countyscore
33.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 73.8Lawn Care 69.8

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Kansas

Challenges in National Livability Rankings

Douglas County earns a composite score of 33.7, which is substantially lower than the national median of 50.0. High costs and safety issues drag down its overall standing.

Trailing Kansas State Livability Benchmarks

The county's score of 33.7 falls nearly 16 points below the state average of 49.5. Despite its prominence, the data shows it struggles with affordability compared to the rest of Kansas.

Superior Health and High Incomes

Douglas County shines in public health with a score of 73.8 and provides a robust water score of 86.0. Household incomes are strong at $68,756, resulting in a respectable income score of 63.7.

Steep Housing Costs and Safety Gaps

The cost score of 16.8 reflects high median home values of $281,600 and rents at $1,066. Additionally, a safety score of 14.2 and a school score of 30.4 present significant hurdles for resident satisfaction.

Best for Health-Conscious Urbanites

This county is suited for higher-income individuals who value access to top-tier healthcare and clean water. While expensive for Kansas, it offers an active lifestyle that compensates for the higher cost of living.

2040608010023.616.814.273.830.463.725.28651Tax23.6Cost16.8Safety14.2Health73.8Schools30.4Income63.7Risk25.2Water86Weather5133.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

How Douglas County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Douglas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (14.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.6-28.4
Cost
16.8-31.2
Safety
14.2-40.8
Health
73.8+23.799999999999997
Schools
30.4-23.6
Income
63.7+12.700000000000003
Risk
25.2-21.8
Water
86+28
Weather
51
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$281,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,066/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$281,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,756/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.5

per 100K

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

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
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Counties with similar scores

Imperial County
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Median income: $56,393
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San Bernardino County
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Median income: $82,184
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Oktibbeha County
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Summit County
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Median income: $71,016
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Kenedy County
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Pierce County
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Jefferson County
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Median income: $48,552
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Denver County
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Median income: $91,681
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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Kansas
52
Leavenworth County
Kansas
39.9
Franklin County
Kansas
40.2
Johnson County
Kansas
42
Osage County
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49.7
Shawnee County
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Wyandotte County
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37.4
Miami County
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44.4

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas's tax rate near national average

Douglas County's effective tax rate of 1.246% sits comfortably above the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the upper-middle range. The median property tax of $3,508 exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by Douglas's median home value of $281,600—nearly identical to the national average.

Douglas ranks mid-range for Kansas

At 1.246%, Douglas County's effective tax rate falls below Kansas's state average of 1.549%, making it one of the more tax-efficient counties statewide. Among the eight profiled counties, Douglas ranks in the lower-middle tier.

Douglas moderately taxed in region

Douglas's 1.246% rate falls below Comanche (2.285%), Cowley (1.683%), Decatur (1.794%), Dickinson (1.430%), and Edwards (1.593%), while exceeding Crawford (1.123%) and Doniphan (1.160%). This positions Douglas in the moderate-to-lower range regionally.

Median home pays $3,508 annually

On a median home value of $281,600, Douglas County residents pay approximately $3,508 in annual property taxes—the highest median tax bill among the eight counties profiled. Mortgaged homes pay $3,504, while those without mortgages pay $3,516.

Higher-value homes merit careful review

Homeowners in Douglas County with higher-value properties should particularly scrutinize their assessments for accuracy. If your assessed value seems inflated compared to recent comparable sales, filing a reassessment appeal could yield meaningful savings on a larger tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas rents reflect urban premium

Douglas County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average and the national comfort zone, despite a median household income of $68,756 that approaches the national $74,755. At $1,066 monthly, Douglas rents are the survey's highest, driven by Lawrence's status as a college town and regional hub.

Kansas's priciest rental market

Douglas's $1,066 monthly median rent nearly 35% above Kansas's $787 state average, and its 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst. This urban premium reflects Lawrence's role as Kansas's education and culture center, not local wage superiority.

Clear premium for urban amenities

Douglas's $1,066 monthly rent dwarfs all surveyed peers—Comanche ($672), Decatur ($695), Edwards ($732), Cowley ($779), and even Crawford ($837). The $265 gap versus Crawford reflects Lawrence's university presence and concentration of professional services, making it Kansas's high-cost outlier.

Homeownership demands sharp budget cuts

Douglas renters allocate 18.6% of their $68,756 income to $1,066 monthly rent, while homeowners face a staggering 24.8% bite at $1,422 monthly for homes valued at $281,600—the survey's highest. This gap warns that Douglas homeownership demands serious financial commitment beyond what renters shoulder.

Lawrence's urban premium carries weight

Douglas County's housing costs are Kansas's highest; budget-conscious families should compare against Dickinson (14.3% ratio) or Decatur ($78,500 home values) before committing. If drawn to Lawrence's culture and education, be prepared for 25%+ of income flowing toward housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas nearly matches nation

Douglas County's median household income of $68,756 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 8%, signaling strong earning power for a Kansas county. The $5,999 gap reflects Douglas's status as an economic engine within the state.

Douglas leads Kansas income

At $68,756, Douglas County's median household income ranks among the highest in Kansas, exceeding the state average of $64,428 by $4,328. Per capita income of $39,321 significantly surpasses the state average of $34,748, indicating strong earning diversity.

Douglas third in regional earnings

Douglas County's $68,756 median ranks third among these eight counties, behind Doniphan County ($72,833) and Dickinson County ($67,982), but well ahead of Cowley County ($58,263). The county's robust per capita income suggests educated, skilled workforce.

Housing costs run high here

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% and median home value of $281,600 reflect an urban/university-influenced market (Lawrence) with higher living costs. Despite strong incomes, residents allocate nearly one-fifth of household earnings to rent.

Douglas enables ambitious investing

Douglas County's above-average income and strong per capita earnings support diversified wealth-building: retirement accounts, taxable investments, and real estate portfolios. Families should work with financial planners to navigate higher housing costs while maximizing long-term asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Navigating Higher National Crime Rates

Douglas County has a safety score of 96.1, with a total crime rate of 2,442.6 per 100K that sits slightly above the national average. This higher activity is typical for counties containing major university hubs.

State Safety Comparison

The county's safety score of 96.1 is below the Kansas average of 98.0. Total crime in Douglas is nearly double the state average rate of 1,282.2 per 100K.

Urban Density vs. Rural Safety

Douglas sees more crime than many of its rural neighbors but stays much safer than highly urbanized areas. It maintains a property crime rate of 2,015.2, which is nearly identical to the national average.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate is 427.4 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 2,015.2 incidents per 100K, representing the bulk of local law enforcement activity.

Proactive Property Protection

Urban environments benefit greatly from alarm systems and secure entry points. Residents should stay proactive about property safety to mitigate the risks associated with higher density living.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Douglas County's Major Education Hub

As one of the state's largest educational hubs, Douglas County manages 29 schools and 14,298 students. The network is extensive, featuring 17 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools.

Challenges in Academic Outcomes

The county's 84.2% graduation rate currently trails both the state and national averages. Spending sits at $7,029 per pupil, which is below the Kansas average of $9,009 despite the high student volume.

Lawrence Dominates the Landscape

The Lawrence district manages 20 of the county's 29 schools and serves 10,908 students. The county also hosts one charter school, Lawrence Virtual School, which accounts for about 3.4% of all local schools.

City Living and Large Schools

Twenty schools are located in city settings, giving the area a much more urban feel than its neighbors. Lawrence Free State High is the largest school with 1,777 students, contributing to a high average school size of 493.

Find Your Home in a Vibrant Hub

Homebuyers in Douglas County benefit from a diverse range of educational options, including large high schools and virtual learning. Cities like Lawrence and Eudora provide high-energy environments for families and students alike.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County faces elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 74.81, Douglas County ranks as Relatively Low nationally but significantly exceeds Kansas's county average of 29.89. The score reflects substantial exposure to multiple concurrent hazards.

Among the highest-risk Kansas counties

Douglas County's 74.81 score places it in the top tier for disaster risk statewide, with exposure far exceeding the typical Kansas county. Few counties in the state face greater natural hazard exposure overall.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Douglas County's 74.81 score far exceeds Doniphan County (13.99) to the north and Edwards County (17.56) to the west. Eastern Kansas, and Lawrence in particular, experiences substantially higher natural disaster risk.

Tornados and flooding are primary threats

Tornado risk reaches 92.40—among the highest in the state—while flood risk scores 72.77, reflecting Douglas County's exposure in Kansas's core Tornado Alley. These two hazards dominate the county's composite risk profile.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage vital

Douglas County residents must prioritize homeowners insurance with strong wind, hail, and tornado damage coverage given the 92.40 tornado risk score. Flood insurance is strongly recommended for all properties, especially those in or near the Kansas River floodplain.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Douglas County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade: A

Douglas County secures an A grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This perfect record is much stronger than the Kansas state average rate of 313.4 per 100,000 residents.

Watershed Evaluation Not Yet Complete

Local water bodies have not been assessed in the most recent federal reporting cycles, leaving the watershed's impairment status officially N/A. This means the county's streams have not yet undergone the formal §303(d) evaluation process.

Steady Monitoring at Lawrence

Monitoring activity is steady, with 56 measurements recorded at one site over the past five years. These efforts focus heavily on physical and microbiological characteristics to track the safety of local water resources.

Kansas River Flowing Below Mean

The Kansas River at Lawrence is flowing at 1,770 cubic feet per second, representing 27% of its historical mean. While still moving significant volume, the river is currently well below its typical 6,567 cfs flow.

Practicing Conservation at Home

Although the water quality grade is excellent, the low flow of the Kansas River suggests a need for regional water conservation. Residents can trust the tap water but should remain mindful of the drought conditions affecting their primary waterway.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced National Median

Douglas County exactly matches the 54.8°F temperature typically seen as the national baseline. It enjoys a humid continental climate with plenty of rain.

The Kansas Climate Benchmark

The county perfectly represents the state with its 54.8°F average. It receives 37.7 inches of rain, making it wetter than the statewide average of 30.3.

Moderate Heat for the Region

With 43 extreme heat days, Douglas is much cooler than Dickinson or Edwards. It is warmer and has more heat days than Doniphan to the north.

Stable Seasonal Patterns

July averages 78.7°F while January dips to 28.8°F. The county sees a moderate 12.3 inches of snow, providing a distinct but manageable winter.

Prepare for Rainy Springs

The 37.7 inches of annual rain requires well-maintained gutters and basement sump pumps. Residents should keep a diverse wardrobe for the frequent seasonal transitions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Ideally Acidic Growing Conditions

Douglas County maintains an average pH of 6.34, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5. This is notably more acidic than the 6.80 Kansas average, which can benefit acid-loving ornamentals and berries.

Heavy Silt for Root Stability

The soil contains 54.1% silt and 24.9% clay, creating a medium that offers excellent structural support for plants. A sand content of 20.5% helps prevent the soil from becoming too dense for root penetration.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

At 2.66%, the organic matter content far exceeds the Kansas average of 2.22%. The soil also holds more water than the state average, with a capacity of 0.188 in/in compared to the 0.180 benchmark.

Effective Nutrient and Water Storage

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the soil score of 67.4 indicates high-quality land management. The high organic content typically aids in creating stable soil aggregates that allow water to move effectively.

Versatile Planting in Zone 6b

Zone 6b allows for a long growing season that pairs perfectly with this nutrient-dense soil. Whether you want to grow tomatoes or native prairie plants, Douglas County offers some of the best dirt in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

A Lush Outlook for Douglas County

Douglas County boasts a lawn score of 69.8, positioning it as a highly favorable area for lawn care. This Zone 6b region is much easier to manage than the national median of 50.0 and the Kansas average of 59.1. Homeowners here enjoy a distinct advantage in establishing healthy turf.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Douglas Lawns

The county receives 37.7 inches of annual precipitation, nearly 7.5 inches more than the state average. Combined with 43 extreme heat days and 4,048 growing degree days, the climate supports a very productive growing season. These conditions allow for thick, healthy lawns with less reliance on supplemental irrigation.

Balanced Texture and Ideal pH

The soil pH of 6.34 is optimal for turf, ensuring that grass can easily access essential nutrients. A mixture of 24.9% clay and 20.5% sand provides a texture that balances moisture retention with essential drainage. These naturally fertile conditions minimize the need for heavy soil remediation.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Conditions

Only 12% of Douglas County currently faces abnormal dryness despite having 19 weeks of drought over the past year. The higher annual rainfall provides a natural buffer that helps lawns recover quickly from dry spells. Practicing smart irrigation during the 43 heat days will keep the turf vibrant all summer.

Establish Your Douglas Lawn in April

Tall fescue is a local favorite for its deep roots and durability in the Zone 6b transition zone. Seeding should begin after the last frost on April 15 to ensure the grass is strong before summer. Your lawn's growing window remains open until the first fall frost hits around October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Kansas has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Kansas?
Douglas County ranks #99 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 Douglas County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $3,508, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 23.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Kansas is $68,756 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Kansas a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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