countyscore
48.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 85Safety 70.6Schools 53.1

County Report Card

About Haskell County, Kansas

Slightly Above the National Median

Haskell County earns a composite score of 50.3, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is competitive with the average American county.

Outperforming the Kansas State Average

With a 50.3 composite score, Haskell County ranks above the Kansas state average of 49.5. It maintains a solid standing among the 105 counties in the state.

Environmental Resilience and Strong Incomes

The county excels in environmental stability with a high risk score of 85.0. Residents also enjoy a healthy income score of 64.7, supported by a median household income of $69,138.

Water Availability and Tax Burdens

Water security is a primary concern with a low score of 6.8. Furthermore, the tax score of 15.7 reflects a higher-than-average effective tax rate of 1.438%.

Best for Stable, High-Income Households

Haskell County is an excellent fit for families who value income growth and environmental safety. It suits those who can navigate a higher tax environment in exchange for economic stability.

2040608010012.849.970.644.553.151.7856.849.6Tax12.8Cost49.9Safety70.6Health44.5Schools53.1Income51.7Risk85Water6.8Weather49.648.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Haskell County DNA

Foverall

How Haskell County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Haskell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (85/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.8-39.2
Cost
49.9
Safety
70.6+15.599999999999994
Health
44.5
Schools
53.1
Income
51.7
Risk
85+38
Water
6.8-51.2
Weather
49.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Haskell County?

Many homeowners in Haskell 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

$165,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$830/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$165,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,162/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

54.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Haskell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Haskell County

via CrimeByCounty

Haskell County Outpaces National Safety Standards

Haskell County reports a total crime rate of 696.1 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly 71% lower than the national average. This impressive data earns the county a safety score of 98.9 out of 100. Residents live in an environment significantly more secure than the typical American community.

A Leader in Kansas Rural Safety

The county's total crime rate of 696.1 sits well below the Kansas state average of 1,282.2. Its safety score of 98.9 also exceeds the state average score of 98.0. Haskell remains one of the more secure regions within the state's agricultural heartland.

Stability in Southwest Kansas

With only one reporting agency, Haskell County shows much lower crime activity than several of its regional neighbors. While the total rate of 696.1 is low, the single-agency data source suggests residents should interpret these specific comparisons with cautious optimism. It maintains a distinct safety advantage over more urbanized Kansas districts.

Property Crimes Edge Out Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for 374.8 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime sits at 321.3. Both figures remain below national benchmarks, though the violent crime rate is closer to the national average of 369.8 than the property rate is to its own. This indicates that most local law enforcement activity focuses on personal disputes rather than theft.

Maintain the Haskell Safety Standard

Even with property crime rates at a fraction of the national 2,015.7 average, basic home security provides essential peace of mind. Simple measures like motion-activated lighting and sturdy deadbolts help preserve this county's quiet atmosphere. Staying vigilant helps Haskell remain one of the safest spots in the state.

Weather & Climate in Haskell County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Arid Plains Climate

Haskell County maintains an average annual temperature of 56.9°F, which is nearly four degrees warmer than the national median. This semi-arid region receives only 18.3 inches of precipitation annually, far below the national average for temperate zones.

Warmer Than the Kansas Average

With an annual average of 56.9°F, Haskell County is significantly warmer than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It also ranks as one of the driest counties in the state, receiving about 12 inches less rain than the average Kansas community.

Hotter and Drier Than Eastern Neighbors

Haskell shares the dry profile of western Kansas, but its 72 extreme heat days make it more intense than many central counties. It is slightly warmer and drier than Kearny County, which averages 55.7°F and 18.8 inches of rain.

Intense Summer Heat and Moderate Winters

Summers are demanding with 72 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 79.5°F. Winters are relatively mild for the plains, averaging 36.1°F with a manageable 15.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Dry Heat and Sun

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the frequent 90-degree days. Water conservation and xeriscaping are practical choices given the low annual precipitation of just 18.3 inches.

Soil Quality in Haskell County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Fine Sandy Loams

Haskell County's soil has a pH of 7.22, which is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas average of 6.8. These Entisols feature a fine sandy loam texture, indicating relatively young soil development in this region.

Sandy Texture for Easy Working

The mix contains 48.0% sand, 35.4% silt, and 16.6% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent workability and drainage, though it requires more frequent watering for crop success than heavier soils.

Managing Arid Soil Fertility

Organic matter levels sit at 1.40%, which is lower than the Kansas average of 2.22%. Available water capacity also trails the state benchmark at 0.157 in/in, reflecting the dry climate of western Kansas.

Fast-Draining Hydrologic Group A

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group A, this ground moves water quickly. This setup minimizes runoff risks during heavy storms but makes the land more prone to drying out during heat waves.

Growing in Zone 6b

Haskell falls in USDA hardiness zone 6b, making it ideal for drought-tolerant grains like sorghum. Start your own garden with heat-resistant perennials to match these sandy and alkaline conditions.

Lawn Care in Haskell County

via LawnByCounty

Haskell County's Uphill Lawn Battle

Haskell County scores a 45.1 for lawn difficulty, making it tougher to maintain grass here than the national median of 50.0. In this Zone 6b region, you face a more challenging environment than the Kansas state average of 59.1.

Dry Heat and High Demands

You manage just 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, far below the ideal 30-50 inches lawns prefer. With 72 extreme heat days and 4296 growing degree days, your grass requires heavy irrigation to survive the intense summer sun.

Sandy Loam Basics

Your soil is a well-drained fine sandy loam with a pH of 7.22, sitting just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the 48.0% sand content prevents pooling, it means you must fertilize carefully to prevent nutrients from washing away.

Managing the Dry Spells

The county endured 10 weeks in drought over the past year, though current conditions show no immediate dry areas. To stay ahead of the next cycle, keep mower blades at three inches or higher to shade the soil and preserve moisture.

Timing Your 6b Lawn

Drought-tolerant varieties like buffalograss or tall fescue are your best bets for this climate. Aim to seed between the last spring frost on April 23 and the first fall frost around October 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haskell County's county score?
Haskell County, Kansas has a composite county score of 48.3 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 Haskell County rank among counties in Kansas?
Haskell County ranks #61 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 Haskell County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Haskell County is $2,396, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Haskell County a tax score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haskell County?
The median household income in Haskell County, Kansas is $66,162 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haskell County earns an income score of 51.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haskell County, Kansas a good place to live?
Haskell County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Haskell 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 Haskell County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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