Kiowa County scores 72.3 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, reflecting a solid overall livability profile driven primarily by housing affordability and tax burden.
2 / 5
Above average for Kansas
Kiowa ranks above Kansas's state average composite score of 66.0, positioning it in the top tier of Kansas counties. This performance reflects the county's particular strength in keeping costs low while maintaining moderate tax rates.
3 / 5
Affordability and low taxes shine
The county's 84.6 cost score reflects median home values of $152,400 and median rent of just $728/month. With a tax score of 69.7 and an effective tax rate of 1.159%, Kiowa offers a compelling mix of affordable housing and reasonable tax obligations.
4 / 5
Income growth lags significantly
Kiowa's income score of 31.2 is notably low, with median household income of $73,214 falling well below the state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious retirees
Kiowa County suits people prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over high earning potential or robust job markets. Retirees on fixed incomes and those seeking rural affordability will find strong value here, though younger professionals should explore income opportunities carefully.
Kiowa County scores 72.3 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, reflecting a solid overall livability profile driven primarily by housing affordability and tax burden.
Above average for Kansas
Kiowa ranks above Kansas's state average composite score of 66.0, positioning it in the top tier of Kansas counties. This performance reflects the county's particular strength in keeping costs low while maintaining moderate tax rates.
Affordability and low taxes shine
The county's 84.6 cost score reflects median home values of $152,400 and median rent of just $728/month. With a tax score of 69.7 and an effective tax rate of 1.159%, Kiowa offers a compelling mix of affordable housing and reasonable tax obligations.
Income growth lags significantly
Kiowa's income score of 31.2 is notably low, with median household income of $73,214 falling well below the state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.
Best for budget-conscious retirees
Kiowa County suits people prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over high earning potential or robust job markets. Retirees on fixed incomes and those seeking rural affordability will find strong value here, though younger professionals should explore income opportunities carefully.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.159%, Kiowa County's effective property tax rate sits significantly below the national median of 1.409%, placing the county in the bottom third nationally. The typical Kiowa homeowner pays just $1,766 annually, compared to $2,690 nationwide, a savings of roughly $924 per year on property taxes.
Kiowa ranks low among Kansas counties
Kiowa's 1.159% effective rate is below Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The county's median tax bill of $1,766 also trails the state median of $1,943 by about $177 annually.
Kiowa undercuts surrounding rural counties
Compared to neighboring counties, Kiowa offers competitive property tax rates; Lincoln County (1.546%) and Lane County (1.435%) both carry heavier effective rates. Only Linn County (1.094%) among nearby counties beats Kiowa's tax burden.
Your property tax on median home value
A home valued at $152,400 in Kiowa County carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,766. With a mortgage, you'd typically include about $700 more in tax escrow, bringing the total to roughly $2,466 per year.
Challenge your assessment to save more
Many property owners across Kansas, including in Kiowa County, discover their homes are overassessed during the appeal process. If your property feels overvalued, filing an appeal with your county appraiser's office costs nothing and could reduce your tax burden significantly.
Kiowa County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% sits well below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. With median rent at $728 per month and household income at $73,214 annually, Kiowa offers solid affordability compared to the nation's 12% average rent burden.
Most affordable rents in Kansas
Kiowa County leads Kansas with one of the state's lowest rent-to-income ratios at 11.9%, beating the state average of 14.7% by nearly 3 percentage points. This ranking reflects both modest rents of $728 per month and decent household incomes that make housing costs manageable for renters here.
Kiowa stays competitive regionally
Compared to neighboring counties, Kiowa's $728 rent is below Logan County ($796) and Lyon County ($796) but slightly below the state median. Homeownership is similarly attractive, with Kiowa's median home value of $152,400 falling between Lane County ($119,000) and Linn County ($164,500).
Where your dollar goes in Kiowa
Renters in Kiowa spend about $728 monthly while homeowners pay $713—remarkably close costs that reflect this county's balance between rental and owner markets. With median household income at $73,214, housing consumes roughly 12% of household budgets, leaving residents breathing room for other expenses.
Consider Kiowa for stability
If affordability and low housing burden matter to you, Kiowa County delivers—rents and owner costs are nearly equal, and both stay well below state averages. Compare this county's 11.9% rent ratio against pricier neighbors like Leavenworth (15.7%) to see the real savings potential.
Kiowa County's median household income of $73,214 sits just 2% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper tier nationally. This strong showing reflects a county economy that's keeping pace with broader American prosperity.
Top earner among Kansas counties
Kiowa County ranks among Kansas's highest-income communities, with a median household income 14% above the state average of $64,428. Its per capita income of $38,482 also outpaces the state figure of $34,748 by 11%.
Kiowa leads surrounding counties
Kiowa's $73,214 median household income significantly exceeds neighboring Lane County ($53,042) and Logan County ($71,389). It stands as a relative income anchor in its region.
Housing remains highly affordable
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.9%, Kiowa households spend a manageable share of earnings on housing, well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress. The median home value of $152,400 pairs well with local earning power.
Strong foundation for wealth building
Kiowa's solid income levels and affordable housing create an ideal environment for saving and investing in retirement accounts and home equity. Households here have breathing room to prioritize long-term financial goals.
At 75.1 years, Kiowa County residents live slightly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 13.4% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average, suggesting moderate health challenges despite the life expectancy gap.
Below-average health outcomes statewide
Kiowa County's 75.1-year life expectancy falls short of Kansas's 75.4-year state average by 0.3 years. While the county's uninsured rate of 11.8% slightly exceeds the state average of 11.5%, most residents have coverage.
Performing middle among rural peers
Kiowa County's life expectancy of 75.1 years sits between Labette County (74.4 years) and Lincoln County (77.2 years). The county has adequate primary care at 42 providers per 100K, though mental health services at 295 per 100K are robust compared to neighboring Logan County's 38 providers.
Healthcare access remains manageable
With 11.8% of residents uninsured and 42 primary care providers per 100K, Kiowa County residents generally have access to basic care. The strong mental health provider density of 295 per 100K offers solid support for behavioral health needs.
Check your coverage options today
If you're among the 11.8% of Kiowa County residents without insurance, explore options through the Kansas Health Policy Authority or Healthcare.gov. Even minor gaps in coverage can impact your ability to access preventive care and manage chronic conditions.
Kiowa County's composite risk score of 15.04 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average. This means residents face significantly less overall natural disaster exposure than most Americans.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Kiowa ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Kansas, with a score less than half the state average of 29.89. Only a handful of Kansas counties have lower composite risk scores.
Safer than regional peers
Kiowa's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Logan County (7.38) and Lincoln County (13.52), both also low-risk areas. The county's wildfire risk of 82.79 stands out as its primary hazard concern relative to the region.
Wildfire dominates Kiowa's hazards
Wildfire risk scores 82.79 in Kiowa, making it the county's most significant natural disaster threat despite the overall low composite rating. Tornado risk follows at 32.38, which remains below state averages but warrants seasonal preparedness.
Prioritize wildfire and tornado coverage
Homeowners in Kiowa should ensure their insurance covers wildfire damage, particularly given the elevated risk score in this hazard category. Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire; consider a separate rider or comprehensive coverage to protect your property.