning itself as a leader among the state's western border counties. The high overall ranking makes it a regional standout for quality of life.

Resilient Infrastructure and Cost

The county boasts exceptional scores in environmental safety and infrastructure, including a Risk Score of 91.6 and a Water Score of 86.0. Living here is also highly affordable, with a median rent of just $703.

Economic Growth Potential

Economic metrics lag slightly, with an Income Score of 27.1 and a Tax Score of 17.2. The median household income of $55,765 is lower than more urbanized regions of the state.

Best for Environmental Stability

Cheyenne County is a top pick for families seeking environmental stability and excellent water quality. It offers a secure, traditional lifestyle for those not dependent on high-growth corporate job markets.

2040608010019.185.254.546.165.522.491.68636.3Tax19.1Cost85.2Safety54.5Health46.1Schools65.5Income22.4Risk91.6Water86Weather36.356/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Cheyenne County DNA

Foverall

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

Cheyenne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (19.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.1-32.9
Cost
85.2+37.2
Safety
54.5
Health
46.1
Schools
65.5+11.5
Income
22.4-28.6
Risk
91.6+44.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
36.3-19.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Cheyenne County?

Many homeowners in Cheyenne 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

$125,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$656/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$125,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,429/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Cheyenne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Cheyenne County

via CrimeByCounty

Well-Protected Rural Community

Cheyenne County maintains a strong safety score of 98.4, signaling a secure living environment. Its total crime rate of 1,031.0 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low rate reflects the typical safety advantages found in rural Kansas counties.

Exceeding the State Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.4, Cheyenne County slightly outperforms the Kansas average score of 98.0. The total crime rate of 1,031.0 also sits comfortably below the statewide average of 1,282.2. A single law enforcement agency provides these figures, suggesting a centralized approach to local public safety.

Consistent Performance with Neighbors

Cheyenne County’s crime rate of 1,031.0 is significantly lower than that of Cloud County, which sees over 2,500 crimes per 100,000. It is more in line with neighboring agricultural counties that prioritize community-led safety. These figures indicate that Cheyenne remains a relatively quiet corner of the state.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

Property crime represents 763.7 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is reported at 267.3. While the violent crime rate is higher than the state average of 235.9, it remains well below the national mark of 369.8. Residents should interpret these single-agency numbers with the understanding that small populations can cause rates to shift based on few incidents.

Safeguarding Your Property

Residents can maintain this high level of safety by practicing common-sense security, such as locking doors and windows. Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing tools and equipment is a smart precaution. Local awareness and reporting suspicious activity help keep Cheyenne County secure.

Weather & Climate in Cheyenne County

via WeatherByCounty

High Plains and Dry Air

Cheyenne County is cooler and drier than the national median, with an average temperature of 52.0°F. It receives only 18.3 inches of precipitation, characterizing it as a semi-arid climate.

Kansas's Cool Northwest Frontier

The county is much cooler than the 54.8°F state average. Its 18.3 inches of rain is nearly 12 inches below the state-wide average, reflecting its high-altitude western position.

The Snow King of the Region

Cheyenne is the snowiest county in this set, averaging 23.8 inches—nearly double the amount seen in Clark County. It is also significantly drier than any central or eastern Kansas neighbor.

Drastic Swings and Heavy Snow

Despite a cooler annual average, high-altitude sun creates 61 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are harsh, with a January average of 29.4°F and frequent snowstorms.

Gear Up for Serious Winter

Winter preparedness is essential, as residents must manage nearly two feet of annual snowfall. High-performance home insulation is a must for the 30.5°F winter average.

Soil Quality in Cheyenne County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Plains in the High West

Cheyenne County soils are significantly alkaline, with an average pH of 7.53 compared to the national median of 6.5. This high pH is common in arid regions where minerals don't leach away as quickly. The county's soil score of 36.7 reflects the challenges of farming in a semi-arid climate compared to the state average of 55.4.

Sandy Foundations and Light Texture

The composition is a balanced 40.0% sand and 42.3% silt, with a low clay content of 17.7%. This light texture allows for easy workability and prevents the 'heavy' feel of eastern Kansas mud. However, the high sand content means nutrients can wash through the soil more quickly.

Modest Organic Matter, High Water Storage

Organic matter is low at 1.48%, falling short of the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Interestingly, the available water capacity hits the state average exactly at 0.180 in/in. This indicates that while the soil is lean on nutrients, it is quite efficient at holding onto the precious rainfall it receives.

Predictable Water Movement for Drylands

While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the high 40% sand content typically ensures quick infiltration. The soil's ability to hold 0.180 inches of water per inch of depth is crucial for dryland farming success in the High Plains. Careful management of surface cover is essential to prevent wind erosion in these lighter soils.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a

In Zone 6a, Cheyenne County gardeners should focus on drought-tolerant species and alkaline-loving plants. Wheat and grain sorghum thrive here, but home gardeners will find success with peppers, beans, and herbs like lavender. Use mulch to protect the 1.48% organic matter and conserve every drop of moisture.

Lawn Care in Cheyenne County

via LawnByCounty

Low Precipitation Challenges Cheyenne Lawns

Cheyenne County faces significant difficulty with a score of 47.7, falling below both the state and national averages. Located in the cooler Zone 6a, the county deals with a much drier and more alkaline environment than eastern Kansas. Success here requires a shift toward xeric-friendly lawn practices.

Navigating High Heat and Low Rain

With only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive far less than the ideal 30-50 inches. Residents must manage 61 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average, placing extra stress on cool-season grasses. A shorter growing window is dictated by the 3,401 growing degree days and earlier fall frosts.

Managing Sandy, Alkaline Soil Foundation

The soil pH of 7.53 is quite alkaline, which can limit the availability of some nutrients to traditional turf. High sand content at 40.0% means water drains very quickly, making frequent, light watering necessary. Consider sulfur amendments to lower the pH and improve the health of your grass.

Adapting to Constant Water Scarcity

The entire county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, following 14 weeks of drought in the past year. In this arid climate, every drop counts toward maintaining a green space. Focus on drought-tolerant species and limit watering to early morning hours to combat the high evaporation rates.

Buffalograss and Blue Grama Recommendations

Buffalograss is a superior native choice for this Zone 6a climate, requiring significantly less water than fescue. Wait for the soil to warm after the April 30 frost before seeding, and keep an eye on the early October 10 frost date. If you prefer traditional turf, prepare for a rigorous irrigation schedule to overcome the sandy soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheyenne County's county score?
Cheyenne County, Kansas has a composite county score of 56 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 Cheyenne County rank among counties in Kansas?
Cheyenne County ranks #28 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 Cheyenne County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Cheyenne County is $1,636, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Cheyenne County a tax score of 19.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheyenne County?
The median household income in Cheyenne County, Kansas is $55,429 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheyenne County earns an income score of 22.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheyenne County, Kansas a good place to live?
Cheyenne County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne 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.