CountyScore

Hodgeman County

Kansas · KS

#51 in Kansas
67.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Hodgeman County, Kansas

Strong livability, well above U.S. median

Hodgeman County scores 63.9 out of 100, beating the national median of 50.0 by nearly 14 points. This above-average ranking reflects solid fundamentals in housing affordability and economic basics.

Slightly below the Kansas benchmark

At 63.9, Hodgeman falls just under the state average of 66.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Kansas counties. Among the eight profiled counties, it ranks sixth in overall livability.

Exceptional housing affordability

Hodgeman's cost score of 82.1 is among the highest profiled, with a median home value of just $92,700 and rent at $900/month. These rock-bottom housing prices make homeownership and renting genuinely accessible for working families.

Lower incomes and higher tax rates

Median household income stands at $63,125 with an income score of 24.6, the second-lowest among profiled counties. The effective tax rate of 1.767% is also the highest in this group, creating a tension between affordability and earning power.

Right for bargain hunters and retirees

Hodgeman appeals to those seeking rock-bottom housing costs and willing to accept lower local wages. The county works best for fixed-income retirees, remote workers, or families where affordability outweighs concerns about local job markets.

Score breakdown

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

Tax52.6Cost82.1SafetyComing SoonHealth67.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk94.1WaterComing Soon
🏛52.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡94.1
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 Hodgeman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Faulkner County
Arkansas
67.4
Median income: $65,071
Randolph County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $25,425
Talbot County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $45,098
Fayette County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $57,113
Hancock County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $65,044

Deep Dives

Hodgeman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hodgeman County

via TaxByCounty

Hodgeman taxes high despite lower home values

Hodgeman County's effective tax rate of 1.767% ranks in the upper third of U.S. counties, significantly above the national median of 1.83%. With a median home value of just $92,700, the county's median property tax of $1,638 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the interaction of a high rate with lower-valued properties.

Hodgeman among Kansas's highest-rate counties

At 1.767%, Hodgeman's effective tax rate ranks in the top 15% statewide—significantly above Kansas's 1.549% average. The county collects more per dollar of home value than most Kansas peers, making it one of the state's steeper property tax environments.

Hodgeman leads region in tax rate burden

Hodgeman's 1.767% rate exceeds neighboring Haskell (1.438%), Kearny (1.224%), and Kingman (1.784%) by varying margins, establishing it as a high-rate zone in southwest Kansas. Only Kingman's rate approaches Hodgeman's, making these two the region's heaviest tax burdens.

Hodgeman homeowners pay modest absolute taxes

A median-value home in Hodgeman County valued at $92,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,638. Mortgage-holding homeowners typically pay $1,906 annually when county levies are factored in.

Appeal assessments to reduce your burden

Hodgeman's high rate means assessment errors carry outsized impact on your tax bill. Request a reassessment if your home's assessed value seems inflated relative to recent sales or condition; county assessors regularly make mistakes that cost homeowners money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hodgeman County

via CostByCounty

Hodgeman renters stretch to afford housing

At 17.1%, Hodgeman County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national standard and Kansas's state average of 14.7%, signaling affordability pressure. Renters earning a median household income of $63,125 annually face $900 monthly rent payments, consuming a larger share of income than most Americans experience.

Among Kansas's less affordable counties

Hodgeman County ranks below average within Kansas for rental affordability, with its 17.1% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 14.7%. This suggests renters here face tighter budgets compared to most other Kansas communities, though homeownership remains relatively affordable.

Higher rents than nearby Haskell

Hodgeman's $900 monthly rent is notably higher than Haskell County's $776 and the state average of $787, despite having a lower median household income of $63,125. However, homeowners benefit from lower monthly costs ($663) and significantly lower home values ($92,700) compared to neighboring counties.

The rent crunch in Hodgeman

Renters dedicate 17.1% of their income to housing—well above the typical 15% affordability threshold—while homeowners spend a healthier 12.6% of their income on ownership costs. This split reflects a rental market that strains household budgets, though buying is comparatively accessible.

Renting here requires careful budgeting

Hodgeman County works best for prospective homebuyers seeking affordable property values around $92,700, but renters should budget carefully as rental costs consume more income than in neighboring counties. Compare your job prospects and housing needs with adjacent Haskell and Kearny counties before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hodgeman County

via IncomeByCounty

Below National, Below State Average

Hodgeman County's median household income of $63,125 trails the national median of $74,755 by 15.6%, reflecting rural Kansas's structural income challenges. This shortfall is typical for agricultural counties where seasonal work and commodity volatility affect annual earnings. Hodgeman ranks among lower-income counties nationally, but not unusually so for the Great Plains.

Below-Average Kansas County

At $63,125, Hodgeman County falls below Kansas's state average of $64,428 by just 1.9%, putting it near the state's median tier. This near-average position masks significant wage variations within the county—per capita income of $36,823 suggests wealth concentration or part-time work prevalence. Hodgeman ranks in the middle-to-lower third statewide.

Struggling Relative to Regional Peers

Hodgeman's $63,125 median income lags Haskell County ($69,138) and Jackson County ($72,703) significantly, though it edges Kingman County ($59,819) and Jewell County ($52,344). The $10,000+ gap to stronger neighbors reflects differences in job diversity and wage scales across the region. Hodgeman needs economic development to narrow this gap.

Housing Affordability Pressured

Hodgeman's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is elevated, approaching the 30% housing-burden threshold and suggesting rental costs consume meaningful household income. A median home value of $92,700 remains achievable, but rising rental costs erode discretionary income for lower-wage households. Affordability stress compounds for renters and service-industry workers.

Prioritize Emergency Savings First

With tighter income margins and rising housing costs, Hodgeman households should build a 3-6 month emergency fund before investing aggressively. Employer-sponsored retirement plans, even modest contributions, provide stability and tax advantages that build wealth over time. Small consistent steps beat waiting for a windfall.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hodgeman County

via HealthByCounty

Hodgeman struggles with longevity

At 72.1 years, Hodgeman County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over four years, signaling serious public health headwinds. Only 14.7% report poor or fair health—a relatively low rate—yet residents die younger, suggesting acute health crises rather than chronic management issues. This gap hints at preventable deaths that demand urgent attention.

Among Kansas's shortest lifespans

Hodgeman ranks near the bottom of Kansas counties with a 72.1-year life expectancy, more than three years below the state average of 75.4 years. Despite having 117 primary care providers per 100K—among the state's highest—residents still face a significant mortality burden. This disconnect suggests barriers beyond provider availability are limiting health outcomes.

Lagging behind nearby counties

Hodgeman's 72.1-year life expectancy falls sharply below Jackson County (75.4 years) and Haskell County (78.9 years), a 6.8-year gap that reflects profound health disparities. Its 14.7% poor/fair health rate is competitive with neighbors, yet residents still die earlier, pointing to gaps in disease prevention or emergency care. With 117 primary care providers per 100K, the issue lies beyond simple provider scarcity.

Insurance stable, outcomes unclear

Hodgeman's 11.3% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 11.5%, suggesting coverage isn't the primary barrier here. The county boasts 117 primary care providers per 100K, yet mental health provider data is unavailable, masking potential gaps in behavioral health support. Despite strong primary care availability, the low life expectancy points to gaps in disease management or health equity.

Ensure continuous coverage now

Though Hodgeman's uninsured rate is near the state average, maintaining continuous coverage is critical given the county's health challenges. Check your current plan and explore options at healthcare.gov to guarantee you're protected year-round. Regular preventive care—enabled by consistent insurance—can help close Hodgeman's life expectancy gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hodgeman County

via RiskByCounty

Hodgeman: Kansas's Lowest-Risk County

Hodgeman County's composite risk score of 5.95 ranks among the nation's safest places, dropping well below the national average. Residents enjoy exceptional natural disaster protection, though wildfire remains a notable regional concern.

Bottom of Kansas Risk Rankings

Hodgeman's 5.95 score is the lowest in our Kansas sample and significantly trails the state average of 29.89. This exceptional safety profile makes it one of the state's most resilient counties for disaster risk.

Safest County in Its Region

Hodgeman (5.95) outperforms all surrounding counties including Kearny (8.37), Haskell (15.01), and Kingman (35.56). Its combination of lower tornado activity and reduced flood exposure creates a notably safer regional pocket.

Wildfire Dominates Hodgeman's Hazard Profile

Wildfire risk reaches 45.61, by far the county's leading hazard and well above the state pattern. Tornado risk at 25.54 and flood risk at 4.33 remain secondary concerns, leaving vegetation management the priority.

Prioritize Wildfire Insurance and Prevention

Homeowners should confirm wildfire coverage is included in property insurance, as standard policies sometimes exclude or limit it. Create at least 30 feet of defensible space around structures and keep roofs and gutters clear of dead vegetation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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