58.8
County Score
Property Tax 92.7Income & Jobs 77.3Schools 76.3

County Report Card

About Kane County, Utah

Kane County Surpasses National Median

Kane County achieves a composite score of 58.8, well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high quality of life that ranks in the top tiers nationally.

Leading the State Average

With a 58.8 score, Kane County outperforms the Utah average of 53.9. It is among the more desirable counties in the state for overall livability.

Excellent Education and Tax Benefits

The county shines with a school score of 76.3 and a tax score of 92.7. These strengths are supported by a strong median income of $75,000 and low property tax rates.

Affordability and Water Constraints

A cost score of 23.9 highlights a competitive housing market where median rent reaches $1,120. Water infrastructure also trails other metrics with a score of 31.6.

A Top Choice for Families

Kane County is an excellent fit for families who prioritize quality education and low tax burdens. It serves as a premier destination for those with the income to navigate its premium housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax92.7Cost23.9Safety50.1Health68.2Schools76.3Income77.3Risk60.4Water31.6Weather39.6
🏛92.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠23.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼77.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
68.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓76.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
60.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧31.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤39.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱32.5
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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Deep Dives

Kane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kane County

via TaxByCounty

Kane County taxes well below national average

Kane County's effective tax rate of 0.419% sits well below the national median of 0.535%. The median property tax of $1,470 is only 55% of the national median of $2,690.

Below Utah's statewide average

Kane County's 0.419% effective rate falls short of Utah's 0.498% state average, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. The median tax of $1,470 is $345 less than Utah's median of $1,815.

Comparable to Iron, lower than Millard

Kane County's 0.419% rate nearly mirrors Iron County (0.421%) and undercuts Millard County (0.535%) substantially. Home values are slightly higher here at $350,900, yet taxes remain very reasonable.

Median home pays $1,470 annually

The typical Kane County home valued at $350,900 incurs an annual property tax of $1,470. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,425, while those without mortgages pay $1,545.

Appeal your assessment if uncertain

Kane County homeowners can challenge their property assessments at no cost if they believe valuations are inflated. Many successful appeals result in permanent tax reductions.

Cost of Living in Kane County

via CostByCounty

Kane County rents above national average

Kane County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, placing renters in a tighter housing squeeze than typical Americans. At $1,120 per month against a median household income of $75,000, renters here allocate a notably larger share of earnings to housing.

Above-average Utah housing costs

Kane County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits above Utah's state average of 16.6%, marking it as less affordable for renters despite household incomes near the national median. The $1,120 median rent approaches state median levels, putting budget pressure on local renters.

Most expensive rent in the region

Kane County's $1,120 rent is the highest among this group of counties, exceeding even Grand County ($1,021) and Iron ($1,008), though home values ($350,900) remain moderate. Its proximity to recreation and tourism destinations like Kanab drives rental premiums.

Rent edges ahead of ownership costs

Renters allocate 17.9% of the $75,000 median income to rent ($1,120/month), while homeowners dedicate 16.6% to mortgage costs ($1,039/month). Kane County presents an unusual scenario where renting costs proportionally more than homeownership.

Kanab-area premium on housing

Kane County's rental costs rank highest in this region, reflecting its desirability as a tourism and recreation destination. If relocating here, budget carefully for rent—or consider Garfield and Millard as more affordable alternatives in neighboring areas.

Income & Jobs in Kane County

via IncomeByCounty

Kane County matches national income

Kane County's median household income of $75,000 nearly matches the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the national middle class. This modest advantage reflects a stable, middle-income economy.

Below Utah's average

Kane's $75,000 median falls 6.5% short of Utah's state average of $80,176, putting it in the lower-middle tier of Utah counties. The per capita income of $38,369 exceeds the state average of $35,055, suggesting relatively distributed prosperity.

Strong peer in the south

Kane County earns more than Garfield ($61,688), Grand ($62,521), Iron ($65,527), and Piute ($44,650), making it the strongest-earning county in Utah's rural south. It sits well below Juab ($89,803) and Morgan ($126,092).

Housing costs are reasonable

Kane's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, giving households flexibility in their budgets. A median home value of $350,900 is moderately priced relative to the county's income.

Invest in your future here

Kane residents spending under 18% of income on rent have room to invest in education, skills training, or market-based assets. Starting a Roth IRA or contributing to a health savings account can build tax-advantaged wealth over decades.

Safety in Kane County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet Living in Kane County

Kane County boasts a safety score of 98.2, reflecting a total crime rate that is less than half the national average. At 1,126.1 per 100,000 residents, it offers a peaceful alternative to urban centers.

Benchmarking Against the Utah Average

Kane sits just below the Utah average crime rate of 1,204.8 and matches the state's high safety reputation. While its 332.7 violent crime rate is higher than the state average, it remains below national levels.

Local Variations in Crime Rates

Compared to neighboring Garfield County's 878.8 rate, Kane sees a slightly higher volume of reported incidents. Three separate reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a clear picture of local trends.

The Local Crime Breakdown

Property crime in Kane is reported at 793.4 per 100,000, while violent crime occurs at a rate of 332.7. This indicates that while property crimes are more common, violent incidents are reported more frequently than in many surrounding counties.

Security for Homes and Rentals

Since property crime is the leading concern, focus on securing seasonal homes and rental properties. Installing smart locks and motion lighting can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.

Health in Kane County

via HealthByCounty

Kane County above U.S. longevity mark

Kane County residents live to 78.3 years, slightly above the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing the county in America's healthier cohort. At 15.3% poor or fair health, Kane's self-reported health status is notably better than many rural and urban areas nationwide.

Upper half of Utah counties

Kane County's 78.3-year life expectancy ranks above Utah's state average of 77.9 years by four months, placing it in the state's healthier half. The county's 15.3% poor health rate ties Iron County as among Utah's better self-reported health outcomes.

On par with Iron, trails Grand

Kane County matches Iron County's 78.3-year life expectancy while trailing Grand County's exceptional 80.3 years and slightly exceeding Garfield's 77.6 years. Kane's primary care access of 50 per 100K is moderate, and mental health providers at 226 per 100K offer solid regional support.

Slight insurance gap, moderate provider access

Kane County's uninsured rate of 10.4% slightly exceeds Utah's average of 10.2%, affecting about one in 10 residents' ability to access routine care. Primary care is available at 50 per 100K, and mental health services at 226 per 100K provide residents with reasonable care options for managing chronic conditions.

Secure coverage in Kane County

One in ten Kane residents are uninsured, missing opportunities for preventive care and early intervention that could improve the county's already-solid health outlook. Getting covered unlocks access to the county's provider network and protects you from unexpected medical expenses.

Schools in Kane County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Schools with Big Results

Kane County operates 10 public schools under a single district, serving a total of 1,519 students. The layout includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools to cover the expansive region.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

Kane County boasts a 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in Utah and well above the 87.0% national average. Its composite school score of 58.7 also beats the state average of 52.7, supported by a per-pupil spend of $7,676.

One District Dedicated to Excellence

The Kane District manages the entire public school portfolio for the county with no charter schools present. The district maintains a diverse range of facilities from Kanab School to smaller rural outposts.

Quiet Rural and Town Classrooms

The majority of schools are in rural settings, though three are located in town centers, with an average enrollment of 152 students per school. Kanab School is the largest hub with 526 students, while Valley High offers a smaller 150-student environment.

Invest in Kane County's Bright Future

Buyers seeking the best for their children will find Kane County's 97% graduation rate hard to beat. Explore homes in the Kanab area to ensure easy access to the county's premier elementary and high schools.

Disaster Risk in Kane County

via RiskByCounty

Kane County's risk slightly above national average

Kane County scores 39.66 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it just above Utah's state average of 36.19. This southern Utah county sits in the moderate range of national disaster exposure.

Mid-tier risk among Utah's 29 counties

Kane County ranks in the middle of Utah's counties for composite disaster risk, with several counties above it (notably Iron at 61.42) and more below it. Its position reflects moderate but not exceptional hazard exposure.

Similar to Garfield, lower than Iron County

Kane's 39.66 score closely parallels Garfield County (37.63) to the north and significantly exceeds Grand (10.27) to the northeast. Iron County's 61.42 makes it notably riskier than Kane, highlighting geographic variation in the southwestern region.

Wildfires and floods pose primary threats

Wildfire risk scores 88.04, making brush fires Kane County's most significant natural hazard, while flood risk registers 56.42—well above state average. Earthquake risk (37.95) presents a secondary concern in this arid southern region.

Secure wildfire and flood protections

Kane County residents face dual exposure to wildfires and flooding, with standard homeowners insurance covering only flood-related damage through separate NFIP policies. Prioritize comprehensive wildfire insurance and maintain adequate flood coverage, particularly in flood-prone canyon and stream areas.

Weather & Climate in Kane County

via WeatherByCounty

Sunny and Warm in Kane County

Kane County averages 54.0°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median of 53°F. Its climate is characterized by high sun exposure and 11.3 inches of precipitation.

Well Above the Utah Temperature Average

Kane County's 54.0°F average is significantly higher than the Utah state average of 48.9°F. This warmth reflects its position along the state's sun-drenched southern border.

Wamer Than Garfield and Piute

Kane is much warmer than Garfield County, which averages only 45.9°F. It also sees 70 extreme heat days annually, compared to just 29 in nearby Piute County.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Summer highs are frequent, with 70 days per year hitting 90°F or more and a July average of 77.0°F. Winters are relatively mild for Utah, with 31.8 inches of snow and a January average of 33.5°F.

Prioritize Sun and Heat Protection

With 70 extreme heat days, residents need reliable cooling and sun-protective gear for outdoor work. The 31.8 inches of annual snow requires occasional clearing but melts faster than in northern Utah counties.

Soil Quality in Kane County

via SoilByCounty

Kane's color and chemistry

Specific soil taxonomic and pH data for Kane County are currently unavailable in this survey. The soil likely follows the state average pH of 7.71, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This alkalinity is a hallmark of the stunning red-soil landscapes found across the county.

Sifting through unmapped textures

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for the county. Much of the region features sandy textures derived from sandstone bedrock, which often provides excellent drainage but low nutrient storage. A simple ribbon test can help you identify if your soil has enough clay for structure.

Aiming for state fertility standards

While Kane's local organic matter is not listed, Utah's average of 7.59% is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. Maintaining an available water capacity near the state average of 0.138 in/in is vital for plant survival in this dry climate. Consistent mulching helps build the organic base your plants need.

Water management in the high desert

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is specified for the county's soil in these records. Understanding local drainage is essential for preventing erosion and managing irrigation efficiently in an arid environment. Site-specific assessments ensure your landscaping or building projects remain stable.

Abundant sunshine in Zone 6b

Kane County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, providing a versatile climate for desert-adapted plants. You can grow beautiful sage, sunflowers, and even fruit trees with proper wind protection. Get outside and start cultivating your own piece of Kane County today.

Lawn Care in Kane County

via LawnByCounty

Relative Ease in Kane

At a score of 32.5, Kane County is one of the easier places in Utah to maintain a lawn, though it still falls below the national average. Its placement in Hardiness Zone 6b provides a decent balance of temperature for common turfgrasses. However, don't let the higher score fool you; it still requires diligent care.

Warm Days and Dry Nights

Kane County sees 70 extreme heat days annually and just 11.3 inches of rain, making irrigation essential. There are 3,440 growing degree days, which supports a vigorous growing season for most grass types. The frost-free window typically opens in late April and lasts until late October.

Focusing on Soil Health

We currently lack specific soil metrics for Kane County, so a home test kit is your best starting point. Many soils in southern Utah have high salt content, so ensuring good drainage is vital for turf health. Regularly aerating your lawn can help water and nutrients reach the roots through compacted earth.

Steady Drought Management

While 100% of the county has faced drought for 53 weeks, severe levels are currently at 0%. This suggests that while conditions are dry, they haven't yet reached a crisis for established landscaping. Focus on 'soak and cycle' watering to allow moisture to penetrate deeply without running off.

Starting Your Kane Lawn

Tall Fescue is highly recommended here for its deep roots and ability to handle the 70 days of heat. Plan your seeding for late April once the frost risk has passed. Starting early allows the grass to mature before the intense summer sun arrives in July.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kane County's county score?
Kane County, Utah has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Kane County rank among counties in Utah?
Kane County ranks #7 among all counties in Utah 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 Kane County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Kane County is $1,470, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Kane County a tax score of 92.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kane County?
The median household income in Kane County, Utah is $75,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kane County earns an income score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kane County, Utah a good place to live?
Kane County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Kane 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 Kane County with other counties side by side.