countyscore
62.6
County Score
Safety 93.4Cost of Living 93.2Disaster Risk 74.7

County Report Card

About Jewell County, Kansas

Elite Standing in National Livability

Jewell County reaches a composite score of 62.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It represents one of the most livable rural environments in the country.

A Standout Leader in Kansas

Ranking significantly higher than the Kansas state average of 49.5, Jewell County is a regional leader. Its unique profile offers advantages rarely seen in the state.

Unmatched Affordability and Safety

The county is incredibly affordable with a cost score of 93.2 and median home values of just $62,100. It is also exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 93.4.

Economic Constraints and Water Issues

Income levels are low with a score of 19.5, and water security is critical at a score of 0.6. The tax score of 3.5 also reflects a high property tax rate of 1.968%.

A Haven for Frugal Living

Jewell County is the best choice for those with fixed incomes or remote jobs looking for maximum housing value. It is perfect for people who prioritize physical safety and low-cost housing above all else.

204060801003.593.293.464.865.519.574.70.641.8Tax3.5Cost93.2Safety93.4Health64.8Schools65.5Income19.5Risk74.7Water0.6Weather41.862.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Jewell County DNA

Doverall

How Jewell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jewell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (93.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.5-48.5
Cost
93.2+45.2
Safety
93.4+38.400000000000006
Health
64.8+14.799999999999997
Schools
65.5+11.5
Income
19.5-31.5
Risk
74.7+27.700000000000003
Water
0.6-57.4
Weather
41.8-14.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Jewell County?

Many homeowners in Jewell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$62,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$591/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$62,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,344/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Jewell County with Costilla County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Costilla County
Colorado
Median income: $36,519
62.6
Dickey County
North Dakota
Median income: $63,125
62.6
Big Horn County
Wyoming
Median income: $60,547
62.6
White County
Illinois
Median income: $53,097
62.5
Adair County
Iowa
Median income: $66,176
62.5
Carlisle County
Kentucky
Median income: $62,019
62.5
Jackson County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,410
62.7
Marion County
Kentucky
Median income: $55,404
62.5

Nearby counties

Nuckolls County
Nebraska
75.9
Mitchell County
Kansas
55.8
Republic County
Kansas
56.6
Webster County
Nebraska
65
Smith County
Kansas
64.6
Cloud County
Kansas
44.4
Thayer County
Nebraska
61.7
Osborne County
Kansas
56.7

Deep Dives

Jewell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Jewell County

via CrimeByCounty

Jewell County Ranks Among America's Safest

Jewell County reports an incredibly low total crime rate of 68.2 per 100,000 residents. With a safety score of 99.9, it is statistically one of the most secure locations in the entire United States. The risk of crime here is negligible compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A Rare Standard of Kansas Safety

Jewell County’s crime rate is a fraction of the Kansas state average of 1,282.2. Its safety score of 99.9 significantly exceeds the state average of 98.0. This makes it a standout destination for peace and quiet within the state.

Exceptional Quiet in North-Central Kansas

Compared to nearby counties, Jewell County shows almost no criminal activity in its reporting. While the data comes from a single agency and should be viewed with context, the rate of 68.2 suggests an extraordinarily safe environment. It remains far quieter than more populous regions of Kansas.

Balanced and Minimal Crime Rates

The county reports an even split between crime types, with 34.1 violent crimes and 34.1 property crimes per 100,000 people. These numbers are so low that a single incident can significantly shift the statistics. In practical terms, crime is almost a non-factor for local residents.

Maintaining a Haven of Safety

When crime rates are this low, maintaining basic community awareness is the best way to stay safe. Lock your doors and watch out for your neighbors to preserve this unique 99.9 safety score. Jewell County is a rare place where security is the standard, not the exception.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jewell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Excellence in North Central Kansas

Jewell County operates a streamlined school system consisting of one elementary and one high school. These two facilities serve a total enrollment of 380 students. A single school district, Rock Hills, provides a unified educational experience for the entire county.

Outperforming State Standards and National Rates

The county's 90.0% graduation rate is notably higher than the national 87.0% average. With a school score of 58.3, Jewell County also outperforms the Kansas state average of 57.2. This success is supported by a $9,198 per-pupil expenditure, which slightly exceeds the state average.

The Rock Hills District Unity

Rock Hills is the sole district in the county, managing both local schools and 380 students. There are no charter schools in the area, allowing the community to focus entirely on its public school resources. This structure fosters a strong, singular community identity centered around the Rock Hills schools.

A Quiet, Rural Academic Environment

The county's two schools are entirely rural, providing a peaceful and focused setting for learning. Rock Hills Elementary serves 194 students, while the Jr/Sr High School enrolls 186 students. With an average school size of 190, the environment is intimate and collaborative for all grade levels.

Invest in a Community with Results

For families looking for a quiet rural life without sacrificing academic quality, Jewell County is a perfect fit. The local Rock Hills district provides high graduation rates and personalized attention. Explore homes in the area to find your place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Jewell County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Drinking Water Quality Concerns

Jewell County carries an F grade with a staggering 93 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 3,641.3 per 100,000 residents is more than ten times higher than the Kansas average.

Fully Healthy Assessed Water Bodies

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle assessed three water bodies in Jewell County and found 0.0% impairment. This indicates that while drinking water systems struggle, the assessed natural watersheds meet federal standards.

Minimal Water Quality Monitoring Data

Only one monitoring site is active in the county, recording just 20 measurements in the last five years. The measurements mainly cover physical properties, nutrients, and major metals.

White Rock Creek Near Stagnation

White Rock Creek near Burr Oak currently flows at just 1 cfs, representing only 3% of its 26 cfs typical mean. This extremely low flow impacts the 227-square-mile local drainage area.

Urgent Need for Water Filtration

Due to the exceptionally high number of health violations, residents should utilize high-quality water filters and test private wells regularly. Drought-like conditions on White Rock Creek further heighten the risk of water quality issues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jewell County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk Northern Kansas Climate

Jewell County’s 51.8°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median. It receives 27.5 inches of precipitation, placing it in a transitional zone between the wet east and dry west.

Among the State's Coldest Counties

Jewell County is significantly cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It also receives slightly less precipitation than the state mean, averaging 27.5 inches compared to 30.3 inches statewide.

Cooler and Snowier Than Average

Compared to more central counties, Jewell is notably cooler with a winter average of just 28.6°F. It records 22.4 inches of snow annually, which is higher than many of its southern neighbors.

Harsh Winters and Moderate Summers

Winter is the dominant season here, featuring 22.4 inches of snow and a January average of 26.3°F. Summers remain relatively mild with 43 days of extreme heat and a July average of 77.4°F.

Heavy Winter Prep is Vital

The 22.4 inches of annual snowfall requires reliable snow removal tools and winter-ready vehicles. Residents should also prioritize home heating efficiency to combat the cold 28.6°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jewell County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils of the North

Jewell County maintains a pH of 6.90, which is slightly above the national median of 6.5 and near the Kansas average. This nearly neutral environment is ideal for many native prairie plants and commercial row crops.

Silt and Clay Dominance

Silt makes up 56.1% of the soil, paired with 24.6% clay and 18.9% sand. This silty profile offers great workability and creates a stable environment for deep root development.

Reliable Water Storage

Organic matter levels are 2.07%, trailing the state average of 2.22% slightly but still providing decent fertility. The soil's water capacity of 0.196 in/in is better than the state average, helping crops survive Kansas heat.

Managing Silt Runoff

Though specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate to slow water movement. Planning for adequate drainage is important for both agricultural fields and residential landscapes.

Resilient Zone 6a Planting

In zone 6a, Jewell County supports cold-hardy staples like winter wheat and brassicas. Take advantage of the high water capacity by starting a garden that stays hydrated through the summer peaks.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jewell County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growth in Jewell County

Jewell County's lawn difficulty score of 57.6 puts it ahead of the national average of 50.0. While slightly more difficult than the state average, this Zone 6a region offers a manageable environment for determined homeowners.

Moderate Rain and Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation averages 27.5 inches, slightly below the 30.3-inch state average but enough to sustain many grass types. You face only 43 extreme heat days, which helps preserve cool-season lawns through the summer months.

Neutral Soil Balance

A soil pH of 6.90 is nearly ideal for lawn health, ensuring that fertilizers work at maximum efficiency. With 24.6% clay and 18.9% sand, your soil offers a balanced texture that generally holds both water and air well.

Recovering from Persistent Drought

Jewell County suffered through 27 weeks of drought over the past year, though only 13.4% of the area remains abnormally dry. Use drought-resistant grass varieties and avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to reduce stress.

Targeting the Spring Window

Wait until after April 30 to start your lawn projects to avoid late-season frost damage. Because the first fall frost arrives early on October 14, prioritize late summer seeding to give roots enough time to harden.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jewell County's county score?
Jewell County, Kansas has a composite county score of 62.6 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 Jewell County rank among counties in Kansas?
Jewell County ranks #8 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 Jewell County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Jewell County is $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 1.97%. This earns Jewell County a tax score of 3.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jewell County?
The median household income in Jewell County, Kansas is $52,344 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jewell County earns an income score of 19.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jewell County, Kansas a good place to live?
Jewell County scores 62.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Jewell 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 Jewell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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