countyscore
27.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 72.3Water Quality 52.1Lawn Care 48.5

County Report Card

About Finney County, Kansas

Significant Room for Growth

Finney County faces challenges with a composite score of 27.2, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects substantial room for improvement in infrastructure and community safety.

Trailing Behind State Peers

The county's overall ranking is much lower than the Kansas average of 49.5. While it struggles in several dimensions, its economic engine remains a unique outlier for the region.

Strong Incomes and Reliable Water

Finney County boasts a robust Income Score of 72.3, fueled by a median household income of $72,437. It also maintains a better-than-average Water Score of 52.1, indicating reliable utility infrastructure.

Safety and Cost Obstacles

The Safety Score is a notable low point at 9.7, indicating high relative crime or accidents. High housing costs also weigh on the profile, with a Cost Score of 27.4 and median rents nearing $1,000.

A Magnet for High Earners

Finney County is best for career-oriented individuals who can take advantage of the high median incomes and don't mind a higher cost of living. It offers an industrial economic strength that few other rural counties can match.

2040608010016.127.49.731.232.472.336.352.141Tax16.1Cost27.4Safety9.7Health31.2Schools32.4Income72.3Risk36.3Water52.1Weather4127.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Finney County DNA

Foverall

How Finney County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Finney County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (9.7/100), though Income (72.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.1-35.9
Cost
27.4-20.6
Safety
9.7-45.3
Health
31.2-18.8
Schools
32.4-21.6
Income
72.3+21.299999999999997
Risk
36.3-10.700000000000003
Water
52.1
Weather
41-15
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Many homeowners in Finney 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

$191,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$991/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$191,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,437/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.9

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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52.6
Kearny County
Kansas
44.7
Lane County
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58.8
Scott County
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Haskell County
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Hodgeman County
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Grant County
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Wichita County
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Deep Dives

Finney County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Finney County

via TaxByCounty

Finney County just below national average

Finney County's 1.430% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 2.690%, placing the county in the bottom 40% nationally. The $2,733 median property tax nearly matches the national median of $2,690, making Finney County a surprisingly affordable option despite higher home values.

Below Kansas average with solid rates

At 1.430%, Finney County undercuts the Kansas state average of 1.549% by 0.119 percentage points, ranking among the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median property tax of $2,733 exceeds the state median of $1,943, reflecting Finney's higher home values rather than aggressive taxation.

Competitive rates in western Kansas

Finney County's 1.430% rate compares favorably to Ford County (1.650%) and Elk County (1.988%), though Ellis County's 1.223% offers a steeper discount. Among high-value property regions, Finney County delivers competitive tax efficiency.

Finney County home costs $2,733 yearly tax

On Finney County's median home value of $191,100, the estimated annual property tax is $2,733, rising to $2,966 when mortgage interest deductions apply. This represents fair value for a county with above-average home prices and below-average tax rates.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Even in tax-efficient counties, roughly 20% of properties carry inflated assessments, and Finney County residents should verify their valuation against recent comparable sales. Appealing an overassessment could reduce your annual liability by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Finney County

via CostByCounty

Finney County rents track near national pace

At 16.4%, Finney County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the Kansas state average of 14.7% but remains manageable compared to national trends. With $991 monthly rents and a $72,437 median household income—higher than most Kansas peers—residents maintain moderate affordability despite regional price pressures.

Finney ranks mid-range for Kansas affordability

Finney County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above the Kansas average, reflecting its role as a regional economic hub. Rents at $991/month exceed the state median by $204, though higher local incomes of $72,437 partially offset the pressure.

Finney among the region's priciest

Finney County's $991 rent is the highest in its peer group, surpassing Ford County ($960), Franklin County ($949), and Ellis County ($899) by $40-92 monthly. Home values of $191,100 rank midway—above Ellsworth ($116,300) but below Ellis ($211,100)—reflecting Finney's agricultural and industrial economy.

Higher incomes support elevated costs

Renters allocate 16.4% of income to housing, while homeowners pay $1,082 monthly—elevated but sustainable given the $72,437 median income. Finney County residents earn among the highest incomes in rural Kansas, which provides a buffer against regional rent increases.

Finney County for higher-wage workers

Finney County suits professionals and skilled workers whose incomes align with the $72,437 median—especially those in agriculture or manufacturing. Compare affordability to Ford County (lower rents at $960) or Ellis County (similar pricing) to find your best fit in southwest Kansas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Finney County

via IncomeByCounty

Finney nearly matches national income

Finney County's median household income of $72,437 sits just $2,318 below the national median of $74,755. This performance ranks Finney among the strongest-earning counties in rural Kansas and well above most national peers.

Top earner in Kansas counties

At $72,437, Finney County ranks among the highest median household incomes in Kansas, exceeding the state average of $64,428 by roughly $8,000. Finney's 12% advantage reflects a robust agricultural and business economy.

Top earner among regional peers

Finney County ($72,437) leads this eight-county cluster, outearning all neighbors including Ford ($70,495), Franklin ($72,142)—which trails by $295—and Ellsworth ($66,792). Only Franklin comes close, but Finney remains the regional income leader.

Moderate housing costs relative to income

Finney County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing expenses, though median home values of $191,100 are elevated. Residents maintain solid affordability compared to national benchmarks while building equity in a strong market.

Leverage strong income for wealth

Finney County's above-national income opens real opportunities for aggressive savings and investment strategies. With moderate housing costs, residents can maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build generational wealth faster than most rural Kansas communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Finney County

via CrimeByCounty

Finney County crime rates exceed national averages

Finney County reports a total crime rate of 2,817.7 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a safety score of 95.6 out of 100. This score suggests that relative safety remains high even with elevated reporting levels.

Public safety trends lag behind state averages

The county's safety score of 95.6 sits below the Kansas state average of 98.0. Additionally, the total crime rate of 2,817.7 is more than double the state average of 1,282.2. Four agencies are actively working to address these higher-than-average crime statistics.

Regional activity spikes compared to Kansas peers

Finney County's crime rate of 2,817.7 per 100,000 represents a significant departure from the state average of 1,282.2. This higher activity level is common for regional hubs that serve large populations and industrial centers. Law enforcement remains focused on managing the complexities of this more active environment.

Property crime accounts for most local incidents

The property crime rate stands at 2,280.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 536.8, compared to the state average of 235.9. These numbers indicate that residents are more likely to encounter property theft than personal violence.

Focusing on theft prevention in Finney County

High property crime rates make alarm systems and secure deadbolts essential for local homeowners. Locking vehicles and removing valuables from plain sight can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic. Coordinated efforts with the four local reporting agencies can help drive down these crime rates over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Finney County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Town Education System

Finney County manages a significant infrastructure of 23 public schools across 2 districts, serving 8,215 students. The county features a heavy concentration of early education with 13 elementary schools, alongside 5 middle schools and 4 high schools. This extensive network reflects the county's role as a major population center in Western Kansas.

Efficient Spending and Solid Outcomes

Finney County maintains an 85.8% graduation rate, nearly matching the national average of 87%. The school score of 51.3 reflects a system working with efficient resources, as per-pupil spending of $6,978 is well below the state average of $9,009. Despite lower funding, the county continues to produce thousands of graduates annually.

Garden City's Dominant Educational Presence

The Garden City school district is the regional heavyweight, serving 7,233 students across 18 separate schools. The Holcomb district provides a smaller alternative, managing 5 schools for 982 students. No charter schools operate in the area, with 100% of students attending traditional public schools.

Diverse Campus Sizes in Town

The county features 15 town-based schools and 8 rural campuses, with an average school size of 357 students. Garden City High School is a massive facility for the region with 1,973 students, while Jennie Wilson Elementary serves a substantial 800 students. The variety of school sizes allows for both large-scale opportunities and smaller community focuses.

Join a Vibrant Educational Community

For families seeking a robust district with extensive extracurricular and athletic opportunities, Finney County is a top choice. Garden City's large school system provides resources and scale that few other Kansas counties can match. Look for a home near these diverse schools to tap into a high-energy learning environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Finney County

via RiskByCounty

Finney County faces above-average disaster risk

Finney County's composite risk score of 63.74 and Relatively Low rating indicate significantly elevated hazard exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The county experiences roughly double the national baseline risk across combined disaster types.

Among Kansas's higher-risk counties

At 63.74, Finney County substantially exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking in the state's riskier half for natural disasters. Only a handful of Kansas counties face greater combined hazard exposure.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Finney County's elevated score stands well above neighboring Gray, Haskell, and Kearny counties across multiple hazard categories. The county's southwestern plains location concentrates tornado and wildfire threats.

Tornadoes pose the greatest danger

Tornado risk scores 76.88—Finney County's dominant threat and substantially above state norms. Wildfire exposure at 46.44 and flood risk at 37.75 complete the county's hazard profile, making a multi-hazard protection strategy essential.

Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended

Finney County residents should prioritize robust homeowners insurance with dedicated tornado coverage and a safe room or shelter. Adding wildfire and flood riders provides critical protection given the county's elevated exposure across multiple hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Finney County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Record in Finney County

Finney County earns a C grade with 6 health violations over the 5-year lookback period. Its violation rate of 13.7 per 100K is exceptionally low compared to the state average of 313.4.

Watershed Health Assessment Still Pending

Federal §303(d) assessments do not yet cover the water bodies within Finney County. These resources are currently outside the scope of the latest impairment reporting cycle.

Active PFAS and Organics Monitoring

One monitoring site has recorded 231 measurements over the last 5 years, focusing heavily on organics and PFAS. These readings provide critical data on metals and perfluorinated substances in the local environment.

Arkansas River Flow Completely Stalled

The Arkansas River at Garden City reports 0 cfs, a complete stall compared to its 139 cfs long-term mean. This total lack of flow highlights extreme hydrological stress in the 27,071-square-mile drainage area.

Stay Informed on PFAS Trends

Although compliance is relatively strong, the presence of PFAS in monitoring records suggests residents should stay informed about chemical testing. The dry riverbed also signals a high reliance on groundwater sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Finney County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Conditions on the High Plains

Finney County is quite dry, receiving only 19.8 inches of rain compared to higher national averages. Its 54.5°F average temperature sits near the national median for continental climates.

One of Kansas's Driest Counties

The county is significantly drier than the state average of 30.3 inches, receiving over 10 inches less rain annually. Its temperature is just slightly cooler than the 54.8°F state average.

Sharing the Heat with Ford County

Finney matches Ford County with 71 days of extreme heat annually. However, it receives slightly more snow at 17.8 inches compared to Ford's 16.8 inches.

Dry Heat and Chilly Winters

Residents endure 71 days of 90°F+ temperatures, yet winter brings a notable 17.8 inches of snow. July temperatures average 78.7°F, while the winter average stays cold at 32.7°F.

Prioritize Water Conservation

Moisture conservation is critical given the low 19.8-inch annual precipitation. Plan for high energy use during the 71 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Finney County

via SoilByCounty

Arid Alkaline Soils of the West

Finney County features highly alkaline soil with a pH of 7.47, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. These conditions are typical for western Kansas but contribute to a lower soil score of 33.6. Growers must often manage for mineral availability in these high-pH environments.

Sandy Texture Promotes Fast Drainage

With 41.0% sand and 38.5% silt, these soils are much coarser than the state average. The clay content is low at 20.5%, meaning the earth is easy to work but struggles to hold onto water and nutrients. This sandy profile requires careful management of irrigation and fertilizer.

Limited Natural Reserves and Moisture

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.43%, trailing the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity is also below average at 0.166 in/in, making the land more susceptible to drought. Adding compost or manure is a vital strategy for improving these western soils.

Rapid Water Movement and Irrigation Needs

The high sand content suggests rapid drainage, which helps prevent root rot but increases the need for frequent watering. Without specific drainage class data, growers should assume water moves quickly through the profile. This makes the area heavily dependent on the Ogallala Aquifer for consistent production.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6b

In Zone 6b, Finney County is best suited for resilient crops like grain sorghum, corn, and alfalfa. Gardeners should focus on heat-tolerant varieties and consider using mulch to preserve soil moisture. Despite the challenges, these soils produce high yields when given proper care and water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Finney County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Semi-Arid Conditions in Finney

Finney County scores 48.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more challenging places in Kansas to maintain turf. This score falls below both the national median and the state average of 59.1. Success in Hardiness Zone 6b requires a dedicated focus on water conservation and heat-tolerant species.

Extreme Heat and Limited Natural Rainfall

With only 19.8 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive far less than the 30-50 inches considered ideal. The county also endures 71 days of extreme heat over 90°F, well above the Kansas average of 58 days. These conditions create a high-evaporation environment that puts significant stress on traditional green lawns.

Sandy Alkaline Soils Need Amendment

The soil pH of 7.47 is alkaline, which may require acidic fertilizers or sulfur to optimize nutrient uptake. A high sand content of 41.0% means water drains away quickly, though specific drainage class data is unavailable. To improve water retention, consider adding organic matter like compost to the topsoil.

Smart Watering in a Dry Climate

Finney County saw 10 weeks of drought over the past year, though current levels are at 0%. Given the low annual rainfall, using drought-hardy native grasses is the most sustainable way to keep a yard looking good. Grouping plants by water need and using drip irrigation for landscape beds can save significant resources.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Success

Buffalograss and Bermuda grass are the best performers for this Zone 6b heat and low moisture profile. Plan your planting for late April once the frost risk passes after April 28. While the conditions are tough, choosing the right species will ensure your lawn survives the Western Kansas summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Finney County's county score?
Finney County, Kansas has a composite county score of 27.2 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 Finney County rank among counties in Kansas?
Finney County ranks #104 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 Finney County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Finney County is $2,733, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Finney County a tax score of 16.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Finney County?
The median household income in Finney County, Kansas is $72,437 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Finney County earns an income score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Finney County, Kansas a good place to live?
Finney County scores 27.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #104 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Finney 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 Finney 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.