countyscore
52.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.2Disaster 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.

2040608010021.143.248.170.87083.280.438.749Tax21.1Cost43.2Safety48.1Health70.8Schools70Income83.2Risk80.4Water38.7Weather4952.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

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

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (80.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (21.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.1-30.9
Cost
43.2
Safety
48.1
Health
70.8+20.799999999999997
Schools
70+16
Income
83.2+32.2
Risk
80.4+33.400000000000006
Water
38.7-19.299999999999997
Weather
49
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Think property taxes are too high in Jefferson County?

Many homeowners in Jefferson 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

$216,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$835/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,278/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 52.5 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 #45 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 $2,733, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Kansas is $81,278 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 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.
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.