CountyScore

Clark County

Kansas · KS

#57 in Kansas
66.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Clark County, Kansas

Clark County outperforms national livability average

Clark County scores 61.9, outpacing the national median of 50.0 by nearly 24%. While below some peers, the county still ranks above average nationally.

Below Kansas average despite strengths

Clark County scores 61.9, falling short of the Kansas state average of 66.0 by about 4 points. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, despite excelling in income.

Highest income potential among the eight counties

Clark County leads with an income score of 26.2 and median household income of $65,515, the highest in this group. Housing costs remain affordable at $78,400 median home value and $771/month rent, with a cost score of 83.9.

Higher tax burden weighs on overall score

Clark County's tax score of just 44.5 reflects an effective rate of 2.054%, the highest among these counties by a significant margin. This tax burden pulls down the overall livability score despite competitive income and housing costs.

For higher earners willing to accept taxes

Clark County suits working professionals and households with above-average incomes who can absorb higher tax rates. The county offers the best wages in the group, making it ideal for those prioritizing earnings over tax minimization.

Score breakdown

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

Tax44.5Cost83.9SafetyComing SoonHealth71.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.2Risk92.9WaterComing Soon
🏛44.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clark County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gadsden County
Florida
66.9
Median income: $46,047
Nassau County
Florida
66.9
Median income: $88,900
Emanuel County
Georgia
66.9
Median income: $50,053
Warren County
Illinois
66.9
Median income: $64,650
Delaware County
Indiana
66.9
Median income: $56,932

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark County has the state's highest tax rate

At 2.054%, Clark County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds both the national median (1.6%) and Kansas average (1.549%), marking it as one of the state's priciest counties by rate. Homeowners pay $1,610 annually, 40% below the national median of $2,690, because homes average just $78,400.

Among Kansas's highest effective rates

Clark County's 2.054% effective rate ranks among the highest in Kansas, substantially above the state average of 1.549%. The median tax of $1,610 sits 17% below the state median of $1,943, but the high rate means homeowners pay more per dollar of property value.

Significantly higher than region peers

Clark County's 2.054% rate towers over neighboring counties like Comanche (1.60%), Kiowa (1.49%), and Meade (1.56%), making it the highest-taxed county in southwest Kansas. Despite lower property values, the elevated rate results in one of the region's steeper effective tax burdens.

Budget roughly $1,610 annually

A Clark County homeowner with a median-value property of $78,400 pays approximately $1,610 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related credits, the bill climbs to $1,758; without deductions, it falls to $1,426.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

With the state's highest effective tax rate, Clark County homeowners benefit most from challenging potentially inflated assessments. Request your property's full assessment details from the county, compare it to similar recent sales, and file an appeal if values don't align.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County: best affordability in region

Clark County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties and just below the national average of 14.7%, thanks to the highest median income in this county group at $65,515. The $771/month rent remains affordable without sacrificing income potential.

Below-average burden for Kansas

At 14.1%, Clark County's rent-to-income ratio is below Kansas's 14.7% state average—the only county in this region achieving that distinction. This favorable position stems from both reasonable rents and the area's strongest income levels.

Strong economics and reasonable rents

Clark County's $771/month rent is moderate compared to neighbors, but its 14.1% affordability ratio is best-in-class due to higher incomes than surrounding counties. The combination of decent wages and reasonable housing costs makes this the most balanced market in the group.

Income advantage drives affordability

Renters spend $771/month (14.1% of $65,515 income), while homeowners pay $702/month on homes valued at $78,400. Clark County's higher income levels make housing costs feel lighter despite rents that aren't the absolute lowest in the region.

Clark County rewards job seekers

If you can secure employment with decent wages, Clark County delivers the best housing affordability in this region—your income will stretch further here than almost anywhere else nearby. The combination of reasonable rents and stronger income opportunities makes it a smart relocation choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County Near National Average

Clark County's median household income of $65,515 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling short by roughly $9,200. The county ranks in the middle of U.S. counties, performing better than most rural areas nationally.

Above Kansas State Average

At $65,515, Clark County exceeds Kansas's state median household income of $64,428 by over $1,000. The county ranks in the upper half of Kansas's 105 counties, positioning it among the stronger-earning areas in the state.

Economic Leader in Southwest Kansas

Clark County's median income of $65,515 significantly outpaces nearby Cheyenne County ($55,765), Chase County ($54,518), and Chautauqua County ($54,592). Among the eight-county region analyzed, only Coffey County ($67,377) and Clay County ($63,136) earn more.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% is among the state's best, indicating strong household purchasing power for housing. The median home value of $78,400 is the lowest in the region, making homeownership highly accessible.

Prime Territory for Wealth Building

With above-average incomes and the region's most affordable housing, Clark County residents have exceptional capacity to invest surplus funds. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, opening Roth IRAs, or consulting a financial advisor about diversified investment strategies suited to your risk tolerance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Clark County battles national trends

At 73.0 years, Clark County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 75.7 years by 2.7 years. Its 15.1% poor/fair health rate is below the national average, suggesting underlying factors beyond self-reported health.

Below-average life expectancy statewide

Clark County's 73.0-year life expectancy falls 2.4 years short of Kansas's 75.4-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 15.1% poor/fair health rate ranks closer to middle ground for Kansas.

Middling health among regional peers

Clark's 73.0-year life expectancy ranks better than Cherokee (72.1) and Chautauqua (74.0), but trails Chase (78.0) and Clay (78.2) significantly. Its 15.1% poor/fair health rate is among the county region's better marks.

Strong primary care, low uninsured rate

Clark stands out with 253 primary care providers per 100K—exceptional density suggesting robust access—and only 7.9% uninsured, the lowest in this set. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but primary care strength is a major asset.

Already well-covered, stay protected

Clark County's 7.9% uninsured rate is the best we've tracked, reflecting strong coverage. Still, confirm your insurance is active and fits your needs by checking the Kansas marketplace annually.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County ranks exceptionally low nationally

Clark County's composite risk score of 7.09 places it among the safest counties in the entire United States, with a "Very Low" rating across all major hazard categories. The county's southwestern Kansas location and landscape result in minimal multi-hazard exposure.

Kansas's lowest-risk county

With a score of 7.09, Clark County sits far below Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking as the state's safest community overall. This exceptional safety is driven by dramatically low flood risk (1.49) and minimal tornado exposure.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Clark County's risk profile substantially outperforms neighboring Comanche and Meade Counties, particularly in flood resilience. Its southwestern high plains position provides natural protection from severe precipitation and tornado activity affecting adjacent regions.

Wildfire risk overshadows other hazards

Wildfire risk scores 87.91 in Clark County, representing the sole significant natural hazard despite the county's minimal composite risk. All other hazard categories rank well below state and national averages.

Focus on wildfire-specific protection

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage and fire-resistant property improvements over comprehensive multi-hazard insurance. Standard homeowner's policies with wildfire protection and defensible space maintenance provide sufficient protection for Clark County residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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