countyscore
52
County Score
Income & Jobs 80.6Disaster Risk 80.4Lawn Care 71

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Kansas

Solid Performance on the National Stage

Jefferson County sits above the national median with a composite score of 52.0. It offers a lifestyle that balances economic opportunity with environmental health.

Beating the State Benchmark

The county's score of 52.0 is higher than the Kansas state average of 49.5. It ranks as a desirable destination for those working in nearby metropolitan hubs.

High Incomes and Excellent Health

Jefferson County excels with an income score of 80.6 and a median household income of $77,393. Health outcomes are also strong, reflected in a score of 70.8.

Higher Taxes and Moderate Costs

The tax score of 22.0 indicates a higher effective tax rate of 1.276%. Housing affordability also lags behind state averages with a cost score of 40.4.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Professionals

This county is a great fit for high-earning professionals who value personal health and environmental resilience. It attracts those who want a quality suburban-rural mix with strong economic roots.

Score breakdown

Tax22Cost40.4Safety48.1Health70.8Schools70Income80.6Risk80.4Water38.7Weather49
🏛22
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71
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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Nearby counties

Douglas County
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33.7
Shawnee County
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Leavenworth County
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39.9
Atchison County
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Jackson County
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Platte County
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Wyandotte County
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Johnson County
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Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Provides Strong National Security

Jefferson County reports a total crime rate of 1,163.9 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.2 reflects a community that is much safer than the typical U.S. county. Residents enjoy a lower risk profile for both property and violent offenses.

Competitive Safety within Kansas

The county's safety score of 98.2 sits just above the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,163.9 is also lower than the statewide average of 1,282.2. This makes it a reliable choice for families seeking a secure Kansas lifestyle.

Comprehensive Monitoring Across Nine Agencies

Nine different reporting agencies contribute to Jefferson County's data, offering one of the most transparent views of safety in the region. This robust reporting makes its 1,163.9 rate very reliable compared to neighbors with fewer data points. The high level of coordination helps maintain consistent safety standards.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

The violent crime rate stands at 233.9, which is nearly equal to the state average but lower than the national 369.8. Property crime is higher at 930.0, yet still far below the national average of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve non-violent property disputes rather than physical harm.

Safeguarding Your Jefferson Residence

Because property crime is the primary concern here, homeowners should focus on exterior security like lighting and locked gates. Nine local agencies work to keep the community safe, but personal vigilance remains the first line of defense. Simple preventative measures ensure the county stays safer than the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Reach Across Jefferson County

Jefferson County supports 3,159 students through a network of 14 public schools. The infrastructure includes five elementary, three middle, and six high schools managed by five different districts. This decentralized system ensures local control and community-specific school identities.

Strong Outcomes with Efficient Spending

Students here achieve a 91.5% graduation rate, easily beating the national benchmark of 87%. The county’s school score of 58.7 also exceeds the Kansas average of 57.2. Per-pupil spending sits at $9,044, placing the county right in line with the state average of $9,009.

A Multi-District Approach to Public Learning

Jefferson West is the largest district, serving 827 students, followed by Oskaloosa Public Schools with 553 students and McLouth with 453. There are no charter schools in the county, as families rely on the five diverse public districts. Each district offers unique programs tailored to its specific rural community.

Pure Rural Learning on a Human Scale

All 14 public schools in the county are located in rural areas, maintaining a consistent regional character. The average school size is 226 students, with Jefferson County North Elem/Middle being the largest at 325 students. Schools like Perry Lecompton High provide a familiar environment where students and staff are closely connected.

Root Your Family in Jefferson County

Jefferson County is ideal for those seeking high-performing rural schools with a track record of success. With graduation rates well above the national average, the area is a smart choice for home buyers. Look for properties within these five districts to give your children a head start.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Midwestern Temperature and Precipitation

Jefferson County averages 54.4°F annually, which aligns closely with the U.S. national median. Its 38.4 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the national average for the Great Plains.

Representing the State Average

The county's 54.4°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It is one of the state's wetter regions, exceeding the state precipitation average by over 8 inches.

Slightly Warmer than Jackson County

Jefferson is roughly two degrees warmer on average than neighboring Jackson County. It shares a similar moisture profile, receiving 38.4 inches of rain compared to Jackson's 37.4 inches.

Balanced Heat and Moderate Snow

Residents see 44 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 78.7°F. Winter delivers a moderate 14.1 inches of snow, and temperatures average 31.0°F from December through February.

Prepare for Humidity and Rain

The high precipitation of 38.4 inches suggests a need for reliable rain gear and moisture-resistant building materials. Summers are warm but manageable with 44 days above 90°F, requiring standard air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Growing Ground

With a pH of 6.34, the soil is slightly more acidic than both the national 6.5 and state 6.8 averages. This level is excellent for nutrient availability for most common garden vegetables and field crops.

Fine-Textured Silt Mix

The soil is comprised of 52.5% silt and 27.6% clay, making it a heavy-bodied mix. This high silt percentage creates a silky texture that holds onto moisture and fertilizer effectively throughout the season.

Robust Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter is robust at 2.77%, comfortably exceeding the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in also sits above the state benchmark, supporting plants during summer dry spells.

Moisture-Retentive Soil Management

Official drainage classifications are not available, but the clay-heavy mix generally indicates a need for managed runoff. This composition ensures that nutrients stay in the root zone rather than washing away.

Long Season Success in 6b

Jefferson County sits in zone 6b, providing a long enough season for tomatoes, peppers, and diverse ornamentals. Now is a great time to leverage this above-average fertility in your own garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Jefferson's High-Performing Lawns

A lawn difficulty score of 71.0 makes Jefferson County one of the friendlier spots in Kansas for home landscaping. It beats the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 59.1, providing a solid foundation for Zone 6b growth.

Optimal Rainfall for Turf

The county enjoys 38.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly better than the state average of 30.3 inches. With 44 extreme heat days, you spend less time fighting summer dormancy than your western Kansas neighbors.

Strong Nutrient Foundations

Your soil pH of 6.34 sits right in the sweet spot for a lush green lawn. While drainage data is limited, the 27.6% clay content suggests your yard will hold water well, though it may be prone to stickiness after heavy rains.

Battling Dry Surface Conditions

Almost 99% of the county is currently abnormally dry following 18 weeks of drought in the past year. Combat these conditions by watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and keep your soil hydrated.

Long Growing Season Potential

Tall fescue thrives here, and with a late first frost on October 24, you have a generous window for fall overseeding. Start your spring projects after the early last frost on April 13 for best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 52 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Kansas?
Jefferson County ranks #49 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 Jefferson County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $2,562, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 22/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Kansas is $77,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 80.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 52/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.