Lincoln County's composite score of 67.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 17.6 points, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This reflects a county offering respectable livability, primarily through housing and cost advantages.
2 / 5
Slightly above Kansas average
Lincoln scores 67.6 versus Kansas's state average of 66.0, ranking it in the upper half of Kansas counties. Its performance mirrors other rural Kansas counties that balance affordability with modest economic challenges.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Lincoln's cost score of 86.5 reflects median home values of just $92,600 and median rent of $604/month, making it highly affordable. These prices enable substantial wealth-building opportunity for first-time homebuyers and families stretching limited budgets.
4 / 5
Income and tax pressures constrain
Lincoln's income score of 18.3 paired with median household income of $53,546 signals limited earning potential and economic opportunity. A tax score of 58.8 with an effective rate of 1.546% further tightens household budgets, alongside unavailable data on safety and health.
5 / 5
Suits budget-first rural seekers
Lincoln County appeals to people for whom affordable housing is paramount—retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers with stable non-local income, or families needing maximum square footage for minimal cost. It's less suitable for those dependent on local job market income.
Lincoln County's composite score of 67.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 17.6 points, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This reflects a county offering respectable livability, primarily through housing and cost advantages.
Slightly above Kansas average
Lincoln scores 67.6 versus Kansas's state average of 66.0, ranking it in the upper half of Kansas counties. Its performance mirrors other rural Kansas counties that balance affordability with modest economic challenges.
Exceptional housing affordability
Lincoln's cost score of 86.5 reflects median home values of just $92,600 and median rent of $604/month, making it highly affordable. These prices enable substantial wealth-building opportunity for first-time homebuyers and families stretching limited budgets.
Income and tax pressures constrain
Lincoln's income score of 18.3 paired with median household income of $53,546 signals limited earning potential and economic opportunity. A tax score of 58.8 with an effective rate of 1.546% further tightens household budgets, alongside unavailable data on safety and health.
Suits budget-first rural seekers
Lincoln County appeals to people for whom affordable housing is paramount—retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers with stable non-local income, or families needing maximum square footage for minimal cost. It's less suitable for those dependent on local job market income.
Score breakdown
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🏛58.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Lincoln County's 77.2-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing residents among America's longest-lived populations. With 15.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county shows moderate health concerns despite strong longevity, suggesting a healthy older demographic.
Top-tier Kansas county by life expectancy
At 77.2 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy ranks among the highest in Kansas, beating the state average of 75.4 years by 1.8 years. The 10.4% uninsured rate sits slightly below the state average of 11.5%, ensuring most residents maintain coverage.
Exceptional longevity and provider access
Lincoln County's 77.2-year life expectancy is the highest among all eight counties examined, outpacing even Leavenworth County at 77.0 years. The county leads in primary care providers at 69 per 100K, delivering outstanding access to routine medical care.
Excellent access drives positive outcomes
With 10.4% uninsured and 69 primary care providers per 100K, Lincoln County residents have both coverage and strong access to preventive care. The 69 mental health providers per 100K represents the lowest in this group, though adequate for a rural population.
Keep coverage strong in Lincoln
Lincoln County's health leadership depends on sustained insurance enrollment—verify your coverage at Healthcare.gov or through local health offices. Continuous access to the county's robust primary care network ensures early detection and management of health issues.
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.