countyscore
40.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 74.5Lawn Care 64.3

County Report Card

About Harvey County, Kansas

Trailing National Benchmarks

Harvey County receives a composite score of 40.2, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several areas where the county significantly differs from national trends.

Below the State Average

At 40.2, Harvey falls notably below the Kansas state average of 49.5. While it has some strong individual sectors, the overall balance pulls the ranking down.

High Income and Infrastructure

Infrastructure and earnings are bright spots, with a Water score of 86.0 and an Income score of 74.5. The median household income is a healthy $73,269.

Safety and High Costs

Safety is a concern with a score of 16.2, and higher living costs result in a Cost score of 35.4. Median home values are $173,300, which is higher than many other Kansas counties.

For Infrastructure-Oriented Earners

Harvey County suits professionals who value high-income potential and reliable utilities. It is a better fit for those who prioritize infrastructure and earnings over absolute cost and safety scores.

Score breakdown

Tax15.1Cost35.4Safety16.2Health57.1Schools58.7Income74.5Risk61.1Water86Weather50.1
🏛15.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.3
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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Deep Dives

Harvey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harvey County

via TaxByCounty

Harvey County taxes nearly match national average

Harvey County's effective rate of 1.452% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.96% but sits slightly below Kansas's state average of 1.549%. The median property tax of $2,517 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, driven by moderately valued homes at $173,300.

Harvey ranks near state average for tax rates

At 1.452%, Harvey County's effective rate sits just under the state average of 1.549%, placing it solidly in the middle of Kansas's 105 counties. The median tax bill of $2,517 is notably above the state median of $1,943, reflecting above-average property values.

Harvey County has moderate taxes in its region

Harvey's 1.452% effective rate ranks in the lower half of this group, below Graham (1.732%), Greeley (1.910%), and Harper (1.784%), but above Grant (1.307%). The median tax of $2,517 is the second-highest among these eight counties due to higher property values.

Harvey County homeowner pays $2,517 annually

On a median home value of $173,300, Harvey County's 1.452% effective rate produces an estimated annual property tax of $2,517. Those with mortgages may see bills approach $2,633 when all county and local levies are applied.

Harvey County residents should verify home valuations

With above-average property values, even a modest overassessment can significantly impact your tax bill in Harvey County. Request a reassessment from the county assessor if you believe your home's valuation is too high compared to recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harvey County

via CostByCounty

Harvey achieves national affordability balance

Harvey County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably within the national 12-14% affordability zone, supported by solid incomes of $73,269 nearly matching the national average of $74,755. Renters dedicate roughly $10,800 annually to housing here.

Slightly above Kansas average performance

At 14.6%, Harvey County's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Kansas's state average of 14.7%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of county affordability. Strong household incomes offset modestly higher rents, creating competitive housing markets.

Higher costs, stronger incomes

Harvey County's $891 monthly rent is the second-highest in the region, yet its $73,269 income is competitive with Grant ($72,484) and stronger than Hamilton ($61,929), yielding a balanced 14.6% ratio. Gray County ($833 rent, $77,885 income) offers slightly lower rent but similar affordability math.

Ownership carries premium in Harvey

Monthly homeowner costs ($1,047) exceed rent ($891) by $156, pushing ownership expenses to 17.1% of income—a significant jump from the 14.6% rent figure. Homes value at $173,300, reflecting Harvey's stronger real estate market and requiring stronger financial positioning for buyers.

Strong rental market for middle-income earners

Harvey County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it attractive for renters earning $70,000–$80,000 seeking moderate-priced housing without extreme constraints. If homeownership calls, prepare for the $1,047 monthly commitment and $173,300 entry price—significantly steeper than neighboring western counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harvey County

via IncomeByCounty

Harvey slightly trails the national median

Harvey County's median household income of $73,269 falls just $1,486 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it very close to the national average. This near-alignment reflects a relatively diversified local economy for a rural county.

Upper-middle income tier for Kansas

Harvey County ranks above the Kansas state median at $73,269, outpacing the $64,428 state average by nearly $8,900. This positions Harvey among Kansas's stronger-earning counties.

Strong performer among regional peers

Harvey's $73,269 income ranks competitively, closely matching Grant County ($72,484) and trailing only Gray ($77,885) and Greeley ($78,819). Harvey significantly outperforms Greenwood ($58,276), Hamilton ($61,929), Harper ($55,417), and Graham ($52,909).

Housing costs remain very manageable

Harvey County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% sits comfortably below the 15% affordability benchmark, providing genuine financial flexibility. A median home value of $173,300 paired with solid incomes supports sustainable homeownership for most residents.

Build long-term wealth systematically

Harvey County households with $73,269 median income have solid capacity to pursue diversified investments beyond basic savings. Maximize retirement account contributions, explore real estate opportunities, and develop a comprehensive wealth plan with professional guidance to achieve long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harvey County

via CrimeByCounty

Near the national crime average

Harvey County reports a safety score of 96.4, which is lower than many neighboring counties. Its total crime rate of 2,305.7 per 100,000 is just slightly below the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher activity than the state average

Harvey County faces more safety challenges than the Kansas state average score of 98.0. Its crime rate of 2,305.7 is significantly higher than the Kansas average of 1,282.2 per 100,000 people.

Reporting from multiple agencies

With eight reporting agencies, Harvey County has more urbanized crime patterns than its rural neighbors. This higher activity level reflects its position as a more populated transit hub in central Kansas.

Violent and property crime trends

The violent crime rate of 409.3 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notable at 1,896.4, highlighting the importance of personal and home security.

Enhance your home security

In busier areas like Harvey County, proactive security is essential. Investing in a monitored security system and keeping home exteriors well-lit can significantly reduce your risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harvey County

via HealthByCounty

Harvey County's health outcomes rank well

Harvey County residents live to 75.6 years on average, just below the U.S. national average of 76.4 years. With only 15.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average of approximately 18%, suggesting residents enjoy relatively good health status.

Above-average health in Kansas

Harvey County's 75.6-year life expectancy slightly exceeds the Kansas state average of 75.4 years, and its 11% uninsured rate is the lowest among all counties studied. The county's 15.5% poor/fair health rate also beats the state average, indicating strong overall health outcomes.

Harvey leads on coverage and providers

Harvey County's 11% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region and its 74 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank among the highest. Most remarkably, Harvey County boasts 487 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding all neighboring counties and indicating exceptional behavioral health capacity.

Comprehensive coverage and access

Harvey County achieves the region's best health insurance coverage at 11% uninsured, matching most Kansans with plans. With 74 primary care providers and an extraordinary 487 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Harvey County residents enjoy the strongest access to both routine and behavioral health care in the region.

Maintain your coverage and use it

Harvey County's excellent health outcomes reflect both strong coverage and robust access to care. If you're among the 11% uninsured, now is the time to secure coverage on Healthcare.gov or through Kansas Medicaid to benefit from the county's exceptional provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harvey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust School Network in Harvey County

Harvey County features 18 public schools serving 5,343 students across four districts. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and six high schools, providing comprehensive coverage.

Consistent Performance and Balanced Spending

The county matches the state graduation rate at 88.8%, slightly exceeding the national average. Per-pupil spending is $8,667, supporting a solid school score of 56.5 across its diverse districts.

Newton District Anchors the County

The Newton district is the largest, serving 3,187 students across nine schools. Harvey County also features one charter school, representing roughly 5.6% of the total school options available.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

The county offers a diverse mix of 11 town schools and 7 rural schools, with an average size of 297 students. Newton Senior High is the largest school by far with 956 students, providing a more urban educational experience.

Diverse Living Options Near Newton

Harvey County is ideal for families who want a choice between larger town schools and smaller rural settings. Exploring real estate in Newton or Hesston provides access to the county's most diverse educational opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harvey County

via RiskByCounty

Harvey County's Above-Average National Risk

Harvey County's composite risk score of 38.93 sits well above the national average, making it a higher-risk county compared to most U.S. communities. Residents face notably elevated exposure to multiple major natural disaster threats.

Highest-Risk County in Kansas

Harvey County's score of 38.93 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it the highest-risk county in the entire state. This places Harvey County residents in the most vulnerable position compared to all other Kansans.

Elevated Risk Across All Hazards

Harvey County's score of 38.93 ranks it as the highest-risk county in the region, well above Harper County (31.33) and far exceeding western Kansas peers like Grant County (13.55) and Graham County (4.33). The county faces substantially greater natural disaster exposure than virtually all neighboring communities.

Tornado Risk Dominates Your Threats

Tornado risk in Harvey County reaches 78.72—the highest in the state and your county's most critical hazard—followed by wildfire risk at 67.33 and flood risk at 38.87. These three hazards combine to create Harvey County's elevated overall disaster exposure.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable

Harvey County residents should prioritize access to a certified storm shelter and maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, fire, and flooding. Given the county's tornado risk of 78.72 and flood risk of 38.87, consider flood insurance even outside high-risk zones and review all policy limits annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harvey County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate with Moderate Rainfall

Harvey County averages 56.2°F annually, sitting just above the national median temperature. It receives 33.5 inches of precipitation, making it a relatively green and well-watered part of the central plains.

Warmer and Wetter than Average

Harvey County exceeds both the state average temperature of 54.8°F and the state average precipitation of 30.3 inches. This creates a more humid and productive agricultural climate than western Kansas.

Balancing Heat and Moisture

Harvey is wetter than Gray County by nearly 12 inches annually. While its 62 extreme heat days are fewer than Grant’s 73, its July average of 80.9°F remains one of the highest in the region.

Peak Summer Heat Waves

Summers are hot, with a July average of 80.9°F and 62 days reaching at least 90°F. Winter is standard for the region, averaging 33.4°F with a moderate 10.3 inches of snow.

Manage Both Heat and Humidity

With 33.5 inches of rain and high July heat, residents should monitor for humidity-related home maintenance. Annual snowfall is light at 10.3 inches, but residents should still keep a shovel ready for occasional winter storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harvey County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soils in South-Central Kansas

Harvey County soils have an average pH of 6.39, which is slightly acidic and very close to the national 6.5 median. This makes the county more acidic than the state average of 6.80. It is a highly productive environment with a strong soil score of 57.5.

A Classic Silt-Loam Mix

The composition is a balanced 42.1% silt, 36.1% sand, and 21.8% clay. This mix provides the perfect medium for root growth and water management. It is heavy enough to hold nutrients but light enough to drain well.

Meeting National Organic Benchmarks

Organic matter stands at 2.09%, which aligns perfectly with the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.166 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.180. These metrics indicate a healthy, living soil ready for intensive use.

Consistent Hydrology for Diverse Uses

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the soil's composition suggests reliable permeability. The land is less prone to the extreme drainage issues found in heavier clay or pure sand regions. This stability supports both high-yield farming and residential development.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a great variety of vegetables, from leafy greens to robust tomatoes. The soil’s organic matter and ideal pH provide a head start for any home garden. It is a great place to plant fruit trees or a vibrant flower bed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harvey County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Growing Potential in Central Kansas

Harvey County scores a 64.3 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the easier places in the state to keep a lawn green. This score is well above the state average of 59.1 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 6b climate provides a reliable environment for both cool-season and warm-season grasses.

Steady Rainfall and High Growing Potential

With 33.5 inches of annual rainfall, Harvey County sits comfortably within the ideal range for lawn maintenance. The 4379 growing degree days indicate a long, productive season for turf, even with 62 days of extreme heat. These conditions allow for a lush lawn that can recover quickly from the wear and tear of summer.

Highly Productive Soil with Great pH

The average soil pH of 6.39 is ideal for turfgrass, allowing for maximum nutrient uptake without heavy amendment. The soil texture is a balanced mix of 21.8% clay and 36.1% sand, which offers a good compromise between drainage and water retention. This natural fertility is a major reason why the county maintains such a high difficulty score.

Resilient Against Short Dry Spells

Harvey County is currently free of drought conditions, following 11 weeks of dryness over the past year. Because the annual rainfall is a robust 33.5 inches, the county is generally more resilient than its western neighbors. Even so, practicing 'soak and cycle' irrigation will ensure that water reaches the roots during the occasional dry week.

A Reliable Window for Healthy Turf

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are popular choices that thrive in this 6b zone and fertile soil. Plan your major seeding or sodding between April 14 and October 25 to maximize the growing season. The early April start date gives your lawn a head start to develop deep roots before the 62 days of summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harvey County's county score?
Harvey County, Kansas has a composite county score of 40.2 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 Harvey County rank among counties in Kansas?
Harvey County ranks #86 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 Harvey County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Harvey County is $2,517, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Harvey County a tax score of 15.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harvey County?
The median household income in Harvey County, Kansas is $73,269 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harvey County earns an income score of 74.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harvey County, Kansas a good place to live?
Harvey County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Harvey 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 Harvey 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.