countyscore
59.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 86Schools 78.2Lawn Care 76

County Report Card

About Doniphan County, Kansas

Dominating the National Median Benchmark

Doniphan County achieves a strong composite score of 59.6, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top tier of counties nationally for its specific combination of scores.

Leading the Pack in Kansas

With a 59.6 score, Doniphan County significantly outperforms the Kansas state average of 49.5. This high ranking suggests it is one of the premier locations for livability in the state.

Excellent Schools and Economic Strength

The county boasts a school score of 78.2 and an income score of 73.5, driven by a $72,833 median household income. Environmental risk is also exceptionally low, earning a score of 86.0.

Critical Water Quality Issues

The most significant drawback is the water score, which is quite low at 9.7. While taxes are more reasonable than neighbors, the score of 27.3 indicates there is still room for improvement in the local tax burden.

Top Tier Choice for Young Families

Doniphan County is an excellent destination for families prioritizing high-quality education and high earning potential. The low environmental risk makes it a safe long-term bet for property owners.

Score breakdown

Tax27.3Cost56.9Safety69.9Health62.7Schools78.2Income73.5Risk86Water9.7Weather53.3
🏛27.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76
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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Nearby counties

Buchanan County
Missouri
31.1
Andrew County
Missouri
53.8
Atchison County
Kansas
48.6
Holt County
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Brown County
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Richardson County
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DeKalb County
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Platte County
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Deep Dives

Doniphan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Doniphan County

via TaxByCounty

Doniphan taxes slightly below national norm

Doniphan County's effective tax rate of 1.160% sits just above the national median of 1.09%, placing it near the national center. The median property tax of $1,406 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Doniphan's median home value of $121,200—less than 43% of the national average.

Doniphan ranks among Kansas's lowest

At 1.160%, Doniphan County's effective tax rate is the second-lowest among the eight profiled counties and well below Kansas's state average of 1.549%. Only Crawford County (1.123%) taxes at a lower rate in this regional sample.

Doniphan tied for lowest in region

Doniphan's 1.160% rate matches Crawford County and falls significantly below Decatur (1.794%), Cowley (1.683%), and Comanche (2.285%). Among the eight counties surveyed, Doniphan offers some of the most favorable tax rates.

Median home pays $1,406 yearly

On a median home value of $121,200, Doniphan County residents pay roughly $1,406 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties pay $1,556, while those without mortgages pay $1,253.

Appeal overassessed property values

Even in tax-friendly counties like Doniphan, overassessment occurs and homeowners can challenge it. If your home's assessed value exceeds what comparable homes recently sold for nearby, file an appeal with the county assessor to potentially lower your taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Doniphan County

via CostByCounty

Doniphan renters enjoy strong affordability

Doniphan County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this survey and betters Kansas's 14.7% state average, signaling genuine housing affordability. With a median household income of $72,833 (near the national $74,755) and $801 monthly rents, Doniphan combines strong earnings with reasonable costs.

Kansas's best rent-to-income ratio

Doniphan's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio tops all Kansas counties surveyed here, undercutting the state average and reflecting the highest median household income ($72,833) in the group. This strong performance stems from robust local wages rather than unusually cheap rents.

High earnings offset moderate rents

Doniphan's $72,833 median income—second only to Douglas County's $68,756—allows residents to comfortably absorb $801 monthly rents that equal peers elsewhere. Its $121,200 median home value mirrors Cowley's, but Doniphan buyers enjoy far stronger purchasing power.

Both renters and owners in comfort

Doniphan renters dedicate just 13.2% of their $72,833 income to $801 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 13.7% to $828 monthly costs. This consistency across tenure types signals a well-balanced housing market where income adequately supports both rental and ownership pathways.

Strong earners seeking Kansas stability

Doniphan combines near-national income levels with affordability ratios better than Kansas averages, making it ideal for professionals relocating from higher-cost metros. Its 13.2% rent-to-income ratio offers breathing room that Crawford (20.0%) or Crawford (20.0%) simply cannot match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Doniphan County

via IncomeByCounty

Doniphan approaches near parity

Doniphan County's median household income of $72,833 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just $1,922—less than 3%—ranking it among the nation's most comparable rural counties. This near-parity with national averages is remarkable for rural Kansas.

Doniphan leads Kansas counties

At $72,833, Doniphan County's median income ranks second-highest statewide, exceeding Kansas's average of $64,428 by $8,405. Per capita income of $33,462 nearly matches the state average of $34,748.

Doniphan outearns most peers

Doniphan County's $72,833 median ranks highest among these eight counties, leading second-place Dickinson County ($67,982) by $4,851 and far outpacing Crawford County ($50,311) by $22,522. The county's economic performance stands out regionally.

Doniphan offers excellent value

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.2%, Doniphan County has the lowest housing-cost burden among these eight counties, freeing up household income for savings and investing. Median home values of $121,200 remain highly affordable at the county median income.

Doniphan poised for prosperity

Doniphan County residents earn near the national median while paying less for housing than most Americans—a rare advantage worth leveraging. Households should prioritize maxing out retirement contributions, building investment portfolios, and considering second properties or long-term wealth vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Doniphan County

via CrimeByCounty

Significantly Safer Than National Average

Doniphan County presents a very safe profile with a safety score of 98.9 and a total crime rate of 706.6 per 100K. This rate is roughly 70% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A High Rank in Kansas Safety

With a safety score nearly a full point above the Kansas average of 98.0, Doniphan ranks as a highly secure county. Local crime is significantly lower than the state's average rate of 1,282.2 per 100K.

Reliably Safe Regional Profile

Doniphan mirrors the safety levels of other rural counties like Decatur, maintaining a rate of 706.6 per 100K. This regional consistency makes it one of the most reliable areas for safety in the state.

Crimes Well Below Benchmarks

Property crime occurs at a rate of 586.6 per 100K, while violent crime is limited to 120.0 per 100K. Both figures are well below their respective national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8.

Community Watchfulness Matters

Maintaining a secure home is simple in Doniphan, but being neighborly and watchful adds an extra layer of protection. Small preventative steps go a long way in keeping local crime rates at their current lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Doniphan County

via HealthByCounty

Doniphan's Life Expectancy Exceeds National Average

At 76.8 years, Doniphan County residents live nearly two years longer than the U.S. average of 78.8—actually above the U.S. benchmark and more than one year above the Kansas average. With 16.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county matches the national average, suggesting good overall health despite a small proportion experiencing chronic issues.

One of Kansas's Healthiest Counties

Doniphan's 76.8-year life expectancy ranks among the best in Kansas, exceeding the state average of 75.4 by 1.4 years. The 9.3% uninsured rate is well below the state average of 11.5%, indicating both strong health outcomes and strong insurance coverage.

Solid Primary Care, Limited Mental Health Providers

Doniphan offers 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, providing reasonable access to routine medical care, but only 13 mental health providers per 100K—the lowest in its region. Residents with behavioral health needs may face significant travel or waitlists for specialist care.

High Coverage and Life Expectancy Reinforce Success

Doniphan's combination of 9.3% uninsured and strong primary care access creates an environment where residents can maintain preventive health practices and manage chronic conditions. The result: residents live longer and healthier lives compared to many Kansas counties.

Keep the Coverage Winning Streak Going

If you're uninsured, Doniphan's strong health system benefits from high coverage rates—join the majority and enroll at healthcare.gov or through Kansas Medicaid. Staying insured ensures you can maintain the preventive care habits that help Doniphan residents live longer, healthier lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Doniphan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Doniphan's High-Performing School Network

Doniphan County operates nine public schools across three districts, educating 1,370 students. The landscape includes four elementary schools, one middle school, three high schools, and one specialized facility.

Exceptional Graduation Rates

Doniphan boasts a stellar 92.4% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 60.7 is also well above the Kansas state average of 57.2.

Riverside District Sets the Pace

Riverside is the largest district, managing five schools and 666 students. Doniphan West and Troy Public Schools handle the remaining student population, and no charter schools currently operate in the area.

A Suburb and Rural Blend

The county offers a unique mix of five suburban-style schools and four rural schools, with an average size of 152 students. Doniphan West Elementary is the largest with 222 students, ensuring no school feels overcrowded.

Top-Tier Schools in Doniphan

High graduation rates and strong school scores make Doniphan County a top choice for families moving to Kansas. The mix of suburban and rural environments offers a perfect home for every preference.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Doniphan County

via RiskByCounty

Doniphan County has very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 13.99, Doniphan County ranks Very Low—well below the national average. The county enjoys minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Doniphan County's 13.99 score ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in Kansas, significantly below the state average of 29.89. Only a handful of Kansas counties experience lower overall natural disaster exposure.

Among the region's safest areas

Doniphan County's 13.99 score is comparable to nearby Decatur County (11.29) and Edwards County (17.56). Northeast Kansas offers among the state's lowest natural hazard exposure.

Tornado risk outpaces other hazards

Tornado risk at 57.44 is Doniphan County's most significant threat, though still below state averages for high-risk counties. All other hazards—wildfire (51.84), flood (16.63), and earthquake (19.82)—score considerably lower.

Basic coverage meets typical needs

Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage provides solid protection for Doniphan County residents given the very low overall risk profile. Most households will not find specialized disaster insurance necessary or cost-effective.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Doniphan County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Four-Season Climate

Doniphan's 53.1°F average is right in line with the national median. This northeastern corner of Kansas experiences humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Cooler and Snowier Than State

Doniphan is cooler than the Kansas average and receives 21.1 inches of snow, nearly double what central counties see. It enjoys more rainfall than the state mean.

Milder Summers in the North

The county has only 29 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 60-70 days seen in southern Kansas. It is much cooler and snowier than Douglas County.

Cold Winters, Pleasant Summers

January is chilly at 26.5°F, contributing to a snowy winter season. Summers are the mildest in the state group with a July average of just 76.9°F.

Focus on Winter Readiness

Heavy winter coats and reliable snow tires are a must for the 21.1 inches of snowfall. Air conditioning costs are generally lower here than in the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Doniphan County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Productive Earth

Doniphan County soils have an average pH of 6.39, which is more acidic than the Kansas average of 6.80. This pH level is very close to the national median of 6.5, making it suitable for a wide variety of North American crops.

Silty Soils with Low Sand

Silt makes up 58.1% of the soil, while clay adds another 25.3% to the mix. With only 14.3% sand, this soil is exceptionally fine-grained and holds moisture and nutrients very efficiently.

Rich Organic Content and Capacity

Organic matter at 2.43% surpasses the state average of 2.22%, indicating a healthy biological ecosystem. The water capacity of 0.194 in/in is also well above the 0.180 Kansas average, offering great drought resistance.

Moisture Retention and Water Management

Official drainage class data is not recorded, but the low sand content suggests the soil retains water longer than neighboring counties. Gardeners should ensure good drainage in their plots to manage the heavy silt load.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 6a

With a high soil score of 69.5, Doniphan is a premier location for fruit trees and row crops. You can start a highly productive garden here, as the soil provides everything a plant needs to thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Doniphan County

via LawnByCounty

Doniphan Leads the State in Ease

Doniphan County earns a top-tier lawn score of 76.0, making it one of the easiest places in Kansas to grow a lawn. This Zone 6a county significantly beats the state average of 59.1 and the national median of 50.0. Conditions here are exceptionally favorable for home gardeners.

Lower Heat and Consistent Moisture

The county only experiences 29 extreme heat days, which is less than half the state average of 58. Annual precipitation of 36.8 inches provides steady hydration, supporting the 3,760 growing degree days without excessive stress. These cooler, wetter conditions are perfect for maintaining cool-season grasses.

Optimal Soil Chemistry for Doniphan

The soil pH of 6.39 falls right in the middle of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. With 25.3% clay and only 14.3% sand, the soil is excellent at retaining the 36.8 inches of rain it receives annually. This high nutrient-holding capacity means lawns require less fertilizer to maintain a deep green color.

Managing Moderate Dryness Effectively

The county faced 18 weeks of drought last year, and 77% of the area is currently abnormally dry. However, the lack of severe drought makes it easy to maintain lawn health with standard watering practices. Using rain barrels can help capture the county's above-average rainfall for use during these dry stretches.

Spring is Prime Time in Doniphan

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best fits for this temperate Zone 6a climate. Start your seeding projects after the final frost on April 19 to take full advantage of the mild spring weather. Most lawns will enter dormancy following the first fall frost around October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Doniphan County's county score?
Doniphan County, Kansas has a composite county score of 59.6 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 Doniphan County rank among counties in Kansas?
Doniphan County ranks #15 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 Doniphan County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Doniphan County is $1,406, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Doniphan County a tax score of 27.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Doniphan County?
The median household income in Doniphan County, Kansas is $72,833 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Doniphan County earns an income score of 73.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Doniphan County, Kansas a good place to live?
Doniphan County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Doniphan 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 Doniphan 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.