Labette County scores 66.1 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 16 points. This above-median performance reflects a county that delivers reasonable livability, anchored primarily by housing affordability.
2 / 5
Exactly at Kansas average
Labette's composite score of 66.1 matches Kansas's state average precisely, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. This performance indicates a typical Kansas livability profile—neither outperforming nor underperforming state norms.
3 / 5
Housing remains deeply affordable
Labette's cost score of 85.0 reflects median home values of just $92,100 and median rent at $729/month, making it one of the most affordable counties in the dataset. These prices create genuine opportunity for families seeking to minimize housing expenses.
4 / 5
Income and taxes present headwinds
The income score of 19.6 paired with a median household income of $55,439 signals limited earning potential and economic opportunity. A tax score of only 56.5 with an effective rate of 1.628% further constrains household finances, alongside missing data on health, safety, and schools.
5 / 5
Rural affordability over opportunity
Labette suits people who prioritize low housing costs and stable, if modest, rural living over career advancement. It's most attractive to retirees, low-income families eligible for housing assistance, and those with remote income sources.
Labette County scores 66.1 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 16 points. This above-median performance reflects a county that delivers reasonable livability, anchored primarily by housing affordability.
Exactly at Kansas average
Labette's composite score of 66.1 matches Kansas's state average precisely, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. This performance indicates a typical Kansas livability profile—neither outperforming nor underperforming state norms.
Housing remains deeply affordable
Labette's cost score of 85.0 reflects median home values of just $92,100 and median rent at $729/month, making it one of the most affordable counties in the dataset. These prices create genuine opportunity for families seeking to minimize housing expenses.
Income and taxes present headwinds
The income score of 19.6 paired with a median household income of $55,439 signals limited earning potential and economic opportunity. A tax score of only 56.5 with an effective rate of 1.628% further constrains household finances, alongside missing data on health, safety, and schools.
Rural affordability over opportunity
Labette suits people who prioritize low housing costs and stable, if modest, rural living over career advancement. It's most attractive to retirees, low-income families eligible for housing assistance, and those with remote income sources.
Score breakdown
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🏛56.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.628%, Labette County's effective property tax rate runs above the national median of 1.409%, placing the county in the upper half nationally for tax burden. Despite this higher rate, the typical Labette home is valued much lower than the national median, resulting in a median tax bill of $1,499—still below the national median of $2,690.
Labette ranks above Kansas average
Labette's 1.628% effective rate exceeds Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The county's median property tax of $1,499 falls slightly below the state median of $1,943, reflecting lower property values rather than lower rates.
Labette taxes higher than most neighbors
Labette's 1.628% rate ranks among the highest in its region; only Logan County (1.816%) and Lyon County (1.598%) impose comparable burdens. Kiowa County (1.159%) and Linn County (1.094%) both offer significantly lower effective tax rates nearby.
Your property tax on median home value
A home valued at $92,100 in Labette County carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,499. Including mortgage escrow, the annual tax obligation climbs to approximately $1,978.
Appeal your assessment to reduce taxes
Property owners in Labette County should carefully review their assessments, as overvaluation is common and often correctable through appeal. Filing an appeal with the county appraiser is free and can result in meaningful tax savings.
Labette County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% pushes above the national average, reflecting lower household incomes ($55,439) relative to rent costs. At $729 per month for median rent, Labette residents spend a larger share of their earnings on housing than typical Americans.
Above-average housing burden statewide
Labette ranks among Kansas counties with higher rent-to-income ratios at 15.8%, exceeding the state average of 14.7% by about 1.1 points. The county's lower median income of $55,439—well below the state and national norms—stretches housing affordability.
Labette rents competitive locally
Labette's $729 monthly rent closely matches Kiowa County ($728) but runs slightly below Logan County ($796) and Lyon County ($796). However, Labette's lower household income means renters here feel the burden more acutely than in neighboring, higher-earning counties.
Tight budgets in Labette homes
Renters pay $729 monthly while homeowners average $686, giving Labette some of the lowest owner costs in the region at a median home value of $92,100. Yet with median household income at $55,439, housing still consumes about 16% of resident budgets—leaving less for savings and other needs.
Labette: affordable but income-dependent
If you're relocating to Labette, be realistic about the rent-to-income ratio of 15.8%—it's sustainable only with a solid local income or remote work. Home values are genuinely low here ($92,100 median), but renters should compare offers with higher-income counties like Leavenworth where paychecks stretch further.
Labette County's median household income of $55,439 lags the national median by $19,316, ranking it in the lower-income range nationally. This 26% gap reflects economic challenges distinct from the broader U.S. trend.
Below-average income for Kansas
Labette County ranks below the Kansas state median of $64,428 by nearly $9,000, earning its place among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $29,602 also trails the state average of $34,748.
Mid-range income in region
Labette's $55,439 sits between the lower-earning Lane County ($53,042) and higher-performing Linn County ($59,200). Its income performance reflects moderate economic activity compared to neighboring communities.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Labette's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% signals housing affordability pressure—approaching the 30% stress threshold. Median home value of $92,100 is modest, yet still represents a meaningful commitment for median-income households.
Strategic planning essential here
Lower incomes make disciplined budgeting and modest, consistent investing critical for Labette households. Even small contributions to savings accounts or employer retirement plans compound meaningfully over time.
Labette County's life expectancy of 74.4 years trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 4.5 years—a significant gap. Nearly 18% of residents report poor or fair health, well above the national average of about 12%, indicating concentrated health challenges.
Lowest life expectancy in state sample
At 74.4 years, Labette County has the shortest life expectancy among the eight counties examined, falling 1 year behind Kansas's 75.4-year average. The county's 10.9% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 11.5%, suggesting coverage isn't the primary driver of health outcomes.
Health outcomes trail surrounding areas
Labette County's 74.4-year life expectancy is notably lower than Lincoln County's 77.2 years and Leavenworth County's 77.0 years. Primary care access at 50 per 100K is reasonable, but mental health providers at 117 per 100K lag significantly behind more resourced counties like Lyon County at 392 per 100K.
Uninsured challenges persist despite low rate
Though Labette's 10.9% uninsured rate is below average, 18.2% of residents report poor or fair health—suggesting coverage alone doesn't explain health struggles. The county has 50 primary care providers per 100K, adequate for rural Kansas, but limited mental health support at 117 providers per 100K.
Health coverage is your foundation
For Labette County's uninsured residents and those considering coverage options, Healthcare.gov and Kansas Blue Cross offer pathways to insurance. Regular coverage ensures preventive care access that can help address the health disparities visible in the county's outcomes.
Labette County's composite risk score of 66.19 places it in the Relatively Low category but exceeds the national average, indicating elevated exposure to multiple hazards. This county experiences more natural disaster risk than most American counties.
Higher-risk Kansas county
Labette's score of 66.19 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces multifaceted hazard exposure that demands comprehensive preparedness planning.
Notably riskier than surrounding areas
Labette's risk profile is substantially higher than most neighboring counties, with a score more than double Kansas's state average. Only Lyon County (47.65) and Leavenworth County (66.35) approach Labette's risk level in the region.
Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes threaten
Labette faces its greatest tornado risk at 83.56, accompanied by significant flood risk (68.73) and moderate earthquake risk (56.27). This combination of three major hazard types makes the county one of Kansas's most multi-hazard-prone areas.
Secure comprehensive multi-hazard coverage
Labette residents should obtain homeowners insurance with flood coverage as a separate rider, since standard policies exclude flood damage. Additionally, verify your coverage extends to tornado and wind damage, and consider earthquake insurance given the county's moderate seismic risk.