CountyScore

Jewell County

Kansas · KS

#52 in Kansas
67.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Jewell County, Kansas

Above average despite income challenges

Jewell County scores 64.5 out of 100, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by roughly 14 points. The county's above-average ranking rests heavily on exceptional housing affordability that offsets income limitations.

Slightly below state average

At 64.5, Jewell falls about 1.5 points below Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the middle tier of profiled counties. It ranks fifth out of eight in overall livability.

Strikingly affordable housing market

Jewell's cost score of 89.5 is the highest among all eight counties, with a median home value of just $62,100 and rent at only $591/month. This extraordinary affordability makes homeownership and renting accessible to nearly any income level.

Income and tax pressures collide

Jewell faces a difficult combination: the lowest median household income at $52,344 with an income score of 17.6, plus the highest effective tax rate at 1.968%. These pressures limit household discretionary income despite rock-bottom housing costs.

Perfect for cash-strapped, retired residents

Jewell best serves retirees, those on fixed incomes, or remote workers with income from elsewhere seeking ultra-low cost of living. The county's exceptional housing affordability fully compensates for limited local wage opportunities and higher taxes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax46.9Cost89.5SafetyComing SoonHealth72.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.6Risk74.7WaterComing Soon
🏛46.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡74.7
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 Jewell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tuscaloosa County
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Miller County
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67.3
Median income: $49,983
Inyo County
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67.3
Median income: $72,432
Cook County
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67.3
Median income: $50,133
Toombs County
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67.3
Median income: $54,130

Deep Dives

Jewell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jewell County

via TaxByCounty

Jewell has Kansas's highest property tax rate

Jewell County's effective tax rate of 1.968% ranks in the top 5% of all U.S. counties—a notably steep burden that reflects heavy local spending on schools and services. The median property tax of $1,222 remains below national averages, primarily because Jewell homes are valued far below the national median at just $62,100.

Jewell leads Kansas with highest rate

At 1.968%, Jewell's effective tax rate is the highest in Kansas, towering 27% above the state average of 1.549%. Jewell residents pay the steepest percentage tax on their property values statewide.

Jewell dramatically exceeds regional peers

Jewell's 1.968% rate is 65% higher than Jackson County (1.190%) and substantially above every other regional county including Jefferson (1.276%) and Haskell (1.438%). Only Kingman (1.784%) approaches Jewell's burden, but still trails by 22 percentage points.

Jewell homeowners pay steep percentage taxes

A median-value home in Jewell County valued at $62,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,222. However, mortgage-holding homeowners pay $2,255 annually—a dramatic difference reflecting the county's supplemental assessments and levies.

Appeal assessments to fight high rates

With Kansas's highest tax rate, every percentage point of assessed value reduction matters enormously in Jewell County. Request a reassessment immediately if your home's valuation seems inflated; the county assessor may have made errors that cost you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jewell County

via CostByCounty

Jewell's ultra-low rents hide income gap

Jewell County boasts an exceptional 13.6% rent-to-income ratio with rock-bottom rents of just $591 monthly, but the reality is more complex. The county's median household income of only $52,344—significantly below the national average of $74,755—means residents have fewer dollars to stretch, even when housing costs are minimal.

Lowest incomes, lowest rents in Kansas

Jewell County ranks among Kansas's most affordable for housing costs, with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio near the state average of 14.7%. However, this affordability comes from depressed rents ($591) rather than robust incomes, reflecting economic challenges common in rural north-central Kansas.

Cheapest housing, but limited income

Jewell's $591 monthly rent is the lowest among all comparison counties and less than half of Kearny County's $1,137, with homes valued at just $62,100. However, the $52,344 median income is also the lowest in the region, underscoring limited economic opportunity beyond affordable housing.

Affordability through economic constraint

Jewell renters spend 13.6% of their limited income on housing, and homeowners just 12.8%, but the underlying issue is flat wages rather than genuine prosperity. Both housing types remain accessible, yet the low-income foundation means residents have limited resources for savings, healthcare, and other necessities.

Affordable but economically limited

Jewell County offers unbeatable housing costs ($591 rent, $62,100 home values) for remote workers or retirees with secure outside income, but job seekers should research economic conditions carefully. Compare employment opportunities with neighbors before committing, as low rents reflect limited local economic dynamism.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jewell County

via IncomeByCounty

Jewell Faces Significant Income Gap

Jewell County's median household income of $52,344 trails the national median of $74,755 by 30%, marking one of the steepest income shortfalls in the peer group. This gap reflects the county's rural character, limited employment diversification, and population decline that reduce wage scales. Jewell ranks in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties by household income.

Lowest-Income Kansas County

At $52,344, Jewell County falls 18.7% below Kansas's state average of $64,428, ranking in the lowest tier statewide. This significant underperformance reflects structural economic challenges: aging population, agricultural volatility, and limited job creation. Jewell requires targeted economic development to close gaps with stronger-performing neighbors.

Lowest Income in Region

Jewell County's $52,344 median income lags all neighbors by $7,000–25,000: Haskell ($69,138), Jackson ($72,703), Jefferson ($77,393), Hodgeman ($63,125), and Kingman ($59,819). This income disadvantage reflects population loss and limited ability to attract skilled workers or new employers. Jewell faces structural economic headwinds requiring targeted intervention.

Limited Room for Housing Costs

Jewell's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio is manageable in isolation, but the county's low median income ($52,344) leaves households with minimal discretionary income after housing costs. A median home value of $62,100 is deeply affordable, but lower-wage households struggle with rent payments and utilities. Income constraints, not housing costs, create affordability stress.

Focus on Stability, Then Growth

Jewell County households should prioritize building a robust emergency fund given income volatility in agricultural areas and limited job options. Once stabilized, even modest retirement contributions through employer plans compound meaningfully over decades. Stability first; aggressive investing follows once the foundation is secure.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jewell County

via HealthByCounty

Jewell leads the nation in longevity

Jewell County's 80.1-year life expectancy is exceptional, surpassing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 3.7 years—a remarkable achievement. Yet 16.9% report poor or fair health, suggesting that extended lifespan comes alongside chronic condition management for many. This paradox indicates Jewell residents live long but often with multiple health challenges.

Kansas's longevity champion

Jewell County ranks among Kansas's healthiest by life expectancy at 80.1 years, more than 4.5 years above the state average of 75.4 years. Its 16.9% poor/fair health rate runs higher than some neighbors, yet the county's exceptional longevity reflects decades of health stewardship. This suggests strong disease management and quality end-of-life care despite prevalent chronic conditions.

Outlasting peers across region

Jewell's 80.1-year life expectancy ranks above all nearby counties—including Haskell (78.9 years) and Jackson (75.4 years)—by substantial margins. However, its 16.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds Jackson's 14.8%, showing Jewell's longevity comes with higher rates of reported illness. Primary and mental health provider data are unavailable, limiting insight into the care infrastructure supporting this achievement.

Limited data, strong resilience

Jewell's 11.7% uninsured rate sits just above the state average of 11.5%, suggesting adequate coverage access for most residents. Primary care and mental health provider figures are unavailable, making it difficult to assess care capacity fully. Yet Jewell's outstanding life expectancy—80.1 years—speaks to effective healthcare delivery despite this data gap.

Maintain coverage as you age

Jewell County's exceptional longevity means many residents face decades of aging ahead—all the more reason to ensure continuous coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to review your current plan and explore Medicare options if you're eligible. Staying insured throughout your lifespan protects the health gains Jewell County has built.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jewell County

via RiskByCounty

Jewell County Below National Disaster Risk

Jewell County's composite score of 25.29 places it in the Very Low risk category, below the national average. While this indicates good overall safety, tornadoes and wildfires present localized hazards worth preparing for.

Below-Average Risk for Kansas

At 25.29, Jewell ranks below the Kansas average of 29.89, positioning it among the state's safer counties. However, its 38.61 tornado risk reflects Kansas's regional vulnerability to severe spring weather.

Mid-Range Protection in Northeast Kansas

Jewell (25.29) sits between Haskell (15.01) and Jefferson (19.66) in risk profiles, though it carries higher tornado exposure than most neighbors. Its wildfire risk at 44.31 matches the regional pattern for northeast Kansas counties.

Tornadoes Pose Jewell's Greatest Threat

Tornado risk reaches 38.61, making severe spring weather the county's leading hazard and notably above state patterns. Wildfire at 44.31 represents a secondary but substantial seasonal risk.

Build Tornado Safety Into Your Home

Consider reinforced safe rooms or above-ground tornado shelters to protect your family during severe weather season. Also confirm wildfire coverage in your policy and create defensible space—both hazards demand equal preparation.

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.