countyscore
39.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 90Water Quality 86Health 74.4

County Report Card

About Leavenworth County, Kansas

Facing National Headwinds

Leavenworth County’s composite score of 39.9 trails the national median of 50.0. High costs and safety concerns pull down its overall ranking despite strong income levels.

Struggling Against State Averages

Leavenworth falls behind the Kansas state average score of 49.5. While it functions as a wealthy enclave, it lacks the overall balance found in other parts of the state.

High Incomes and Excellent Health

The county is an economic powerhouse with an Income Score of 90.0 and a median household income of $86,906. High-quality medical access contributes to a strong Health Score of 74.4.

Cost of Living and Safety

Affordability is the main drawback, with a Cost Score of 14.6 and home values averaging $260,600. The Safety Score of 18.3 is also significantly lower than state and national norms.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Leavenworth is built for professionals who prioritize high salaries and top-tier healthcare. Residents here trade housing affordability and safety for significant economic opportunity and resources.

Score breakdown

Tax25.4Cost14.6Safety18.3Health74.4Schools55.2Income90Risk33.7Water86Weather53.9
🏛25.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.7
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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Nearby counties

Platte County
Missouri
45.2
Wyandotte County
Kansas
37.4
Johnson County
Kansas
42
Jefferson County
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Douglas County
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Atchison County
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Clay County
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Jackson County
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Deep Dives

Leavenworth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Leavenworth County

via TaxByCounty

Leavenworth taxes moderate despite high values

At 1.203%, Leavenworth County's effective property tax rate runs below the national median of 1.409%, keeping the county in the lower-tax tier nationally. However, homes here average $260,600—well above the national median of $281,900—resulting in a median tax bill of $3,136, the highest among all eight counties.

Leavenworth offers Kansas's lowest rate

Leavenworth's 1.203% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Kansas, significantly below the state average of 1.549%. This favorable rate makes the county attractive despite higher property values, though the median tax of $3,136 exceeds the state median of $1,943 due to premium home values.

Leavenworth offers strong tax relief

Leavenworth's 1.203% rate represents the lowest among its peer counties, beating Kiowa (1.159%) and outpacing Labette (1.628%) and Lyon County (1.598%). For higher-value properties, Leavenworth's low rate delivers meaningful tax savings compared to neighboring jurisdictions.

Your property tax on median home value

A home valued at $260,600 in Leavenworth County carries an estimated annual property tax of $3,136, the highest median among the eight counties reviewed. With mortgage escrow, your annual tax obligation reaches approximately $3,256.

Appeal to ensure fair property assessment

Even with Leavenworth's favorable rate, homeowners should verify their assessments remain accurate and fair; overvaluation corrections can save thousands annually. The county appraiser's office accepts appeals at no cost, making it worth investigating if your home feels overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Leavenworth County

via CostByCounty

Leavenworth: highest costs, highest incomes

Leavenworth County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits slightly above the national average, but the story is nuanced—household incomes here ($86,906) exceed the national median by $12,151. Renters pay $1,138 monthly, reflecting Leavenworth's position as Kansas's most expensive housing market.

Kansas's priciest county

Leavenworth leads all Kansas counties in both median income ($86,906) and housing costs, with rent at $1,138 monthly—44% above the state average of $787. The 15.7% rent-to-income ratio reflects higher wages that partially offset the premium pricing.

Leavenworth towers above regional peers

Leavenworth's $1,138 rent and $260,600 median home value dramatically outpace neighboring counties—rents run $340+ higher than Logan or Lyon, and homes cost $100,000 more. This premium reflects Leavenworth's proximity to Kansas City metro and stronger economic base.

Higher costs, higher incomes

Renters pay $1,138 monthly while homeowners average $1,419, reflecting Leavenworth's robust housing market with median home value at $260,600. Despite these steep costs, the county's strong median income of $86,906 means housing still consumes about 16% of household budgets.

Leavenworth: pay more, earn more

If you're relocating to Leavenworth, expect Kansas's highest housing costs—$1,138 rent or $260,600 median home prices—but balance this against the county's superior job market and $86,906 median income. Compare this trade-off carefully: premium pricing exists because of economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Leavenworth County

via IncomeByCounty

Leavenworth outearns the nation

Leavenworth County's median household income of $86,906 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $12,151—a 16% premium that ranks it among the highest-income counties nationally. This strong performance reflects a robust local economy.

Kansas's highest-income county

Leavenworth County leads all Kansas counties with a median household income 35% above the state average of $64,428. Its economic strength stands out decisively within the state.

Significantly outpaces region

Leavenworth's $86,906 median household income dwarfs neighboring counties, surpassing Kiowa ($73,214) by $13,692 and Logan ($71,389) by $15,517. It's the clear economic leader in this region.

High incomes offset rising housing costs

Despite a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% and a median home value of $260,600—the highest in this sample—Leavenworth households command sufficient earnings to absorb these costs. Strong income cushions housing affordability concerns.

Prime opportunity for wealth acceleration

Leavenworth's elevated incomes create an ideal environment for aggressive savings, home equity building, and diversified investing. Households should maximize retirement contributions and explore wealth-building vehicles like real estate and stocks.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Leavenworth County

via CrimeByCounty

Leavenworth County Crime Near National Benchmarks

Leavenworth County reports a total crime rate of 2,169.5 per 100K, which is just below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 96.6. Six different agencies contribute to this robust dataset.

Higher Activity Than the Average Kansas County

The total crime rate of 2,169.5 per 100K is higher than the Kansas state average of 1,282.2. Its safety score of 96.6 also sits below the state average of 98.0. This reflects the county's larger population and more complex urban dynamics.

Competitive Safety Among Kansas Population Centers

Leavenworth County is safer than Labette County but reports more activity than rural neighbors like Linn. Its diverse mix of six reporting agencies ensures high data transparency. Residents benefit from a safety profile that is typical for a growing Kansas county.

Violent Crime Rate Above National Average

Leavenworth's violent crime rate of 444.9 per 100K exceeds the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is lower than the national average at 1,724.6 per 100K. This suggests that while theft is less frequent, personal safety requires more attention.

Enhancing Personal and Property Safety

Given the violent crime rate, residents should prioritize personal safety and home security alike. Installing smart doorbells and maintaining good outdoor lighting can provide peace of mind. Staying informed about local police reports helps residents stay ahead of trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Leavenworth County

via HealthByCounty

Leavenworth outperforms national health benchmarks

At 77.0 years, Leavenworth County residents live 2.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—placing it among healthier regions. Only 13.8% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 12%, indicating strong community health outcomes.

County leads Kansas on coverage and longevity

Leavenworth County's 77.0-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's 75.4-year average by 1.6 years, among the best in the state. At just 8.0% uninsured, the county has the lowest uninsured rate in this group, significantly better than the state average of 11.5%.

Best outcomes in surrounding region

Leavenworth County's 77.0-year life expectancy and 8.0% uninsured rate both rank among the strongest in this group. The county provides 49 primary care providers and 254 mental health providers per 100K, robust support for a population with strong health insurance coverage.

Strong coverage enables routine care access

Only 8.0% of Leavenworth County residents lack insurance, enabling most to maintain regular primary care relationships. With 49 primary care and 254 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers solid access to both routine and behavioral health services.

Maintain your health coverage advantage

Leavenworth County's high insurance rate reflects strong enrollment—use Healthcare.gov or your employer plan to sustain this advantage. Continuous coverage ensures preventive screenings and early intervention that protect long-term health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Leavenworth County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Suburban Education Infrastructure

Leavenworth County features a large system of 29 public schools, including 16 elementary and 7 middle schools. With a total enrollment of 13,578 students, it is one of the more significant educational hubs in the region. These schools are distributed across 6 districts, offering varied academic environments.

Efficient Achievement on a Budget

The county maintains a high 90.7% graduation rate, which is well above the national average. Remarkably, this is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of only $7,605, significantly lower than the state average of $9,009. The overall school score is 55.2, reflecting solid performance across the board.

Leavenworth and Basehor-Linwood Districts

The Leavenworth district leads with 3,604 students, followed closely by Basehor-Linwood with 3,041 students. Fort Leavenworth also manages 4 schools specifically serving 1,729 students in the military community. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on these large, established public districts.

Town Schools with Diverse Campuses

The county features 21 schools in town locales and 8 in rural areas, offering a mix of atmospheres. Schools average 468 students, with Leavenworth Sr High being the largest at 1,250 students. Families can choose between large high schools and smaller rural elementary programs.

Settle in a Region Committed to Success

Leavenworth County's high graduation rates make it a top choice for families moving to the area. With diverse school sizes and locations, there is a perfect fit for every type of student. Consider school district boundaries as you explore the many vibrant neighborhoods available here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Leavenworth County

via RiskByCounty

Leavenworth faces elevated national risk

Leavenworth County's composite risk score of 66.35 places it in the Relatively Low category but exceeds the national average, indicating above-average exposure to natural disasters. This eastern Kansas county confronts more hazard threats than most American counties.

Among Kansas's highest-risk counties

Leavenworth's score of 66.35 is more than double the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it among the state's riskiest counties. The county's proximity to the Kansas City metro area contributes to its elevated hazard profile.

Comparable risk to Labette, peers

Leavenworth's risk score nearly matches Labette County (66.19), and both significantly exceed neighboring Johnson County's risk level. Leavenworth's location in northeast Kansas creates a unique hazard concentration.

Tornadoes and floods lead threats

Tornado risk dominates at 86.51, the highest in the state region, paired with substantial flood risk of 61.83 from Missouri River influences. Wildfire risk at 59.00 adds a third significant hazard to Leavenworth's natural disaster profile.

Obtain flood and wind coverage now

Leavenworth homeowners must secure flood insurance as a separate rider, especially those near rivers or in flood-prone zones. Verify your policy explicitly covers tornado and severe wind damage, given the county's exceptionally high tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Leavenworth County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Humid Northeastern Climate

Leavenworth’s 55.8°F average temperature sits roughly two degrees above the national median. Its 39.4 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the average American county.

Warmer and Wetter Than the State Mean

The county is warmer and wetter than the Kansas averages of 54.8°F and 30.3 inches. It ranks as one of the more humid and temperate regions in the state.

More Rain Than Central Kansas Counties

Leavenworth is wetter than Lyon County, receiving about 4 extra inches of rain annually. It experiences similar snowfall levels to Kiowa but with much higher humidity.

Hot Julys and Damp Winters

Summer brings 46 days of heat over 90°F and a July average near 80.0°F. Winters are cold and damp, averaging 32.8°F with 15.5 inches of snow.

Focus on Moisture and Winter Prep

High humidity and 40 inches of rain require consistent home exterior maintenance. Residents should winterize pipes early as January averages dip to exactly 30.0°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Leavenworth County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal Acidity in Leavenworth

Leavenworth County boasts a soil pH of 6.38, which is very close to the national ideal of 6.5. This slightly acidic to neutral range is perfect for most garden vegetables and row crops. It sits comfortably near the state average, providing a versatile chemical environment for diverse plant life.

Rich Silt and Clay Mix

The county's soil is composed of 52.1% silt and 25.2% clay, with a smaller sand fraction of 21.3%. This mix creates a soil that is capable of holding significant nutrients and moisture. While it may feel heavy underfoot, it offers the structural integrity needed for healthy plant development.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

Leavenworth excels in fertility with an organic matter content of 2.56%, surpassing both the national and state averages. The available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is also above the state benchmark of 0.180. These figures translate to highly productive land that responds well to sustainable farming.

Stable Hydrology for Growing

With a high overall soil score of 65.4, the hydrology here is generally supportive of intensive agriculture. Although specific drainage class data is missing, the balanced composition suggests moderate permeability. This makes the county a reliable choice for both gardening and larger-scale building projects.

Vibrant Gardening in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a wide variety of plantings, from leafy greens to orchard fruits. The combination of high organic matter and ideal pH means your garden will require less intervention to thrive. Start a backyard plot today to take advantage of some of the best soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Leavenworth County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Success in Leavenworth

Leavenworth County is one of the easiest places in Kansas to grow a lawn, boasting a high score of 68.7. This Zone 6b county significantly outperforms both the state average of 59.1 and the national median of 50.0.

Generous Rainfall and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 39.4 inches provides an ideal moisture foundation for lush turf. With only 46 extreme heat days—well below the state average—grass avoids much of the mid-summer scorching common in other parts of Kansas.

Ideal pH Levels for Nutrition

The soil pH of 6.38 is perfectly situated within the 6.0 to 7.0 range for maximum nutrient availability. While the 25.2% clay content aids in moisture retention, homeowners should ensure proper aeration to keep oxygen reaching the roots.

Managing Seasonal Dry Spells

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, reflecting a recent trend after 20 weeks of drought over the past year. However, no severe drought is currently reported, so standard water conservation practices should suffice to keep lawns healthy.

Best Timing for Cool-Season Grass

Tall Fescue thrives in this environment and should be seeded in early spring after the April 12 frost. The long growing season extending until October 27 provides plenty of time for new grass to establish deep roots before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leavenworth County's county score?
Leavenworth County, Kansas has a composite county score of 39.9 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 Leavenworth County rank among counties in Kansas?
Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Leavenworth County is $3,136, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Leavenworth County a tax score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leavenworth County?
The median household income in Leavenworth County, Kansas is $86,906 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leavenworth County earns an income score of 90/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leavenworth County, Kansas a good place to live?
Leavenworth County scores 39.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth 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.