CountyScore

Doniphan County

Kansas · KS

#8 in Kansas
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Doniphan County, Kansas

Doniphan ranks among nation's top counties

Doniphan County's composite score of 70.7 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. The county outperforms nearly three-quarters of American counties on livability measures.

Clear leader in Kansas county rankings

With a score of 70.7, Doniphan stands 4.7 points above Kansas's state average of 66.0. The county ranks among the highest-performing counties in the state for overall livability.

Highest incomes and lowest taxes in group

Doniphan County excels across multiple dimensions: the highest income score at 30.9 with median household income of $72,833, plus a tax score of 69.6 with just 1.160% effective rate. The combination delivers top-tier earning potential and favorable tax treatment.

Data gaps limit complete picture

Despite strong economic performance, Doniphan lacks available data on safety, health, school quality, environmental risks, and water resources. These missing measures prevent full assessment of non-financial livability factors.

Top choice for high-earning rural families

Doniphan County is the clear choice for affluent families and successful professionals seeking strong incomes, minimal tax burden, and quality rural living. The county's economic strength and favorable financial metrics make it Kansas's standout performer in this group.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.6Cost81.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.9Risk86WaterComing Soon
🏛69.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡86
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Doniphan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693

Deep Dives

Doniphan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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