CountyScore

Ellsworth County

Kansas · KS

#26 in Kansas
69.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Ellsworth County, Kansas

Ellsworth County Leads Regionally

Ellsworth County's 67.5 composite score surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 35%, marking it among the stronger counties in the nation. This performance reflects solid fundamentals across economic and housing measures.

Above-Average Kansas Performer

With a score of 67.5, Ellsworth County ranks above Kansas's 66.0 average, placing it in the state's upper third. This modest but meaningful advantage makes it one of Kansas's more livable counties.

Balanced Income and Affordability

Ellsworth County's income score of 27.0 is the highest among these eight counties, backed by a median household income of $66,792. Add a cost score of 83.6 with median homes at $116,300 and rents at $705/month, and you get genuine balance.

Taxes Moderate, Data Limited

The tax score of 59.6 (effective rate 1.518%) is respectable but not exceptional compared to peers. Safety, health, schools, and water data gaps prevent a complete livability assessment.

Best for Balanced-Income Families

Ellsworth County suits working families and middle-income professionals seeking a stable, affordable Kansas home with reasonable earning potential. It delivers the county's best combination of income and cost of living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.6Cost83.6SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27Risk84.9WaterComing Soon
🏛59.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡84.9
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 Ellsworth County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
69.7
Median income: $64,000
Chicot County
Arkansas
69.7
Median income: $39,683
Elbert County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $129,477
Park County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $95,450
Franklin County
Georgia
69.7
Median income: $52,264

Deep Dives

Ellsworth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ellsworth County

via TaxByCounty

Ellsworth County slightly below national norm

Ellsworth County's effective tax rate of 1.518% sits slightly below the national median of 2.690%, placing the county in the bottom 45% nationally. The median property tax of $1,766 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, primarily due to lower home values in the region.

Right at Kansas state average

Ellsworth County's 1.518% effective rate closely mirrors Kansas's state average of 1.549%, making it a middle-ground Kansas county by tax burden. The $1,766 median tax exceeds the state median of $1,943 slightly, reflecting the county's efficient tax structure.

Moderate taxes in competitive region

Ellsworth County's 1.518% rate sits between Ellis County's favorable 1.223% and Elk County's steeper 1.988%, positioning it as a middle option regionally. Ford County (1.650%) and Gove County (1.329%) provide nearby alternatives with different tax profiles.

Median home value nets $1,766 annual tax

On Ellsworth County's median home value of $116,300, property owners pay approximately $1,766 annually, or $1,978 with mortgage interest deductions included. For a county with below-average home values, this represents a reasonable tax burden aligned with state norms.

Appeal your assessment if value has dropped

Roughly 1 in 5 Kansas properties are overassessed, and Ellsworth County homeowners with declining home values or outdated assessments should consider filing an appeal. The county assessor's office can guide you through the process of challenging your valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ellsworth County

via CostByCounty

Ellsworth County balances income and housing

At 12.7%, Ellsworth County's rent-to-income ratio sits below both the national average and Kansas state mean, signaling solid housing affordability. With rents at $705 monthly and a $66,792 median household income—higher than rural peers—residents enjoy a sustainable balance.

Among Kansas's most affordable counties

Ellsworth County ranks well above the Kansas median for affordability, with a 12.7% rent-to-income ratio versus the state average of 14.7%. This advantage comes from both competitive rents ($705/month vs. $787 statewide) and a stronger median household income of $66,792.

Ellsworth offers mid-range pricing

Ellsworth County's $705 rent falls between Elk County's bargain $534 and pricier Ellis County at $899, making it a balanced option. Home values of $116,300 remain moderate compared to Ellis County ($211,100) but exceed Elk County's $60,900, reflecting Ellsworth's stronger economic position.

Manageable housing burden for families

Renters spend 12.7% of income on housing, while homeowners pay $807 monthly—both well within comfortable thresholds. On a $66,792 median income, Ellsworth County households retain substantial purchasing power for savings, childcare, and other priorities.

Ellsworth County suits balanced seekers

Ellsworth County offers a sweet spot: rents are $60 cheaper than Ellis County but still higher than rural options like Elk, and incomes support both renters and homeowners. If you want small-town Kansas without extreme affordability constraints, compare Ellsworth to its pricier neighbors before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ellsworth County

via IncomeByCounty

Ellsworth lags U.S. median slightly

Ellsworth County's median household income of $66,792 falls roughly $8,000 short of the national median of $74,755. This 11% gap is smaller than most rural Kansas counties, positioning Ellsworth as a relatively stronger earner nationwide.

Slightly above Kansas average

At $66,792, Ellsworth County edges ahead of the Kansas state median of $64,428 by about $2,364. This places Ellsworth among the stronger-performing counties statewide, reflecting its more diversified local economy.

Mid-range among eight-county cluster

Ellsworth County ($66,792) trails only Finney ($72,437), Ford ($70,495), and Franklin ($72,142), outearning Gove ($63,203), Ellis ($59,889), Elk ($56,087), and Geary ($57,344). Its position reflects a balanced, stable local economy.

Very affordable housing advantage

Ellsworth County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in Kansas, with median home values at just $116,300. Residents devote minimal income to housing, creating breathing room for savings and investments.

Capitalize on affordable housing

Ellsworth County's affordable housing market positions residents perfectly for wealth building through homeownership or rental savings. Lock in long-term financial security by directing housing savings into retirement accounts and diversified investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ellsworth County

via HealthByCounty

Ellsworth County approaches national health parity

At 76.7 years, Ellsworth County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 80 by just over three years, a modest gap for rural America. With 17.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county is performing near national norms, though room for improvement remains.

Ellsworth ranks solidly above Kansas average

Ellsworth County's 76.7-year life expectancy is 1.3 years above the Kansas state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the better-performing half. The 17.9% poor/fair health rate also beats the typical Kansas county profile.

Ellsworth County holds middle ground regionally

Ellsworth County's 76.7-year life expectancy sits between stronger-performing Ellis County (79.0) and lower-performing Elk County (74.2), reflecting moderate regional health diversity. Its 17.9% poor/fair rate mirrors Elk County's challenges more closely than Ellis County's advantages.

Uninsured rate is lowest in region

At 9.7%, Ellsworth County's uninsured rate is notably lower than the state average of 11.5%, with 32 primary care providers and 32 mental health providers per 100,000. This lower uninsured rate suggests better healthcare access and financial barriers are less severe than in many peers.

Secure coverage for preventive care

With nearly 1 in 10 residents uninsured, check Healthcare.gov and Kansas DHCF programs to ensure you're protected against unexpected health costs. Preventive screenings and early treatment can help Ellsworth County continue climbing health rankings.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ellsworth County

via RiskByCounty

Ellsworth County sits comfortably safe

With a composite risk score of 15.17, Ellsworth County earns a Very Low rating and ranks among America's safest counties for natural disasters. The county's risk profile is roughly half the national average.

One of Kansas's lowest-risk counties

Ellsworth County's 15.17 score falls well below the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it in the state's safest tier. Residents benefit from favorable geographic positioning that protects against most major hazards.

Lower risk than regional peers

Ellsworth County's risk sits notably below surrounding counties like Rush and Barton, with particularly strong advantages in earthquake and flood exposure. The county's central location provides natural protection across multiple hazard types.

Wildfire and tornado are secondary threats

Wildfire risk scores 77.39 and tornado risk reaches 51.27, representing Ellsworth County's principal concerns despite the county's overall low-risk status. Flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes pose minimal danger.

Basic coverage meets most needs

Standard homeowners insurance adequately protects against tornado damage, the county's more likely threat. Given very low flood and earthquake risk, basic policies typically provide sufficient protection for Ellsworth County residents.

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.