countyscore
50.4
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Disaster Risk 82.5Schools 70.8

County Report Card

About Edwards County, Kansas

Edwards County Matches National Medians

Edwards County posts a composite score of 50.4, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced American lifestyle that avoids extreme highs or lows.

Above the Average Kansas Performance

The county's 50.4 score is slightly higher than the Kansas state average of 49.5. This makes it a reliable, slightly above-average choice for residents within the state.

Affordability and Strong School System

A cost score of 86.3 highlights exceptional affordability, with median home values at just $70,500. The county also features a strong school score of 70.8 and a very high risk score of 82.5.

Struggling Water Quality and Low Incomes

Water quality is a major concern with a score of only 6.8. Furthermore, the income score of 22.3 reflects a median household income of $53,792, which limits local economic growth.

Ideal for Families Seeking Affordability

Edwards County is a great choice for families who need a safe environment and good schools without a high price tag. Prospective residents should plan for water solutions, but the low cost of living is hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax9.5Cost86.3Safety53.5Health29.3Schools70.8Income22.3Risk82.5Water6.8Weather44.5
🏛9.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.6
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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Deep Dives

Edwards County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Edwards County

via TaxByCounty

Edwards's tax rate exceeds national median

Edwards County's effective tax rate of 1.593% surpasses the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,123 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Edwards's median home value of $70,500—only 25% of the national average.

Edwards slightly above state average

At 1.593%, Edwards County's effective tax rate sits just above Kansas's state average of 1.549%, making it a moderate tax county statewide. Among the eight profiled counties, Edwards ranks in the upper-middle tier.

Edwards moderately taxed regionally

Edwards's 1.593% rate falls below Comanche (2.285%), Cowley (1.683%), Decatur (1.794%), and Dickinson (1.430%), while exceeding Crawford (1.123%), Doniphan (1.160%), and Douglas (1.246%). This positions Edwards slightly above the regional midpoint for tax burden.

Median home pays $1,123 annually

On a median home value of $70,500, Edwards County residents pay roughly $1,123 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties pay $1,571, while those without mortgages pay $992.

Verify assessments for overvaluation

Edwards County homeowners should confirm their assessments reflect current market values in their neighborhoods. If your property's assessed value exceeds what similar homes recently sold for, contacting the assessor about a reassessment review could reduce your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edwards County

via CostByCounty

Edwards balances modest costs and wages

Edwards County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Comanche's and slightly exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average, reflecting the affordability challenges of rural Kansas. A median household income of $53,792 combined with $732 monthly rents creates modest but manageable housing burdens.

Mid-tier Kansas affordability

Edwards's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio and $732 monthly rent position it solidly in rural Kansas's middle ground—below the state average on rent but above it on rent-to-income burden. This reflects the core Kansas challenge: reasonable rents paired with limited local wages.

Affordable renting, exceptional home values

Edwards's $732 monthly rent sits comfortably below Crawford ($837) and Cowley ($779), while its $70,500 median home value ranks second-lowest after Decatur's $78,500. This affordability on both fronts makes Edwards attractive for renters and first-time buyers alike.

Ownership costs stay refreshingly low

Edwards renters spend 16.3% of their $53,792 income on $732 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate just 11.5% to $515 monthly costs. This dramatic gap—the survey's most favorable owner-to-renter ratio—reflects Edwards's exceptional home affordability and low ownership burdens.

Most attainable homeownership option

Edwards County delivers Kansas's lowest monthly ownership costs ($515) and second-lowest home values ($70,500), making it unbeatable for buyers seeking to minimize housing expenses. If building equity quickly matters more than urban amenities, Edwards outperforms every surveyed county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Edwards County

via IncomeByCounty

Edwards trails national income

Edwards County's median household income of $53,792 falls 28% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap reflecting rural economic headwinds. However, per capita income of $32,481 suggests relatively balanced earning across the county.

Edwards below Kansas average

At $53,792, Edwards County's median income trails Kansas's state average of $64,428 by $10,636, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $32,481 falls short of the state average of $34,748.

Edwards mid-tier regionally

Edwards County's $53,792 median ranks fourth among these eight counties, above Comanche County ($49,417) and Crawford County ($50,311) but below Cowley County ($58,263). The county sits solidly in the lower-middle range of southwest Kansas.

Rent stays reasonable here

Edwards County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% keeps housing costs manageable, with renters spending roughly one-sixth of household income on housing. Median home values of $70,500 are among the region's most affordable, supporting homeownership access.

Edwards: steady wealth building

Edwards County's affordable housing and moderate income create a stable foundation for gradual wealth accumulation. Residents should automate savings into high-yield accounts, explore agricultural loans or small business opportunities if relevant, and take advantage of employer benefits.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Edwards County

via CrimeByCounty

Safer Than National Figures

Edwards County reports a safety score of 98.3, though its data comes from a single reporting agency. The total crime rate of 1,053.0 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Meeting State Safety Norms

The safety score of 98.3 is slightly better than the Kansas average of 98.0. However, the total crime rate of 1,053.0 is slightly higher than some other rural Kansas counties.

Local Variations in Safety

Edwards experiences a higher crime rate than Comanche's 438.4 per 100K, indicating a unique local risk profile. Because only one agency reports data here, these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

Noting High Violent Crime Ratios

Unusually, violent crime at 702.0 per 100K is reported at a higher rate than property crime at 351.0 per 100K. This violent crime rate is nearly double the national average, though small population numbers can cause rates to fluctuate.

Prioritizing Personal Safety

Given the higher ratio of violent crime reports, personal safety awareness is particularly important. Ensuring your home is well-lit and secure provides peace of mind in this small community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Edwards County

via HealthByCounty

Edwards County Faces a Health Crisis

At 63.6 years, Edwards County residents have a life expectancy more than 15 years below the U.S. average of 78.8—among the lowest in America and a profound public health crisis. With 17.1% reporting poor or fair health, above the national average of 16%, the county faces serious chronic disease burden or mortality drivers requiring urgent investigation.

Kansas's Most Challenged County by Far

Edwards's 63.6-year life expectancy is nearly 12 years below the Kansas state average of 75.4, representing an extraordinary gap that sets the county apart even within Kansas. The 13.6% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.5%, compounding healthcare access problems in an already vulnerable population.

Critical Shortage of Healthcare Providers

Edwards County has no reported primary care or mental health providers available, leaving residents with virtually no local access to medical or behavioral health services. This extreme provider desert forces residents to travel significant distances for any healthcare, creating barriers that may worsen outcomes.

Insurance Gaps Meet Complete Provider Shortage

Edwards's 13.6% uninsured rate—the highest among these eight counties—combined with zero local providers means residents face a dual catastrophe: no insurance to pay for care, and no care available nearby. Even insured residents must travel far for any medical service, delaying treatment and worsening preventable conditions.

Coverage Is Essential—Get Help Now

If you're uninsured in Edwards County, getting coverage through Kansas Medicaid or healthcare.gov is a critical first step, even though local care is limited. Connect with regional health centers or telehealth providers, and work with social services to navigate care in neighboring counties where specialists are available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Edwards County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Tailored Three-School System

Edwards County operates a compact education system of three public schools serving 371 students across two districts. This small-scale infrastructure includes two elementary schools and one high school.

Leading with High Investment

Edwards County invests a significant $10,669 per pupil, well above the state average of $9,009. This investment pays off with a strong 90.0% graduation rate and the highest school score in the region at 61.5.

Kinsley-Offerle and Lewis Districts

Kinsley-Offerle is the primary district, serving 296 students across two schools. The smaller Lewis district serves 75 students, and the county maintains a traditional public system with no charter schools.

Purely Rural Education

All schools in Edwards County are rural, providing an average school size of just 124 students. Kinsley Jr/Sr High is the largest facility with 157 students, while Lewis Elementary offers an even smaller environment with 75 students.

Small Schools, Big Results

If you prioritize high per-pupil spending and top-tier graduation rates, Edwards County is a standout choice. The small class sizes and rural setting provide an ideal environment for personalized student development.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edwards County

via RiskByCounty

Edwards County has minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 17.56, Edwards County ranks Very Low—significantly below the national average. The county experiences minimal exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Edwards County's 17.56 score ranks it in the lowest tier statewide, well below Kansas's county average of 29.89. Few Kansas counties offer lower overall natural disaster risk.

One of the region's safest areas

Edwards County's 17.56 score is comparable to nearby Comanche County (20.23) and Decatur County (11.29). Southwest Kansas offers among the state's lowest natural hazard exposure.

Wildfire presents the main concern

Wildfire risk at 52.48 represents Edwards County's most significant hazard, driven by the county's High Plains grassland and dry conditions. All other hazard categories—tornado (24.75), flood (10.50), and earthquake (15.14)—score substantially lower.

Standard homeowners insurance is sufficient

Edwards County's very low overall risk profile means standard homeowners policies covering basic wind and hail protection provide adequate safety for most residents. Specialized disaster insurance beyond standard coverage is unlikely to be necessary or cost-effective.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Edwards County

via WeatherByCounty

Sunny and Warm Plains

Edwards County averages 55.5°F, staying warmer than the national median. Its 25.9 inches of rain indicates a drier, sun-drenched environment.

Warmer and Drier Than Most

The county is slightly warmer than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. It receives roughly 4 inches less rain than the state average, placing it in a drier tier.

High Heat Relative to North

Edwards experiences 72 days of extreme heat, nearly triple the count of Doniphan. It is slightly cooler on average than its southern neighbor, Comanche.

Ten Weeks of Extreme Heat

Summers are long and hot with 72 days reaching 90°F or more. Winters are cold and dry, featuring 16.2 inches of snow and a 32.1°F January average.

Prioritize Sun and Water

Xeriscaping is ideal for the low 25.9-inch rainfall and high evaporation rates. High-quality sun protection and efficient HVAC are essential for the 72 days of intense heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Edwards County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Average Kansas Soils

Edwards County hits the state average pH exactly at 6.80, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This neutral-to-alkaline profile is typical for the Kansas plains.

Sandy Texture with Fast Drainage

This soil is quite sandy at 47.1%, which is balanced by 36.1% silt and a low 16.8% clay content. The high sand percentage makes the soil easy to till and less likely to stay waterlogged after a storm.

Focus on Soil Amendments

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.60%, and the water capacity of 0.161 in/in is below the 0.180 Kansas mark. Adding compost or organic mulch is essential to boost the fertility of this sandy ground.

Light Soils and Quick Infiltration

Data for specific drainage classes is limited, but the composition suggests rapid water movement. Gardeners should plan for frequent, light watering to keep plants hydrated in these lighter soils.

Drought-Hardy Planting in Zone 6b

Zone 6b is ideal for drought-tolerant natives and many warm-season vegetables. With a little extra care for the soil's organic levels, you can grow a beautiful and productive garden in Edwards County.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Edwards County

via LawnByCounty

Edwards County Meets the Kansas Average

Edwards County earns a 56.6 lawn difficulty score, placing it just slightly below the Kansas average of 59.1. It remains a more manageable environment than the national median score of 50.0 for those in Zone 6b. Maintaining a lawn here is possible but requires a focus on heat and moisture management.

Intense Heat and Dry Air Challenges

With 72 extreme heat days, this county is much hotter than the state average of 58 days. Annual precipitation is low at 25.9 inches, requiring homeowners to be diligent with their watering schedules. The 4,108 growing degree days indicate a robust season that is often limited by water availability.

Sandy Soils Require Careful Watering

The soil pH of 6.80 is nearly perfect, but the high sand content of 47.1% poses a drainage challenge. This sandy texture means water and nutrients leach away quickly, requiring more frequent and lighter irrigation. Adding organic matter like compost is highly recommended to improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Currently Clear of Drought Stress

Edwards County is currently experiencing 0% drought or abnormal dryness, a positive sign for the local landscape. This follows a relatively mild year with only 10 weeks of drought conditions. However, the sandy soil and 72 heat days mean dryness can set in quickly without regular monitoring.

Heat-Tolerant Species are a Must

Bermuda grass and Buffalo grass are the best choices for the sandy, hot conditions in Zone 6b Edwards County. Start your planting projects after the final spring frost on April 20 to ensure roots are deep before July. These species will naturally go dormant when the first frost arrives on October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edwards County's county score?
Edwards County, Kansas has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Edwards County rank among counties in Kansas?
Edwards County ranks #54 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 Edwards County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Edwards County is $1,123, with an effective tax rate of 1.59%. This earns Edwards County a tax score of 9.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edwards County?
The median household income in Edwards County, Kansas is $53,792 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edwards County earns an income score of 22.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edwards County, Kansas a good place to live?
Edwards County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Edwards 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 Edwards 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.