Coffey County

Kansas · KS

#29 in Kansas
69.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Coffey County, Kansas

Coffey County leads livability nationally

Coffey County scores 69.9 on the composite index, nearly 40% above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the most livable in the United States.

Top tier performer in Kansas

Coffey County scores 69.9, exceeding the Kansas average of 66.0 by nearly 4 points. The county is among the most livable communities statewide.

Lowest taxes and highest incomes in group

Coffey County excels with a tax score of 69.6 and an effective rate of 1.160%, the lowest in this group, combined with an income score of 27.4 and median household income of $67,377, the highest here. The cost score of 80.8 reflects median housing at $139,500 and rent at $842/month.

Higher housing costs reduce affordability edge

While Coffey County scores well overall, its housing costs—median home value $139,500 and rent $842/month—are among the highest in this group. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available.

Ideal for professionals seeking best value

Coffey County is the top choice for working professionals and established families wanting the best combination of high incomes, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs. The county delivers genuine prosperity and financial security in rural Kansas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.6Cost80.8SafetyComing SoonHealth69.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.4Risk64.7WaterComing Soon
🏛69.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
64.7
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

Coffey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Coffey County

via TaxByCounty

Coffey County offers lowest tax rate nationally

At 1.160%, Coffey County's effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, 27% below the national median of 1.6%. Homeowners pay $1,618 annually, 40% less than the national median of $2,690, benefiting from a favorable tax environment despite median home values of $139,500.

Lowest rate in Kansas

At 1.160%, Coffey County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of any Kansas county, well below the statewide average of 1.549%. The median tax bill of $1,618 runs 17% below the state median of $1,943, making Coffey County Kansas's most tax-friendly county.

Substantially lower than all neighbors

Coffey County's 1.160% rate significantly undercuts neighboring Lyon County, Anderson County, and Osage County, giving it a clear competitive advantage. At the region's lowest rate combined with mid-range home values, Coffey offers exceptional tax value for property owners.

Pay around $1,618 annually

A Coffey County homeowner with the median home value of $139,500 pays approximately $1,618 in annual property taxes. When mortgage-related credits apply, the bill rises to $1,782; without deductions, it drops to $1,399.

Even best rates deserve verification

Coffey County's exceptional tax rate doesn't guarantee perfect assessments. Review your property's valuation notice and compare it to similar recent sales—if it appears inflated, an appeal is still worthwhile and costs nothing to file.

Cost of Living in Coffey County

via CostByCounty

Coffey County: right at national norms

Coffey County renters spend 15.0% of their $67,377 income on housing, essentially matching the national average of 14.7% and representing solid affordability. The $842/month rent is moderate for the region, and Coffey County has among the highest incomes in this county group.

Near-average burden for Kansas

At 15.0%, Coffey County's rent-to-income ratio is just slightly above Kansas's 14.7% state average, placing it near the middle of the statewide affordability spectrum. Strong median incomes of $67,377 help offset slightly higher rents.

Moderate costs with strong incomes

Coffey County's $842/month rent sits between Cherokee ($801) and Clay County ($911), but its higher income level gives it better affordability than most neighbors. Only Clark County ($65,515) matches Coffey's stronger income position.

Balanced affordability across tenure

Renters pay $842/month (15.0% of $67,377 income), while homeowners pay $817/month on homes valued at $139,500—the second-highest in the region. Both rental and ownership options are relatively balanced and manageable for Coffey County households.

Coffey County offers solid stability

Coffey County delivers above-average incomes paired with manageable housing costs, making it one of the more economically stable options in this region. Whether renting or buying, your housing burden won't exceed national norms—a solid choice for relocation.

Income & Jobs in Coffey County

via IncomeByCounty

Coffey County Nears National Median

Coffey County's median household income of $67,377 comes within $7,400 of the national median of $74,755, ranking it above the national midpoint. The county outperforms most rural U.S. counties, placing it in the upper half nationally.

Above Kansas State Average

At $67,377, Coffey County exceeds Kansas's median household income of $64,428 by roughly $3,000. The county ranks in the upper tier of Kansas's 105 counties, making it one of the stronger-earning areas in the state.

Economic Leader Among Peers

Coffey County's median income of $67,377 is the highest among the eight counties analyzed, outpacing all nearby counties including Clark County ($65,515) and Clay County ($63,136). This positioning reflects Coffey County's stronger industrial and employment base relative to neighboring areas.

Strong Income, Manageable Housing

Coffey County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% keeps housing costs well-controlled, despite a relatively high median home value of $139,500. The combination of solid incomes and moderate rent burdens leaves households room for savings and investment.

Optimal Conditions for Wealth Building

Coffey County residents enjoy above-average incomes with controlled housing costs, creating ideal conditions to build substantial wealth over time. Maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying investments, and working with a financial planner can help residents leverage their earning advantage for long-term financial independence.

Health in Coffey County

via HealthByCounty

Coffey outpaces national averages

At 76.6 years, Coffey County residents live 0.9 years above the U.S. average of 75.7 years. However, its 19.2% poor/fair health rate ties the highest in this county set and exceeds national norms, revealing a wellness paradox.

Mixed outcomes against Kansas

Coffey's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's 75.4-year average, but its 19.2% poor/fair health rate—tied with Chautauqua for worst—signals underlying health struggles despite decent longevity.

Average longevity, worst wellness reports

Coffey's 76.6-year life expectancy ranks mid-range among peers, but its 19.2% poor/fair health rate ties Chautauqua as the worst in the region, suggesting residents face significant daily health challenges.

Solid insurance, moderate provider access

At 9.0% uninsured—near the top of the access range—Coffey residents have good coverage. The county supports 72 primary care and 145 mental health providers per 100K, offering moderate care availability.

Protect your health coverage

With only 9.0% uninsured, Coffey is doing well, but the 19.2% poor/fair health rate suggests residents need strong care connections. Confirm your insurance and ask your provider about preventive services and wellness programs.

Disaster Risk in Coffey County

via RiskByCounty

Coffey County faces moderate national disaster risk

Coffey County's composite risk score of 35.34 places it slightly above the national average but earns a "Very Low" rating due to the distribution of its hazards. The county's east-central Kansas location exposes it to multiple simultaneous weather threats.

Higher-risk county by Kansas standards

At 35.34, Coffey County exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. Tornado risk of 48.66 and wildfire exposure of 78.50 are both above state averages, combining to elevate the county's overall profile.

Riskier than most adjacent counties

Coffey County faces substantially higher wildfire (78.50) and tornado (48.66) risks compared to neighboring Morris and Osage Counties. Its location in east-central Kansas positions it at the convergence of multiple hazard zones affecting the region.

Wildfire and tornado threats compound

Wildfire risk reaches 78.50 in Coffey County, the highest hazard category, while tornado risk scores 48.66 and flood risk reaches 41.16. This convergence of three significant threats requires serious preparedness from county residents.

Comprehensive hazard coverage is essential

Homeowners must secure strong wildfire, tornado, and wind coverage, and seriously consider flood insurance given the county's 41.16 flood score. A combination of reinforced safe spaces and property hardening measures significantly reduces disaster vulnerability.

ByCounty Network

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