CountyScore

Elk County

Kansas · KS

#67 in Kansas
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Elk County, Kansas

Elk County Beats National Average

With a composite score of 65.1, Elk County outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of counties nationwide. This 30% advantage reflects a county that delivers measurable livability for residents seeking affordable living without sacrificing quality of life.

Just Below Kansas Average

Elk County's 65.1 score sits slightly below Kansas's average of 66.0, ranking it around the middle tier of the state's counties. While not a top performer statewide, it remains a solid choice for those prioritizing Kansas living.

Affordability Is the Real Win

Elk County shines in cost of living, posting a score of 90.5—among the best in the state. With median home values at just $60,900 and rents at $534/month, this county delivers exceptional affordability for budget-conscious families and first-time homebuyers.

Income Lags, Data Gaps Remain

At 20.0, the income score is the county's weakest dimension, with median household income of $56,087 trailing state comparisons. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data remain unavailable, limiting a full picture of livability factors.

Perfect for Affordability Seekers

Elk County suits retirees, young professionals, and families prioritizing low cost of living over high incomes. If you want to stretch your dollar in rural Kansas, this county delivers genuine value.

Score breakdown

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

Tax46.3Cost90.5SafetyComing SoonHealth63.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome20Risk85.4WaterComing Soon
🏛46.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.4
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 Elk County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Columbia County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $55,070
Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Jackson County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $85,012
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407

Deep Dives

Elk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Elk County

via TaxByCounty

Elk County taxes well below national average

Elk County's effective tax rate of 1.988% significantly undercuts the national median of 2.690%, placing the county in the bottom 40% nationally—meaning most U.S. counties charge more to property owners. The county's median property tax of $1,211 is less than half the national median of $2,690, a direct result of lower home values and tax rates combined.

Above-average Kansas tax burden

At 1.988%, Elk County's effective rate exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549% by 0.439 percentage points, ranking it among the higher-taxing counties statewide. The county's median tax of $1,211 falls below the state median of $1,943, reflecting Elk County's lower home values rather than its tax structure.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Elk County's 1.988% rate tops nearby Ellis County (1.223%) and Gove County (1.329%), making it the priciest in the region. Compared to Ellsworth County (1.518%) and Ford County (1.650%), Elk County still carries a notably steeper tax burden on residents.

Typical Elk County homeowner pays $1,211 yearly

On the county's median home value of $60,900, property owners owe an estimated annual tax of $1,211 without mortgage interest deductions, or $1,372 with them. That's significantly lower than national medians in absolute dollars, but relatively high for Kansas when accounting for local property values.

Many homeowners eligible for tax relief

Research shows that up to 20% of property owners are overassessed relative to current market values, making them eligible for formal appeals that could lower their tax bills. Elk County residents with recent home appraisals or declining neighborhood values should consider filing an assessment challenge with the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elk County

via CostByCounty

Elk County rents remain remarkably affordable

At 11.4%, Elk County's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly 3 percentage points below the national benchmark and ranks among Kansas's most affordable rental markets. Residents here spend roughly $534 monthly on rent, well below the national trajectory while earning a median of $56,087—proving that lower incomes don't necessarily mean housing stress in rural Kansas.

Best rental affordability in Kansas

Elk County ranks at the top of Kansas for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 11.4% compared to the state average of 14.7%. This advantage stems from both modest rents ($534/month vs. $787 statewide) and a cost-of-living ecosystem that matches local wages.

Elk County outpaces regional peers

Elk County's $534 monthly rent is the lowest among its peers, undercutting Ellsworth County ($705), Gove County ($730), and Ellsworth County by $100-200 monthly. Even homebuyers find stability here: the median home value of $60,900 is less than half that of neighboring Ellis County ($211,100).

Housing takes modest slice of income

Renters dedicate 11.4% of income to rent ($534/month), while homeowners pay $567 monthly—both comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Combined with a $56,087 median household income, Elk County residents have room to build savings and manage unexpected expenses.

Remote workers, consider Elk County

If you're weighing rural Kansas options, Elk County offers the state's most affordable housing foundation. Compare this stability to pricier neighbors like Ellis County (rent-to-income: 18.0%) or Geary County (23.4%)—your paycheck stretches further here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elk County

via IncomeByCounty

Elk County lags national income

Elk County's median household income of $56,087 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $19,000 annually. This 25% gap places Elk County among lower-income counties nationwide, reflecting the economic challenges facing rural Kansas communities.

Below average for Kansas

At $56,087, Elk County's median household income ranks below Kansas's state average of $64,428. The county's income sits roughly 13% below the state median, indicating economic strain relative to peer Kansas communities.

Struggling versus neighboring counties

Elk County earns significantly less than nearby Ellsworth County ($66,792) and Gove County ($63,203). Only Geary County ($57,344) in this regional cluster earns comparably, but Elk County remains the second-lowest earner among its neighbors.

Housing remains affordable here

Elk County's 11.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the most affordable in the dataset, well below the national healthy threshold of 28%. With median home values at just $60,900, Elk County residents spend minimal income on housing, leaving room for other essentials.

Build wealth despite lower earnings

With affordable housing, Elk County residents have a genuine opportunity to save and invest. Consider directing housing savings into retirement accounts or emergency funds—every dollar counts toward long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Elk County

via HealthByCounty

Elk County trails national health benchmarks

At 74.2 years, Elk County's life expectancy falls 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 80 years, signaling persistent health challenges. One in five residents report poor or fair health, exceeding national norms and suggesting significant chronic disease burden in the county.

Kansas ranks Elk County below state average

Elk County's 74.2-year life expectancy is 1.2 years lower than Kansas's 75.4-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 20.4% poor/fair health rate also exceeds Kansas's typical profile, indicating localized health disparities.

Elk County health lags regional peers

Compared to nearby Ellsworth County (76.7 years) and Franklin County (75.0 years), Elk County residents face notably shorter lifespans. The 20.4% poor/fair health rate is highest among its immediate neighbors, reflecting concentrated health vulnerabilities.

Healthcare access remains stretched

Elk County's uninsured rate of 12.5% exceeds the state average of 11.5%, meaning roughly one in eight residents lack coverage. With 41 primary care providers per 100,000, the county has adequate but not abundant physician capacity for routine care.

Explore coverage options now

If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact Kansas DHCF to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and community health programs tailored to your income. Taking action today can connect you to preventive care and reduce long-term health costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elk County

via RiskByCounty

Elk County sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 14.60, Elk County ranks as Very Low for natural disasters—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This means residents face substantially fewer threats from flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes combined.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Elk County's score of 14.60 places it well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents enjoy considerably better odds than their neighbors across much of the state.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Compared to adjacent counties like Woodson and Chase, Elk County's risk profile is notably lower across nearly all hazard types. Its 14.60 composite score reflects a genuinely protective geographic position in southeast Kansas.

Wildfire and tornado are top concerns

Wildfire risk scores 91.70 and tornado risk reaches 37.98—both are Elk County's most significant threats, though tornado exposure remains well-managed. Flooding and earthquakes pose minimal danger, with scores of 17.81 and 19.18 respectively.

Basic coverage protects against main risks

Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, while wildfire-specific riders provide added peace of mind given the county's elevated brush fire exposure. Given your low overall risk profile, basic coverage meets most residents' needs.

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.