countyscore
26.3
County Score
Soil Quality 69.7Lawn Care 69.4Disaster Risk 59.4

County Report Card

About Geary County, Kansas

Struggling Against National Benchmarks

Geary County scores 26.3, placing it in the lower tier of counties across the nation compared to the 50.0 median. Significant investment in public safety and affordability would be needed to bridge this gap.

Well Below State Average

The county's score of 26.3 is nearly 23 points lower than the Kansas state average of 49.5. This makes it one of the more challenging environments in the state for overall livability.

Moderate Risk and Water Stability

The county finds its strengths in a Risk Score of 59.4 and a Water Score of 41.7. These metrics indicate a relatively stable environment regarding natural disasters and utility reliability.

High Costs and Low Safety

Geary County faces a very low Safety Score of 11.4 and a Cost Score of 18.9. High median rents of $1,119 per month make it one of the least affordable places to live relative to local income.

Best for Temporary or Service Staff

Geary County often suits those tied to the local service economy or military presence who require reliable utilities. Residents should prepare for higher housing costs and lower safety scores than found in neighboring counties.

Score breakdown

Tax11.2Cost18.9Safety11.4Health43.1Schools36Income31.2Risk59.4Water41.7Weather49.5
🏛11.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Dickinson County
Kansas
47.7
Riley County
Kansas
34.7
Clay County
Kansas
46.5
Morris County
Kansas
51.3
Pottawatomie County
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Wabaunsee County
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Ottawa County
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Saline County
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Deep Dives

Geary County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Geary County

via TaxByCounty

Geary County tax rate just below U.S. average

Geary County's 1.538% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 2.690%, placing the county in the bottom 45% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The $2,537 median property tax is slightly below the national median of $2,690, providing relative relief on above-average home values.

Nearly matches Kansas state average

Geary County's 1.538% effective rate nearly mirrors Kansas's state average of 1.549%, making it a representative Kansas county by tax burden. The $2,537 median tax modestly exceeds the state median of $1,943, reflecting Geary County's above-average home values.

Solid mid-range rates compared to region

Geary County's 1.538% rate positions it between Ellis County's 1.223% and Ford County's 1.650%, making it competitive regionally. Ellsworth County (1.518%) offers nearly identical rates for comparison.

Geary County homeowners pay $2,537 yearly

On Geary County's median home value of $165,000, property owners owe approximately $2,537 annually in property tax, or $2,817 with mortgage interest deductions included. This represents fair taxation for a county with moderately above-average property values.

Challenge assessments if property values fell

Roughly 20% of Kansas properties are overassessed, and Geary County homeowners should verify their assessment against recent market sales in their neighborhood. Filing an appeal is free and could result in significant annual tax savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Geary County

via CostByCounty

Geary County faces significant affordability stress

At 23.4%, Geary County's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds both the national standard and Kansas state average of 14.7%—a critical warning sign. Renters pay $1,119 monthly on just a $57,344 median household income, placing severe housing burden on local residents.

Kansas's least affordable rental market

Geary County ranks at the bottom of Kansas for housing affordability, with a 23.4% rent-to-income ratio—nearly 10 percentage points above the state average. At $1,119/month, rents are 42% higher than the Kansas median of $787, despite local incomes lagging state benchmarks.

Geary County rents dramatically higher

Geary County's $1,119 rent is by far the region's highest, exceeding Ellis County ($899) by $220 and Finney County ($991) by $128 monthly. This extreme gap reflects Geary's proximity to Fort Riley military base, which drives both demand and pricing up substantially.

Housing consumes excessive income share

Renters spend 23.4% of income on rent alone—well above the sustainable 30% threshold when combined with utilities and other costs. Homeowners fare similarly poorly at $1,202 monthly, creating a dual affordability crisis across both rental and owned housing.

Geary County demands careful financial planning

Geary County's extreme affordability stress makes it prohibitive for budget-conscious movers—housing costs consume nearly a quarter of income. If military connection or other factors require relocation here, expect to prioritize housing budgets and compare carefully to adjacent, more affordable counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Geary County

via IncomeByCounty

Geary County significantly below national

Geary County's median household income of $57,344 falls $17,411 short of the national median of $74,755. This 23% gap reflects serious income pressures, making Geary one of the lowest-earning counties in this analysis.

Lowest income county in Kansas

At $57,344, Geary County ranks among the lowest median household incomes in Kansas, trailing the state average of $64,428 by $7,084. The county's 11% disadvantage signals economic challenges requiring targeted investment and development.

Lowest earner in regional cluster

Geary County ($57,344) ranks last among the eight-county comparison, trailing even Elk County ($56,087) by roughly $1,267. The county faces the steepest income headwinds among its regional peers.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Geary County's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio represents significant housing cost burden, far exceeding the healthy 28% threshold. With median home values at $165,000, residents stretch limited incomes to afford shelter, leaving less for savings and investments.

Prioritize basic financial security first

Geary County residents should focus on building emergency savings and managing debt before pursuing complex investments. Seek financial counseling, explore employer benefits like 401(k)s, and plan incremental wealth building as income stabilizes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Geary County

via CrimeByCounty

Geary County crime rates exceed national averages

Geary County reports a total crime rate of 2,662.2 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county still manages a safety score of 95.8. Law enforcement agencies face unique challenges given the county's transient population and location.

Safety score falls below the Kansas average

The safety score of 95.8 is lower than the Kansas state average of 98.0. Furthermore, the total crime rate of 2,662.2 is more than double the state average of 1,282.2. Three agencies work within the county to address these elevated crime figures.

Crime activity higher than typical Kansas counties

Geary County's crime rate of 2,662.2 is notably higher than the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. This increase often correlates with its proximity to major highways and military installations. The community relies on three reporting agencies to provide data and maintain public order.

Violent crime rates are high in Geary County

The violent crime rate of 667.6 per 100,000 is nearly triple the state average of 235.9 and well above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high at 1,994.6, though it stays just below the national average of 2,015.7. These statistics highlight a significant need for personal safety awareness.

Taking proactive steps for personal and home safety

Given the elevated violent and property crime rates, residents should consider comprehensive security systems for their homes. Keeping a high level of situational awareness and participating in community watch programs can improve overall safety. Collaborating with local law enforcement is key to reducing these rates and protecting property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Geary County

via HealthByCounty

Geary County faces critical longevity crisis

At 72.7 years, Geary County has the lowest life expectancy among all Kansas counties analyzed—a full 7.3 years below the U.S. average of 80. While its 19.3% poor/fair health rate is not the worst, the severe life expectancy gap signals acute mortality drivers requiring urgent investigation.

Geary County ranked lowest in Kansas

Geary County's 72.7-year life expectancy is 2.7 years below the Kansas average of 75.4 and the lowest in the state among all counties analyzed. This exceptional gap warrants public health investigation into mortality causes—violence, suicide, substance abuse, or chronic disease—in the county.

Geary County health crisis stands alone

Geary County's 72.7-year life expectancy is 3.4 years below Ellsworth County (76.7) and 6.3 years below Ellis County (79.0), representing a severe outlier in the region. No neighboring county approaches this mortality profile, suggesting Geary faces distinct, severe public health challenges.

Low uninsured rate masks deeper issues

Geary County's 8.4% uninsured rate is the second-lowest statewide, yet with 39 primary care and 419 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health density in the analysis—coverage alone is not solving the mortality crisis. This suggests structural health, behavioral, or violence-related drivers beyond insurance barriers.

Coverage plus community action needed

Geary County needs both strong insurance (check Healthcare.gov and Kansas DHCF) and community investment in mental health, violence prevention, and substance abuse services. If you're struggling with mental health or substance use, reach out to Geary County's abundant mental health providers—they're there to help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Geary County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified Education in Junction City

Geary County operates 14 public schools through a single unified school district, serving 7,096 students. The infrastructure is heavily focused on early learning with 11 elementary schools, supported by 2 middle schools and 1 large high school. This centralized system provides a consistent educational experience across the entire county.

Focused on Growth and Efficiency

The county manages an 85.0% graduation rate, which sits slightly below the state average of 88.7%. With a composite school score of 51.6, the district operates on a per-pupil expenditure of $7,345. This investment is lower than the state average, highlighting the district's focus on cost-effective education for a large student body.

One Unified District for All

Geary County Schools is the sole provider for the region, managing all 15 schools (including specialized programs) for over 7,300 students. This single-district model simplifies administration and ensures that resources are shared across all Junction City and Fort Riley schools. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a strong public focus.

Town Atmosphere with Significant Scale

Ten schools are located in town settings, resulting in a bustling average school size of 507 students. Junction City Sr High is the largest facility with 1,657 students, while several elementary schools like Ware Elem serve over 600 students. The locale is highly influenced by its town centers and the presence of the military community.

Home Seekers Welcome in Junction City

Families looking for a large-scale, unified school system will find Geary County an ideal fit. The centralized district ensures consistent quality and diverse program offerings from elementary through high school. Explore homes in Junction City to be part of a community that supports its large student population.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Geary County

via RiskByCounty

Geary County sits above national risk baseline

Geary County's composite risk score of 40.59 and Very Low rating indicate moderately elevated hazard exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. Residents experience roughly 40% more combined disaster risk than the national average.

Moderately above Kansas average

At 40.59, Geary County exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the state's middle-to-upper range of disaster risk. Many Kansas counties face greater exposure, while several have lower risk profiles.

Similar risk to neighboring counties

Geary County's profile aligns with adjacent Morris and Chase counties, though tornado exposure is notably higher here. The county's central location balances multiple hazard types comparably to surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and wildfires are dominant threats

Tornado risk scores 81.27 and wildfire exposure reaches 81.97, making these Geary County's principal natural disaster concerns. Flooding at 40.78 presents secondary risk, while earthquakes and hurricanes pose minimal danger.

Invest in strong tornado and wildfire defense

Geary County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with robust tornado coverage and a certified safe room or shelter. Adding wildfire protection strengthens overall safety against the county's dominant hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Geary County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Heartland Climate

Geary County's average temperature of 54.7°F is right in line with the national median. It receives 32.9 inches of annual precipitation, typical for a continental interior.

Aligned with State Weather Norms

The county's 54.7°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the state average of 54.8°F. Precipitation is slightly higher than the state norm of 30.3 inches.

Consistent with Central Kansas Trends

Geary sees 46 days of extreme heat, which is very similar to Franklin County's 47 days. It is notably wetter than western counties like Gove or Finney.

Cold Winters and Toasty Julys

Summer includes 46 days hitting 90°F or more, with a July average of 79.0°F. Winter is chilly, averaging 31.7°F from December through February.

Insulate for Winter and Cool for Summer

Focus on home insulation to manage the 31.7°F winter average. While snowfall data is limited, residents should prepare for several weeks of freezing January temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Geary County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Flint Hills

Geary County features an excellent average pH of 6.63, nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it one of the most versatile counties for plant nutrition. With a soil score of 69.7, Geary County significantly outperforms the state average of 55.4.

High Silt Content for Prime Quality

The soil contains 55.6% silt, 24.6% clay, and 19.8% sand. This high silt percentage provides a silky texture that is fertile and relatively easy for roots to penetrate. It strikes a great balance between the drainage of sand and the nutrient capacity of clay.

Top-Tier Organic Matter and Water Storage

At 2.70%, Geary County has some of the highest organic matter in the state, far exceeding the 2.22% average. The available water capacity is also high at 0.191 in/in. These factors create a very resilient soil that can support intense agricultural and horticultural production.

Efficient Water Management for Local Growers

Specific drainage class data is missing, but the high organic matter and balanced texture suggest healthy water infiltration. The soil's ability to hold 0.191 inches of water per inch of soil helps mitigate runoff during storms. This makes Geary County a reliable location for both farming and construction.

A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 6b

The favorable soil conditions in Zone 6b allow for a thriving range of garden vegetables and native tallgrasses. From heirloom tomatoes to lush pastures, everything seems to grow better in these high-scoring soils. Grab a shovel and start planting in some of Kansas's best earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Geary County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Conditions for Geary County Turf

Geary County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 69.4, placing it well above the Kansas average of 59.1. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers some of the most favorable conditions in the state for maintaining a healthy yard. Local homeowners find it much easier to keep grass green here than the national median suggests.

Ideal Rainfall and Low Thermal Stress

With 32.9 inches of annual precipitation, Geary County meets the ideal 30-50 inch threshold for most grass species. The county only experiences 46 extreme heat days, the lowest in this group and significantly below the state average of 58. These factors lead to a much more predictable and manageable mowing and watering schedule.

Balanced Soil Chemisty for Prime Growth

The soil pH of 6.63 is nearly perfect for turf, sitting right in the middle of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The texture is a mix of 24.6% clay and 19.8% sand, which supports excellent root development and moisture retention. While specific drainage data is unavailable, this balanced profile is generally very forgiving for standard lawn care.

Resilient Landscapes with Moderate Watering

The area experienced only 9 weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports 0% drought status. Because heat days are relatively low at 46 per year, your lawn is less likely to enter heat-induced dormancy. Focus on deep watering once or twice a week to maintain the lushness supported by your 32.9 inches of rain.

Early Spring Planting Recommended

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the primary recommendations for this Zone 6b climate. You can safely start your lawn projects after the last frost on April 12, giving you a head start compared to neighboring counties. The favorable soil pH and moderate climate make Geary County a gardener's dream.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Geary County's county score?
Geary County, Kansas has a composite county score of 26.3 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 Geary County rank among counties in Kansas?
Geary County ranks #105 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 Geary County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Geary County is $2,537, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Geary County a tax score of 11.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Geary County?
The median household income in Geary County, Kansas is $57,344 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Geary County earns an income score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Geary County, Kansas a good place to live?
Geary County scores 26.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #105 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Geary 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 Geary County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.