countyscore
47.7
County Score
Soil Quality 69.2Lawn Care 66.8Income & Jobs 61.8

County Report Card

About Dickinson County, Kansas

Dickinson County Near National Median Score

The county earns a composite score of 47.7, just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This suggests a lifestyle that closely mirrors the typical American county experience.

Mirroring the Kansas State Average

Dickinson County's score of 47.7 is very close to the Kansas state average of 49.5. It serves as a representative benchmark for livability within the central Kansas region.

Strong Incomes and Solid Safety

The county performs well economically with an income score of 61.8 and a median household income of $67,982. Safety is another high point, earning a score of 59.2, which beats many surrounding areas.

Water Quality Concerns and Costs

Water quality is a significant outlier with a score of 13.8, suggesting infrastructure or source challenges. The cost score of 50.0 means affordability is strictly average, with median home values at $148,500.

A Reliable Choice for Working Professionals

This county is a great fit for middle-income professionals who want a safe community and stable earnings. Residents should be prepared to invest in home water filtration but will benefit from the balanced economic environment.

Score breakdown

Tax16.1Cost50Safety59.2Health58Schools51.8Income61.8Risk50.9Water13.8Weather47.3
🏛16.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.8
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Dickinson County?

Many homeowners in Dickinson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Dickinson County with Etowah County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Etowah County
Alabama
Median income: $53,070
47.7
Caddo Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $50,067
47.7
Clinton County
Missouri
Median income: $70,625
47.7
Dawson County
Montana
Median income: $70,953
47.7
Briscoe County
Texas
Median income: $41,188
47.7
Hartley County
Texas
Median income: $82,122
47.7
Newton County
Texas
Median income: $41,044
47.7
Lamoille County
Vermont
Median income: $69,897
47.7

Nearby counties

Geary County
Kansas
26.3
Clay County
Kansas
46.5
Morris County
Kansas
51.3
Saline County
Kansas
38.4
Marion County
Kansas
48.9
Riley County
Kansas
34.7
Ottawa County
Kansas
57.4
McPherson County
Kansas
49.6

Deep Dives

Dickinson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dickinson County

via TaxByCounty

Dickinson's rate slightly above national median

Dickinson County's effective tax rate of 1.430% is slightly above the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. The median property tax of $2,123 falls short of the national median of $2,690, though Dickinson's median home value of $148,500 is closer to national norms than most Kansas counties.

Dickinson near Kansas state average

At 1.430%, Dickinson County's effective tax rate sits slightly below Kansas's state average of 1.549%, making it one of the more moderate tax counties in the state. Among the eight profiled counties, Dickinson ranks in the middle range.

Dickinson moderately positioned regionally

Dickinson's 1.430% rate falls below Comanche (2.285%), Cowley (1.683%), and Decatur (1.794%), but exceeds Crawford (1.123%), Doniphan (1.160%), Edwards (1.593%), and Douglas (1.246%). This places Dickinson in the moderate-to-upper tier of the regional tax landscape.

Median home pays $2,123 annually

On a median home value of $148,500, Dickinson County residents pay approximately $2,123 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes pay $2,347, while those without mortgages pay $1,856.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Dickinson County homeowners should periodically verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales. If your assessed value appears higher than similar homes sold nearby, consider filing a reassessment appeal to reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickinson County

via CostByCounty

Dickinson leads Kansas on affordability

Dickinson County achieves a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio—the only county in this survey that beats Kansas's 14.7% state average and approaches national norms. A robust median household income of $67,982 (88% of the national median) paired with $809 monthly rents creates genuine affordability comfort.

Statewide affordability standout

Dickinson's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kansas's best, undercutting the state average of 14.7% and signaling stronger local wages relative to housing costs. Its higher median income ($67,982) explains why residents handle housing expenses more smoothly than peers elsewhere.

Strong income drives housing comfort

Dickinson's $67,982 median income substantially exceeds all surveyed neighbors, allowing residents to absorb $809 monthly rents more easily than Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, or Decatur residents. Its $148,500 median home value reflects the county's relative prosperity and stronger buyer demand.

Renters and owners both find ease

Dickinson renters spend just 14.3% of their $67,982 income on $809 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 16.0% to $907 monthly costs. This narrow gap and manageable percentages indicate that Dickinson residents—whether renting or buying—navigate housing affordably.

Kansas's most balanced housing market

Dickinson offers the region's strongest income-to-housing balance, making it ideal for families or professionals seeking Kansas stability without affordability strain. Compare its 14.3% ratio against Crawford's 20.0% to see the difference strong local wages make.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickinson approaches national income

Dickinson County's median household income of $67,982 narrows the gap with the U.S. median of $74,755 to just 9%, making it one of Kansas's stronger-earning counties. The county is only $6,773 below the national baseline.

Dickinson tops Kansas average

At $67,982, Dickinson County's median income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by $3,554, ranking it in the upper tier statewide. Per capita income of $36,242 also surpasses the state average of $34,748.

Dickinson leads in earnings

Dickinson County's $67,982 median ranks second among these eight counties, trailing only Doniphan County ($72,833) by $4,851 and leading Cowley County ($58,263) by $9,719. This positions Dickinson as a regional economic anchor.

Housing affordable for earners

Dickinson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% ranks best among these eight counties, with renters spending just over one-seventh of income on housing. Median home values of $148,500 are well-matched to the county's higher median income.

Dickinson ready for wealth-building

Dickinson County's above-average income and low housing-cost burden create ideal conditions for aggressive savings and investing. Families here should maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, consider index fund investing, and explore home equity as a wealth-building tool.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dickinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Relative to National Trends

Dickinson County holds a safety score of 98.5, indicating a very secure environment relative to the rest of the country. The total crime rate of 940.9 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong State Safety Performance

The county outperforms the Kansas state average safety score of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 940.9 remains well below the statewide average of 1,282.2 per 100K.

Quieter Than Neighboring Hubs

Dickinson maintains a safer profile than neighboring urban centers, keeping its crime rates below national and state thresholds. It serves as a quieter alternative to the busier corridors of Central Kansas.

Low Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime is low at 156.8 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime measures 784.1 per 100K, which is also quite low compared to national trends.

Basic Precautions for Peace

Even with low crime rates, basic home security like sturdy locks and external lighting is recommended. These steps help preserve the high level of safety Dickinson residents currently enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dickinson County

via HealthByCounty

Dickinson's Health Outcomes Near National Standards

Dickinson County residents have a life expectancy of 74.1 years, about 4.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.8, reflecting typical rural Kansas health patterns. Only 14.7% report poor or fair health, slightly below the national average of 16%, indicating a relatively healthy population overall.

Slightly Below Kansas Average, Solid Coverage

At 74.1 years, Dickinson's life expectancy falls 1.3 years short of the Kansas state average of 75.4, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The 9.3% uninsured rate is well below the state average of 11.5%, showing strong health insurance uptake among residents.

Balanced Primary and Mental Health Care Access

Dickinson provides 49 primary care providers and 65 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering reasonably balanced healthcare capacity for a rural county. These provider ratios allow residents to access both routine medical care and behavioral health services without extreme travel.

Good Coverage Translates to Consistent Care Access

At only 9.3% uninsured, nearly all Dickinson residents have insurance that covers doctor visits, medications, and emergency care. Combined with moderate primary care provider availability, residents can establish regular relationships with physicians for preventive health and chronic disease management.

Maintain Coverage for Year-Round Health Security

If you're among Dickinson's 9.3% uninsured, or if your coverage is expiring, visit healthcare.gov or Kansas Medicaid to explore affordable plans. Regular insurance ensures you can see your doctor for routine care, catch health problems early, and avoid catastrophic medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dickinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Rural Network

Dickinson County supports 19 public schools across five districts, serving 3,575 students. The infrastructure is primarily focused on primary education, with 10 elementary schools supported by three middle and six high schools.

Steady Growth and Performance

The county's 88.9% graduation rate slightly edges out the Kansas state average of 88.7%. Schools operate on a per-pupil budget of $7,850, focusing on core academic results within a traditional rural framework.

Abilene and Chapman Lead the Way

Abilene is the largest district with six schools and 1,504 students, closely followed by Chapman with another six schools and 1,154 students. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a fully traditional district structure.

Quiet Rural and Town Settings

Thirteen of the county's 19 schools are rural, with the remaining six located in town centers. While Abilene High is the largest with 451 students, the average school size is a manageable 188 students.

Build a Life in Dickinson County

With a variety of school sizes and a graduation rate above state averages, Dickinson is a prime spot for family life. Homebuyers can find excellent values in towns like Abilene or Chapman while staying close to quality schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickinson County

via RiskByCounty

Dickinson County faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 49.14, Dickinson County ranks as Relatively Low but sits well above Kansas's county average of 29.89. The score reflects meaningful exposure to tornados, wildfires, and flooding.

Moderate-to-high risk among Kansas counties

Dickinson County's 49.14 score places it in the middle-to-upper range statewide, meaning residents face substantially greater natural disaster risk than the typical Kansas county. The county ranks higher than most of the western plains.

Riskier than western neighbors, safer than eastern ones

Dickinson County's 49.14 score falls between Edwards County (17.56) to the west and Crawford County (71.44) to the east. Central Kansas experiences moderate hazard exposure compared to higher-risk eastern regions.

Tornados and wildfires lead the hazard list

Tornado risk scores 75.95 and wildfire risk reaches 83.94, making these the county's dominant threats. Flood risk at 48.63 presents a secondary but still significant concern for many properties.

Strong wind and hail protection essential

Dickinson County residents should ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers severe wind, hail, and tornado damage given the 75.95 tornado risk score. Flood insurance warrants serious consideration, especially for properties in flood-prone areas near waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dickinson County

via WeatherByCounty

The Heart of the Continent

Dickinson County averages 55.3°F, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. It features a prototypical central plains climate with distinct seasonal changes.

Mirroring the Kansas Average

The county's climate closely follows state trends, sitting just 0.5 degrees above the state average temp. Its 34.0 inches of rain is slightly higher than the state mean.

Hotter Than Eastern Neighbors

Dickinson experiences 60 days of extreme heat, significantly more than Douglas County's 43 days. It is much wetter than Decatur County to the northwest.

Sixty Days of Heat

Summer is defined by 60 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters bring a modest 12.4 inches of snow and an average temperature of 32.2°F.

Budget for All Seasons

Expect high utility bills in both summer and winter due to the 60 heat days and freezing January nights. A mix of light summer clothing and heavy winter coats is required.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dickinson County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Central Kansas

Dickinson County features a nearly neutral pH of 6.60, aligning closely with the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.80, providing a versatile environment for many plant species.

Nutrient-Rich Silt and Clay

The soil is comprised of 52.7% silt and 25.8% clay, offering a heavy but fertile medium. A sand content of 21.4% provides enough grit to maintain some pore space for root respiration.

Standout Organic Matter Content

Organic matter is a major strength at 2.81%, which is much higher than the state average of 2.22%. Available water capacity at 0.186 in/in also sits above the Kansas benchmark, ensuring excellent productivity.

Reliable Water Management Capabilities

While specific drainage classes are not currently listed, the soil's high organic matter usually promotes healthy structure. The silt-heavy composition generally allows for consistent water availability during the growing season.

Prime Gardening in Zone 6b

A soil score of 69.2 makes Dickinson one of the best counties for agriculture in the region. Whether you are planting native perennials or a vegetable patch, this soil provides a top-tier foundation in zone 6b.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dickinson County

via LawnByCounty

Dickinson County Outperforms the Average

Dickinson County scores an impressive 66.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, well above the state average of 59.1. This Zone 6b region offers a balanced environment for homeowners looking to maintain high-quality turf. It provides significantly better growing conditions than the national median of 50.0.

Solid Rainfall for Dickinson Lawns

The county receives 34.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average and within the ideal range. While residents navigate 60 extreme heat days, the 4,203 growing degree days provide ample energy for healthy growth. Homeowners should plan for a busy mowing season given these favorable moisture levels.

Balanced Soils Support Healthy Turf

A soil pH of 6.60 is nearly perfect for lawn health, ensuring that nutrients remain available to the roots. The soil contains 25.8% clay and 21.4% sand, creating a texture that holds moisture well without becoming waterlogged. This natural balance reduces the need for frequent soil amendments or pH corrections.

Current Conditions are Ideal for Growth

Dickinson County is currently clear of all drought categories, providing a perfect start for the growing season. This follows a year with only 11 weeks of drought, indicating a relatively stable moisture cycle. Regular maintenance and deep watering during heat spikes will keep lawns resilient.

Optimize Your Zone 6b Lawn

Kentucky bluegrass and Tall Fescue are the top recommendations for this region's climate. Seeding should begin after the April 17 frost date to allow for strong root development before the summer heat. Most lawns will begin to go dormant as the first frost arrives around October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickinson County's county score?
Dickinson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 47.7 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 Dickinson County rank among counties in Kansas?
Dickinson County ranks #66 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 Dickinson County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Dickinson County is $2,123, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Dickinson County a tax score of 16.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickinson County?
The median household income in Dickinson County, Kansas is $67,982 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickinson County earns an income score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickinson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Dickinson County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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.