CountyScore

Jefferson County

Kansas · KS

#16 in Kansas
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Kansas

Solid livability, well above national median

Jefferson County scores 67.8 out of 100, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county ranks in the upper third of U.S. counties on composite livability measures.

Among Kansas' strongest performers

Jefferson's score of 67.8 places it second among the eight profiled counties and above the state average of 66.0. Only Jackson County outperforms it in this analysis.

Highest incomes and strong tax position

Jefferson leads this cohort with a median household income of $77,393 and the highest income score of 33.9, offering genuine earning potential. The county pairs this with a low effective tax rate of 1.276% and a tax score of 66.4, maximizing household purchasing power.

Housing costs moderately higher

While still affordable, Jefferson's median home value of $200,800 and rent of $844/month sit above some peers, though the cost score of 77.4 remains solid. Critical data on schools, health, safety, and water quality remain unavailable.

Best for upwardly mobile professionals

Jefferson suits working professionals and growing families seeking higher incomes and favorable taxes without excessive cost burden. The county's combination of earning potential and reasonable living expenses makes it ideal for those building wealth and career stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.4Cost77.4SafetyComing SoonHealth75.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.9Risk80.4WaterComing Soon
🏛66.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡80.4
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson taxes just below national average

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.276% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.83%, putting it in the bottom third of all U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $2,562 on a home valued at $200,800 represents excellent value compared to the national medians of $2,690 and $281,900.

Jefferson beats Kansas average, ranks middle-tier

At 1.276%, Jefferson's rate runs 18% below the Kansas state average of 1.549%, positioning it solidly in the lower half of the state's 105 counties. The county balances moderate tax burden with reasonable home values, creating an attractive overall tax environment.

Jefferson sits between high and low regional rates

Jefferson's 1.276% falls comfortably below Jewell County's steep 1.968% but exceeds Jackson County's remarkable 1.190%. Among its immediate area peers, Jefferson offers a middle ground—lower than most regional counties but slightly higher than the state's best performers.

Jefferson homeowners pay mid-range tax bills

A median-value home in Jefferson County valued at $200,800 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,562. Mortgage-holding homeowners typically pay $2,550 annually.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Jefferson's reasonable rates don't guarantee accurate assessments—many homeowners statewide pay taxes on inflated valuations. Submit a reassessment request if comparable homes in your neighborhood recently sold for less than your assessed value; the process is free and often effective.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson outperforms on affordability

Jefferson County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in the nation, offering exceptional housing affordability to households earning a median income of $77,393. At $844 monthly rent, Jefferson residents enjoy strong purchasing power and manageable housing burdens compared to national averages.

Kansas's most affordable county here

Jefferson County ranks among Kansas's most affordable communities, with a 13.1% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 14.7%. This superior affordability—combined with above-average household income—makes it an attractive option for Kansans prioritizing housing value.

Premium affordability and income in the region

Jefferson County leads neighboring Jackson ($72,703 income) and Haskell ($69,138 income) with a median household income of $77,393, while maintaining comparable or lower rent at $844. Home values at $200,800 are the highest in the immediate region, reflecting the county's relative affluence and stability.

Strong balance across housing types

Both renters (13.1% of income) and homeowners (16.1% of income) maintain reasonable housing-cost burdens in Jefferson County, though monthly ownership costs of $1,041 indicate a meaningful jump for buyers. The combination of high income and controlled costs creates broad accessibility across the housing spectrum.

Jefferson: Kansas's affordability leader

If you're relocating to Kansas and prioritize affordability with stable income, Jefferson County deserves serious consideration with its 13.1% rent-to-income ratio and $77,393 median household income. It consistently outpaces neighbors while offering home values ($200,800) that reflect genuine community investment and stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson Surpasses National Income

Jefferson County's median household income of $77,393 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 3.5%, placing it solidly in the upper-middle income tier nationally. This achievement is remarkable for a rural Kansas county, signaling strong local employment and wage competitiveness. Jefferson ranks in the top 35% of U.S. counties by median household income.

Highest in Region, Top Tier Statewide

At $77,393, Jefferson County leads all comparison peers and exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 20.1%, ranking in the top tier statewide. Per capita income of $39,516 also leads the peer group, suggesting broader wealth distribution and higher-wage opportunities. Jefferson is among Kansas's most prosperous rural counties.

Clear Economic Leader Regionally

Jefferson County's $77,393 median income leads all neighbors: Jackson County ($72,703), Haskell County ($69,138), Hodgeman County ($63,125), Kingman County ($59,819), and Jewell County ($52,344). This $25,000+ advantage over the lowest-income neighbor reflects superior job quality and economic opportunity. Jefferson is the regional economic anchor and attracts skilled workers.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Jefferson's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest in the peer group—signals exceptional affordability and minimal housing burden for residents. A median home value of $200,800 represents 2.6 years of median household income, enabling most working families to build home equity. Strong income-to-housing-cost ratios create significant wealth-building capacity.

Maximize Long-Term Wealth Building

Jefferson County households above the $77K median have substantial capacity to contribute to 401(k)s, HSAs, and taxable investment accounts simultaneously. Diversifying investments across stocks, bonds, and real estate generates multiple income streams and compounds substantially over decades. This income level enables aggressive, long-term wealth strategies that few rural counties can match.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson exceeds U.S. health benchmarks

Jefferson County residents live to 76.5 years on average, surpassing the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years by one year. Only 12.9% report poor or fair health—one of the lowest rates regionally—and just 9% lack insurance, reflecting strong health fundamentals. This combination of longevity, wellness, and coverage places Jefferson among America's healthier communities.

Top-tier Kansas health outcomes

Jefferson County's 76.5-year life expectancy outpaces the Kansas state average of 75.4 years, and its 12.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best. At 9.0% uninsured, Jefferson sits well below the state average of 11.5%, indicating strong coverage penetration. The county demonstrates how competitive insurance rates and good health outcomes reinforce each other.

Regional health leader

Jefferson County's 76.5-year life expectancy edges out Jackson County (75.4 years) and surpasses Hodgeman County (72.1 years), showcasing regional strength. Its 12.9% poor/fair health rate ranks better than Jackson's 14.8% and Hodgeman's 14.7%, while 9.0% uninsured beats all three neighbors. With 54 primary care and 49 mental health providers per 100K, Jefferson offers solid, steady access.

High coverage drives health resilience

Jefferson's 9.0% uninsured rate—among the state's lowest—ensures most residents can access preventive and acute care without financial barriers. The county fields 54 primary care providers and 49 mental health providers per 100K, supporting comprehensive care for physical and behavioral health. This combination of coverage and access creates a foundation for sustained wellness.

Protect Jefferson's health advantage

With nine out of ten Jefferson residents already covered, sustaining this success requires continuous enrollment. Even if you're insured, review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure it still meets your family's needs. Staying proactive about coverage maintenance keeps Jefferson's health outcomes strong.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County Below National Disaster Risk

Jefferson County's composite risk of 19.66 places it in the Very Low category and below the national average. However, this understates the county's notable exposure to wildfires and flooding, which require household preparedness.

Safer Than Most Kansas Counties

At 19.66, Jefferson scores well below the Kansas average of 29.89, putting it in the state's safer tier. The county's below-average composite score masks above-average wildfire and flood risks.

Higher Risk Than Jackson, Lower Than Kingman

Jefferson (19.66) falls between Jackson (21.53) and Haskell (15.01), but its wildfire exposure at 67.72 exceeds most neighbors. This reflects the county's exposed position in Kansas's fire-prone northeast region.

Wildfires and Floods Top Jefferson's Risks

Wildfire (67.72) and flood (32.57) risks both exceed state averages, with tornadoes at 47.84 rounding out the top three. Spring flooding and fall/winter wildfire seasons drive most of the county's natural disaster exposure.

Bundle Wildfire, Flood, and Storm Coverage

Standard homeowner policies often exclude wildfire and flood damage—verify both are covered or add riders. Maintain gutters, trim branches overhanging your roof, and know your local flood zone and evacuation routes.

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.