countyscore
43.3
County Score
Schools 72.5Health 71.5Disaster Risk 67.3

County Report Card

About Ellis County, Kansas

Trailing National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 43.3, Ellis County sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates there are opportunities for improvement to match the overall livability standards seen across the broader United States.

Below the Kansas Baseline

Ellis County's overall score lags behind the Kansas state average of 49.5. Despite this, the county offers specific high-performing sectors that differentiate it from its neighbors.

Top-Tier Health and Education

The county excels in social services, boasting a School Score of 72.5 and a Health Score of 71.5. These numbers reflect a strong local infrastructure for wellness and high academic standards for resident families.

Safety and Cost Concerns

Public safety is a primary concern with a Safety Score of 21.5, while a Cost Score of 32.8 points to higher-than-average local expenses. Median gross rents reach $899, which is relatively high for this region of the state.

A Choice for Education-Minded Families

Ellis County is best suited for families who prioritize access to quality schools and healthcare over local safety rankings. The tradeoff involves higher housing costs, but the institutional strengths provide a solid foundation for long-term residency.

2040608010024.632.821.571.572.538.767.340.943.3Tax24.6Cost32.8Safety21.5Health71.5Schools72.5Income38.7Risk67.3Water40.9Weather43.343.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Ellis County DNA

Foverall

How Ellis County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ellis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (71.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (21.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.6-27.4
Cost
32.8-15.200000000000003
Safety
21.5-33.5
Health
71.5+21.5
Schools
72.5+18.5
Income
38.7-12.299999999999997
Risk
67.3+20.299999999999997
Water
40.9-17.1
Weather
43.3-12.700000000000003
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Many homeowners in Ellis County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$211,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$899/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$211,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,889/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.7

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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Nearby counties

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42.7
Trego County
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Rooks County
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53.9
Russell County
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Osborne County
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Graham County
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Ness County
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Barton County
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Deep Dives

Ellis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ellis County

via TaxByCounty

Ellis County's tax rate is lowest in Kansas

Ellis County's 1.223% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 30% nationally, well below the national median of 2.690%—a substantial advantage for property owners. At just $2,582 in median annual property tax, the county charges less than the national median of $2,690 despite having higher home values.

Ellis County ranks lowest among Kansas counties

Ellis County's 1.223% effective rate is the lowest in the entire state, undercutting Kansas's state average of 1.549% by 0.326 percentage points. This makes Ellis County the most tax-friendly county in Kansas by this measure.

Clear tax advantage over region

Ellis County's 1.223% rate beats every neighboring comparison county, including Gove (1.329%), Ellsworth (1.518%), and Elk (1.988%). Regional homeowners seeking the lowest tax burden should look closely at Ellis County's significantly favorable positioning.

Higher-value homes, minimal tax liability

On Ellis County's median home value of $211,100, homeowners pay just $2,582 annually in property tax—a remarkably low figure for a home of that value. With the mortgage interest deduction, that liability rises only slightly to $2,620.

Even low-tax counties see assessment errors

Ellis County residents should not assume accurate assessments simply because rates are low—roughly 20% of all properties statewide are overassessed regardless of local tax climate. An independent home valuation can reveal whether you're among those eligible for an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ellis County

via CostByCounty

Ellis County housing strains local wallets

At 18.0%, Ellis County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard and signals moderate affordability stress compared to the U.S. average. Renters here pay $899 monthly on a $59,889 median household income, eating into budgets faster than national trends suggest.

Among Kansas's pricier rental markets

Ellis County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it among the state's more expensive counties for renters. At $899/month, rents run $112 above the Kansas median, while local incomes lag the state trajectory.

Ellis County rents significantly higher

Ellis County's $899 rent exceeds nearby Ellsworth ($705) and Gove ($730) by $170-195 monthly, though it remains competitive with Finney County ($991). The median home value of $211,100 is notably elevated—over three times Elk County's $60,900 and reflective of Ellis's regional economic center status.

Rent and mortgages both above trend

Renters allocate 18.0% of income to housing, while homeowners pay $1,101 monthly—pushing the combined affordability envelope. On a $59,889 median income, Ellis County households face steeper housing costs than many Kansas peers, leaving less flexibility for other expenses.

Ellis County demands careful budget planning

If relocating to Ellis County appeals for employment or family reasons, plan for tighter housing affordability than rural Kansas alternatives like Elk County or Gove County. The higher home values ($211,100 median) and rents ($899/month) reflect regional amenities—but compare your income to local benchmarks first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ellis County

via IncomeByCounty

Ellis County income trails nation

Ellis County's median household income of $59,889 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $15,000 annually. This 20% gap reflects the broader income pressures in rural Kansas, though Ellis County performs better than many Great Plains peers.

Below Kansas state average

Ellis County's $59,889 median household income ranks below the Kansas state average of $64,428. The county ranks among lower-income Kansas counties, lagging the state by approximately 7% despite having a strong per capita income of $37,575.

Mixed performance among regional peers

Ellis County ($59,889) outpaces Elk County ($56,087) and Geary County ($57,344), but trails Ellsworth ($66,792), Finney ($72,437), Ford ($70,495), Franklin ($72,142), and Gove ($63,203) counties. Ellis County sits in the lower-middle tier of this eight-county comparison.

Rising housing costs strain budgets

Ellis County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio signals growing housing pressure, though still below the 28% affordability threshold. With median home values reaching $211,100—triple the state average—homeownership requires careful financial planning in Ellis County.

Prioritize savings amid housing costs

Ellis County residents should focus on building emergency reserves before stretching toward homeownership. With strong per capita income ($37,575) available, strategic savings and investment plans can position families for long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ellis County

via CrimeByCounty

Ellis County crime rates remain below national figures

Ellis County sees a total crime rate of 2,022.8 per 100,000, which stays well under the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.8 out of 100 for its overall performance. Local officials monitor these trends closely to maintain the area's relative security.

Safety score trails the Kansas state average

The county's safety score of 96.8 falls slightly behind the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 2,022.8 is higher than the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. Five reporting agencies work across the county to address these local challenges.

Local crime activity exceeds state-level benchmarks

With a total crime rate of 2,022.8, Ellis County experiences more activity than the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. However, it maintains a safer profile than several larger Kansas hubs that exceed national crime thresholds. The presence of five different reporting agencies ensures high data visibility for the community.

Violent crime rates exceed state and national averages

The violent crime rate in Ellis County stands at 418.4 per 100,000, surpassing the national average of 369.8 and the state average of 235.9. Property crimes account for the majority of incidents at 1,604.4 per 100,000. These figures suggest that while total crime is moderate, personal safety incidents require continued community attention.

Vigilance helps protect Ellis County households

Given the property crime rate of 1,604.4, installing motion-activated cameras can effectively deter potential intruders. Residents should also focus on securing high-value equipment and vehicles, which are common targets for theft. Community watch programs remain a vital tool for supporting local law enforcement agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ellis County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Education Hub

Ellis County supports a diverse educational landscape with 11 public schools across 3 distinct districts. The system includes 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 3 high schools, serving a total enrollment of 4,006 students. This infrastructure positions the county as a significant academic center for the surrounding region.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county boasts an impressive 91.5% graduation rate, which beats both the Kansas average of 88.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a composite school score of 59.9, Ellis County performs better than the state average of 57.2. Spending remains efficient at $9,570 per pupil, slightly above the state average of $9,009.

Hays District Serves the Majority

The Hays school district is the largest in the county by far, overseeing 7 schools and 3,380 students. Smaller neighboring districts include Ellis with 342 students and Victoria with 284 students. No charter schools are active in the county, meaning all public education is delivered through these three traditional districts.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Reach

Seven schools are located in town settings while four serve rural areas, offering a mix of community vibes. Hays High is the largest facility with 959 students, while elementary schools like Roosevelt average around 385 students. The average school size across the county is 364 students, providing a balanced scale for learning.

Relocate to a High-Performing Community

With graduation rates exceeding 91%, Ellis County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. Whether you prefer the town amenities of Hays or the quiet of Victoria, the local schools offer consistent quality. Look for your next home here to benefit from some of the best educational outcomes in Kansas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ellis County

via RiskByCounty

Ellis County matches national safety baseline

Ellis County's composite risk score of 32.70 earns a Very Low rating and sits just slightly above the national average, indicating moderate but manageable disaster risk. Residents face typical hazards for a rural Great Plains county.

Slightly above Kansas average for risk

At 32.70, Ellis County edges above Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the middle range of the state's 105 counties. The difference is modest—many Kansas counties face greater combined hazard exposure.

Comparable risk to surrounding counties

Ellis County's profile closely mirrors that of nearby Trego and Graham counties, with tornado and wildfire presenting shared regional threats. Flood risk remains moderate across this central Kansas region.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate hazard mix

Tornado risk scores 57.63 and wildfire risk reaches 60.69, making these Ellis County's primary natural disaster concerns. Flooding presents secondary risk at 34.45, while earthquake and hurricane dangers remain negligible.

Standard homeowners policy covers tornadoes

A comprehensive homeowners insurance policy protects against tornado damage, while considering a wildfire rider provides additional coverage for brush fires. Given moderate flooding risk, reviewing flood insurance eligibility is prudent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ellis County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Despite Grade F

Ellis County holds an F grade despite having only 8 health violations over the last 5 years. However, its violation rate of 30.7 per 100K remains significantly lower than the Kansas state average of 313.4.

Pending Clean Water Act Assessments

Local water bodies are not yet included in the federal §303(d) assessment framework. No impairment data is available for the current reporting cycle.

No Federal Monitoring Records Available

There are currently no monitoring records for Ellis County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This absence of data makes it difficult to assess specific contaminant levels over time.

Smoky Hill River Reaches Critical Lows

The Smoky Hill River at Pfeifer shows a critical low flow of 1 cfs, representing only 4% of its 31 cfs long-term mean. This suggests extremely dry conditions across the 6,033-square-mile watershed.

Monitor Water Reports During Extreme Low Flow

While the violation rate is low, the F grade warrants attention to local water quality reports and potential contaminants. Drastically low streamflow can impact the quality of water available for treatment and distribution.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ellis County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Temperatures with Semi-Arid Skies

Ellis County averages 55.0°F annually, placing it right near the national median for temperature. However, its 24.7 inches of annual precipitation is lower than many eastern U.S. regions.

Matching the Kansas Temperature Average

The county’s annual temperature of 55.0°F nearly mirrors the statewide average of 54.8°F. It is notably drier than the state average, receiving about 5.6 inches less rainfall than typical.

Drier and Hotter than Eastern Neighbors

Ellis County experiences 70 days of extreme heat, significantly more than the 47 days seen in Franklin County. It serves as a transition point between the humid east and the high plains.

Intense Summer Heat and Moderate Snow

July is sweltering with an average of 79.8°F and 70 days hitting at least 90°F. Winter brings 14.1 inches of snowfall to help balance the relatively dry 24.7-inch annual precipitation.

Focus on Drought Resistance

Drought-tolerant landscaping is vital for this dry climate and its 70 days of extreme heat. Ensure HVAC systems are serviced early to handle the long, hot summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ellis County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth Defines Ellis County

Ellis County soils have an average pH of 7.38, placing them well above the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is common for central Kansas but requires attention when growing acid-loving plants. The overall soil score of 46.1 indicates more challenging growing conditions compared to the state average of 55.4.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The soil mix contains 51.3% silt and 24.3% sand, balanced by 23.4% clay. This blend offers a stable physical structure that is easier to work than heavier clay soils. The balanced texture provides a decent environment for root penetration and air circulation.

Managing Lean Organic Content

At 1.93%, the organic matter content falls below both the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is slightly higher than the state average of 0.180. These soils hold moisture well despite having less natural decomposed material.

Stable Hydrology for Western Plains

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the moderate sand and silt levels suggest reliable drainage for most agricultural uses. The soil captures the region's limited rainfall effectively thanks to its competitive water capacity. Builders should still verify local site conditions before starting large foundations.

Hardy Crops Thrive in Zone 6b

Located in Zone 6b, Ellis County is well-suited for drought-tolerant species like sunflowers and sorghum. Gardeners can find success with native prairie grasses and tough perennials that tolerate alkaline conditions. This is the perfect environment to try water-wise landscaping or xeriscaping.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ellis County

via LawnByCounty

Ellis County Lawns Face Regional Challenges

At 51.7, the lawn difficulty score here is slightly above the national median but falls behind the Kansas state average of 59.1. Maintaining a lawn in Hardiness Zone 6b requires more active management than in the eastern parts of the state. You will need to compensate for local environmental stressors to keep turf green.

High Heat and Limited Annual Rainfall

Ellis County receives only 24.7 inches of rain annually, which is below the 30-inch ideal threshold for most standard turf. With 70 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F, lawns face more thermal stress than the state average of 58 days. These factors necessitate a strict irrigation schedule to prevent summer dormancy.

Alkaline Soils Require Careful Management

The soil pH of 7.38 is slightly alkaline, which can sometimes limit the availability of micronutrients like iron. The soil composition is balanced at 23.4% clay and 24.3% sand. Because specific drainage data is limited, homeowners should test their soil to determine if sulfur applications are needed to lower the pH.

Efficient Water Use is Key to Success

Despite having 7 weeks in drought over the last year, current conditions show 0% of the county in drought status. Using mulching mowers can help retain soil moisture and protect roots from the 70 days of extreme heat. Focus on evening or early morning watering to minimize evaporation loss.

Target Late April for Spring Planting

Buffalograss is a drought-tolerant native option that thrives in Zone 6b, though tall fescue remains a popular cool-season choice. Wait until the final spring frost around April 25 before starting any new seeding projects. With the right grass selection, you can build a resilient Ellis County landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ellis County's county score?
Ellis County, Kansas has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Ellis County rank among counties in Kansas?
Ellis County ranks #76 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 Ellis County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Ellis County is $2,582, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Ellis County a tax score of 24.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ellis County?
The median household income in Ellis County, Kansas is $59,889 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ellis County earns an income score of 38.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ellis County, Kansas a good place to live?
Ellis County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Ellis 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 Ellis 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.