CountyScore

Hamilton County

Kansas · KS

#59 in Kansas
66.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Kansas

Hamilton County performs solidly

Hamilton County's composite score of 66.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, marking it as above-average nationwide. The county achieves balance across tax burden, affordability, and income factors.

Essentially at Kansas average

Hamilton County's score of 66.2 sits just 0.2 points above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it squarely in the middle of state performance. It represents a reliable, standard Kansas livability option.

Balanced strengths across multiple factors

Hamilton County offers competitive tax burden (1.571% effective rate, 58.1 tax score) and strong cost affordability (82.9 cost score). Median home value of $119,700 and median rent of $778 provide reasonable housing options for most budgets.

Income potential and data gaps limit appeal

The county's income score of 23.8 reflects median household income of $61,929, below several peers in this group. Safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unmeasured, preventing comprehensive livability assessment.

Balanced choice for middle-income households

Hamilton County suits households earning $55,000–$70,000 seeking straightforward affordability without exceptional earning potential. It appeals to those wanting a middle-ground option between low-cost rural living and higher-income areas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.1Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth58.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.8Risk95.9WaterComing Soon
🏛58.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.9
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 Hamilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cochise County
Arizona
66.8
Median income: $58,970
Chattooga County
Georgia
66.8
Median income: $47,785
Clay County
Illinois
66.8
Median income: $57,266
Piatt County
Illinois
66.8
Median income: $87,516
Livingston County
Michigan
66.8
Median income: $101,315

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton County taxes slightly exceed state average

Hamilton County's effective rate of 1.571% sits above the national median of roughly 0.96% and marginally above Kansas's state average of 1.549%. The median tax bill of $1,881 falls below both the national median of $2,690 and the state median of $1,943, reflecting moderate property values of $119,700.

Hamilton ranks near middle of Kansas counties

At 1.571%, Hamilton County's effective rate edges just above the state average of 1.549%, placing it in the mid-range among Kansas's 105 counties. The median tax of $1,881 sits close to but slightly below the state median of $1,943.

Hamilton County rates are moderate for the region

Hamilton's 1.571% rate falls between Greenwood County (1.647%) and Grant County (1.307%), making it mid-range for western Kansas. The median tax of $1,881 is slightly below the state median, offering reasonable affordability.

Hamilton County homeowner pays $1,881 annually

On the county median home value of $119,700, the 1.571% effective rate translates to an estimated annual property tax of $1,881. With a mortgage, that bill could reach approximately $2,581 after all local levies apply.

Hamilton County residents should check assessments carefully

Property assessment errors can inflate your tax burden anywhere in Kansas, including Hamilton County. If your home seems overvalued relative to nearby sales, file an appeal with the county assessor to potentially reduce your taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton stretches incomes slightly tight

Hamilton County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national 12-14% comfort zone, signaling modest housing pressure on lower incomes of $61,929 versus the national $74,755. Renters allocate roughly $9,360 annually to housing here.

Above-average affordability challenge

At 15.1%, Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kansas's state average of 14.7%, placing it slightly below the state median in affordability rankings. Monthly rent of $778 approaches the state median of $787, while incomes lag behind more prosperous regions.

Mid-tier among western Kansas counties

Hamilton's $778 rent and 15.1% ratio position it between affordable Grant ($696, 11.5%) and tight Graham ($726, 16.5%), while incomes of $61,929 fall behind Greeley ($78,819) and Gray ($77,885). Compared to Greenwood ($710 rent, 14.6% ratio), Hamilton charges modestly more without income advantage.

Balanced renting and owning costs

Monthly rent ($778) and homeowner costs ($759) are nearly identical, both consuming roughly 15% of the $61,929 median income. Homes value at $119,700, offering moderate ownership opportunity, yet the broader income constraint affects both housing markets equally.

Feasible for steady, mid-range earners

Hamilton County suits households earning $60,000–$75,000 seeking affordable housing without extreme income requirements or constraints. Whether renting or buying, plan around the 15% housing expense figure and compare to higher-income counties like Grant or Gray if your earnings exceed $72,000.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton falls short of national median

Hamilton County's median household income of $61,929 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $12,800, placing it in the lower-middle income range nationally. Rural agricultural economies typically face this income gap relative to urban centers.

Lower-middle income tier in Kansas

Hamilton County ranks below the Kansas state median at $61,929, falling short of the $64,428 state average by about $2,500. The county sits in the lower half of Kansas counties by income level.

Comparable to central-western peers

Hamilton's $61,929 income aligns closely with Greenwood County ($58,276) and Grant County ($72,484), positioning it in the mid-range for southwestern Kansas. Graham ($52,909), Harper ($55,417), and Greenwood earn less, while Gray and Greeley significantly outpace Hamilton.

Housing costs align with income

Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits marginally above the sustainable 15% threshold, meaning housing expenses consume a notable portion of earnings. A median home value of $119,700 creates affordability pressures relative to the county's income level.

Budget carefully for financial growth

Hamilton County households earning $61,929 should focus on debt reduction and building emergency savings before pursuing aggressive investments. Work with a financial counselor to create a realistic budget that protects against income volatility while gradually increasing retirement contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton County lags on life expectancy

Hamilton County residents live to 74.4 years on average, 2 years below the U.S. national average of 76.4 years. With 18% reporting poor or fair health, the county's health challenges are evident in both lifespan and self-reported wellbeing metrics.

Below-average health outcomes in Kansas

Hamilton County's 74.4-year life expectancy falls 1 year short of the Kansas state average of 75.4 years. The uninsured rate of 19.9% is the highest among all counties studied, more than 8 percentage points above the state average of 11.5%.

Worst uninsured rate in the region

Hamilton County's 19.9% uninsured rate far exceeds neighboring Grant (17.5%), Gray (17.9%), and Harper (11.8%) counties, creating substantial coverage gaps. Life expectancy at 74.4 years also trails all nearby counties, and primary care access at 40 per 100K remains limited.

Coverage crisis compounds provider shortage

Nearly 1 in 5 Hamilton County residents (19.9%) lack health insurance—the highest uninsured rate in the region and nearly double the state average. With only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and mental health provider data unavailable, uninsured residents face severe barriers to routine and preventive care.

Urgent: Get covered in Hamilton County

With nearly 20% of residents uninsured, Hamilton County faces a healthcare access crisis that threatens the health and finances of thousands. If you're uninsured, explore coverage immediately through Healthcare.gov, Kansas Medicaid, and employer plans—affordable options exist.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County Among America's Safest

Hamilton County's composite risk score of 4.10 places it well below the national average, making it substantially safer than the typical U.S. county. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from major natural disaster threats.

Ranks Among Safest in Kansas

With a composite risk score of 4.10 compared to Kansas's state average of 29.89, Hamilton County stands among the state's lowest-risk communities. This puts residents significantly below typical Kansas natural disaster exposure.

Safest County in Southwest Kansas

Hamilton County's score of 4.10 is exceptionally low compared to neighboring Grant County (13.55) and Gray County (36.74), and matches the safety profile of nearby Greeley County. The county enjoys some of the lowest disaster risk in the region.

Wildfire Your Only Significant Threat

Wildfire risk in Hamilton County registers at 27.48, the county's primary natural hazard, while tornado risk (14.44) and other threats remain minimal. Even wildfire exposure ranks well below state and national averages, reflecting the county's overall safety.

Standard Coverage Provides Strong Protection

Hamilton County's exceptionally low overall risk means standard homeowners and renters insurance provides solid protection for most residents. Ensure your policy covers wildfire and wind damage, and review coverage annually as a precaution—your county's safety profile means disaster-related claims should remain rare.

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.