countyscore
39.8
County Score
Cost of Living 74.8Schools 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.

204060801007.274.87.845.371.32433.814.956.9Tax7.2Cost74.8Safety7.8Health45.3Schools71.3Income24Risk33.8Water14.9Weather56.939.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Labette County DNA

Foverall

How Labette County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Labette County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (74.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (7.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.2-44.8
Cost
74.8+26.799999999999997
Safety
7.8-47.2
Health
45.3
Schools
71.3+17.299999999999997
Income
24-27
Risk
33.8-13.200000000000003
Water
14.9-43.1
Weather
56.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Labette County?

Many homeowners in Labette County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$746/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,325/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Labette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Labette County's county score?
Labette County, Kansas has a composite county score of 39.8 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 Labette County rank among counties in Kansas?
Labette County ranks #87 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 $1,559, with an effective tax rate of 1.65%. This earns Labette County a tax score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Labette County?
The median household income in Labette County, Kansas is $56,325 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Labette County earns an income score of 24/100 on CountyScore.
Is Labette County, Kansas a good place to live?
Labette County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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