CountyScore

Comanche County

Kansas · KS

#81 in Kansas
64.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Comanche County, Kansas

Comanche scores above the national median

Comanche County's composite score of 59.2 outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 59th percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability comparable to about six in ten counties across the United States.

Below Kansas average, but still competitive

With a score of 59.2, Comanche trails Kansas's state average of 66.0 by nearly 7 points. Among Kansas counties, this ranking reflects a mid-tier position within the state's livability landscape.

Exceptional affordability drives the county

Comanche County shines with a cost score of 86.0, reflecting truly affordable housing at a median home value of $59,900 and median rent of just $672 per month. These are among the lowest housing costs in the comparison group, making homeownership and rental stability accessible for working families.

Income and tax burden need attention

The county's income score of 15.7 and tax score of 38.0 reveal economic headwinds, with a median household income of $49,417—notably below state peers. Several key livability dimensions including safety, health, schools, and water quality lack current data, limiting a complete picture of overall quality of life.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking affordability

Comanche County suits retirees and working families prioritizing low housing costs and financial breathing room over higher incomes. The trade-off is clear: exceptional affordability paired with modest earning potential and gaps in available data about community services and safety.

Score breakdown

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

Tax38Cost86SafetyComing SoonHealth72.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.7Risk79.8WaterComing Soon
🏛38
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.8
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 Comanche County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Highlands County
Florida
64.3
Median income: $55,581
Spalding County
Georgia
64.3
Median income: $60,217
Whitfield County
Georgia
64.3
Median income: $64,262
Harford County
Maryland
64.3
Median income: $111,317
St. Mary's County
Maryland
64.3
Median income: $114,580

Deep Dives

Comanche County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Comanche County

via TaxByCounty

Comanche taxes well above national median

Comanche County's effective tax rate of 2.285% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the top 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,369 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, largely because median home values here ($59,900) are far below the national median of $281,900.

Comanche ranks high for taxes within Kansas

At 2.285%, Comanche County's effective rate is the highest among the eight counties profiled and well above Kansas's state average of 1.549%. This makes Comanche a notable outlier—despite modest home values, residents here carry one of the heaviest tax rates in the state.

Comanche tops regional tax rates

Comanche's 2.285% effective rate significantly outpaces neighboring Decatur County (1.794%) and Edwards County (1.593%) in the region. Among all eight profiled counties, only Comanche approaches a 2% rate, making it a regional high point for tax burden.

Median home pays $1,369 annually

On a median-valued home of $59,900, Comanche County residents pay approximately $1,369 in annual property taxes. For mortgaged homes, that figure rises slightly to $1,380, while those without mortgages pay $1,360.

Review assessments to lower bills

Research shows many homeowners are assessed above fair market value and could reduce their tax bills through formal appeals. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, contacting your county assessor's office about a reassessment review may reveal savings opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Comanche County

via CostByCounty

Comanche rents align with national norms

Comanche County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits slightly above the national sweet spot, meaning renters here spend a bit more of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The median household income of $49,417 falls well below the national median of $74,755, creating affordability pressure despite modest rents of $672 monthly.

Above average among Kansas counties

Comanche's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kansas's state average of 14.7%, and its median rent of $672 undercuts the state average of $787. This means Comanche renters are spending more of their income on housing despite paying lower absolute rent—a sign of lower local wages.

Affordable compared to Crawford County

Comanche rents at $672 are $165 cheaper than Crawford County's $837 monthly median, though Comanche's rent-to-income ratio (16.3%) edges out Decatur's (16.0%) and Cowley's (16.0%). Among its regional peers, Comanche offers solid rental affordability in absolute dollars but faces income headwinds.

Renters stretch budgets more than owners

Comanche renters spend 16.3% of their $49,417 median income on rent, while homeowners pay just $691 monthly—equivalent to 16.8% of household income. The median home value of $59,900 means homeownership requires less total wealth, making buying the more affordable long-term path here.

Budget-conscious homebuyers, take note

If you're seeking affordable homeownership in Kansas, Comanche's $59,900 median home value is among the state's lowest. Compare this against Crawford ($122,400) or Douglas ($281,600) to see where your down payment stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Comanche County

via IncomeByCounty

Comanche trails national income

Comanche County's median household income of $49,417 falls 34% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects economic challenges shared by many rural Kansas counties competing in a knowledge-driven economy.

Below average across Kansas

At $49,417, Comanche County ranks below Kansas's state average median income of $64,428, trailing by $14,911 annually. The county's per capita income of $31,710 also lags the state average of $34,748.

Comanche faces toughest odds

Among nearby southwest Kansas counties, Comanche has the lowest median household income, trailing Cowley County ($58,263) by nearly $9,000 and Edwards County ($53,792) by $4,375. This income gap widens regional disparities in the area.

Rent remains manageable here

Comanche County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits comfortably below the national affordability threshold of 30%, suggesting renters spend roughly one-sixth of income on housing. With a median home value of just $59,900, homeownership here is among the state's most accessible.

Build wealth despite lower income

Comanche County residents can leverage affordable housing to build equity—median home values under $60,000 make down payments achievable for many families. Starting a savings plan early and exploring employer retirement benefits can compound over time, even on modest incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Comanche County

via HealthByCounty

Comanche's Life Expectancy Tracks Close to National Average

Residents of Comanche County can expect to live 75.0 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 78.8 years but reflecting health patterns common across rural Kansas. With 14.2% of residents reporting poor or fair health, Comanche performs better than the national average of 16%, suggesting a relatively healthy population by broader standards.

Slightly Behind Kansas's Health Outcomes

Comanche ranks just below the state average life expectancy of 75.4 years, placing it in the middle tier of Kansas counties. The county's 9.0% uninsured rate significantly outperforms Kansas's state average of 11.5%, indicating strong health coverage uptake locally.

Strongest Provider Access in Its Region

Comanche County leads its neighbors with 120 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly three times the regional average—ensuring residents have robust access to routine medical care. Mental health services are also available at 60 providers per 100K, supporting comprehensive behavioral health access.

Healthcare Access Supports Comanche Communities

Only 9.0% of Comanche residents lack health insurance, meaning nine out of ten people have coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency care. With excellent primary care provider density, residents can typically access preventive care and routine checkups without traveling far.

Keep Coverage Strong—Check Your Options

If you're among Comanche's 9% uninsured, or if your coverage has changed, visit healthcare.gov or contact Kansas Medicaid to explore plans that fit your family's needs. Open enrollment periods offer affordable options—don't miss the chance to lock in coverage for next year.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Comanche County

via RiskByCounty

Comanche County's disaster risk is very low

With a composite risk score of 20.23, Comanche County ranks as Very Low—well below the national average. This score reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards across the region.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Comanche County's score of 20.23 ranks it in the lowest tier statewide, significantly below Kansas's county average of 29.89. Few Kansas counties experience lower overall natural disaster risk.

One of the region's safest areas

Comanche County's very low risk profile is comparable to Edwards County (17.56) and Decatur County (11.29) nearby. The county benefits from lower hazard exposure than most of western Kansas.

Wildfire and tornado present modest threats

Wildfire risk scores highest at 94.62, driven by dry conditions and grassland exposure typical of the High Plains. Tornado risk at 29.26 remains substantially lower than state averages, making this the county's secondary concern.

Basic coverage meets most needs here

Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage provides solid protection for Comanche County residents. Given the very low overall risk profile, comprehensive disaster coverage beyond standard policies is unlikely to be cost-effective for most households.

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.