countyscore
46.1
County Score
Soil Quality 69.2Lawn Care 66.8Safety 59.2

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.

2040608010012.245.859.25851.858.450.913.847.3Tax12.2Cost45.8Safety59.2Health58Schools51.8Income58.4Risk50.9Water13.8Weather47.346.1/100
This county
National avg
2 below average

Dickinson County DNA

Foverall

How Dickinson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Dickinson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (13.8/100), though Health (58/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.2-39.8
Cost
45.8
Safety
59.2
Health
58+8
Schools
51.8
Income
58.4
Risk
50.9
Water
13.8-44.2
Weather
47.3-8.700000000000003
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

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$901/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,417/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Dickinson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickinson County's county score?
Dickinson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 46.1 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 #71 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 $2,154, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Dickinson County a tax score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickinson County?
The median household income in Dickinson County, Kansas is $68,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickinson County earns an income score of 58.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickinson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Dickinson County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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