countyscore
43.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.9Schools 68.8

County Report Card

About Cloud County, Kansas

Below the National Median

Cloud County's composite score of 44.4 falls short of the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights areas where local services and safety lag behind national norms.

Kansas Average Comparisons

The county sits below the Kansas state average of 49.5. Despite this, it remains competitive in specific categories like education and housing costs.

Strong Schools and Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a clear winner here, with a Water Score of 86.0 and an impressive School Score of 68.8. Rent is also highly affordable at a median of $689 per month.

Concerns in Public Safety

A very low Safety Score of 12.1 is the county's most significant drawback. The Tax Score of 5.3 also indicates a high tax burden for the level of services provided.

Best for Young Families

Cloud County is best for renters and young families who can take advantage of the strong schools and low housing costs. It appeals most to those who prioritize educational foundations.

20406080100667.812.151.968.830.279.98644.6Tax6Cost67.8Safety12.1Health51.9Schools68.8Income30.2Risk79.9Water86Weather44.643.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Cloud County DNA

Foverall

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

Cloud County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (79.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6-46
Cost
67.8+19.799999999999997
Safety
12.1-42.9
Health
51.9
Schools
68.8+14.799999999999997
Income
30.2-20.8
Risk
79.9+32.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
44.6-11.399999999999999
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Many homeowners in Cloud 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

$100,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$769/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$100,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,770/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Mitchell County
Kansas
57.2
Ottawa County
Kansas
55.3
Republic County
Kansas
56
Clay County
Kansas
46.1
Jewell County
Kansas
62.6
Washington County
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61.6
Thayer County
Nebraska
62.4
Lincoln County
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60.8

Deep Dives

Cloud County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cloud County

via TaxByCounty

Cloud County taxes above national average

At 1.788%, Cloud County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.6%, placing it in the higher-tax category nationally. Homeowners pay $1,722 annually, 36% below the national median of $2,690, because median home values of $96,300 are roughly a third of the national average.

Above-average rate statewide

Cloud County's 1.788% effective rate runs notably above Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, ranking it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median bill of $1,722 sits 11% below the state median of $1,943, reflecting the tension between a high rate and lower-than-average home values.

Highest rate in the region

At 1.788%, Cloud County's effective tax rate substantially exceeds all major neighbors including Clay County (1.378%), Osborne County, and Saline County, making it the region's priciest by rate. This elevated rate meaningfully impacts all homeowners regardless of property value.

Budget about $1,722 annually

A Cloud County homeowner with a median-value property of $96,300 pays approximately $1,722 per year in property taxes. With mortgage benefits, the bill rises to $1,925; without deductions, it falls to $1,446.

High rates justify careful assessment review

Cloud County's above-average tax rate means every savings opportunity counts. Request a detailed assessment report and compare your property's valuation to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood—a successful appeal could yield significant annual relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cloud County

via IncomeByCounty

Cloud County Below National Income

Cloud County's median household income of $57,333 falls roughly $17,400 short of the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the lower third of U.S. counties. This income gap is typical for agricultural and small-town Kansas communities.

Below Kansas State Average

At $57,333, Cloud County trails Kansas's median household income of $64,428 by approximately $7,100. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Kansas's 105 counties for household earnings.

Mid-Range Earnings Regionally

Cloud County's median income of $57,333 sits above Chautauqua County ($54,592) and Chase County ($54,518), but below Cherokee County ($58,274) and significantly below Coffey County ($67,377). The county reflects typical central Kansas income patterns.

Affordable Rents, Modest Homes

Cloud County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is among the state's most affordable, well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $96,300 aligns well with local incomes, supporting accessible homeownership throughout the county.

Opportunity in Affordability

With housing costs consuming just 14.4% of median income, Cloud County residents retain substantial earnings for savings and investments. Building an emergency fund and exploring tax-advantaged retirement accounts—even with modest contributions—creates a solid foundation for long-term financial health.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cloud County

via CrimeByCounty

Above Average Crime for the Region

Cloud County has a safety score of 95.9, reflecting a more active criminal landscape than many of its neighbors. Its total crime rate of 2,597.6 per 100,000 residents is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it one of the few rural counties in Kansas to exceed the national baseline.

Lower Safety Ranking in Kansas

With a safety score of 95.9, Cloud County falls well below the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 2,597.6 is double the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. Two reporting agencies handle the high volume of incidents compared to other parts of the state.

A Regional Peak in Crime Rates

Cloud County experiences significantly more crime than its neighbors, such as Clay County, which reports a rate of 1,520.8. The difference is even more stark compared to Chase County’s ultra-low rate of 428.0. Residents here face a much higher statistical likelihood of encountering crime than those in nearby counties.

Property Crime Driving the Numbers

Property crime is the primary issue, with 2,198.0 incidents per 100,000 people, which is slightly higher than the national average. The violent crime rate of 399.6 also exceeds the national mark of 369.8. This combination indicates a need for increased vigilance regarding both physical safety and personal property.

Taking Proactive Security Steps

Given the higher crime rates, Cloud County residents should invest in comprehensive home security systems. Using smart locks, outdoor cameras, and improved lighting can effectively deter property crimes. Staying involved in community watch programs is also vital for improving overall local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cloud County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Winds and Consistent Rain

With an annual average of 53.5°F, Cloud County is slightly cooler than the national median. It receives 30.0 inches of precipitation, typical for the sub-humid prairie.

A Cooler Kansas Average

Cloud County is cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F by over a degree. Its precipitation levels are remarkably consistent with the state-wide average of 30.3 inches.

Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Cloud receives 17.7 inches of snow, significantly more than the 10.7 inches found in Clay County. However, it enjoys fewer extreme heat days than its neighbors to the east.

Frigid Winters and Sunny Summers

Winters are cold with a January average of 28.0°F and 17.7 inches of snow. Summers still pack a punch, featuring 48 days with temperatures reaching 90°F or higher.

Keep the Snow Shovel Ready

Snow removal equipment is a necessity for the 17.7 inches of annual snowfall. Reliable heating systems are critical for the winter season, which averages a chilly 30.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cloud County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Ground in the Republican Valley

Cloud County boasts an average pH of 6.62, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is slightly lower than the Kansas average of 6.80 and is generally considered ideal for a wide range of plants. The county earns a strong soil score of 68.3, outperforming the state average.

Silt-Driven Soils for Stability

The soil composition is 55.2% silt, 23.2% clay, and 21.4% sand. This silty dominance provides a smooth texture that holds moisture well without becoming as difficult to work as heavy clay. It offers a stable medium for both agricultural equipment and delicate garden roots.

Superior Water Capacity for the Plains

Cloud County features 2.37% organic matter, which is higher than the state average of 2.22%. Its available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is one of the highest in the region, significantly beating the state average of 0.180. This soil acts like a sponge, storing moisture for use during the heat of July and August.

High-Capacity Moisture Storage

Although specific drainage classes aren't provided, the high available water capacity indicates a soil that excels at internal moisture management. The 23.2% clay content helps prevent nutrients from leaching too quickly through the profile. For builders and gardeners, this means the soil is resilient but may stay damp after heavy rains.

Thriving in Zone 6b

Zone 6b in Cloud County is great for everything from orchard fruits like apples to summer squash. The excellent water capacity of 0.193 in/in means you’ll spend less time watering than your neighbors in other counties. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to start a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cloud County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Cloud County

Cloud County scores a 54.6 for lawn difficulty, which is fairly close to the Kansas state average of 59.1. Located in Zone 6b, the county offers a manageable environment for those willing to track local weather patterns. It provides a more favorable starting point for lawns than many western Kansas counties.

Balanced Heat and Rain Cycles

Average annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, perfectly matching the state average and providing a solid base for growth. There are 48 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the Kansas average of 58 days, reducing the risk of mid-summer dormancy. The 3,845 growing degree days support a steady, predictable mowing schedule.

Reliable Soil for Turf Development

A soil pH of 6.62 is nearly ideal, allowing for maximum nutrient availability for your grass. The composition of 23.2% clay and 21.4% sand provides a middle-of-the-road texture that isn't too heavy or too fast-draining. This allows for flexible lawn care routines without constant soil correction.

Managing Seasonal Moisture Swings

Like its neighbors, Cloud County faced 38 weeks of drought in the past year, though it is currently clear of drought markers. This suggests that while conditions are currently stable, you should always have a drought-contingency plan in place. Keep your grass at least 3 inches tall to shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Optimal Planting Windows for Zone 6b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the top performers for this region's temperature range. The spring growing season starts after the April 21 frost, but fall remains the best time to seed for long-term health. Be sure your new grass is established before the first fall frost arrives on October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cloud County's county score?
Cloud County, Kansas has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Cloud County rank among counties in Kansas?
Cloud County ranks #74 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 Cloud County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Cloud County is $1,704, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Cloud County a tax score of 6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cloud County?
The median household income in Cloud County, Kansas is $58,770 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cloud County earns an income score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cloud County, Kansas a good place to live?
Cloud County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Cloud 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 Cloud County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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