countyscore
60.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 86.5Cost of Living 79.8

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Kansas

Exceeding National Expectations

Lincoln County posts an impressive composite score of 60.4, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the more livable rural counties in the country.

A Kansas Safety Leader

Scoring well above the state average of 49.5, Lincoln County is a standout for stability. Its composite score of 60.4 makes it a regional leader in overall quality of life.

Elite Safety and Low Risk

Safety is the county's hallmark, earning a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5. It also benefits from a Cost Score of 79.8, with median home values under $93,000.

Critical Water Infrastructure Issues

The county faces a severe challenge with a Water Score of 1.1, indicating urgent infrastructure needs. Economic mobility is also limited, as reflected in an Income Score of 21.8.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Lincoln County is ideal for those prioritizing peace of mind and community safety above all else. It offers incredible value for homeowners, provided they are prepared for local infrastructure and economic limitations.

204060801001179.897.565.751.421.886.51.139Tax11Cost79.8Safety97.5Health65.7Schools51.4Income21.8Risk86.5Water1.1Weather3960.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Lincoln County DNA

Doverall

How Lincoln County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lincoln County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11-41
Cost
79.8+31.799999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
65.7+15.700000000000003
Schools
51.4
Income
21.8-29.2
Risk
86.5+39.5
Water
1.1-56.9
Weather
39-17
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$92,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$604/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$92,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,546/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Mitchell County
Kansas
55.8
Ellsworth County
Kansas
52.5
Russell County
Kansas
43.4
Ottawa County
Kansas
57.4
Osborne County
Kansas
56.7
Saline County
Kansas
38.4
Cloud County
Kansas
44.4
Barton County
Kansas
42.2

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln taxes track near national norm

At 1.546%, Lincoln County's effective property tax rate matches the national median of 1.409%, placing the county squarely in the middle nationally. The median tax bill of $1,432 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting more modest property values.

Lincoln nearly matches Kansas average

Lincoln's 1.546% effective rate aligns almost precisely with Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, making it a typical tax county within the state. The median tax of $1,432 falls below the state median of $1,943 by $511 annually, thanks to lower home values.

Lincoln sits squarely in regional middle

Lincoln's 1.546% rate positions it at the center of regional variation; Labette (1.628%) and Logan (1.816%) exceed it, while Linn (1.094%) and Kiowa (1.159%) undercut it. For rural Kansas, Lincoln represents a typical property tax experience.

Your property tax on median home value

A home valued at $92,600 in Lincoln County carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,432. Including mortgage escrow, the annual tax obligation reaches approximately $1,515.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Lincoln County homeowners should examine their property assessments to confirm accuracy; overassessment remains common and fully appealable. A successful challenge could reduce your annual tax burden at no upfront cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln rents beat national average

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% falls below the national average, with renters spending modestly on housing relative to earnings. At $604 monthly rent and median household income of $53,546, Lincoln offers reasonable affordability despite below-average incomes.

Lincoln scores below-average burden

Lincoln County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas average of 14.7%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's counties. Monthly rent of $604 stays $183 below the state median, helping offset the county's lower household incomes.

Lincoln competes well regionally

Lincoln's $604 rent sits between Lane County ($497) and Logan County ($796), offering a middle ground for regional renters. Home values at $92,600 match Labette County ($92,100) and remain among the lowest in the region, making Lincoln competitive for both renters and buyers.

Balanced housing costs in Lincoln

Renters pay $604 monthly while homeowners average $742, with median home value at $92,600—relatively consistent pricing across housing types. At 13.5% of income spent on rent, Lincoln residents maintain decent breathing room in household budgets.

Lincoln offers quiet affordability

Lincoln County delivers solid affordability with a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio and $604 monthly rents, making it attractive for remote workers or retirees seeking low costs. Compare this county's balanced housing market against the extremes of Lane County ($497) and Leavenworth ($1,138) to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln trails national income standard

Lincoln County's median household income of $53,546 falls $21,209 short of the national median of $74,755—a 28% gap placing it among the lowest-income counties in America. This underperformance reflects structural economic challenges.

Below Kansas average income

Lincoln County ranks well below Kansas's state median of $64,428, trailing by approximately $10,882. Its per capita income of $32,595 also lags the state average of $34,748.

Marginally above Lane County

Lincoln's $53,546 median household income sits just slightly above Lane County's $53,042, making both among the region's lowest earners. Both face similar economic constraints relative to higher-income neighbors like Kiowa and Leavenworth.

Housing affordable but tight budgets

Lincoln's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% falls in the manageable range, though median home value of $92,600 still requires careful household budgeting. Lower incomes leave limited margin for unexpected expenses.

Focus on consistent, modest saving

Lincoln County households should prioritize automated savings plans and employer 401(k) matches to build wealth despite income constraints. Even $25–50 monthly contributions to diversified accounts compound substantially over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Reports a Perfect Safety Score

Lincoln County currently holds a safety score of 100.0, the highest possible rating. The reported total crime rate is 0.0 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects an exceptionally quiet year for local law enforcement.

Lincoln County Leads the State in Safety

With a crime rate of 0.0, Lincoln County far outperforms the Kansas state average of 1,282.2 per 100K. However, it is important to note that only one agency reports data here. This perfect score may reflect reporting gaps rather than a complete absence of crime.

Comparing Lincoln County to Regional Averages

Lincoln County appears significantly safer than any other county in this report, including safe areas like Kiowa. While neighbors report some activity, Lincoln's data shows no incidents for the 2022 period. Residents should interpret these numbers as a sign of a very low-activity environment.

No Reported Violent or Property Crimes

The county reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100K. This is far below the national violent crime rate of 369.8 and property rate of 2,015.7. While encouraging, residents should remain aware that one agency provides all local data.

Staying Vigilant Despite Perfect Scores

Even with a crime rate of zero, basic home safety should never be ignored. Maintaining locks and reporting suspicious activity helps keep the community safe. A perfect safety score is best maintained through consistent, simple security habits.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Learning in Lincoln County

Lincoln County operates 3 public schools, consisting of 1 elementary and 2 high schools. These facilities serve a total of 449 students within 2 districts. This simplified structure emphasizes community and tradition in the local school system.

Balanced Funding and Attainment Goals

The county reports an 84.9% graduation rate, which is slightly below the Kansas average of 88.7%. However, the county invests $9,104 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $9,009. This high level of funding supports a school score of 55.4, very close to the state average.

Lincoln and Sylvan Grove Districts

The Lincoln district is the largest, serving 333 students across its 2 schools. Sylvan Grove manages the remaining 253 students in the county. With no charter schools in operation, these districts remain the primary focus for local educational excellence.

A Classic Rural High School Experience

All schools in Lincoln County are situated in rural locales, creating a peaceful and focused academic setting. The largest school is Lincoln Jr/Sr High with 175 students, and the average school size is 150 students. This ensures that students stay within a familiar peer group from elementary through graduation.

Invest in a Community with Small Schools

For families who prefer a smaller educational footprint, Lincoln County offers a welcoming environment. The per-pupil investment is higher than the state average, showing a local commitment to student resources. Look for homes near Sylvan Grove or Lincoln to secure a place in these dedicated districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln ranks well below national risk

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 13.52 places it in the Very Low category, substantially below the national average. Residents here face minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most Americans.

Kansas's safer counties

Lincoln County's score of 13.52 is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Only a few Kansas counties match Lincoln's exceptional safety profile.

Safer than Lyon, comparable to Logan

Lincoln's risk score is considerably lower than neighboring Lyon County (47.65), though slightly higher than Logan County (7.38). Lincoln remains a relatively safe area within the central Kansas plains.

Wildfire and tornado as main concerns

Wildfire risk scores 59.32 in Lincoln County, making it the leading hazard despite the county's overall low composite score. Tornado risk at 36.32 represents a secondary but manageable threat.

Ensure wildfire protection included

Lincoln County homeowners should confirm their insurance covers wildfire damage, given the county's elevated wildfire risk score. Standard policies often exclude this hazard, so consider adding a wildfire rider to ensure adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lincoln County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates in Lincoln County

Lincoln County holds a Water Quality Grade of F, with 47 health violations recorded over five years. The violation rate of 2,834.7 per 100,000 residents is nearly nine times the Kansas state average. This level of non-compliance indicates urgent needs for infrastructure or operational improvements.

Healthy Watershed Amidst System Challenges

The 2022 reporting cycle assessed 3 water bodies in Lincoln County and found 0% impairment. While drinking water systems struggle with compliance, the raw watershed itself appears to meet Clean Water Act standards. This suggests that the water quality issues may stem from treatment and distribution rather than source contamination.

Missing Federal Water Quality Records

There are no current monitoring records for Lincoln County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This lack of data makes it difficult for residents to track the specific characteristics of their local streams and rivers. The primary data available remains the drinking water compliance records which show significant issues.

Saline River Flows Critically Low

The Saline River at Lincoln is currently discharging just 14 cfs, a mere 9% of its long-term mean. These extremely low flows can exacerbate existing water quality issues by reducing the dilution of any pollutants. Such conditions place additional strain on local water systems already struggling with high violation rates.

Urgent Need for Water Quality Awareness

With a high violation rate and very low river flows, residents should use caution and consider using independently tested bottled water or advanced filtration. Stay informed on specific violation types from your utility to understand if risks are microbiological or chemical. Protecting the health of the Saline River is vital as it is currently under extreme flow stress.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced National Median Temperature

Lincoln's 53.7°F average temperature matches the national median almost exactly. Its 28.2 inches of annual rainfall is typical for the Midwest-Great Plains transition zone.

Near the State Median for Climate

Lincoln is slightly cooler than the 54.8°F Kansas average and receives 2 inches less rain. It sits near the middle of the state's temperature and precipitation rankings.

Hotter Summers Than Western Logan

With 69 extreme heat days, Lincoln is much hotter in summer than Logan County. It also sees slightly more snowfall than the more eastern Lyon County.

Intense Summer Heat and Cold Januaries

July is intense with an average of 79.5°F and nearly 70 days of extreme heat. Winter is harsher than in southern counties, with January averaging a cold 28.3°F.

Budget for Summer Cooling Costs

Energy bills typically spike in July due to the 69 days of high heat. Homeowners should also prepare for a 14-inch snow season by checking insulation before January.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced in Lincoln

Lincoln County features a soil pH of 6.86, nearly mirroring the state average of 6.80. This neutral profile is just slightly above the national median of 6.5, making it highly hospitable for a broad spectrum of crops. It serves as an excellent foundation for the county's high overall soil score of 65.0.

Heavy Silt for Nutrient Support

The soil is dominated by a 56.7% silt content, paired with 24.9% clay and a low 18.4% sand. This silty texture provides a smooth consistency and high nutrient-holding capacity. Such a composition is ideal for retaining the fertilizers and minerals essential for crop health.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

The county stands out with an available water capacity of 0.197 in/in, well above the state average of 0.180. Organic matter is also strong at 2.38%, exceeding the national average of 2.0%. This fertile combination means the soil acts as a robust reservoir during the fluctuating Kansas weather.

Reliable Moisture Management

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay levels suggest the soil holds moisture effectively. This can prevent rapid drying but requires care to avoid compaction during heavy rains. The soil's overall quality score of 65.0 ranks it among the top tier in the state.

Thriving Landscapes in Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, Lincoln County growers can find success with everything from corn to colorful perennials. The high available water capacity is a major asset for home gardeners looking to maintain lush beds with less water. Take advantage of this high-quality soil by planting a diverse range of vegetables this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance for Lincoln Lawns

Lincoln County’s difficulty score of 55.8 suggests a manageable but slightly challenging environment for turf. This Zone 6b county falls just under the Kansas state average, largely due to its hot summer profile and lower rainfall.

Coping with Summer Scorch

Homeowners must manage 69 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 58. With 28.2 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here sit just below the ideal 30-inch threshold, making smart irrigation essential during the summer.

Balanced Soils with Moderate Clay

A soil pH of 6.86 is nearly perfect, ensuring that lawn fertilizers work efficiently. The soil contains 24.9% clay, which helps retain water but requires regular aeration to prevent the surface from becoming too hard during dry periods.

Recovering from Recent Droughts

Lincoln County endured 19 weeks in drought over the last year, though currently, 0% of the county is classified as abnormally dry. This temporary relief is a great time to build soil health through mulching and organic matter before the next dry cycle begins.

A Shorter Fall Planting Window

Given the first fall frost arrives early on October 15, late summer seeding is preferred over late fall. Drought-resistant Tall Fescue is a reliable choice for the local 6b climate, provided it is planted after the final spring frost on April 28.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Kansas has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Kansas?
Lincoln County ranks #11 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 Lincoln County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,432, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 11/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Kansas is $53,546 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 21.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Kansas a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.