countyscore
40.4
County Score
Cost of Living 75.9Schools 71.3Lawn Care 61.4

County Report Card

About Labette County, Kansas

Trailing the National Standard

Labette County's composite score of 40.4 sits nearly ten points below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant room for improvement across several quality-of-life metrics.

Below the Kansas Average

The county ranks below the Kansas state average of 49.5, signaling it faces more challenges than the typical county in the state. Local leaders must balance affordability with infrastructure needs to bridge this gap.

Affordable Housing and Strong Schools

Labette shines in affordability with a Cost Score of 75.9, evidenced by a low median home value of $92,100. The School Score of 71.3 is a major asset, providing high-quality education despite other economic hurdles.

Safety and Water Infrastructure Concerns

The Safety Score is notably low at 7.8, representing a primary area for public policy focus. Infrastructure also lags, with a Water Score of 14.9 and an effective tax rate of 1.628% creating a heavy burden for residents.

A Budget-Friendly Education Hub

This county is a match for households prioritizing low-cost living and strong school performance. However, residents must weigh these benefits against higher tax rates and lower safety scores.

Score breakdown

Tax9Cost75.9Safety7.8Health45.3Schools71.3Income26.3Risk33.8Water14.9Weather56.9
🏛9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.4
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

Labette County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Labette County

via TaxByCounty

Labette taxes exceed national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Labette County

via CostByCounty

Labette rents cost more than average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Labette County

via IncomeByCounty

Labette falls short of national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Labette County

via CrimeByCounty

Labette County Crime Rates Exceed National Average

Labette County records a total crime rate of 3,005.5 per 100K, surpassing the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county holds a safety score of 95.3. Five reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a comprehensive view of local activity.

Labette County Ranks Below State Safety Averages

The total crime rate in Labette is more than double the Kansas state average of 1,282.2 per 100K. Its safety score of 95.3 falls below the state average of 98.0. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of incidents than many surrounding counties.

Higher Activity Levels Than Neighboring Rural Areas

Labette's crime rate of 3,005.5 per 100K is significantly higher than that of Kiowa or Logan counties. This reflects the county's role as a more active regional hub. Residents should be aware of these higher local trends compared to nearby rural districts.

Property Crime Drives Labette's Safety Profile

Property crime sits at 2,597.5 per 100K, which is the primary driver of the local crime rate. Violent crime is also higher than the national average, at 408.0 per 100K compared to 369.8. These numbers suggest a need for heightened situational awareness.

Prioritizing Home Security in Labette County

With property crime rates exceeding 2,500 per 100K, securing your home is essential. Consider installing a security system or smart cameras to deter potential theft. Community watch programs can also help reduce incident rates across the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Labette County

via HealthByCounty

Labette lags both state and nation

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Labette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options in Labette County

Labette County manages 18 public schools, including 11 elementary, 1 middle, and 5 high schools. These institutions serve a significant student population of 3,558 across 5 districts. One charter school adds a specialized option to the local education landscape.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.2% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 88.7% and the national average of 87.0%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,502, which is lower than the state's $9,009 average. The overall school score of 57.9 slightly exceeds the Kansas benchmark.

Major Districts Serving Labette Students

The Labette County district is the largest, enrolling 1,557 students across 7 schools. The Parsons district also plays a major role with 1,348 students and 5 schools. Combined, these districts offer a wide range of extracurricular and academic programs.

From Rural Campuses to Town Schools

The locale mix includes 12 rural schools and 6 schools located in town settings, providing diverse environments for students. Labette County High School is the largest with 534 students, while the average school size across the county is 198. This balance offers both small-school communities and larger secondary school opportunities.

Relocate Near Top-Performing High Schools

With graduation rates outperforming the national average, Labette County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Evaluating local districts like Parsons or Labette County can help you find the right neighborhood for your children. Start your home search near these high-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Labette County

via RiskByCounty

Labette faces above-average disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Labette County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Wet Southeastern Enclave

Labette’s 56.9°F average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. Its 44.4 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the average American county.

One of the Warmest Spots in Kansas

Labette exceeds the state average temperature of 54.8°F by over two degrees. It is also a moisture leader, pulling in 14 inches more rain annually than the state mean.

Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors

Compared to Linn County, Labette is warmer and receives significantly less snowfall. Its 7.7 inches of snow is less than half of what many central Kansas counties experience.

Extended Summers and Humid July Days

July temperatures average 79.6°F, leading to 48 days of extreme heat every year. Winters remain the mildest in the region, with January averages staying above freezing at 32.8°F.

Manage High Moisture and Mild Snow

High rainfall of 44 inches requires robust gutter systems and proper home drainage. Heavy winter gear is rarely needed as the county only sees about 8 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Labette County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils in Labette

Labette County has an average soil pH of 6.21, making it more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas state average of 6.80. This acidity profile is often favorable for specific fruit crops and ornamental shrubs. While taxonomic details are sparse, the chemical makeup suggests a unique niche in the state's agricultural landscape.

Silty Texture with Strong Clay Content

The soil is dominated by 54.4% silt and a significant 27.8% clay fraction, with sand making up only 17.8%. This heavy mix provides excellent nutrient retention and structure but can be difficult to work when wet. The high silt content ensures a smooth, fine texture that holds together well.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

At 2.47%, Labette's organic matter exceeds the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is nearly on par with the state benchmark. This combination creates a fertile base that supports robust plant growth with less supplemental fertilizer.

Steady Moisture in the Profile

While specific drainage classes are not recorded in the data, the high clay and silt percentages usually indicate slower drainage. This can be a benefit during dry Kansas summers but may lead to heavy soils in the spring. Plan your garden beds with elevation to manage any potential standing water.

A Longer Season in Zone 7a

As one of the warmer spots in Kansas, Labette sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season. It is an ideal climate for sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and even some southern-leaning perennials. The rich organic matter makes it a perfect place to start a productive backyard vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Labette County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing Conditions in Labette

Labette County scores a 61.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in most of the state. As part of Zone 7a, the county enjoys a warmer profile than much of Kansas, offering a longer window for grass to thrive.

Abundant Rain and Extended Warmth

The county receives 44.4 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. With 4,370 growing degree days, the climate supports vigorous growth, though 48 extreme heat days still require careful monitoring.

Acidic Clay Soil Requires Care

A soil pH of 6.21 is within the healthy range but leans slightly acidic, which may eventually require lime applications. The 27.8% clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but can lead to compaction if lawns are subjected to heavy foot traffic.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Despite high annual rainfall, Labette has endured 20 weeks of drought in the past year, with 58.6% of the area currently in severe drought. During these periods, focus on maintaining dormant grass rather than forcing growth through excessive watering.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7a

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are highly recommended given the Zone 7a classification and high growing degree days. Plan your outdoor work between the last frost on April 11 and the first fall frost on October 26 to maximize the growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Labette County's county score?
Labette County, Kansas has a composite county score of 40.4 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 Labette County rank among counties in Kansas?
Labette County ranks #84 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 Labette County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Labette County is $1,499, with an effective tax rate of 1.63%. This earns Labette County a tax score of 9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Labette County?
The median household income in Labette County, Kansas is $55,439 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Labette County earns an income score of 26.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Labette County, Kansas a good place to live?
Labette County scores 40.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Labette 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 Labette County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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