countyscore
44.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.7Schools 82.9Income & Jobs 75.7

County Report Card

About Kearny County, Kansas

Below the National Livability Median

Kearny County scores 44.7, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. It faces specific resource challenges that impact its national standing.

Trailing the Kansas State Average

With a 44.7 composite score, Kearny County is below the Kansas average of 49.5. It ranks in the lower half of counties for overall livability within the state.

Strong Schools and Natural Resilience

Environmental risk is very low, earning a high score of 91.7. Education is also a standout feature with a school score of 82.9 and a strong income score of 75.7.

Water Scarcity and Health Barriers

Water security is a major issue with a score of 9.6. Health outcomes also lag behind, with a score of 34.8 indicating fewer medical resources or poorer wellness metrics.

Resilient Living for School-Aged Families

Kearny County is best for families who prioritize high-quality schools and environmental stability. It is a good fit for those who are comfortable with more remote health services and water conservation.

2040608010024.429.64234.882.975.791.79.642.8Tax24.4Cost29.6Safety42Health34.8Schools82.9Income75.7Risk91.7Water9.6Weather42.844.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Kearny County DNA

Foverall

How Kearny County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kearny County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.4-27.6
Cost
29.6-18.4
Safety
42-13
Health
34.8-15.200000000000003
Schools
82.9+28.900000000000006
Income
75.7+24.700000000000003
Risk
91.7+44.7
Water
9.6-48.4
Weather
42.8-13.200000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Kearny County?

Many homeowners in Kearny 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

$152,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,137/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,135/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

51.2

per 100K

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 Kearny County with Chambers County →Share on X

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Carter County
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San Jacinto County
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Albemarle County
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Sonoma County
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Nearby counties

Hamilton County
Kansas
51.5
Grant County
Kansas
55.3
Finney County
Kansas
27.2
Wichita County
Kansas
58.1
Scott County
Kansas
52.2
Haskell County
Kansas
50.3
Stanton County
Kansas
65.9
Greeley County
Kansas
53.7

Deep Dives

Kearny County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kearny County

via TaxByCounty

Kearny taxes run moderately below national norm

Kearny County's effective tax rate of 1.224% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.83%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,867 on a home valued at $152,500 is 31% below the national median, reflecting lower property values across the region.

Kearny slightly beats Kansas state average

At 1.224%, Kearny's effective tax rate runs 21% below the Kansas average of 1.549%, positioning it well in the lower half of the state's counties. The county offers a favorable tax environment compared to most Kansas peers.

Kearny among southwest Kansas's best rates

Kearny's 1.224% rate sits between Jackson County's best-in-class 1.190% and the region's higher-burden counties like Kingman (1.784%) and Hodgeman (1.767%). For southwest Kansas, Kearny ranks among the more tax-friendly options.

Kearny homeowners pay moderate annual taxes

A median-value home in Kearny County valued at $152,500 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,867. Mortgage-holding homeowners typically pay $1,769 annually when county levies are included.

Appeal if your assessment seems inflated

Even in moderately taxed Kearny County, assessment errors can add hundreds to your annual bill. If your home's assessed value exceeds what recent comparable sales suggest, submit a reassessment request to your county assessor—it's a straightforward, cost-free process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kearny County

via CostByCounty

Kearny's rents strain household budgets

Kearny County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all comparison counties and well above the national comfort zone, signaling real affordability pressure. Despite a median household income of $74,135 near the national average, residents pay $1,137 monthly rent—a disproportionately high burden.

Kansas's most expensive rental market

Kearny County ranks as Kansas's least affordable for renters, with an 18.4% rent-to-income ratio far exceeding the state average of 14.7%. The $1,137 monthly rent is the highest among rural Kansas counties, creating significant budget strain despite moderate household income levels.

Rental outlier in western Kansas

Kearny's $1,137 monthly rent towers over Haskell ($776), Hodgeman ($900), and Jewell ($591), making it the priciest rental market in the rural comparison set. Homeownership costs ($901) are more reasonable, and home values ($152,500) suggest the rental premium reflects local market dynamics rather than overall prosperity.

Renters bear disproportionate cost

Renters in Kearny dedicate 18.4% of their income to housing—well above the 15% affordability threshold—while homeowners spend a more manageable 14.6% on ownership costs. This split suggests a rental market distorted by local economic conditions, making homeownership the more sustainable housing path.

Kearny works best for homebuyers

Renters should proceed carefully in Kearny County due to its 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, but homebuyers find reasonable value at $152,500 median home prices with manageable monthly costs of $901. If you must rent here, budget aggressively and compare opportunities in neighboring Haskell and Hodgeman counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kearny County

via IncomeByCounty

Kearny Nearly Matches National Average

Kearny County's median household income of $74,135 sits just 0.8% below the national median of $74,755, placing it essentially at parity with the U.S. average. This near-perfect alignment with national norms is notable for a rural Kansas county, reflecting balanced economic opportunity. Kearny ranks in the 45th-50th percentile nationally—solidly middle-income.

Above-Average Kansas Performance

At $74,135, Kearny County exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 15.1%, ranking in the upper-middle tier statewide. This strong regional standing reflects agricultural productivity and diversified local employment relative to many rural Kansas peers. Kearny performs above typical for its region.

Competitive With Strongest Peers

Kearny County's $74,135 median income approaches Jackson County ($72,703) and nearly matches Jefferson County ($77,393), exceeding Haskell ($69,138), Hodgeman ($63,125), Kingman ($59,819), and Jewell ($52,344). This strong regional position reflects Kearny's agricultural base and stable employment. Kearny ranks second in the peer group, trailing only Jefferson County.

Housing Affordability Pressured by Rent

Kearny's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the peer group, approaching burden territory and suggesting rental costs consume substantial household income. A median home value of $152,500 remains affordable, but renters face material affordability stress relative to homeowners. Rent inflation outpaces wage growth, creating vulnerability for lower-wage households.

Homeownership as Wealth Strategy

Kearny households should prioritize transitioning from renting to homeownership given elevated rent-to-income ratios; a $152,500 median home value is achievable and builds equity instead of paying rent. Once stable in homeownership, systematic investment in retirement accounts compounds wealth substantially. Home equity plus retirement savings create dual wealth engines.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kearny County

via CrimeByCounty

Kearny County Offers Steady National Security

Kearny County's total crime rate of 1,311.8 per 100,000 is about 45% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.9, placing it firmly in the safer half of U.S. counties. Residents benefit from a much lower crime profile than the national norm.

Aligning with Kansas Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 97.9 is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,311.8 sits slightly above the state average of 1,282.2. It represents a typical, stable security environment for western Kansas.

Consistent Performance in Western Kansas

Kearny County relies on a single reporting agency, which records a rate of 1,311.8. This rate is competitive with other rural counties in the region, offering a consistent sense of security. While data is centralized, it shows a community that avoids the high crime spikes seen in larger cities.

Lower Violent Crime Than National Average

Violent crime in Kearny County is 201.8 per 100,000, well below the national 369.8 benchmark. Property crime stands at 1,110.0, which is also significantly lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Residents generally face very low levels of serious criminal activity.

Protecting Your Home in Kearny

With property crime being the more common issue, simple deterrents like outdoor lighting and locked sheds are highly effective. Staying connected with neighbors helps keep the community safe and keeps the safety score stable. These easy steps protect against the most common local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kearny County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coordinated Education in Western Kansas

Kearny County manages a balanced system of six public schools serving 902 students. The county provides two elementary, two middle, and two high schools through two local districts. This structure ensures that students have dedicated facilities for every stage of their education.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Performance

Kearny County excels with a 93.5% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the 87% national average. The county's school score of 61.9 also significantly outpaces the state average of 57.2. Local investment is high, with $10,027 spent per pupil annually.

Lakin and Deerfield Anchor the Community

The Lakin district is the largest, educating 654 students across three schools. Deerfield serves the remaining 248 students in its three-school system. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's focus on these two central public districts.

Small Classes in a Great Plains Setting

All six schools are located in rural locales, offering an average enrollment of 150 students per school. Lakin Elementary is the largest campus with 256 students, while Deerfield High provides a very intimate setting with only 63 students. The small student body allows for significant personal interaction between teachers and pupils.

Find Academic Success in Kearny County

Kearny County is a standout for families who prioritize high graduation rates and small school sizes. The local Lakin and Deerfield districts offer exceptional results in a quiet, rural atmosphere. Look for homes in the area to join this successful and dedicated educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kearny County

via RiskByCounty

Kearny County: One of Nation's Safest

Kearny County scores just 8.37 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the nation's lowest-risk counties. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal flood exposure and moderate tornado and wildfire risks.

Second-Safest County in Kansas

At 8.37, Kearny ranks second only to Hodgeman (5.95) among Kansas counties and far below the state average of 29.89. The county's combination of low flood and tornado risks creates remarkable disaster resilience.

Safest in Its Western Kansas Region

Kearny (8.37) significantly outperforms Hodgeman (5.95)—the only safer Kansas county—and beats all other western neighbors. Its low-flood, low-tornado profile contrasts sharply with riskier eastern Kansas communities.

Wildfire Is Kearny's Only Notable Hazard

Wildfire risk at 32.16 stands as the county's primary concern, while flood (3.21) and tornado (21.06) risks remain minimal. Dry-season vegetation fires warrant attention, but overall hazard exposure remains exceptionally low.

Focus on Wildfire Preparedness

Ensure your homeowner policy covers wildfire damage, as it's Kearny's only meaningful natural disaster risk. Maintain defensible space, keep vegetation trimmed back from structures, and stay informed during dry seasons when fire danger peaks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Kearny County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade Hits F

Kearny County recorded 10 health violations over the past five years, resulting in a failing grade. The violation rate of 349.9 per 100,000 residents slightly exceeds the Kansas state average.

No Federal Watershed Health Data

The EPA has not yet completed Section 303(d) assessments for water bodies located within Kearny County. No impairment causes or reporting cycles are currently listed for this area.

Monitoring Data Gap in Kearny

There are no recent water quality monitoring records available for Kearny County in the federal Water Quality Portal. This lack of data prevents a detailed analysis of local chemical or physical water trends.

Arkansas River Dry at Deerfield

Current discharge for the Arkansas River at Deerfield is 0 cfs, compared to a long-term mean of 63 cfs. This 0% flow rate reflects severe water scarcity across the 26,964-square-mile drainage basin.

Address Violations and Scarcity Issues

Residents should review their local water quality reports for specific health violations and consider supplemental filtration. The dry state of the Arkansas River underscores the need for careful water conservation.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kearny County

via WeatherByCounty

High Plains Heat and Arid Air

Kearny County averages 55.7°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. It is a very dry region, receiving only 18.8 inches of total precipitation each year.

Warmer and Drier Than Kansas Average

The county's 55.7°F average temperature exceeds the state average of 54.8°F. Precipitation is a major differentiator, as Kearny receives roughly 11.5 inches less rain than the typical Kansas county.

Extreme Heat Leader in the West

Kearny experiences 80 days of extreme heat annually, surpassing neighboring Haskell's 72 days. Despite the heat, it receives 19.4 inches of snow, which is more than Haskell's 15.0 inches.

Scorching Summers and Cold Winters

Summers are intense, with July temperatures averaging 80.1°F and frequent 90-degree spikes. Winters are crisp and dry, averaging 34.3°F with nearly 20 inches of seasonal snowfall.

Prioritize Sun Protection and Cooling

With 80 days of extreme heat, high-capacity air conditioning and sun protection are non-negotiable. Residents should also prepare for winter snowstorms that bring 19.4 inches of accumulation to the dry plains.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kearny County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Western Soils

The soil here is distinctly alkaline with a pH of 7.56, much higher than the national 6.5 median. This alkalinity can influence which nutrients are available to plants without extra soil management or additives.

Easy-to-Work Sandy Mix

A significant sand content of 45.1% is balanced by 35.6% silt and 19.2% clay. This relatively sandy mix provides quick drainage and is easier to work with when wet than heavy eastern clay.

Water-Wise Soil Needs

Fertility is lower than average, with organic matter at 1.29% compared to the Kansas average of 2.22%. Available water capacity is also lower than the state benchmark at 0.157 in/in, requiring careful irrigation.

Fast-Moving Subsurface Water

Formal drainage data is unavailable, but the high sand percentage implies fast-moving water underground. This helps prevent root rot but means you will likely need to water more frequently during dry spells.

Hardy Options for Zone 6a

Kearny is in zone 6a, making it suitable for hardy, drought-resistant crops like milo or native grasses. Consider a xeriscaped garden to match these sandy, alkaline western conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kearny County

via LawnByCounty

Kearny's Challenging High-Plains Climate

Kearny County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 42.6. This is well below the national average of 50.0, making it one of the more difficult places in Kansas to maintain traditional turf.

Extreme Heat and Low Water

You face a brutal 80 days of extreme heat annually, coupled with just 18.8 inches of rain. This combination means standard lawns will struggle without constant, heavy irrigation and heat-shielding practices.

Alkaline and Sandy Soils

A high pH of 7.56 can cause yellowing in grass that prefers more acidic conditions. The soil is 45.1% sand, which drains water so quickly that you may need to water more frequently but in shorter bursts.

Resilience in the Face of Heat

The county experienced 11 weeks of drought over the past year, though current maps show no abnormal dryness. To protect your investment, consider transitioning to native grasses that handle the local heat and sandy soil better than fescue.

Choose Heat-Hardy Varieties

Focus on warm-season grasses like buffalo or grama that can survive Zone 6a winters and scorching summers. Your planting window opens after April 18 and closes as the first frost approaches on October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kearny County's county score?
Kearny County, Kansas has a composite county score of 44.7 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 Kearny County rank among counties in Kansas?
Kearny County ranks #71 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 Kearny County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Kearny County is $1,867, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Kearny County a tax score of 24.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kearny County?
The median household income in Kearny County, Kansas is $74,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kearny County earns an income score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kearny County, Kansas a good place to live?
Kearny County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Kearny 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 Kearny 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.