countyscore
51.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.9Schools 80.5Cost of Living 64.3

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Kansas

Solid National Standing

Hamilton County earns a 51.5 composite score, which sits slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural county that handles its challenges effectively.

Beating the Kansas Average

With a 51.5 score, Hamilton exceeds the Kansas state average of 49.5. It performs better than many neighboring counties in terms of overall livability.

Top-Tier Schools and Safety

Education and environmental safety are top priorities, with a School score of 80.5 and a Risk score of 95.9. These scores provide peace of mind for families worried about storms or schools.

Health and Water Constraints

Healthcare access is a challenge with a score of 34.2, and water resources are also limited at 23.2. Taxes remain a factor, with an effective rate of 1.571% resulting in a Tax score of 9.9.

The Family-First Choice

Hamilton is an excellent choice for parents who value high-quality schooling and a low-risk natural environment. It suits those comfortable with a more remote, rural healthcare landscape.

Score breakdown

Tax9.9Cost64.3Safety60.5Health34.2Schools80.5Income45Risk95.9Water23.2Weather36.4
🏛9.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.4
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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Nearby counties

Kearny County
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44.7
Prowers County
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54.8
Greeley County
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Stanton County
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Wichita County
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Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Well above national safety norms

Hamilton County earns a strong 98.6 safety score, outperforming national safety benchmarks. The total crime rate of 912.7 per 100,000 is less than 40% of the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong performance in Kansas

Hamilton sits above the Kansas average safety score of 98.0. Its crime rate of 912.7 is considerably better than the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000 residents.

Safety along the state line

It maintains a higher crime rate than Greeley County to the north but is still very safe. Because data comes from only one agency, the numbers provide a focused look at local law enforcement activity.

Focusing on property protection

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 158.7, which is less than half the national average. Property crime stands at 754.0 per 100,000, making it the most common safety concern for local residents.

Community vigilance counts

Small-town safety relies on residents watching out for one another. Installing motion-sensor lights and keeping entry points locked are effective ways to protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Hamilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Hamilton County

Hamilton County operates two schools under a single district, serving 549 students. The system is designed for efficiency with one elementary school and one junior/senior high school serving the entire region.

Top-Tier Graduation Performance

The county boasts an exceptional 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $8,654 supports a school score of 59.7, which is above the state median.

Syracuse District Leads the Way

The Syracuse school district manages all 549 students in the county with no charter alternatives. This single-district model provides a unified educational path from PK through grade 12.

Large Rural Schools in Syracuse

Both schools are rural, but they maintain healthy enrollments with an average of 275 students. Syracuse Elementary is the larger of the two with 316 students, while Syracuse High serves 233 students.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Syracuse

Hamilton County's 95.0% graduation rate is a major draw for families seeking academic success. Residential options in Syracuse put you within minutes of these high-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Dry and Sunny Frontier

Hamilton County is cool but arid, with an annual average of 53.4°F and only 17.0 inches of precipitation. This rainfall level is significantly lower than the national median, creating a desert-like environment.

The Driest County in the Set

Receiving only 17.0 inches of rain, Hamilton County is nearly 13 inches drier than the Kansas state average. Its annual temperature of 53.4°F also tracks lower than the 54.8°F state norm.

Facing More Extreme Heat Days

Hamilton County endures 74 days of extreme heat, more than any other county in this group. While it is warmer than Greeley County, it is significantly drier than eastern neighbors like Harvey.

Blistering Heat and Modest Snow

Summer is defined by 74 days over 90°F and a July average of 77.9°F. Winter is cold and dry, averaging 31.5°F between December and February with 16.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Water Conservation

The low 17.0-inch rainfall makes water conservation and efficient irrigation essential for residents. With 74 days of triple-digit potential, high-quality cooling systems and UV protection are daily necessities in summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

The Arid Alkaline Soils of Hamilton

Hamilton County has an average pH of 7.52, the highest among its neighbors. This significantly exceeds the national median of 6.5, reflecting a lime-rich, arid environment. These conditions strongly influence which native species can thrive here.

Sand-Heavy Plains Texture

At 48.9% sand and 33.1% silt, the soil is light and porous. The 18.1% clay content provides just enough structure to keep the soil from being pure sand. This mix allows for rapid root penetration but requires careful water management.

Challenging Nutrient and Water Levels

Organic matter is low at 1.21%, and available water capacity sits at 0.156 in/in. Both figures are well below state averages, leading to a modest soil score of 27.0. Successful growing requires supplemental nutrients and efficient irrigation.

Rapid Water Movement and Infiltration

While specific drainage data is missing, the high sand percentage points to fast-draining land. This helps prevent root rot but can lead to moisture stress during heatwaves. It is generally stable for building but lacks high natural water retention.

Cultivating Life in Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a supports hardy crops like milo and drought-tolerant wheat. For your home garden, focus on xeriscaping with native plants like yucca and buffalograss. With a little extra care, you can turn this sandy soil into a hardy oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

The Steepest Lawn Challenge in Kansas

Hamilton County presents a high difficulty for lawn care with a score of 46.4, the lowest in this group. This Zone 6a county falls significantly below both the national median and the Kansas average of 59.1. Maintaining a green space here requires an intensive commitment to irrigation and soil management.

Extreme Heat and Severe Water Deficits

The county receives a meager 17.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half the national requirement for healthy turf. Combined with 74 days of extreme heat—the highest in this set—the climate creates a punishing environment for non-native grasses. Mowing should be limited during the hottest weeks to prevent further dehydrating the turf.

Alkaline Soils on the Western Front

The soil pH in Hamilton County is a high 7.52, which is significantly more alkaline than most grasses prefer. The texture includes 48.9% sand, meaning any water applied will drain away quickly before it can reach deep roots. Homeowners often need to use acidifying fertilizers and heavy organic matter to keep their lawns from turning yellow.

Constant Vigilance Against Dry Conditions

With 12 weeks in drought over the past year, the threat of water scarcity is a constant reality for Hamilton County residents. Although current drought levels are at 0%, the high number of heat days makes moisture loss through evaporation a daily battle. Efficient drip irrigation or subsurface watering is often more effective than traditional sprinklers here.

Tough Grasses for a Tough Climate

Native buffalo grass is the most practical choice for this region’s 6a zone and alkaline, sandy soil. Planting should occur between the May 1 last frost and October 10 first frost to avoid temperature shocks. Given the 17-inch annual rainfall, choosing a variety that can go dormant during heat waves is essential for survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, Kansas has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in Kansas?
Hamilton County ranks #50 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 Hamilton County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $1,881, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Kansas is $61,929 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 45/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Kansas a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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