countyscore
49.6
County Score
Cost of Living 81.5Disaster Risk 75.5Schools 73.6

County Report Card

About Greenwood County, Kansas

Mirroring the National Experience

Greenwood County’s 49.6 composite score puts it just a hair below the national median of 50.0. It represents a typical rural American lifestyle with a standard mix of perks and hurdles.

Exactly at State Average

The county matches the Kansas state average of 49.5 almost exactly. For those looking for an authentic Kansas experience, Greenwood provides a middle-of-the-road profile.

Highly Affordable Housing

Affordability is the headline here, with a Cost score of 81.5 and a median home value of only $82,600. The School score of 73.6 also suggests a strong foundation for local education.

Low Safety and Infrastructure

The county struggles with infrastructure and safety, posting a Water score of 6.7 and a Safety score of 39.9. The Income score of 33.6 reflects a more modest median household income of $58,276.

A Practical Budget Choice

This county is best for those prioritizing low housing costs and solid local schools. It is a practical choice for people who can navigate a lower-income economic environment.

204060801008.481.539.94473.633.675.56.750.3Tax8.4Cost81.5Safety39.9Health44Schools73.6Income33.6Risk75.5Water6.7Weather50.349.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Greenwood County DNA

Foverall

How Greenwood County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greenwood County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (81.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.4-43.6
Cost
81.5+33.5
Safety
39.9-15.100000000000001
Health
44
Schools
73.6+19.599999999999994
Income
33.6-17.4
Risk
75.5+28.5
Water
6.7-51.3
Weather
50.3
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Many homeowners in Greenwood 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

$82,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$710/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,276/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

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

Woodson County
Kansas
60
Chase County
Kansas
59.7
Coffey County
Kansas
60.4
Elk County
Kansas
49.7
Wilson County
Kansas
50.5
Lyon County
Kansas
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Butler County
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Allen County
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40.8

Deep Dives

Greenwood County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greenwood County

via TaxByCounty

Greenwood County offers below-average property taxes

Greenwood County's effective rate of 1.647% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.96% but stays below Kansas's state average of 1.549%. The median tax bill of just $1,360—the lowest among these eight Kansas counties—reflects Greenwood's low median home value of $82,600.

Greenwood ranks in lower half of Kansas counties

At 1.647%, Greenwood County's effective rate sits slightly above the state average of 1.549%, placing it in the middle range among Kansas's 105 counties. The median tax of $1,360 is the second-lowest among all Kansas counties, making it highly affordable for homeowners.

Greenwood has the lowest median tax in the region

Greenwood's median tax bill of $1,360 undersells all neighboring counties in this analysis, including Harper ($1,379) and Graham ($1,538). Though its effective rate slightly exceeds Grant County's 1.307%, Greenwood's lower property values deliver the region's lowest actual tax payments.

Greenwood County resident pays just $1,360 yearly

On a median home value of $82,600, Greenwood County's 1.647% effective rate generates an estimated annual tax of $1,360. This is the lowest median tax bill among these eight counties, offering affordability for budget-conscious homeowners.

Greenwood County homeowners should verify fair assessments

Even at low tax rates, incorrect assessments occur in Greenwood County. Request a review with the county assessor to confirm your property is valued accurately and avoid paying more than necessary.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greenwood County

via CostByCounty

Greenwood renters stay near national norms

At 14.6%, Greenwood County's rent-to-income ratio edges just above the national 12-14% comfort zone, despite below-average incomes of $58,276 versus the national $74,755. Renters here dedicate roughly $8,640 annually to housing costs.

Right at Kansas affordability average

Greenwood County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio virtually matches Kansas's state average of 14.7%, placing it squarely in the middle of affordability performance statewide. Monthly rent of $710 is $77 below the state median, reflecting the county's rural character.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Greenwood's $710 rent mirrors Harper ($693) and Graham ($726), but Greenwood's $58,276 income falls between them, resulting in a 14.6% ratio. Compared to more prosperous Grant County ($696 rent, 11.5% ratio) or Gray County ($833 rent, 12.8% ratio), Greenwood offers budget accessibility with trade-offs in income stability.

Ownership saves money monthly

Monthly owner costs ($637) undercut rent ($710) by $73, though renters still dominate the ratio game at 14.6% versus an implied 13.2% for owners. Homes value at just $82,600, the second-lowest in the region, making ownership entry accessible even on Greenwood's modest incomes.

Value-first option for cautious movers

Greenwood County's sub-$83,000 home values and $637 monthly ownership costs appeal to those prioritizing low prices over income potential. If stability matters more than growth and you're comfortable with $58,000-range household earnings, Greenwood delivers straightforward affordability without high-income requirements.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greenwood County

via IncomeByCounty

Greenwood lags well behind national income

Greenwood County's median household income of $58,276 falls roughly $16,500 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income bracket nationally. This income gap reflects the county's rural, agriculture-dependent economy.

Below-average income for the state

Greenwood County ranks in the lower half of Kansas counties at $58,276, trailing the state median of $64,428 by over $6,100. The county faces economic headwinds compared to more diversified Kansas regions.

Mid-range earnings for the area

Greenwood's $58,276 income sits between underperforming neighbors like Graham ($52,909) and Harper ($55,417) and stronger performers like Grant ($72,484) and Gray ($77,885). Hamilton County ($61,929) represents a comparable peer in the regional income spectrum.

Housing costs are reasonable but tight

Greenwood County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% sits just below the 15% affordability threshold, leaving limited surplus for other necessities. A median home value of $82,600 keeps housing markets accessible despite moderate incomes.

Build financial resilience strategically

Greenwood County residents earning $58,276 should prioritize building an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses before investing aggressively. Explore low-cost investment vehicles like employer retirement plans and automated savings strategies to build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greenwood County

via CrimeByCounty

Competitive safety on a national scale

Greenwood County carries a safety score of 97.8, which is just below the Kansas average but still very safe nationally. Its total crime rate of 1,366.4 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Kansas state average

The county's crime rate of 1,366.4 per 100,000 is roughly 6% higher than the statewide average of 1,282.2. Its safety score of 97.8 sits slightly below the Kansas average of 98.0.

Regional safety overview

Greenwood sees higher crime activity than nearby rural counties like Graham but remains well within safe margins. Data from a single reporting agency suggests residents should stay aware of local trends.

Analyzing the crime mix

Property crime drives the local rate at 1,133.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 233.3. Both figures remain well below national averages, though the violent crime rate mirrors the state average.

Secure your outbuildings

Securing garages and sheds is a smart move since property crime is the primary concern here. Basic alarm systems and visible signage can discourage potential intruders effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Greenwood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Widespread Rural Schools in Greenwood

Greenwood County hosts six public schools serving 906 students across three different districts. The infrastructure is comprised of three elementary schools and three high schools, with no middle schools in the county.

High Spending and Strong Results

The county reports a strong 91.3% graduation rate, beating the state average by several points. Investment is high at $10,018 per pupil, helping the county earn a school score of 60.7.

Eureka Leads the County Districts

The Eureka district is the largest, supporting 559 students, followed by Madison-Virgil and Hamilton. There are no charter schools, meaning education is provided entirely through these three traditional districts.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, with an average size of 151 students. Marshall Elementary is the largest with 307 students, while Hamilton High offers a very intimate setting with only 53 students.

Invest in a Greenwood County Home

With high per-pupil spending and excellent graduation rates, Greenwood County is a hidden gem for families. Looking for a home near the Eureka or Madison-Virgil districts provides access to some of the area's best-funded schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greenwood County

via RiskByCounty

Greenwood County: Below-Average National Risk

Greenwood County's composite risk score of 24.49 places it in the very low risk category and below the typical U.S. county's disaster exposure. Residents face less severe natural hazard threats than most Americans, though slightly more than some Kansas peers.

Mid-Range Risk Within Kansas

Greenwood County's score of 24.49 sits slightly below Kansas's state average of 29.89, positioning the county as a lower-risk Kansas community. This puts Greenwood County in the safer half of the state's natural disaster risk rankings.

Moderate Risk for Southeast Kansas

Greenwood County's score of 24.49 falls between Grant County (13.55) to the west and the higher-risk counties to the east, reflecting a moderate position in its region. The county shows considerably lower risk than nearby Harvey County (38.93).

Wildfire Dominates Greenwood's Risk Profile

Wildfire risk in Greenwood County reaches 91.32—by far the county's most significant natural hazard and among the highest in the state. Flood risk at 26.59 presents a secondary concern, while tornado and earthquake threats remain minimal.

Wildfire Insurance Is Your Priority

Greenwood County's exceptionally high wildfire risk of 91.32 makes comprehensive fire and burn coverage essential in your homeowners insurance policy. Work with your agent to ensure adequate limits for structural and contents coverage, and maintain defensible space around your property to reduce exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greenwood County

via WaterByCounty

Greenwood County struggles with frequent violations

The county carries an F grade with 38 health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 552.7 per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds the Kansas average of 313.4.

Local watersheds await Clean Water Act assessment

Greenwood County's water bodies are not currently covered by the federal §303(d) assessment program. No official data exists regarding impaired water percentages for the current cycle.

Sparse monitoring records for local waterways

Monitoring activity is limited, with only one site recording 12 measurements in the last five years. These few data points focus on physical characteristics and nutrient levels in the water.

Verdigris River flows well below typical levels

The Verdigris River near Virgil is flowing at 49 cfs, which is only 24% of its long-term mean. This low flow indicates potential stress on the county's primary surface water sources.

Be vigilant during low-flow periods

High compliance violations and low streamflow suggest residents should be vigilant about water quality. Focus on filtering for potential contaminants that may become more concentrated during dry periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greenwood County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wetter, More Temperate Climate

Greenwood County matches the national temperature median at 55.3°F but is much wetter than its western counterparts. It receives 39.1 inches of rain annually, placing it above the national average for precipitation.

Leading the State in Rainfall

Greenwood County is one of the wettest spots in Kansas, receiving 39.1 inches of rain compared to the 30.3-inch state average. Its temperature of 55.3°F is almost perfectly aligned with the state average of 54.8°F.

Wetter and Milder than Hamilton

This county receives over twice the annual rainfall of Hamilton County. It also enjoys fewer extreme heat days, with only 50 days over 90°F compared to 74 days in Hamilton.

High Humidity and Mild Winters

Summers are warm with a July average of 78.8°F, though extreme heat is less frequent than in western Kansas. Winters are comparatively mild, seeing only 7.7 inches of snow and a January average of 30.7°F.

Invest in Humidity Control

The high annual precipitation of 39.1 inches means homeowners should focus on basement waterproofing and dehumidifiers. Residents can worry less about snow, as the 7.7-inch average is the lowest in the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greenwood County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Fertile Tallgrass Soil

Greenwood County features an average pH of 6.31, making it more acidic than the state average and closer to the national median. This slight acidity is perfect for nutrient availability in many native plants. It represents some of the state's most productive territory with a soil score of 64.7.

Heavier Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is dominated by 57.2% silt and 28.6% clay, with very little sand at 14.2%. This heavy texture makes for excellent nutrient retention and a sturdy structure. However, it can be slower to drain and more difficult to work when wet.

Rich in Organic Matter

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 2.70%, far surpassing the state average of 2.22%. Available water capacity is also strong at 0.182 in/in. This combination creates a biological powerhouse for agriculture and gardening.

Slow Drainage and High Retention

Detailed drainage classes are not available, but the high clay and silt content suggest slower permeability. This land is designed to hold onto water, which is a benefit for grazing pastures. Be mindful of potential ponding in low-lying garden beds.

Lush Options in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b and high organic matter make this a gardener's paradise. It is an ideal spot for tomatoes, berries, and nutrient-hungry ornamentals. The soil is ready to support a diverse and thriving landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greenwood County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Lawn Conditions in Greenwood County

Greenwood County is a gardener's paradise with a lawn difficulty score of 72.3, far exceeding the state average of 59.1. This Zone 6b county offers some of the best conditions in Kansas for maintaining lush, green turf. The high score indicates that natural factors do much of the heavy lifting for homeowners here.

Abundant Rain and Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 39.1 inches, landing perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. With only 50 extreme heat days, Greenwood is cooler than the state average of 58 days, reducing summer stress on the grass. The 4078 growing degree days provide a robust environment for sustained turf growth throughout the season.

Perfectly Acidic, Clay-Rich Soil

The average soil pH of 6.31 is exactly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawn varieties. With 28.6% clay, the soil retains moisture and nutrients exceptionally well, though it may require occasional aeration to prevent compaction. This natural soil chemistry minimizes the need for expensive chemical amendments or pH corrections.

Staying Alert During Dry Spells

Even with favorable rainfall, 92.7% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 12 weeks of drought in the past year. Because the soil is clay-heavy, it can crack and stress roots during these dry periods if not monitored. Regular mulching and maintaining a 3-inch grass height will help the soil retain its natural moisture.

Broad Options for a Long Season

The favorable pH and high rainfall allow for a wide variety of grasses, including Kentucky Bluegrass or Zoysia. Your primary growing window stretches from the last frost on April 16 to the first frost on October 20. This generous schedule gives you plenty of time to establish new sod or overseed existing patches.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenwood County's county score?
Greenwood County, Kansas has a composite county score of 49.6 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 Greenwood County rank among counties in Kansas?
Greenwood County ranks #59 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 Greenwood County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Greenwood County is $1,360, with an effective tax rate of 1.65%. This earns Greenwood County a tax score of 8.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenwood County?
The median household income in Greenwood County, Kansas is $58,276 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greenwood County earns an income score of 33.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greenwood County, Kansas a good place to live?
Greenwood County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Greenwood 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 Greenwood County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.