countyscore
52.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.5Schools 78.4Safety 64.8

County Report Card

About Gray County, Kansas

Above the National Average

Gray County earns a 52.6 composite score, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that tracks closely with the typical American experience.

A Top Choice in Kansas

Gray's overall score of 52.6 is significantly higher than the Kansas average of 49.5. This makes it a top-tier option for residents prioritizing local economic strength.

Economic and Educational Success

Local schools are a highlight with a School score of 78.4, and the Income score of 81.5 reflects a robust $77,885 median household income. These factors indicate a prosperous and family-friendly community.

Managing Resources and Costs

Water resource management is a significant hurdle, evidenced by a very low Water score of 3.8. Additionally, the Tax score of 16.9 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.409%.

Great for Family Careers

This county suits career-focused families who value high-performing schools and strong local wages. Prospective residents should just be mindful of the regional water challenges.

2040608010016.948.864.850.678.481.563.33.844.1Tax16.9Cost48.8Safety64.8Health50.6Schools78.4Income81.5Risk63.3Water3.8Weather44.152.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Gray County DNA

Foverall

How Gray County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gray County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.9-35.1
Cost
48.8
Safety
64.8+9.799999999999997
Health
50.6
Schools
78.4+24.400000000000006
Income
81.5+30.5
Risk
63.3+16.299999999999997
Water
3.8-54.2
Weather
44.1-11.899999999999999
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Many homeowners in Gray 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

$174,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$833/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,885/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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Nearby counties

Finney County
Kansas
27.2
Ford County
Kansas
33.1
Haskell County
Kansas
50.3
Meade County
Kansas
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Hodgeman County
Kansas
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Seward County
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Lane County
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Clark County
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49

Deep Dives

Gray County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gray County

via TaxByCounty

Gray County taxes align close to national average

Gray County's effective rate of 1.409% sits above the national median of roughly 0.96%, reflecting higher-than-average tax burden by U.S. standards. The median property tax of $2,461 approaches the national median of $2,690, making Gray one of the most expensive Kansas counties for tax purposes relative to home values.

Gray County ranks above Kansas average

At 1.409%, Gray County's effective rate exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549%, placing it slightly below the state median. The median tax bill of $2,461 is notably higher than the state median of $1,943, signaling above-average tax burden within Kansas.

Gray County has higher taxes than nearby counties

Gray's 1.409% rate tops Grant County (1.307%) and trails Greeley County (1.910%) and Graham County (1.732%). Gray's median tax of $2,461 is the highest among these western Kansas neighbors, reflecting both moderate property values and comparatively high rates.

Gray County median home costs $2,461 in taxes

On a median home value of $174,700, Gray County's 1.409% effective rate produces an estimated annual tax bill of $2,461. Homeowners with mortgages may see the bill rise to approximately $2,730 due to additional local levies.

Gray County homeowners should challenge overassessments

With above-average tax rates in the region, Gray County homeowners have extra incentive to verify their assessed values. Filing an appeal with the county assessor if your assessment seems high could deliver meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gray County

via CostByCounty

Gray County balances income and housing

Gray County residents enjoy a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio, nestled comfortably within the national affordability sweet spot of 12-14%. With a median household income of $77,885—above the national average of $74,755—renters here allocate roughly $9,600 annually to housing.

Above-average affordability statewide

At 12.8%, Gray County's rent-to-income ratio beats Kansas's state average of 14.7%, reflecting both higher-than-typical incomes and moderate rental costs. This positions the county as one of Kansas's more livable markets.

Premium rents, premium incomes

Gray County's $833 monthly rent is the highest among western Kansas peers, but its $77,885 median income is also the strongest, keeping the ratio competitive. Grant County offers cheaper rent ($696) with lower income ($72,484), while Greeley County splits the difference at $915 rent and $78,819 income.

Renting and owning fairly balanced

Monthly rent ($833) and homeowner costs ($885) are closely matched, both consuming roughly 12.8% and 13.6% of income respectively. Homes value at $174,700—the highest among western Kansas counties surveyed—reflecting stronger equity-building potential for local buyers.

Best fit for income-secure households

Gray County rewards those with steady, above-average incomes—its strong rent-to-income ratio depends on the $77,885 median income. If your household income is $75,000 or higher, Gray's robust rental and ownership markets offer genuine affordability; lower-income movers may find western neighbors more comfortable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gray County

via IncomeByCounty

Gray ranks above the national median

Gray County's median household income of $77,885 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $3,130, placing it in the upper half nationally. This achievement is notable for a rural Kansas county and reflects economic resilience.

Strongest income tier in Kansas

Gray County ranks among the highest-earning counties in Kansas with a median income of $77,885, surpassing the state median of $64,428 by over $13,400. Only a handful of Kansas counties achieve this income level.

Economic leader in the region

Gray County's $77,885 income leads most southwestern peers, trailing only Greeley County ($78,819) slightly. The county substantially outperforms Grant ($72,484), Harvey ($73,269), and significantly exceeds Harper ($55,417), Graham ($52,909), and Greenwood ($58,276).

Strong income supports higher home values

Gray County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% sits comfortably below the 15% affordability benchmark, allowing residents genuine financial breathing room. A median home value of $174,700 paired with solid incomes creates sustainable homeownership.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities now

Gray County households with $77,885 median income should max out retirement contributions and consider diversified investment strategies beyond savings accounts. With strong affordability metrics, explore real estate investment, college savings plans, and wealth diversification tailored to long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gray County

via CrimeByCounty

Beating the national crime average

Gray County maintains a robust safety score of 98.7, indicating it is safer than the majority of American counties. Its total crime rate of 821.8 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher safety than the state average

The county's safety profile is stronger than the Kansas state average score of 98.0. With a total crime rate of 821.8, Gray County is significantly more secure than the state average of 1,282.2.

Consistent reporting across the county

While its crime rate is slightly higher than neighbors like Grant County, Gray remains a low-risk area. Local data from two reporting agencies provides a reliable snapshot of the county's public safety environment.

Property crime drives local totals

Most incidents involve property crime, which sits at 716.9 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is remarkably low at 104.9, which is less than a third of the national rate of 369.8.

Reduce your risk of opportunity crime

Even in safe communities, most property crimes are crimes of opportunity. Residents can further reduce risk by securing outbuildings and using smart home security systems.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gray County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse District Options in Gray County

Gray County supports 1,100 students across nine public schools and four distinct school districts. The landscape is split between four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools.

Elite Performance and High Investment

With a 92.5% graduation rate, Gray County significantly outperforms both state and national averages. The county invests $9,713 per pupil, exceeding the state average and contributing to a high school score of 60.7.

Cimarron-Ensign Leads District Enrollment

Cimarron-Ensign is the largest district, serving 613 students across two schools. Other options include the Montezuma and Copeland districts, offering varied choices with no charter schools in the area.

Traditional Rural School Experiences

The county features a 100% rural school mix with a small average school size of 122 students. Cimarron Elementary is the largest school with 322 students, providing a more robust campus feel than the smaller district outposts.

Education Excellence Near Cimarron

Gray County is an attractive target for families prioritizing academic results and high graduation rates. Homes near the Cimarron-Ensign district are particularly popular for those seeking the county's strongest educational infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gray County

via RiskByCounty

Gray County: Moderate Risk, Below National Average

Gray County's composite risk score of 36.74 earns a very low rating but sits above the national average, meaning residents face somewhat elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The county ranks in the middle range nationally, with real but manageable risks.

Above-Average Risk for Kansas

Gray County's composite score of 36.74 exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it a higher-risk county within the state. This places Gray County in the upper-risk tier for Kansas communities, though still rated very low overall.

Highest Risk Among Western Kansas Peers

Gray County's score of 36.74 ranks it as the highest-risk county in its immediate region, noticeably higher than Grant County (13.55) and Graham County (4.33). Only Harvey County (38.93) in the broader region shows comparable or slightly higher overall risk.

Tornadoes Top Your Disaster Risk List

Tornado risk in Gray County reaches 45.04, your county's single most significant natural hazard threat, followed by wildfire risk at 39.06. Together, these two hazards account for the bulk of Gray County's disaster exposure and deserve primary focus in your emergency planning.

Storm Shelter Access Saves Lives

Gray County residents should prioritize access to a certified storm shelter or safe room, given tornado risk of 45.04—the county's dominant threat. Ensure your homeowners and renters insurance covers wind and hail damage, and consider supplemental coverage for major storm events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gray County

via WaterByCounty

High violation rates drive a failing grade

Gray County faces significant challenges with an F grade and 37 health violations. Its violation rate of 1,030.4 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the Kansas state average.

Federal watershed health data is not available

Local streams and water bodies are currently not listed in the federal §303(d) impaired waters database. These watersheds have not yet been assessed in the current reporting cycle.

Active monitoring of organics and PFAS

Two monitoring sites have recorded 473 measurements over the last five years. The data focuses heavily on organics and PFAS, providing critical insight into chemical presence in the local water.

No active streamgage to track river flow

No primary USGS streamgage is active in Gray County to monitor real-time discharge levels. Local water intelligence relies instead on monitoring site results and compliance reporting.

Prioritize regular home water quality testing

Given the high frequency of health violations, residents should prioritize regular testing of their home water supply. Awareness of local PFAS and organic chemical monitoring is also essential for safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gray County

via WeatherByCounty

Meeting the National Temperature Median

Gray County averages 55.1°F annually, almost exactly matching the national median. Its 21.7 inches of rain reflects the dry character of the Western Plains compared to more humid national regions.

Typical Kansas Heat and Humidity

Gray County mirrors the state average temperature of 54.8°F with its own 55.1°F mark. However, it remains significantly drier than the state average, falling about 8.6 inches short of the typical 30.3 inches of precipitation.

Warmer and Drier Than Graham

Gray County is warmer than Graham County to the north, averaging 55.1°F compared to Graham's 53.1°F. It sees more annual precipitation than neighboring Hamilton County, though it remains part of the dry western belt.

Intense July Heat Peaks Early

Summer temperatures average 76.8°F, but July often reaches an average high of 79.4°F with 69 days of extreme heat. Winters are milder than northern neighbors, with a 32.0°F January average and 16.6 inches of snow.

Insulate for Extreme Heat Spikes

With 69 days over 90°F, home insulation and sun-blocking window treatments are vital for energy efficiency. Residents should also prepare for winter snow clearing, as the county receives over 16 inches of accumulation annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gray County

via SoilByCounty

The Alkaline Profile of Gray County

Gray County soils feature an average pH of 7.29, which is higher than the state average of 6.80. This alkaline nature reflects the mineral-rich environment of the western Kansas plains. Specific taxonomic data is sparse, but the chemistry points toward productive grassland origins.

Balanced Loamy Composition

The mix includes 41.5% silt, 37.7% sand, and 20.8% clay. This distribution creates a versatile loam that provides enough clay for nutrient storage and enough sand for drainage. It is a highly manageable soil for industrial-scale farming.

Moderate Water Capacity and Matter

Organic matter content is 1.57%, falling below the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is slightly under the Kansas average. Growers must prioritize soil health to maximize these moderate resource levels.

Hydraulic Performance in the Plains

While detailed drainage classes are unavailable, the soil score of 40.7 suggests moderate agricultural limitations. The silty-sand mix generally allows for decent water movement without excessive runoff. Localized testing can help clarify drainage for specific building or farming sites.

Planting for Success in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b supports a wide variety of grains and hardy vegetables like peppers and beans. The soil's balanced texture is ideal for root development in fruit trees. With proper watering, your garden can thrive in this expansive landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gray County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining the Median in Gray County

Gray County’s lawn difficulty score of 50.4 sits right at the national average, making it a moderate environment for lawn care. Located in Zone 6b, it is significantly more difficult to manage than the Kansas state average of 59.1. Homeowners here can expect a standard level of maintenance, provided they account for the region's specific temperature swings.

High Growing Degree Days and Moderate Heat

The county records 4027 growing degree days, indicating a very active biological season for plants and weeds alike. Rainfall is limited to 21.7 inches annually, necessitating consistent irrigation to bridge the gap to the 30-inch minimum ideal. With 69 days over 90°F, heat stress is a major factor during the peak of summer.

Balanced Soil Texture with Alkaline pH

Gray County soil features 37.7% sand and 20.8% clay, creating a texture that generally balances drainage and water retention well. The pH of 7.29 is slightly high, which can lead to minor nutrient deficiencies in sensitive grass varieties. Adding sulfur or organic compost can help bring the soil closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Managing Water During Dry Cycles

The county experienced 10 weeks of drought in the past year, though current conditions show no areas of abnormal dryness. Because annual precipitation is naturally low, establishing a rain barrel system or smart irrigation can be a wise investment. These tools help maintain turf health during the inevitable weeks when the Kansas sky remains clear.

Spring and Fall Seeding Windows

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or buffalo grass thrive in the 4027 growing degree days of Gray County. Your best planting window opens after April 23 and closes by October 20 to avoid frost damage to young shoots. Focus on hardy varieties that can withstand the 69 days of extreme summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gray County's county score?
Gray County, Kansas has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Gray County rank among counties in Kansas?
Gray County ranks #44 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 Gray County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Gray County is $2,461, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Gray County a tax score of 16.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gray County?
The median household income in Gray County, Kansas is $77,885 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gray County earns an income score of 81.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gray County, Kansas a good place to live?
Gray County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Gray 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 Gray 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.