countyscore
56.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.7Safety 81.1Cost of Living 73.7

County Report Card

About Graham County, Kansas

Beating the National Median

Graham County earns a 56.0 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top half of all counties nationwide for overall livability.

A Strong Performer in Kansas

With a 56.0 score, Graham stands well above the Kansas state average of 49.5. It remains a competitive choice for those seeking the Kansas lifestyle with extra environmental stability.

Safe and Affordable Living

The county excels in environmental safety with a Risk score of 95.7 and a Safety score of 81.1. Residents also benefit from high affordability, as the median home value is just $88,800.

Taxes and Economic Hurdles

The 1.732% effective tax rate results in a low Tax score of 6.4. Water quality scores are also low at 13.0, and the median household income of $52,909 trails behind wealthier regions.

The Ideal Rural Haven

This county is a perfect match for budget-conscious families or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and physical safety. While taxes and water require attention, the extreme affordability makes it a strong rural contender.

Score breakdown

Tax6.4Cost73.7Safety81.1Health58.5Schools59.8Income20.5Risk95.7Water13Weather38.3
🏛6.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.6
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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Deep Dives

Graham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Graham County

via TaxByCounty

Graham County taxes run below national average

Graham County's effective tax rate of 1.732% sits well below the national median effective rate of roughly 0.96%, making it a higher-tax jurisdiction by U.S. standards. However, the median property tax here is $1,538—substantially lower than the national median of $2,690—because homes are valued much less (median $88,800 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Graham ranks slightly above Kansas average

At 1.732%, Graham County's effective rate exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549%, placing it in the upper half of the state's 105 counties. The median tax bill of $1,538 falls below the state median of $1,943, reflecting Graham's lower property values.

Graham vs. neighboring western Kansas counties

Graham County's 1.732% rate is higher than Grant County (1.307%) and Greeley County's 1.910% rate edges slightly ahead. Among this cluster of sparsely populated western counties, Graham sits in the middle range for effective tax burden.

Typical Graham County homeowner pays $1,538 annually

On the county's median home value of $88,800, the effective tax rate of 1.732% translates to an estimated annual property tax of $1,538. Homeowners with a mortgage may pay closer to $1,833 when county and local levies are fully applied.

Many Graham County homeowners are overassessed

Property assessment errors are common across Kansas, and Graham County is no exception. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Graham County

via CostByCounty

Graham rents stretch paychecks

Renters in Graham County spend 16.5% of their income on housing, exceeding the national comfort zone of 12-14%. This means a typical household earning $52,909 annually allocates nearly $9,600 per year to rent alone, compared to the national average of $74,755.

Below Kansas affordability standards

Graham County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the less affordable half of Kansas counties, sitting above the state average of 14.7%. At $726 monthly rent—$61 below the state median—the real squeeze comes from lower incomes that don't align with typical state earnings.

Tighter budgets than nearby counties

Graham's $726 rent is competitive with Harper ($693) and Grant ($696) counties, but Graham residents have $19,575 less in median household income than Grant County ($72,484). Greenwood County offers similar rent ($710) with slightly higher income ($58,276), making it marginally more affordable for renters.

Renting cheaper than owning locally

Monthly rent ($726) and homeowner costs ($718) are nearly identical in Graham County, but renters win on income proportion—16.5% versus an implied higher percentage for owners. Median homes valued at $88,800 suggest affordable entry points, yet the median household income of $52,909 remains the limiting factor across both markets.

Shop around within the region

If you're weighing Graham County against neighbors, compare your income to the 16.5% rent threshold—it may favor Grant or Gray counties if your salary edges higher. Both renting and owning remain modestly priced here, but maximizing income opportunities might tip the affordability balance in your favor.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Graham County

via IncomeByCounty

Graham earns below the national average

Graham County's median household income of $52,909 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $22,000 annually. This places the county in the lower tier nationally, though rural Kansas faces steeper income challenges than many urbanized regions.

Below-average income for Kansas

At $52,909, Graham County ranks in the lower third of Kansas counties, well below the state median of $64,428. The gap of roughly $11,500 reflects both the county's rural character and its dependence on agriculture-related employment.

Among the lowest in the region

Graham's median income significantly lags its southwestern neighbors: Grant County ($72,484), Gray County ($77,885), and Greeley County ($78,819) all earn substantially more. Only Harper County ($55,417) in the region reports comparable income levels.

Housing costs remain manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.5%, Graham County residents allocate a reasonable share of earnings to housing—just above the sustainable 15% threshold. A median home value of $88,800 keeps homeownership relatively accessible despite lower incomes.

Building financial stability matters now

Graham County residents earning $52,909 should prioritize emergency savings and tax-advantaged retirement accounts to weather income volatility. Consider consulting a financial advisor about affordable investment options and employer 401(k) matches that can compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Graham County

via CrimeByCounty

A highly secure national outlier

Graham County earns a safety score of 99.3, placing it well above the majority of American communities. Its total crime rate of 452.7 per 100,000 residents is nearly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the way for Kansas safety

The county's safety score outperforms the Kansas state average of 98.0. With a crime rate of 452.7, it remains far below the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000 residents, marking it as a regional leader in public safety.

A stable regional safety record

Graham maintains a lower crime profile than several of its peers across the Kansas plains. Reports from two local agencies ensure a clear and consistent view of the county's secure environment.

Minimal violent crime incidents

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 370.4 per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains exceptionally rare, occurring at a rate of just 82.3 compared to the national average of 369.8.

Maintaining your high security standard

While Graham is safer than most, basic home security provides essential peace of mind. Investing in outdoor lighting or modern deadbolts helps maintain this high standard of community security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Graham County

via HealthByCounty

Graham County lives longer than average

Graham County residents have a life expectancy of 75.9 years, exceeding the U.S. national average of 76.4 years by a narrow margin. With 14.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national poor/fair health rate of approximately 18%, suggesting residents here enjoy relatively strong health outcomes.

Above-average lifespan for Kansas

At 75.9 years, Graham County's life expectancy surpasses Kansas's state average of 75.4 years. This places the county among the healthier regions in the state, with fewer residents reporting poor or fair health than several of its neighbors.

Graham stands out in northwest Kansas

Graham County's 75.9-year life expectancy exceeds those of neighboring Harper (74.8), Hamilton (74.4), and Greenwood (73.5) counties. With 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Graham offers robust primary care access—nearly double that of Gray County's 18 per 100K.

Steady insurance coverage, solid provider access

Graham County's uninsured rate of 12.1% is just slightly above Kansas's 11.5% state average, suggesting most residents have health coverage. With 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county delivers strong access to routine medical care, though mental health provider data is not currently available.

Find coverage that works for you

Whether you're employed, self-employed, or between jobs, Kansas offers multiple paths to health insurance through the Healthcare.gov marketplace, Medicaid, and private plans. If you're among Graham County's 12.1% uninsured, comparing options now could lower your costs and connect you with care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Graham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Graham County

The county education system serves 419 students through a single consolidated school district. This lean infrastructure includes one elementary school and one high school providing focused coverage for the local community.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

Graham County achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. While per-pupil spending of $8,280 is lower than the state average of $9,009, the county maintains a solid school score of 56.3.

Graham County District Serves All Students

The Graham County school district manages all public education within the county with no charter schools in operation. This unified approach ensures centralized resources for the entire student population of 419.

A Close-Knit Rural Learning Environment

Both schools in the county operate in rural settings with an average school size of 210 students. Hill City Elementary is the larger facility with 223 students, while Hill City Junior-Senior High serves 196 students.

Finding Your Home in Graham County

Families looking for a tight-knit community with a high graduation rate should explore local housing options. Proximity to Hill City schools is a primary factor for many buyers in this rural Kansas county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Graham County

via RiskByCounty

Graham County's Disaster Risk: Well Below National Average

Graham County's composite risk score of 4.33 places it in the very low risk category, far safer than the typical U.S. county. The county faces significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most American communities, making it one of the more resilient places to call home.

Among Kansas's Safest Counties

With a composite risk score of 4.33 compared to Kansas's state average of 29.89, Graham County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in the state. This puts residents well below the typical disaster exposure their fellow Kansans face.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Graham County's score of 4.33 outperforms neighboring counties like Grant County (13.55) and Gray County (36.74), making it one of the safest communities in the region. Only Greeley County and Hamilton County rival Graham's low-risk profile in western Kansas.

Wildfire and Tornado Watch Your Biggest Concerns

Wildfire risk scores 33.02 and tornado risk reaches 24.62 in Graham County—your two primary natural hazards to monitor. Even so, both threats remain well below the state average, reflecting the county's overall resilience to natural disasters.

Standard Coverage Protects Your Investment

While Graham County's low risk profile means you're safer than most, basic homeowners and renters insurance remains essential to cover unexpected losses from fire or severe weather. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage for wildfire and wind damage, the county's main exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Graham County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate in the High Plains

Graham County maintains an average annual temperature of 53.1°F, sitting slightly below the national median of roughly 55°F. The region operates as a semi-arid climate, receiving just 22.8 inches of precipitation annually compared to the much wetter eastern United States.

Cooler Than the Kansas Average

With an annual average of 53.1°F, Graham County ranks as one of the cooler jurisdictions in Kansas compared to the state average of 54.8°F. It receives nearly 8 inches less precipitation than the state typical of 30.3 inches, marking it as part of the drier western corridor.

Drier and Cooler Than Eastern Neighbors

Graham County is significantly drier than Greenwood County, which sees 39.1 inches of rain. While neighboring Greeley County to the west is even cooler at 52.4°F, Graham remains more temperate than southern counties like Harper.

Sixty-Six Days of Extreme Heat

Summers are intense with 66 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 78.8°F. Winters provide a sharp contrast, averaging 30.8°F and delivering 19.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

Residents need high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 49-degree swing between January and July averages. Heavy-duty winter gear is essential for the 19.3 inches of snow, while hydration is critical during the two months of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Graham County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in Graham County

Graham County soils average a pH of 7.27, making them significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited here, these levels are common across the High Plains. Gardeners may need to monitor pH levels for acid-loving plants.

A Silt-Dominant Texture Mix

The soil contains 49.3% silt, 31.3% sand, and 19.4% clay. This high silt content ensures the ground is easy to work while maintaining a decent structure. It strikes a functional balance between drainage and stability.

Strong Water Capacity Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.82%, trailing both the Kansas average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in exceeds the state average. This helps crops survive during the dry cycles common to the region.

Managing Water in Central Kansas

Specific drainage class data is limited for this area, but the county's soil score of 46.7 reflects some environmental challenges. Proper irrigation management is vital given the alkaline profile. Local testing is recommended before starting significant drainage-sensitive projects.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6a

With a 6a hardiness rating, Graham County is well-suited for winter wheat and hardy native grasses. Home gardeners can succeed with sunflowers, squash, and drought-tolerant perennials. The soil's water retention provides a solid foundation for a productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Graham County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Graham County's Tough Growing Environment

Graham County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.6, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While it sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, maintaining a lush lawn here is more challenging than the Kansas state average of 59.1. Residents must contend with conditions that favor hardy, drought-tolerant species over delicate turf.

Scant Rainfall and Intense Summer Heat

The county receives just 22.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly lower than the 30-50 inches lawns typically require to thrive. With 66 extreme heat days above 90°F each year, the 3727 growing degree days indicate a rapid growing season that demands vigilant watering. Mowing schedules must adjust for the 29.4°F January lows and the high 78.8°F July averages.

Alkaline Soils Require Careful Monitoring

The soil pH in Graham County averages 7.27, which is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. The ground contains roughly 19.4% clay and 31.3% sand, providing a stable foundation that may benefit from organic amendments to improve nutrient availability. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the sand content suggests a moderate risk of rapid moisture loss.

Navigating Extended Periods of Water Scarcity

Lawns here face significant pressure, having spent 21 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Currently, 27.6% of the county is classified as abnormally dry, making water conservation a top priority for homeowners. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass roots grow deeper and better withstand these dry spells.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Zone 6a

Tall fescue and buffalo grass are excellent choices for Graham County’s climate and alkaline soil. You should aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 29 or before the first fall frost on October 14. These dates provide a reliable window to establish a resilient lawn before the extreme temperatures take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Graham County's county score?
Graham County, Kansas has a composite county score of 56.1 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 Graham County rank among counties in Kansas?
Graham County ranks #30 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 Graham County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Graham County is $1,538, with an effective tax rate of 1.73%. This earns Graham County a tax score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Graham County?
The median household income in Graham County, Kansas is $52,909 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Graham County earns an income score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Graham County, Kansas a good place to live?
Graham County scores 56.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Graham 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 Graham 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.