CountyScore

Haskell County

Kansas · KS

#60 in Kansas
66.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Haskell County, Kansas

Well above the national average

Haskell County scores 67.0 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the upper third of U.S. counties for overall livability based on available economic and housing data.

Slightly above Kansas average

Haskell's composite score of 67.0 edges out the state average of 66.0, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of Kansas counties. Among the eight profiled counties, it ranks fourth overall in livability.

Affordable housing leads the way

Housing affordability is Haskell's strongest dimension with a cost score of 80.6, reflected in a median home value of $154,800 and median rent of $776/month. The county also maintains a reasonable tax burden with an effective rate of 1.438%, supporting both renters and homebuyers.

Income levels lag behind state peers

With a median household income of $69,138 and an income score of just 28.5, Haskell residents earn below what's typical for comparable Kansas counties. Several quality-of-life dimensions—including safety, health, schools, and water quality—lack available data, limiting a fuller livability picture.

Best for budget-conscious families

Haskell suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes. The county offers solid livability fundamentals, though prospective residents should seek additional local information about schools, healthcare, and community safety before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.8Cost80.6SafetyComing SoonHealth59.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.5Risk85WaterComing Soon
🏛61.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85
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 Haskell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McIntosh County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $50,348
Washington County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $44,009
Montgomery County
Iowa
66.7
Median income: $63,190
Miami County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $88,000
McCracken County
Kentucky
66.7
Median income: $62,385

Deep Dives

Haskell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Haskell County

via TaxByCounty

Haskell taxes run below national average

Haskell County's effective tax rate of 1.438% sits well below the national median of 1.83%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $2,226 annually—$464 less than the national median of $2,690—thanks to lower home values averaging $154,800 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Haskell ranks among Kansas's lowest rates

At 1.438%, Haskell's effective tax rate runs slightly below Kansas's state average of 1.549%, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 105 counties. The median property tax of $2,226 exceeds the state average of $1,943, reflecting the county's relatively higher home values despite its lower rate.

Southwest Kansas comparison shows variation

Haskell's 1.438% rate sits below Hodgeman County (1.767%) and Kearny County (1.224%), making it moderate for the region. Among its immediate peers, Haskell homeowners pay notably more in absolute dollars than their Hodgeman neighbors due to higher property values, despite a lower effective rate.

What Haskell homeowners pay annually

A median-value home in Haskell County valued at $154,800 carries an estimated annual property tax bill of $2,226. Mortgage-holding homeowners typically pay $2,313 annually when additional county levies are included.

Many Haskell homeowners can appeal assessments

If your property tax bill seems too high relative to comparable homes, you may be overassessed—a common situation even in low-tax counties. Requesting a reassessment or formal appeal costs nothing and often results in meaningful savings; contact your county assessor's office to learn the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Haskell County

via CostByCounty

Haskell rents are a bargain nationally

At 13.5%, Haskell County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and sits comfortably below the threshold where housing becomes unaffordable. Renters here spend roughly $776 monthly on a median household income of $69,138, meaning housing takes up less of their paycheck than it does for most Americans.

Better than average across Kansas

Haskell County ranks favorably within Kansas, where the state average rent-to-income ratio is 14.7%. At 13.5%, this county outperforms that benchmark, suggesting residents enjoy more housing affordability than their counterparts in many other Kansas communities.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Haskell's $776 monthly rent is slightly below the Kansas state average of $787 and competitive with neighboring Hodgeman County at $900. Homeowners here pay a median monthly cost of $912, reflecting median home values of $154,800 that align with the rural western Kansas market.

Where your housing dollar goes

Renters in Haskell dedicate 13.5% of their $69,138 annual income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 15.8% on monthly ownership costs of $912. This leaves substantial income for other necessities, positioning the county as relatively affordable for both renters and buyers.

Considering a move to western Kansas?

Haskell County offers solid affordability for families seeking lower housing costs without sacrificing income stability. With a median home value of $154,800 and manageable rent levels, it's worth comparing to neighbors like Hodgeman and Kearny counties if you're relocating to rural Kansas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haskell County

via IncomeByCounty

Haskell Exceeds National Average

Haskell County's median household income of $69,138 sits 7.5% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. This gap reflects rural Kansas realities, where agricultural and small-town economies create different income patterns than national averages. Still, Haskell outperforms many rural peers in the Mountain West and Great Plains.

Above Kansas Average

At $69,138, Haskell's median household income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 7.3%, ranking the county in the top third statewide. This strong regional position reflects stable employment and a reasonable cost of living relative to earned income. Haskell stands ahead of the typical Kansas county in household earning power.

Competitive With Neighbors

Haskell County's $69,138 median income outpaces Hodgeman County ($63,125) and Kingman County ($59,819) but trails Jackson County ($72,703) and Jefferson County ($77,393). The $10,000+ gap between Haskell and stronger-performing neighbors suggests differences in employment diversity and wage structures. Haskell remains solidly middle-ground in its regional peer group.

Affordable Housing, Stable Costs

Haskell's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio signals healthy housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold that marks housing burden. A median home value of $154,800 represents 2.2 years of median household income, making homeownership achievable for most working families. This balance between income and cost of living provides real financial stability.

Build Savings While You Can

With manageable housing costs and incomes above state average, Haskell households have room to direct earnings toward retirement and investment accounts. Starting a 401(k) match or Roth IRA now leverages decades of compound growth before retirement. Small, consistent deposits compound significantly when you begin early.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Haskell County

via HealthByCounty

Haskell leads on longevity

Haskell County residents live to 78.9 years on average, outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years by more than two years. Yet 19.6% report poor or fair health, suggesting that extra years don't always mean better days. The gap reveals a county where people are living longer but managing chronic conditions more frequently.

Among Kansas's healthiest

Haskell's 78.9-year life expectancy ranks well above the Kansas average of 75.4 years, placing it solidly in the healthier half of the state. Its 19.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state median, indicating pockets of health challenges despite strong longevity. This paradox suggests targeted health interventions could lift overall wellness here.

Outperforming regional peers

Haskell's 78.9-year life expectancy surpasses neighboring Hodgeman County (72.1 years) and Jackson County (75.4 years) by significant margins. However, its 19.6% poor/fair health rate runs higher than Jackson's 14.8%, showing longevity doesn't guarantee day-to-day wellness. Mental health access at 28 per 100K is modest compared to regional standards.

Insurance gap widens opportunity

One in five Haskell residents—21.2%—lack health insurance, nearly double the state average of 11.5%, creating significant barriers to preventive care. Primary care provider data remains limited, though 28 mental health providers per 100K offer some support for behavioral health needs. This insurance gap likely explains why many residents report fair or poor health despite the county's strong life expectancy.

Find coverage that fits your needs

With over one-fifth of Haskell uninsured, exploring healthcare options is urgent. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Kansas's health insurance marketplace to compare plans; many qualify for tax credits that bring coverage within reach. Taking this step today protects your family's health and finances tomorrow.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haskell County

via RiskByCounty

Haskell's Risk: Well Below National Average

Haskell County scores 15.01 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This means residents face significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most Americans, though localized hazards still merit attention.

One of Kansas's Safest Counties

At 15.01, Haskell ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties, scoring less than half the Kansas average of 29.89. Only a handful of Kansas counties demonstrate comparable safety profiles.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Haskell's 15.01 composite score outperforms neighbors like Jackson County (21.53) and Jewell County (25.29), though it's less protected than nearby Hodgeman County (5.95). The variation reflects distinct geographic exposure to tornadoes and wildfires across the region.

Tornadoes and Wildfires Lead Haskell's Hazards

Tornado risk stands at 25.99 and wildfire risk at 24.94, making these two hazards the county's primary concerns. While both remain moderate compared to state hotspots, spring severe weather and dry-season vegetation fires warrant preparedness planning.

Ensure Storm and Fire Coverage

Despite low overall risk, homeowners should carry comprehensive coverage for tornado and wildfire damage, which standard policies may limit. Consider reinforced safe rooms for severe weather and defensible space around your property to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

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.