countyscore
54.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 88.7Cost of Living 86.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Decatur County, Kansas

Outperforming the National Median Score

Decatur County earns a composite score of 54.3, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher general quality of life than the average U.S. county.

Above the Average Kansas Experience

With a 54.3 composite score, Decatur County sits comfortably above the Kansas state average of 49.5. It represents one of the more stable and livable rural options in the state.

High Safety and Low Environmental Risk

Environmental stability is a major win here, evidenced by a risk score of 88.7 and a water score of 86.0. The county is also highly affordable, boasting a cost score of 86.4 and median home values of $78,500.

Limited Income and Tax Hurdles

Economic scores are lower, with an income score of 18.6 reflecting a median household income of $52,030. The tax score of 5.1 indicates that residents face a high property tax burden relative to their home values.

A Haven for Quiet, Stable Living

Decatur County is ideal for people seeking a safe, low-risk environment where homeownership is extremely attainable. It offers peace of mind through its high environmental and safety ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax5.1Cost86.4Safety69.2Health53.3Schools41.3Income18.6Risk88.7Water86Weather38
🏛5.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.9
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

Decatur County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Decatur County

via TaxByCounty

Decatur's tax rate exceeds nation average

Decatur County's effective tax rate of 1.794% surpasses the national median of 1.09%, placing it solidly above the 50th percentile. The median property tax of $1,408 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Decatur's median home value of $78,500—roughly 28% of the national average.

Decatur ranks third-highest in state

At 1.794%, Decatur County's effective tax rate is the third-highest among the eight profiled counties and well above Kansas's state average of 1.549%. Only Comanche (2.285%) and Cowley (1.683%) tax at higher rates among this regional sample.

Decatur noticeably higher than most peers

Decatur's 1.794% rate substantially exceeds Crawford (1.123%), Doniphan (1.160%), Edwards (1.593%), and Dickinson (1.430%) counties. Within the broader region, Decatur ranks consistently above the midpoint for tax burden.

Median home pays $1,408 annually

On a median home value of $78,500, Decatur County residents pay roughly $1,408 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties pay $1,457, while those without mortgages pay $1,395.

Challenge overvalued assessments today

Many Decatur County homeowners don't realize they can formally dispute their property assessments. If your assessed value seems high compared to recent home sales in your area, filing an appeal with the county assessor could reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Decatur County

via CostByCounty

Decatur delivers balanced rental affordability

Decatur County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly above Kansas's 14.7% state average but remains reasonable by national standards. With a median household income of $52,030 and $695 monthly rents, Decatur renters face manageable affordability compared to counties like Crawford.

Among Kansas's more affordable counties

Decatur's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio matches Cowley's and undercuts Crawford's 20.0%, positioning it favorably within Kansas. Its $695 median rent ranks among the lowest in the state, second only to Comanche's $672.

Budget-friendly alongside Comanche

Decatur's $695 monthly rent is just $23 higher than Comanche's $672, and its 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ties Cowley's, making it a standout for affordability-conscious renters. Its $78,500 median home value undercuts even Comanche, offering Kansas's cheapest homeownership entry point.

Homeownership stands out as attainable

Decatur renters dedicate 16.0% of their $52,030 income to $695 monthly rent, while homeowners pay just $579—a mere 13.3% of income. This favorable owner-to-renter ratio, combined with the state's lowest median home value ($78,500), makes Decatur exceptionally accessible for first-time buyers.

First-time buyers' best Kansas bet

Decatur's $78,500 median home value and $579 monthly owner costs create Kansas's easiest homeownership entry point. If building equity matters more than amenities, Decatur delivers on affordability better than any surveyed county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Decatur County

via IncomeByCounty

Decatur earns below national median

Decatur County's median household income of $52,030 falls 30% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap typical of rural Great Plains counties. However, per capita income of $36,280 exceeds the county median, suggesting more even wealth distribution here.

Decatur trails Kansas average

At $52,030, Decatur County's median income lags Kansas's state average of $64,428 by $12,398, placing it in the lower half statewide. The county's per capita income of $36,280 notably exceeds the state average of $34,748, a sign of economic stability.

Decatur competitive locally

Decatur County's $52,030 median household income sits in the middle tier among these eight counties, outpacing Crawford County ($50,311) and Comanche County ($49,417) but trailing Cowley County ($58,263). The county's strong per capita income suggests relatively balanced earning patterns.

Housing costs are manageable

Decatur County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% matches affordability benchmarks, with renters spending roughly one-sixth of income on housing. Median home values of $78,500 remain accessible to families at the county median income.

Decatur's balance enables planning

Decatur County's higher per capita income relative to median suggests entrepreneurs and skilled workers have presence here—an encouraging sign for wage growth. Families should explore employer-sponsored retirement plans and consider working with a fee-only financial advisor to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Decatur County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceeding National Safety Standards

Decatur County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 98.9 and a total crime rate of only 721.8 per 100K. This rate is nearly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

A Peaceful Kansas Outlier

Ranking well above the state safety score average of 98.0, Decatur is one of the more peaceful counties in Kansas. Its total crime rate is roughly half the state average of 1,282.2.

Consistent Regional Safety

Decatur shares a low-crime profile with nearby Doniphan County, which has a similar rate of 706.6. These western Kansas counties offer a level of security that is rare in more populated regions.

Low Risk for All Residents

Violent crime is minimal at 108.3 per 100K, while property crime sits at 613.5 per 100K. These low numbers translate to a very low risk of crime for the average resident.

Avoid Complacency with Security

In quiet areas like Decatur, it is easy to become complacent, but locking doors remains a simple and effective habit. Maintaining awareness ensures your home stays as safe as the rest of the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Decatur County

via HealthByCounty

Decatur Matches Kansas State Health Average

At 75.4 years, Decatur County residents live exactly at the Kansas state average, though still about 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.8. About 16.7% of Decatur residents report poor or fair health, placing the county near the national average of 16%.

Right at the Middle of the Kansas Pack

Decatur's 75.4-year life expectancy equals the state average exactly, positioning the county at the median for Kansas health outcomes. At 11.0% uninsured, the county is marginally better than the state average of 11.5%, suggesting reasonable coverage uptake.

Mental Health Access Limited in Rural Setting

Decatur offers just 37 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, significantly below state capacity, reflecting the challenges of recruiting specialists to rural areas. Data on primary care providers is limited, but the modest mental health resources suggest overall provider scarcity in the county.

Moderate Insurance Coverage, Sparse Specialist Care

With 11.0% uninsured, most Decatur residents have coverage, though a small population remains without insurance protection for medical expenses. The county's sparse mental health provider network suggests residents dealing with behavioral health issues may need to travel or access care remotely.

Ensure Your Family Has Coverage This Year

If you're part of Decatur's 11% uninsured population, Kansas Medicaid enrollment or marketplace plans at healthcare.gov can provide affordable coverage. With limited specialist options locally, having insurance helps you access care outside the county when needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Decatur County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education

Decatur County maintains an exceptionally streamlined education system with only two public schools. One elementary and one high school serve the entire county's enrollment of 413 students.

Exceeding Benchmarks with Less

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the state's 88.7% average. Remarkably, this is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of only $6,744, significantly lower than the state and national averages.

The Oberlin District Anchor

The Oberlin school district manages all 413 students in the county across its two facilities. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's academic focus entirely on its traditional public institutions.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's agricultural roots. Oberlin Elementary is the larger facility with 277 students, while the Jr/Sr High serves 136 students.

Small-Town Living in Decatur

For those seeking a close-knit community where every teacher knows every student, Decatur County is an ideal choice. The high graduation rate proves that these small rural schools deliver big results for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Decatur County

via RiskByCounty

Decatur County has minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 11.29, Decatur County ranks Very Low—far below the national average. The county benefits from exceptionally low exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Kansas's safest county

Decatur County's 11.29 score places it at the absolute bottom of the state's disaster risk ranking, well below Kansas's county average of 29.89. Few Kansas residents live in areas with lower overall natural hazard exposure.

Safest area in northwest Kansas

Decatur County's 11.29 score edges out even Comanche County (20.23) and Edwards County (17.56) nearby. The northwest quadrant of Kansas offers some of the state's lowest natural disaster risk.

Wildfire poses the main concern

Wildfire risk at 30.06 represents Decatur County's most significant hazard, typical for High Plains grasslands with dry conditions. All other hazard categories—tornado (27.42), flood (7.19), and earthquake (10.85)—score substantially lower.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Decatur County's very low overall risk profile means standard homeowners policies covering basic wind and hail damage provide adequate protection for most residents. Additional specialized disaster insurance is unlikely to be necessary or cost-effective.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Decatur County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool High Plains Living

Decatur's 52.1°F average temperature sits below the national median. This northwestern county experiences a semi-arid climate with only 21.5 inches of precipitation.

Cooler and Drier Than Kansas

The county is 2.7 degrees cooler than the Kansas state average. It is also one of the driest counties in the state, receiving 9 inches less rain than average.

Icy Winters Among Neighbors

Decatur experiences much harsher winters than southern counties, recording 23 inches of annual snow. It is drier and snowier than Doniphan County to the east.

Drastic Seasonal Shifts

January is cold with a 28.8°F average, while July heats up to 77.4°F. Despite the cooler overall average, the county still sees 55 days of 90-degree heat.

Winterize for Heavy Snow

Residents need heavy-duty winter gear and snow removal tools for the 23-inch annual average. Low rainfall also makes water-conscious landscaping a necessity for homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Decatur County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Mollisols of the Plains

Decatur County is defined by Mollisol soils with a notably alkaline pH of 7.23. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas state average of 6.80.

A Smooth Silt Loam Texture

Silt dominates the profile at 60.2%, giving the soil a smooth, workable texture. The 22.2% clay content provides enough body to retain nutrients while 17.7% sand helps prevent extreme compaction.

Exceptional Water Storage Potential

The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is far superior to the Kansas average of 0.180. Even though organic matter is slightly below the state average at 2.09%, the soil excels at keeping plants hydrated during dry spells.

Well Drained for Farming

Classified as well drained and falling into hydrologic group B, these soils offer moderate infiltration. This balance allows water to move to the roots without draining away too quickly for crops to use.

Hardy Growing in Zone 6a

Zone 6a is excellent for winter wheat and cool-weather vegetables like peas and kale. With such high water-holding capacity, your garden will be remarkably resilient against the Kansas wind and sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Decatur County

via LawnByCounty

Decatur County Lawn Care is High Effort

Decatur County's lawn score of 46.9 reflects a challenging environment that is more difficult than the national average. Situated in Zone 6a, this county faces harsh conditions that demand careful species selection. It is one of the more difficult places in Kansas to maintain a traditional green lawn.

Low Precipitation and Intense Heat

Annual precipitation of 21.5 inches falls far below the state average and the 30-inch ideal for turf. With 55 extreme heat days and a shorter growing season, grasses face significant stress from both ends of the thermometer. Careful irrigation planning is necessary to survive the 3,471 growing degree days.

Alkaline Silt Loams in Decatur

The soil pH of 7.23 is slightly alkaline, which can occasionally limit nutrient uptake for some grass species. This well-drained silt loam contains 22.2% clay, offering a balance between drainage and moisture holding capacity. Lawns may require specialized fertilizers to compensate for the higher pH levels.

Extreme Drought Resilience is Required

Decatur County experienced a staggering 30 weeks of drought in the past year, the highest among its neighbors. The entire county is currently under abnormally dry conditions, making water conservation the top priority. Switching to native grasses or low-water buffalo grass can significantly reduce the irrigation burden.

Choose Native for Decatur Success

Buffalograss is an ideal choice for this Zone 6a environment due to its extreme drought tolerance. Seeding should take place after the April 30 frost to take advantage of the limited spring moisture. Be mindful of the early October 11 frost, which shortens the window for fall establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decatur County's county score?
Decatur County, Kansas has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Decatur County rank among counties in Kansas?
Decatur County ranks #39 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 Decatur County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Decatur County is $1,408, with an effective tax rate of 1.79%. This earns Decatur County a tax score of 5.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Decatur County?
The median household income in Decatur County, Kansas is $52,030 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Decatur County earns an income score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Decatur County, Kansas a good place to live?
Decatur County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Decatur 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 Decatur County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.