countyscore
57.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.3Cost of Living 72.5Safety 67.4

County Report Card

About Gove County, Kansas

Exceeding the National Average

Gove County is a standout with a composite score of 57.3, well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that ranks it among the top performers in the country.

Outperforming Kansas Averages

Gove County significantly beats the Kansas state average of 49.5 with its 57.3 score. This high ranking suggests it is one of the premier locations for livability within the state.

Exceptional Safety and Resilience

The county boasts a near-perfect Risk Score of 95.3 and a strong Safety Score of 67.4. When combined with a Cost Score of 72.5, it represents a safe and highly affordable haven.

Infrastructure and Tax Limitations

A critical challenge is the Water Score of 5.0, indicating significant infrastructure needs. The Tax Score of 19.7 also suggests a higher-than-average local tax burden compared to the most tax-friendly counties.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Gove County is perfect for retirees and families seeking peace of mind and low housing costs. While water infrastructure is a concern, the extreme environmental resilience and high safety scores make it a top-tier choice.

2040608010019.772.567.466.25948.995.3538.7Tax19.7Cost72.5Safety67.4Health66.2Schools59Income48.9Risk95.3Water5Weather38.757.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Gove County DNA

Foverall

How Gove County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gove County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.7-32.3
Cost
72.5+24.5
Safety
67.4+12.400000000000006
Health
66.2+16.200000000000003
Schools
59
Income
48.9
Risk
95.3+48.3
Water
5-53
Weather
38.7-17.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$730/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,203/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Gove County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gove County

via TaxByCounty

Gove County among lowest-tax U.S. counties

Gove County's 1.329% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 30% nationally, well below the national median of 2.690%—a major advantage for property owners. The $1,581 median property tax is only 59% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low rates and lower home values.

Below Kansas average with best-in-class rates

Gove County's 1.329% effective rate substantially undercuts the Kansas state average of 1.549% by 0.220 percentage points, ranking among the state's most tax-friendly counties. The $1,581 median tax falls well below the state median of $1,943, making it exceptionally affordable.

Second-lowest taxes in the region

Gove County's 1.329% rate trails only Ellis County's 1.223% in the region, outpacing Ellsworth (1.518%), Ford (1.650%), and Elk (1.988%) counties significantly. For homeowners prioritizing tax efficiency, Gove County ranks among the region's best choices.

Gove County residents pay just $1,581 yearly

On Gove County's median home value of $119,000, property owners pay approximately $1,581 annually in property tax, or $1,807 with mortgage interest deductions. This represents among the lowest absolute tax burdens in the region.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Gove County residents should not assume their assessments are accurate simply because tax rates are low—roughly 20% of all Kansas properties are overassessed. Request a reassessment if your home's market value has declined or if comparable homes in your area are valued lower.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gove County

via CostByCounty

Gove County offers solid housing affordability

At 13.9%, Gove County's rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and national benchmarks. Renters pay $730 monthly while earning a $63,203 median household income, creating a stable housing foundation.

Among Kansas's most affordable counties

Gove County ranks above-average for affordability statewide, with a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio just shy of the Kansas mean. Rents of $730/month run $57 below the state median, while a solid $63,203 household income supports both renters and homeowners.

Gove County balances quality and cost

Gove County's $730 rent falls between Elk County's bargain $534 and pricier Ellis County at $899, positioning it as a moderate option. Home values of $119,000 align closely with Ellsworth County ($116,300), offering comparable market conditions across northwest Kansas.

Rent and mortgages equally affordable

Renters and homeowners both spend roughly 13.9% of income on housing—at $730/month for both rent and owner costs. This rare parity reflects Gove County's stable, predictable housing market where renting and buying offer equivalent affordability paths.

Gove County suits flexible relocators

Gove County offers one of Kansas's best affordability profiles with balanced rent and ownership costs around $730/month. Whether you're renting temporarily or ready to buy, Gove provides flexibility without sacrificing financial stability—compare it to pricier Ellis County or Geary County before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gove County

via IncomeByCounty

Gove County moderately below national

Gove County's median household income of $63,203 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $11,552. This 15% gap is smaller than most rural Kansas counties, positioning Gove as a relative income performer.

Near Kansas state average

At $63,203, Gove County sits just below the Kansas state average of $64,428, lagging by only $1,225. The county's near-average position reflects a stable, if modest, local economy.

Mid-range among regional peers

Gove County ($63,203) ranks fifth among the eight-county cluster, above Elk ($56,087), Ellis ($59,889), and Geary ($57,344), but below Ellsworth ($66,792), Finney ($72,437), Ford ($70,495), and Franklin ($72,142). Gove represents a balanced middle ground.

Very affordable housing advantage

Gove County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the dataset, with median home values at just $119,000. Residents maintain excellent housing affordability relative to income, enabling meaningful savings.

Build savings through housing equity

Gove County's affordable housing market creates the ideal foundation for wealth building through homeownership and savings. Direct housing cost advantages into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and long-term investments to accelerate financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gove County

via CrimeByCounty

Gove County is one of the safest in the nation

Gove County's total crime rate of 761.4 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance earns the county a top-tier safety score of 98.8. Residents enjoy an environment where serious crime is extremely rare.

Leading Kansas in overall safety and security

The county's safety score of 98.8 easily surpasses the Kansas state average of 98.0. With a crime rate of 761.4, it is significantly lower than the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000. Three reporting agencies maintain this high standard of public safety across the county.

Gove County sets the regional safety benchmark

The total crime rate of 761.4 per 100,000 is far lower than the Kansas average of 1,282.2. Gove County consistently outperforms neighboring areas, offering a peaceful and low-risk living environment. This stability is a hallmark of the county's rural and close-knit community.

Violent and property crimes are significantly low

Violent crime is very rare at 108.8 per 100,000, well below the state average of 235.9. Property crime is similarly low at 652.6, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. These figures indicate that criminal incidents are isolated events rather than frequent occurrences.

Simple precautions maintain Gove's high safety

While crime is minimal, basic measures like locking doors and lighting driveways help preserve the county's safety. Neighbors looking out for one another is the most effective security tool in this low-crime area. Reporting any unusual activity to one of the three local agencies ensures this safe environment continues.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gove County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools in the High Plains

Gove County hosts 6 public schools across 3 small districts, serving a total of 480 students. The landscape consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools. This extremely low student population ensures that every child receives individualized attention in a traditional setting.

Top Scores and High Investment

The county earns a school score of 59.9, outperforming the Kansas state average of 57.2. Educational investment is high at $11,062 per pupil, which is over $2,000 more than the state average. Although the graduation rate is 85.4%, the small cohort sizes mean each student's outcome has a significant impact on these statistics.

Three Districts for 480 Students

Quinter Public Schools is the largest local district, serving 324 students, while Wheatland and Grinnell serve 97 and 59 students respectively. These small districts are the heartbeat of their communities, and there are no charter schools to divide local resources. The three districts ensure that even the smallest towns have their own educational identity.

100% Rural and Very Small

Every school in Gove County is classified as rural, with an incredibly low average school size of just 80 students. Quinter Elementary is the largest at 188 students, while Wheatland High and Grinnell Grade School serve fewer than 40 students each. Attending school here feels like being part of a large family rather than a massive institution.

Experience True Small-Town Education

If you are looking for a place where teachers know every student's name, Gove County is the perfect choice. With school scores beating the state average and high per-pupil spending, these rural districts offer a premium, personalized education. Find a home in Quinter or Grinnell to enjoy a quiet lifestyle with high-quality schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gove County

via RiskByCounty

Gove County is among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 4.77, Gove County earns a Very Low rating and ranks among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. The county's hazard exposure is roughly 85% below the national average.

Kansas's safest county for disasters

At 4.77, Gove County's score ranks far below Kansas's state average of 29.89—by a factor of six. It represents one of the state's most geographically protected areas from natural disaster threats.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Gove County's risk profile is notably lower than all neighboring counties including Logan, Wallace, and Trego, reflecting its distinctive geographic advantages. The county's northwestern plains location provides exceptional natural protection.

Minimal hazard exposure across all types

Wildfire risk scores just 39.25 and tornado risk reaches 24.27—Gove County's most significant (though still quite modest) threats. Flooding at 5.22 and earthquakes at 6.08 are negligible, making overall disaster risk exceptionally low.

Standard insurance provides ample protection

Gove County residents benefit from minimal natural disaster risk, making basic homeowners insurance adequate for most protection needs. The county's exceptional safety profile means residents can focus resources on other priorities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gove County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate in Gove County

Gove County receives an F grade based on 13 health violations over the last 5 years. Its violation rate of 748.8 per 100K is more than double the Kansas state average of 313.4.

Watershed Assessments Not Currently Available

Water bodies in Gove County have not yet been evaluated under federal §303(d) assessment standards. There is currently no official data regarding impairment causes for this area.

No Data in Federal Quality Portal

The federal EPA Water Quality Portal contains no monitoring records or site data for Gove County. This data gap makes it difficult to track specific water quality changes over time.

No Primary Streamgage Active

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Gove County. Without this signal, compliance history remains the primary indicator for local water intelligence.

Test Private Wells Routinely

Given the high violation rate and the lack of monitoring data, residents should consider certified water filtration systems. Testing private wells is particularly important when federal monitoring signals are absent.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gove County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier than Average

Gove County’s 52.4°F average temperature is cooler than the national median. It receives only 22.9 inches of precipitation, characterizing it as a semi-arid region.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

At 52.4°F, the county is 2.4 degrees cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It also receives about 7.4 inches less precipitation than the state average.

Snowier than Most of Kansas

Gove County sees 20.3 inches of snow, which is more than double the snowfall in Elk or Franklin counties. It experiences fewer extreme heat days than its southern neighbor, Finney.

Harsh Winters and Moderate Summers

Winter is cold with 20.3 inches of snow and a 30.6°F average. Summer is relatively mild for Kansas, with 56 days above 90°F and a July average of 77.4°F.

Ready the Snow Shovels

Stock up on snow removal equipment for the significant 20.3-inch annual snowfall. Efficient heating is a priority for the cold 29.1°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gove County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the High Plains

Gove County averages a pH of 7.48, which is much higher than the national median of 6.5. These alkaline conditions are characteristic of the western plains but lead to a lower soil score of 41.9 compared to the state average. Most local plants must be adapted to these high-lime environments.

Silt and Sand Dominance

The soil profile is 50.3% silt and 28.4% sand, with clay making up 20.5%. This creates a friable soil that doesn't hold too much water or become overly sticky. While easy to till, the lack of clay means it has less capacity to store nutrients long-term.

Modest Organic Matter and Water Retention

Organic matter is 1.85%, trailing the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. Available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, which is also slightly below the state average of 0.180. These soils require careful management to stay productive in a semi-arid climate.

Managing Dry-Land Water Needs

The high silt and moderate sand content suggest the soil drains reasonably well after infrequent western rains. There is no specific drainage class data, but the texture indicates water moves fairly easily through the upper layers. This makes the land suitable for dry-land farming techniques like no-till.

Success in Hardiness Zone 6a

Gove County is in Zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle colder winters and dry summers. Wheat, sunflowers, and native buffalo grass are the champions of this landscape. Consider starting a native plant garden that thrives in alkaline soil and requires very little extra water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gove County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Maintenance in Gove County

Gove County sits at a lawn difficulty score of 58.3, which is very close to the Kansas state average of 59.1. As a Hardiness Zone 6a region, it faces cooler winters than its neighbors to the south but remains easier to manage than the national average. Success requires attention to soil alkalinity and moisture levels.

Managing Dry Air and Shorter Growing Seasons

The county receives 22.9 inches of precipitation annually, which is below the ideal range and requires supplemental watering. While it faces 56 extreme heat days—near the state average—it has the lowest growing degree days at 3,542. This shorter growing window means you must maximize the productivity of the spring and fall months.

Strongly Alkaline Soils Require Monitoring

A soil pH of 7.48 is the highest in this group, indicating alkaline conditions that can cause nutrient tie-up. The soil consists of 20.5% clay and 28.4% sand, offering a relatively light texture that benefits from organic additions. Without specific drainage class data, testing for compaction is recommended to ensure water reaches the roots.

High Resilience and Low Drought Impact

Gove County had only 2 weeks in drought over the last year, making it the most resilient in this set against recent dry spells. Currently, 0% of the county is in drought, providing a stable foundation for the upcoming season. Efficient irrigation will still be necessary to combat the low 22.9-inch annual rainfall.

Cold-Hardy Grasses for Zone 6a

Fine fescue and Buffalograss are excellent choices for the cooler 6a climate and alkaline soils of Gove County. Wait until after the last frost on April 24 to begin seeding or sodding for the best results. The low drought frequency gives you a great opportunity to establish a beautiful, sustainable landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gove County's county score?
Gove County, Kansas has a composite county score of 57.3 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 Gove County rank among counties in Kansas?
Gove County ranks #24 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 Gove County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Gove County is $1,581, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Gove County a tax score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gove County?
The median household income in Gove County, Kansas is $63,203 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gove County earns an income score of 48.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gove County, Kansas a good place to live?
Gove County scores 57.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Gove 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 Gove 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.