countyscore
58.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.7Cost of Living 92.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Lane County, Kansas

Solid Standing Nationally

Lane County earns a composite score of 58.8, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by a healthy margin. It ranks in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

Leading the Kansas Pack

Lane's score of 58.8 is nearly ten points higher than the Kansas state average of 49.5. This high ranking is driven by exceptional affordability and low environmental risks.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Risk

The county boasts an incredible Cost Score of 92.5, with median gross rent sitting at just $497 per month. Safety from natural disasters is another pillar of strength, reflected in a Risk Score of 97.7.

Modest Incomes and High Taxes

Economic growth is a challenge, as seen in an Income Score of 20.8 and a median household income of $53,042. The Tax Score of 15.9 also indicates a higher-than-average tax burden for the local population.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Lane County is a haven for those looking to maximize their savings through incredibly low housing costs. It is ideal for individuals with independent income who value safety and stability over local job markets.

2040608010015.992.557.353.66520.897.78639.3Tax15.9Cost92.5Safety57.3Health53.6Schools65Income20.8Risk97.7Water86Weather39.358.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Lane County DNA

Foverall

How Lane County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lane County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (15.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.9-36.1
Cost
92.5+44.5
Safety
57.3
Health
53.6
Schools
65+11
Income
20.8-30.2
Risk
97.7+50.7
Water
86+28
Weather
39.3-16.700000000000003
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Many homeowners in Lane 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

$119,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$497/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$19,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,042/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Scott County
Kansas
52.2
Gove County
Kansas
57.3
Ness County
Kansas
60
Finney County
Kansas
27.2
Hodgeman County
Kansas
57.3
Trego County
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68.8
Logan County
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54.8
Wichita County
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58.1

Deep Dives

Lane County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lane County

via TaxByCounty

Lane taxes closely match national average

At 1.435%, Lane County's effective property tax rate sits nearly at the national median of 1.409%, making it a moderate-tax county nationally. The median property tax bill of $1,708 remains well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower median home values.

Lane ranks near Kansas average

Lane County's 1.435% effective rate falls below the Kansas statewide average of 1.549%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county within the state. The median tax of $1,708 trails the state median of $1,943 by $235 annually.

Lane sits mid-range among surrounding counties

Lane's 1.435% rate places it between Kiowa County (1.159%) and Labette County (1.628%) in the regional hierarchy. Lincoln County (1.546%) carries a slightly higher burden, while Linn County (1.094%) remains the most tax-friendly neighbor.

Your property tax on median home value

A home valued at $119,000 in Lane County carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,708. With mortgage escrow, your annual obligation reaches approximately $2,339.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Lane County homeowners should verify their property assessments, as overvaluation affects many residents and remains appealable at no cost. A successful appeal can result in reduced tax obligations year after year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lane County

via CostByCounty

Lane County offers exceptional affordability

Lane County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.2%, among the lowest in the nation for housing affordability. With median rent at only $497 per month and household income at $53,042, Lane residents spend less than half the national average on rents relative to earnings.

Kansas's most affordable county

Lane County dominates Kansas affordability rankings with an 11.2% rent-to-income ratio, far outpacing the state average of 14.7%. At just $497 monthly rent—$290 below the state median—Lane stands as a rare pocket of true affordability in Kansas.

Lane leads region on price

Lane County's $497 rent is dramatically lower than every neighboring county—roughly $200 to $300 less than Kiowa ($728), Logan ($796), or Lyon ($796). This pricing advantage, combined with Lane's modest $119,000 median home value, makes it the region's most budget-friendly option.

Lane's ultra-low housing costs

Renters in Lane spend just $497 monthly while homeowners pay $583, the lowest combined housing costs in the region with a median home value of $119,000. At 11.2% of income, Lane residents dedicate less than one-ninth of their earnings to housing—freeing up resources for other priorities.

Lane County: the affordability outlier

If cost of living is your primary concern, Lane County is hard to beat with rents 37% below the state median and a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.2%. Weigh this exceptional affordability against job availability and quality of life factors to see if rural Kansas living is the right fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lane County

via IncomeByCounty

Lane faces significant income gap

Lane County's median household income of $53,042 trails the national median of $74,755 by $21,713—a 29% shortfall that reflects economic headwinds. This puts Lane among the lowest-income counties nationally.

Lowest-income county in sample

Lane County ranks notably below Kansas's state median of $64,428, with a gap of over $11,000. Its per capita income of $39,322 is among the highest in this sample, yet household incomes remain constrained.

Lowest earners in surrounding region

Lane County's $53,042 median trails nearly all neighbors, edging out only Lincoln County ($53,546). It faces tougher economic conditions than nearby Kiowa County ($73,214) and Logan County ($71,389).

Housing remains manageable despite low income

Lane's rent-to-income ratio of 11.2% is the lowest in this sample, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to earnings. The median home value of $119,000 is reasonable for a lower-income county.

Leverage affordability for future security

Lane County's affordable housing and modest incomes mean households should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost index investing to build long-term wealth. Small, regular contributions to retirement accounts yield outsized gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lane County

via CrimeByCounty

Lane County Offers Residents High Relative Safety

Lane County's total crime rate of 981.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a strong safety score of 98.4. These figures suggest a community with fewer reported incidents than the typical American county.

Lane County Safety Score Beats State Average

Lane County's safety score of 98.4 is slightly better than the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 981.7 is also lower than the state average of 1,282.2 per 100K. However, because only one agency reports data, these numbers require careful interpretation.

Comparing Lane County to Regional Neighbors

Lane County sits in a mid-range for safety when compared to other rural Kansas counties. While it is safer than the state average, it has higher reported rates than nearby Logan County. The single-agency reporting structure means some local incidents might not be fully captured.

A Close Look at Lane County Incidents

Property crime in Lane County is 654.5 per 100K, while violent crime is 327.2 per 100K. The violent crime rate is close to the national average of 369.8. This indicates that while total crime is low, the severity of reported incidents is notable.

Protecting Property in Single-Agency Districts

Since property crime accounts for the majority of local reports, residents should focus on basic home security. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and locked at night. Even in safe areas, minor precautions go a long way in preventing opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lane County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education in Lane County

Lane County serves 295 students through a small network of 4 public schools. The infrastructure is evenly split between 2 elementary and 2 high schools, managed by 2 local districts. This small scale ensures that the community remains deeply involved in school activities.

Strong Results and State-Level Funding

Lane County achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, beating the national average of 87.0%. Education is supported by $9,095 in per-pupil spending, which aligns closely with the Kansas average. These factors result in a school score of 58.1, outperforming the state median.

Dighton and Healy Lead Local Districts

The Dighton district is the county's largest, supporting 257 students across 2 schools. The Healy Public Schools district serves the remaining 38 students in the county. There are no charter schools in the area, maintaining a traditional focus on community-run public education.

Highly Individualized Rural Learning

All 4 schools in Lane County are rural, offering an average enrollment of just 74 students per school. Dighton Elem is the largest campus with 162 students, while Healy Elem provides an extremely intimate setting for 14 students. This environment allows for an exceptionally high level of teacher-student interaction.

Find Quiet Living Near Local Schools

If you value a community where every child receives tailored attention, Lane County is a prime location. The strong graduation rates and solid state funding make this a reliable choice for families. Explore homes in Dighton or Healy to join these close-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lane County

via RiskByCounty

Lane ranks among America's safest

Lane County's composite risk score of just 2.32 places it in the Very Low category, making it one of the safest counties in the nation. This exceptionally low rating means residents face minimal exposure to most major natural disasters.

Kansas's lowest-risk county

Lane County's score of 2.32 is by far the lowest in Kansas, less than one-tenth of the state average of 29.89. No other Kansas county comes close to Lane's exceptional safety profile.

Safest county in its region

Lane County's risk score is substantially lower than neighboring Logan County (7.38) and Lincoln County (13.52), both also considered very safe. Lane stands out as a natural disaster safe haven on the western Kansas plains.

Wildfire is Lane's main concern

Wildfire risk at 28.24 represents Lane County's highest natural hazard exposure, though this remains below statewide averages. Tornado risk scores just 21.91, making both threats relatively minor compared to most Kansas counties.

Standard homeowners insurance usually sufficient

Lane County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides robust protection for most residents. However, those in rural or grassland areas should still verify wildfire coverage is included in their policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lane County

via WaterByCounty

Lane County Achieves Top Safety Grade

Lane County maintains a Water Quality Grade of A with zero health violations recorded in the last five years. This perfect record stands in stark contrast to the Kansas state average violation rate of 313.4. Local water systems are successfully meeting all federal safety requirements for their residents.

Federal Watershed Assessments Not Yet Completed

Federal authorities have not yet assessed the water bodies in Lane County under Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. As a result, there is no official record of impaired streams or lakes for this reporting cycle. Residents should rely on the county's strong drinking water compliance as the primary signal of water quality.

No Federal Monitoring Records Found

There are currently no monitoring records for Lane County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This absence of data suggests that most water quality testing is handled at the utility level rather than through federal surface water programs. The lack of public monitoring sites makes independent watershed analysis difficult.

Active Streamgauging Unavailable in Lane

Lane County does not have a representative USGS streamgage, meaning live discharge data is unavailable. The lack of surface water flow data is common in drier regions where groundwater is the primary water source. Without streamflow signals, compliance data remains the most reliable indicator of water health.

Maintain Vigilance Over Local Groundwater

While Lane County's Grade A compliance is excellent, the lack of watershed and monitoring data means residents should stay informed through local utility reports. Those using private wells are encouraged to perform annual testing since federal monitoring is not active in the area. Protecting groundwater from local runoff is key to maintaining the county's perfect record.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lane County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry High Plains with Variable Temps

Lane County's 53.9°F average temperature aligns closely with the national median. However, its 22.4 inches of precipitation is much lower than the typical U.S. county experience.

Drier and Cooler Than Kansas Averages

At 53.9°F, Lane is slightly cooler than the 54.8°F state average. It represents the drier western half of the state, receiving nearly 8 inches less rain than the Kansas mean.

Extreme Heat on the Western Border

Lane sees more extreme heat than Logan County to its northwest, recording 71 days above 90°F. It also receives 22.4 inches of snow, which is double the amount seen in eastern Kansas.

Summer Sizzle and Heavy Winter Snow

July is hot with over 70 days hitting extreme temperatures and a 78.7°F average. The winter season brings substantial snowfall of 22.4 inches to these high plains.

Plan for Arid Conditions and Extremes

Drought-resistant landscaping is essential given the low 22-inch annual rainfall. Residents should also prepare for significant snow clearance given the high winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lane County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earths of Lane County

Lane County features distinctly alkaline soil with a pH of 7.48, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This high pH can impact the availability of certain micronutrients like iron and zinc. Local growers often select plants that are specifically adapted to these basic conditions.

Silt-Dominant Loams

The soil composition consists of 50.6% silt, 26.6% sand, and 22.0% clay. This balanced distribution creates a medium-textured soil that offers a good compromise between drainage and water retention. It provides a stable foundation for the roots of both native grasses and agricultural crops.

Solid Water Storage Potential

Lane County's organic matter is 1.69%, trailing the state average of 2.22%. However, its available water capacity is impressive at 0.187 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.180. This means the soil is particularly efficient at storing limited rainfall for later use by plants.

Hydraulic Management in the West

Though specific drainage classifications are unavailable, the moderate sand and clay mix suggests reliable moisture management. The soil's ability to hold water is a critical asset in this drier part of the state. Consistent monitoring of moisture levels will help determine the best irrigation schedule for your specific plot.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6a

Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Lane County is a prime location for winter wheat and hardy native sunflowers. The high water capacity supports plants through dry spells, while the alkaline pH favors asparagus and brassicas. Focus on soil-building practices to boost organic matter and maximize your garden's yield.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lane County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Lane Lawns

Lane County presents a challenge for homeowners with a lawn difficulty score of 53.6, which is notably tougher than the Kansas average. This Zone 6a region faces harsher winters and drier summers, requiring more intensive management than neighboring counties.

Extreme Heat and Limited Water

The local climate is defined by 71 extreme heat days, far exceeding the state average of 58. Compounding this heat is a low annual precipitation of just 22.4 inches, making natural lawn maintenance difficult without significant irrigation.

Managing High Alkaline Soil pH

Soil pH in Lane County averages 7.48, which is slightly above the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. This alkalinity can lock out nutrients, so homeowners may need to apply sulfur to lower the pH for optimal grass health.

Surprising Resilience Amidst Aridity

While the area is naturally dry, only 2 weeks were spent in drought last year, and current maps show 0% of the county is abnormally dry. Even so, the 22.4 inches of rain is well below the national ideal, making water conservation a permanent priority.

Choosing Rugged Native Grasses

Buffalo grass and Blue Grama are the best choices for Lane County's high-pH and low-water environment. To ensure establishment, begin planting after the April 28 frost date but well before the early first frost on October 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lane County's county score?
Lane County, Kansas has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Lane County rank among counties in Kansas?
Lane County ranks #17 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 Lane County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Lane County is $1,708, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Lane County a tax score of 15.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lane County?
The median household income in Lane County, Kansas is $53,042 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lane County earns an income score of 20.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lane County, Kansas a good place to live?
Lane County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Lane 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 Lane 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.