countyscore
37.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 69Soil Quality 66.1

County Report Card

About Cowley County, Kansas

Trailing the National Median Livability Score

Cowley County earns a composite score of 37.4, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several areas where the county faces challenges compared to the average American county.

Falling Short of State Averages

With a 37.4 composite score, Cowley County ranks below the Kansas state average of 49.5. It struggles to keep pace with the livability metrics found in neighboring Kansas regions.

Excellent Water Quality and Steady Schools

The county's strongest asset is its water quality, which earns a high score of 86.0. Local schools also perform well with a score of 61.0, providing a solid foundation for families.

Navigating Safety and Risk Concerns

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 12.0, while a risk score of 30.9 suggests vulnerability to environmental factors. The tax score of 7.6 reflects a relatively high 1.683% effective tax rate.

A Mixed Bag for Local Families

Cowley County suits families who value good water and decent schools but are willing to navigate lower safety rankings. It offers a moderate median home value of $111,600, making it an accessible option for those working in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax7.6Cost54.5Safety12Health44.7Schools61Income33.5Risk30.9Water86Weather54.2
🏛7.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Cowley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cowley County

via TaxByCounty

Cowley's tax rate exceeds national average

Cowley County's effective tax rate of 1.683% surpasses the national median of 1.09%, placing it solidly above the 50th percentile. The median property tax of $1,878 falls short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Cowley's median home value of $111,600—less than 40% of the national average.

Cowley ranks second-highest in Kansas

At 1.683%, Cowley County's effective tax rate is the second-highest among the eight counties profiled and well above Kansas's state average of 1.549%. Only Comanche County (2.285%) taxes at a higher rate across this regional sample.

Cowley substantially higher than most peers

Cowley's 1.683% rate significantly outpaces Crawford County (1.123%), Doniphan County (1.160%), and Douglas County (1.246%) in the broader region. Among neighboring counties, Cowley stands second only to Comanche in tax burden.

Median home pays $1,878 yearly

On a median home value of $111,600, Cowley County homeowners pay roughly $1,878 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties pay $2,095, while those without mortgages pay $1,520.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

Many property owners don't realize they can appeal their assessed values if they believe them inaccurate. Filing a reassessment challenge with Cowley County's assessor could lower your tax bill if your home is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cowley County

via CostByCounty

Cowley renters squeeze budgets tighter

Cowley County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% exceeds the national ideal, reflecting a median household income of $58,263—far below the national $74,755. Renters here pay $779 monthly, putting housing affordability under strain despite modest absolute costs.

Middle of the Kansas pack

Cowley's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio slightly outpaces Kansas's 14.7% state average, and its $779 median rent nearly matches the state average of $787. This positioning suggests Cowley mirrors statewide affordability challenges: modest rents paired with modest incomes.

Pricier rents, higher home values

Cowley's $779 monthly rent exceeds Comanche ($672) and Decatur ($695) but trails Crawford's pricier $837 median. Its $111,600 median home value positions Cowley between the rural counties (Comanche, Decatur) and more expensive markets like Crawford ($122,400).

Homeownership carries sharper monthly burden

Cowley renters allocate 16.0% of their $58,263 income to $779 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $899—consuming 18.5% of household income. This gap suggests that Cowley's homeownership market demands more aggressive budget commitment than renting.

Mid-range option for growing families

Cowley offers moderate home values ($111,600) and rents that balance affordability against lifestyle expectations. Compare against Comanche for lower costs or Crawford for more housing amenities at higher price points.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cowley County

via IncomeByCounty

Cowley approaches national income

Cowley County's median household income of $58,263 sits 22% below the U.S. median of $74,755, narrowing the gap compared to many rural Kansas peers. The county is climbing toward the national average, though still behind by nearly $16,500 annually.

Cowley slightly outpaces state

At $58,263, Cowley County's median income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by about $6,000, positioning it solidly in the middle tier statewide. However, per capita income of $31,072 trails the state average of $34,748.

Cowley leads southwest Kansas

Cowley County's $58,263 median household income ranks highest among nearby counties, outpacing Crawford County ($50,311) by $8,000 and Comanche County ($49,417) by nearly $9,000. This income advantage gives Cowley a competitive edge in the region.

Rent stays affordable for most

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.0%, Cowley County residents dedicate roughly one-sixth of household income to rent, well below the affordability threshold of 30%. Median home values of $111,600 remain accessible to families earning the county median.

Cowley's income supports investing

Cowley County's above-average income relative to neighboring counties creates an opportunity to invest in stock market index funds, retirement accounts, or real estate beyond primary residences. Starting with automatic transfers to savings accounts can help families maximize wealth-building during peak earning years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cowley County

via CrimeByCounty

Near National Crime Averages

Cowley County earns a safety score of 95.9, reflecting an environment slightly below the national safety average. The total crime rate of 2,599.5 per 100K sits just above the national figure of 2,385.5.

Challenges Compared to Kansas Peers

The county's safety score of 95.9 trails the Kansas state average of 98.0. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of reports compared to many of the state's more rural jurisdictions.

Comparing Regional Risk Profiles

Cowley faces more crime challenges than nearby rural counties but maintains a total crime rate that is significantly lower than Crawford County's 3,401.5. This positioning reflects a transitional urban-rural risk profile.

Property Crime Drives Local Stats

Property crime drives the local statistics, reaching 2,230.2 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime stands at 369.3 per 100K, remarkably close to the national mark of 369.8.

Deterring Local Theft

Monitoring your property and installing motion-sensor lighting can help deter local theft. Taking proactive steps ensures your home remains a safe haven in an area with active crime reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cowley County

via HealthByCounty

Cowley Falls Behind National Health Benchmarks

Cowley County residents have a life expectancy of 73.7 years, about five years below the U.S. average of 78.8, indicating significant health challenges within the community. One in five residents (18.2%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 16%, suggesting widespread chronic disease or health concerns.

Cowley Ranks Among Kansas's Health Challenges

At 73.7 years, Cowley's life expectancy trails Kansas's state average of 75.4 years by 1.7 years, placing it in the lower tier of state counties. The 10.2% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 11.5%, but the higher poor/fair health rate suggests coverage alone isn't addressing underlying health disparities.

Mental Health Resources Outpace Primary Care

Cowley offers 173 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the state—yet only 41 primary care providers per 100K, creating an imbalance in care access. This gap means residents have strong behavioral health support but may struggle to access routine medical services.

Uninsured Rate Hides Deeper Healthcare Gaps

While 10.2% of Cowley residents lack insurance—slightly better than state average—the real challenge is the shortage of primary care doctors available to all residents. Limited primary care capacity means even insured residents may face long waits or need to travel for routine checkups and preventive services.

Coverage Is Step One—Access Care Now

If you're uninsured or underinsured, Cowley County Community Health Centers and Kansas Medicaid can connect you with affordable plans and local care. Getting coverage matters, especially as a foundation for accessing the mental health resources your community has available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cowley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Infrastructure in Cowley

Cowley County supports a robust network of 22 public schools serving 5,883 students across five districts. This diverse landscape includes 13 elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools.

Investing Above State Averages

The county invests $9,772 per pupil, which is roughly $700 more than the Kansas average of $9,009. While the 87.5% graduation rate meets the national average, it trails slightly behind the state mark of 88.7%.

Arkansas City and Winfield Lead

Arkansas City is the largest district with 2,887 students, followed by Winfield with 2,094 students. These two districts manage 14 of the county's 22 schools, and there are currently no charter schools in the county.

A Mix of Towns and Rural Life

Education here is split between 10 town-based schools and 12 rural facilities, offering families a variety of settings. Arkansas City High is the largest school with 845 students, while the average school size across the county is 267 students.

Settle Near Top Cowley Districts

Prospective homeowners can choose between the larger town schools of Arkansas City or the quiet rural districts like Udall. School quality and per-pupil investment remain strong reasons to buy in this part of Kansas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cowley County

via RiskByCounty

Cowley County faces elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 69.12, Cowley County ranks as Relatively Low but sits well above Kansas's average of 29.89. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly tornados and flooding.

Mid-range risk among Kansas counties

Cowley County's score of 69.12 places it in the upper-middle tier for Kansas, meaning it experiences higher disaster risk than most state counties. The county faces notably greater exposure than neighboring counties in western portions of the state.

Considerably riskier than surrounding areas

Cowley County's 69.12 score far exceeds Edwards County (17.56) to the west and Doniphan County (13.99) to the north. South-central Kansas presents substantially higher natural disaster risk than the plains to its flanks.

Tornados and flooding dominate the hazard mix

Tornado risk reaches 91.03—among the state's highest—while flood risk scores 56.30, reflecting the county's position in Kansas's Tornado Alley. These two hazards account for the vast majority of Cowley County's composite risk.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Cowley County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind and hail damage from severe storms and tornados. Flood insurance should be seriously considered given the 56.30 flood risk score, especially for properties in or near flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cowley County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Humid Plains Context

Cowley County averages 57.3°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. It combines high heat with a healthy 38.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county exceeds the Kansas average temperature by 2.5 degrees and the state rainfall average by 8 inches. This makes Cowley both warmer and more humid than much of the state.

A Wet Alternative to Western Neighbors

Cowley is just as warm as Comanche County but receives significantly more rainfall. It also stays slightly warmer on average than nearby Crawford County.

Sweltering Summers and Light Snow

July brings an average temperature of 80.5°F and contributes to 60 days of extreme heat. Snowfall is light compared to northern Kansas, totaling only 7.7 inches annually.

Manage the Moisture

Homeowners should maintain robust drainage systems to handle the nearly 39 inches of rain. Because January stays above freezing at 33.4°F, moderate winter gear usually suffices.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cowley County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidic Profile in Cowley

Cowley County soils maintain an average pH of 6.42, sitting just below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil chemistry that is friendlier to most plants than the 6.80 state average.

Silt and Clay Dominance

With 52.6% silt and 26.3% clay, these soils offer excellent nutrient retention and structural integrity. The lower sand content of 21.1% means the earth stays moist longer but may require more effort to till when wet.

Above Average Fertility Markers

Organic matter levels reach 2.38%, which beats both the national average and the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The water capacity of 0.184 in/in provides a better moisture buffer for crops compared to the state average of 0.180.

Moisture Retention and Runoff Risks

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently recorded for the county. However, the high silt and clay percentages suggest a soil that holds water effectively but may experience slow drainage during peak rainfall.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone and high soil score of 66.1 make Cowley an ideal place for diverse vegetable gardening. You have some of the most fertile ground in the state, perfect for starting a home orchard or a lush backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cowley County

via LawnByCounty

Cowley County Offers Favorable Growing Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.0, Cowley County significantly outperforms the state average of 59.1. This Zone 7a region provides a much more hospitable environment for home lawns than the national median of 50.0. Gardeners here find it relatively easier to maintain lush, green spaces throughout the year.

Balanced Precipitation Supports Healthy Turf

The county receives 38.7 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While 60 extreme heat days are slightly above the state average, the 4,474 growing degree days promote vigorous grass growth. Regular mowing is essential during the peak spring and fall growing windows.

Ideal pH Levels for Nutrient Intake

The local soil pH of 6.42 is squarely in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turfgrass. While specific drainage data is limited, the soil's 26.3% clay content helps retain moisture during periods of high heat. This balanced chemistry means most lawns require fewer chemical amendments to thrive.

Staying Resilient Through Dry Spells

Cowley County faced 11 weeks of drought last year, and the entire area is currently considered abnormally dry. Utilizing rain sensors on irrigation systems helps prevent overwatering during the 38.7 inches of annual rainfall. Maintaining a higher mowing height during dry weeks protects the soil surface and preserves root moisture.

Spring Seeding for Cowley Lawns

Tall fescue and heat-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass hybrids are excellent choices for this Zone 7a climate. Aim to seed or sod following the last spring frost around April 16 to give the lawn time to mature before July. Proper timing ensures your grass is established well before the first fall frost on October 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowley County's county score?
Cowley County, Kansas has a composite county score of 37.4 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 Cowley County rank among counties in Kansas?
Cowley County ranks #91 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 Cowley County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Cowley County is $1,878, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns Cowley County a tax score of 7.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cowley County?
The median household income in Cowley County, Kansas is $58,263 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cowley County earns an income score of 33.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cowley County, Kansas a good place to live?
Cowley County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Cowley 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 Cowley County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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