countyscore
33.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 63.7Schools 52.3Lawn Care 49.5

County Report Card

About Ford County, Kansas

Well Below National Standards

Ford County’s composite score of 33.1 sits well below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county faces more livability challenges than the average American community.

Lower Than the Kansas Average

At 33.1, Ford County underperforms compared to the Kansas state average of 49.5. However, its strong middle-class income levels provide a solid base for resident spending power.

Economic Stability and Education

The county’s greatest asset is its Income Score of 67.6, supported by a respectable median household income of $70,495. A School Score of 52.3 also indicates that education remains a prioritized community pillar.

Taxation and Safety Hurdles

High taxes are a burden here, with a Tax Score of 8.4 and an effective rate of 1.650%. Safety also presents a challenge, as seen in the low score of 19.3 compared to state neighbors.

Suitable for Working Families

Ford County is a practical choice for workforce families who value steady income and decent schools. Residents must be prepared for a higher tax environment and lower safety rankings in exchange for local job opportunities.

2040608010010.143.319.329.652.363.748.321.446.5Tax10.1Cost43.3Safety19.3Health29.6Schools52.3Income63.7Risk48.3Water21.4Weather46.533.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Ford County DNA

Foverall

How Ford County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ford County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (10.1/100), though Income (63.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.1-41.9
Cost
43.3
Safety
19.3-35.7
Health
29.6-20.4
Schools
52.3
Income
63.7+12.700000000000003
Risk
48.3
Water
21.4-36.6
Weather
46.5-9.5
Sponsored

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Many homeowners in Ford County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$151,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,010/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$151,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,781/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.6

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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Counties with similar scores

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Warren County
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Essex County
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San Bernardino County
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Nearby counties

Hodgeman County
Kansas
56.2
Gray County
Kansas
51.6
Clark County
Kansas
49
Kiowa County
Kansas
58.9
Edwards County
Kansas
50.1
Meade County
Kansas
53.2
Pawnee County
Kansas
48.3
Comanche County
Kansas
58.3

Deep Dives

Ford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ford County

via TaxByCounty

Ford County well below national tax rates

Ford County's 1.650% effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.690%, placing the county in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. At $2,190 in median property tax, Ford County charges less than the national median of $2,690 despite having moderately valued homes.

Above Kansas average, but still favorable

Ford County's 1.650% effective rate exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549% by 0.101 percentage points, placing it in the higher tier statewide. The $2,190 median tax is well below the state median of $1,943, a gap explained by Ford County's higher-valued properties.

Mid-range rates in western Kansas region

Ford County's 1.650% rate falls between Ellis County's 1.223% low and Elk County's 1.988% high, making it a solid middle option regionally. Compared to similarly situated Finney County (1.430%), Ford County carries a modestly higher burden.

Ford County homeowners pay $2,190 annually

On Ford County's median home value of $132,700, property owners owe approximately $2,190 per year, or $2,629 with mortgage interest deductions factored in. This represents a reasonable tax expense for the region's property values.

Many Ford County assessments may be high

Studies show roughly 20% of Kansas properties are overassessed, and Ford County homeowners should request a reassessment if their home's market value has declined. Filing an appeal with supporting evidence of comparable sales could result in substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ford County

via IncomeByCounty

Ford County income nearly matches nation

Ford County's median household income of $70,495 falls about $4,260 short of the national median of $74,755. This 6% gap is among the smallest in rural Kansas, positioning Ford as a relative income success story.

Top earner in Kansas

At $70,495, Ford County ranks among the highest-earning counties in Kansas, surpassing the state average of $64,428 by $6,067. Ford's 9% advantage reflects a strong regional economy driven by agriculture and local business.

Among regional income leaders

Ford County ($70,495) ranks second in this eight-county cluster, trailing only Finney ($72,437) by just $1,942. Ford's strong performance places it ahead of Franklin ($72,142)—which it nearly matches—and all other neighbors.

Modest housing cost burden

Ford County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio reflects reasonable housing affordability, though median home values of $132,700 represent substantial assets. Households maintain healthy budgets while building equity in properties.

Strong income supports long-term planning

Ford County residents enjoy near-national income levels, enabling robust financial planning beyond basics. Establish diversified investment portfolios, maximize retirement savings, and consider real estate investments to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ford County

via CrimeByCounty

Ford County maintains safety below national crime levels

Ford County reports a total crime rate of 2,110.4 per 100,000, staying below the national average of 2,385.5. The county carries a safety score of 96.7 out of 100. Local law enforcement works effectively to manage safety in this busy agricultural and industrial hub.

Safety metrics trail the Kansas state average

The county's safety score of 96.7 is lower than the Kansas state average of 98.0. At 2,110.4 crimes per 100,000, Ford County's crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,282.2. Five reporting agencies provide the data necessary to track and combat these trends.

Ford County crime outpaces many Kansas neighbors

Ford County's total crime rate of 2,110.4 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the state average of 1,282.2. While it remains safer than the nation as a whole, it experiences more frequent incidents than the state's most rural counties. This activity often aligns with the county's role as a major regional trade center.

Property and violent crimes exceed state norms

Property crimes make up 1,753.8 of the local crime rate, while violent crime sits at 356.6 per 100,000. Both categories are higher than the Kansas averages of 1,282.2 (total) and 235.9 (violent). These rates highlight the ongoing challenge of managing safety in a high-density regional center.

Enhancing security for Ford County residents

With a property crime rate of 1,753.8, residents should prioritize home security systems and visible signage to deter theft. Simple habits like locking all entry points and using smart lighting can make a major difference in safety. Five local agencies are available to help residents develop better security strategies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Low Rainfall

Ford County’s 55.9°F average temperature is warmer than the national median. It is a dry region, receiving only 23.2 inches of precipitation annually.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

At 55.9°F, Ford County is more than a degree warmer than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. It remains drier than the state average, which typically sees 30.3 inches of rain.

Consistently Hot in Western Kansas

The county experiences 71 days of extreme heat, far outpacing the 56 days seen in neighboring Gove County. Its 23.2 inches of rain is typical for the western third of the state.

Intense Sun and Snowy Winters

July is the hottest month with an 80.1°F average and frequent 90°F+ days. Despite the heat, the county still sees a significant 16.8 inches of snow during the winter months.

Prepare for Extreme Temperature Swings

Ensure home cooling systems can handle 71 days of extreme heat. Winterize vehicles and homes for the 16.8 inches of snow and sub-freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ford County

via SoilByCounty

High pH Soils in the High Plains

Ford County averages a pH of 7.25, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.80. The county's soil score of 42.8 reflects the semi-arid environment of southwest Kansas. These soils often require specific management to make phosphorus and iron available to plants.

A Sandy and Silty Blend

The soil contains 39.2% sand and 40.7% silt, creating a light texture that doesn't easily crust. Clay makes up only 20.1% of the profile, which is lower than many eastern counties. This mix allows for easy tilling but reduces the soil's ability to lock in nutrients over the long term.

Lower Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter stands at 1.69%, which is less than the state average of 2.22%. Similarly, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is below the state benchmark of 0.180. These numbers indicate that the soil requires supplemental inputs to maintain high productivity.

Well-Drained Ground for Western Farming

With a high sand percentage, Ford County soils generally drain well, reducing the risk of waterlogged fields. While specific hydrologic data is not provided, the coarse texture is characteristic of the High Plains landscape. This drainage profile is excellent for preventing salt buildup but requires efficient irrigation.

Tough Plants for a Zone 6b Climate

Hardiness Zone 6b supports winter wheat, cotton, and various types of milo. For home gardeners, raised beds with added organic material can bypass the lean native soil. Planting windbreaks and using drip irrigation will help your garden thrive in the Dodge City area.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ford County

via LawnByCounty

High Effort Required for Ford County Lawns

A lawn difficulty score of 49.5 indicates that growing turf here is more demanding than in most of Kansas. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 6b, the county faces environmental hurdles that fall below the state’s 59.1 average score. Homeowners must be proactive with irrigation and soil management to maintain healthy grass.

Arid Climate and Intense Summer Sun

Ford County receives 23.2 inches of rain annually, which is significantly lower than the 30-inch ideal for lawns. The area faces 71 days of extreme heat, far exceeding the state average of 58 days. The 4,220 growing degree days mean a long season of growth, but only if you can provide enough water to keep pace.

Managing Sandy and Alkaline Soil Profiles

The soil pH is 7.25, placing it on the alkaline side of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With a high sand content of 39.2% and 20.1% clay, the soil likely drains quickly, requiring more frequent watering during heat waves. Although specific drainage data is missing, the high sand percentage suggests a need for moisture-retaining amendments.

Current Dryness Requires Careful Monitoring

About 1.8% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and the region spent 10 weeks in drought over the last year. Focus on deep-root watering techniques to prepare your turf for the 71 days of high heat it will face. Utilizing xeriscaping for non-essential areas can help focus your water budget on the main lawn.

Wait for Warm Soil in Late April

Bermuda grass and Buffalograss are the most resilient choices for Ford County's climate and Zone 6b rating. Aim to start your projects after April 21 when the threat of spring frost typically ends. Selecting these heat-tolerant varieties is the most effective way to combat the local weather extremes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ford County's county score?
Ford County, Kansas has a composite county score of 33.5 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 Ford County rank among counties in Kansas?
Ford County ranks #99 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 Ford County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Ford County is $2,300, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Ford County a tax score of 10.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ford County?
The median household income in Ford County, Kansas is $70,781 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ford County earns an income score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ford County, Kansas a good place to live?
Ford County scores 33.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Ford 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 Ford County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.