CountyScore

Gray County

Kansas · KS

#64 in Kansas
66.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Gray County, Kansas

Gray County ranks well nationally

Gray County's composite score of 67.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it solidly in the upper half of American counties. This strong showing reflects particularly competitive housing affordability and income levels.

Kansas's income leader in this group

Gray County ranks second among these eight Kansas counties with a score of 67.8, just 1.8 points behind Grant County. The county leads this group in median household income at $77,885, signaling robust earning opportunities.

Highest incomes with steady affordability

Gray County's income score of 34.2 is the highest in this group, with median household income at $77,885. Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 80.0, median home values at $174,700, and an effective tax rate of 1.409%.

Higher rent burden than regional peers

Median gross rent of $833 per month runs higher than most other counties in this group, though it remains within regional norms. Safety, health, school quality, and water data remain unavailable for a fuller livability assessment.

Best for professionals valuing income potential

Gray County suits working professionals and families prioritizing career earning potential alongside reasonable housing costs. It's the strongest choice for those seeking higher incomes without sacrificing the affordability advantages of rural Kansas.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax62.6Cost80SafetyComing SoonHealth64.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.2Risk63.3WaterComing Soon
🏛62.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Gray County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broomfield County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $121,025
Pueblo County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $62,250
Coffee County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $50,175
Wayne County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $49,562
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
66.6
Median income: $58,622

Deep Dives

Gray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Gray County

via HealthByCounty

Gray County exceeds U.S. life expectancy

Gray County residents live to 77.5 years on average, nearly 1.1 years longer than the U.S. national average of 76.4 years. However, 16.6% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly below the national average, indicating mixed health outcomes in this southwestern Kansas county.

Strong lifespan, above-state average

Gray County's 77.5-year life expectancy surpasses Kansas's state average of 75.4 years by 2.1 years. The county ranks among the healthier regions in Kansas, though its 17.9% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state's 11.5% average.

Life expectancy strong, providers scarce

Gray County's 77.5-year life expectancy matches Grant County's and exceeds Harper (74.8) and Hamilton (74.4), yet its 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents are the lowest in the region—less than one-quarter of Harvey County's 74 per 100K. Mental health access at 17 per 100K also trails nearby counties significantly.

Provider shortage strains healthcare access

Gray County's uninsured rate of 17.9% is the second-highest in the region, and combined with only 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, residents face substantial barriers to routine care. The scarcity of mental health providers (17 per 100K) further limits access to behavioral health services in this rural area.

Insurance is your bridge to care

With fewer healthcare providers available locally, having health insurance becomes even more critical for Gray County residents, enabling you to access care across provider networks. Compare plans now on Healthcare.gov or through Kansas Medicaid to secure coverage and manage healthcare costs effectively.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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