countyscore
40
County Score
Schools 72.2Lawn Care 69.7Soil Quality 64

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Kansas

Falling Short of National Median

Lyon County’s composite score of 39.6 is well below the national median of 50.0. Despite some institutional strengths, the county faces systemic challenges in tax and safety.

Lagging Behind Kansas Peers

Lyon County trails the Kansas state average of 49.5 by nearly ten points. It ranks lower than many other Kansas counties due to its economic and safety profiles.

Excellent Schools and Water Quality

Education is a bright spot, with a School Score of 72.2 that outshines many neighbors. The county also maintains reliable infrastructure with a Water Score of 52.5.

High Taxes and Safety Gaps

The Tax Score of 9.4 and an effective rate of 1.598% create a significant financial drag. Safety is also a major concern, with the dimension score dipping to 17.9.

Education-First with Trade-Offs

Lyon County is suited for those who prioritize quality education and reliable utilities above all else. However, residents must be prepared for higher crime rates and a steep local tax burden.

204060801009.450.317.948.772.233.452.452.549.4Tax9.4Cost50.3Safety17.9Health48.7Schools72.2Income33.4Risk52.4Water52.5Weather49.440/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Lyon County DNA

Foverall

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

Lyon County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (9.4/100), though Schools (72.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.4-42.6
Cost
50.3
Safety
17.9-37.1
Health
48.7
Schools
72.2+18.200000000000003
Income
33.4-17.6
Risk
52.4
Water
52.5
Weather
49.4
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Think property taxes are too high in Lyon County?

Many homeowners in Lyon 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

$150,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$817/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$150,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,912/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.9

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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Counties with similar scores

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Harvey County
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Flathead County
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Nearby counties

Coffey County
Kansas
61.6
Osage County
Kansas
51.5
Chase County
Kansas
59.7
Morris County
Kansas
51.5
Greenwood County
Kansas
50.4
Wabaunsee County
Kansas
52.5
Franklin County
Kansas
39.8
Woodson County
Kansas
58.8

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lyon County

via TaxByCounty

Lyon taxes run above national average

At 1.598%, Lyon County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.409%, placing the county in the upper half nationally. The median tax bill of $2,272 remains below the national median of $2,690, thanks to more modest median home values of $142,200.

Lyon ranks high among Kansas counties

Lyon's 1.598% effective rate exceeds Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. The median tax of $2,272 significantly outpaces the state median of $1,943 by $329 annually.

Lyon taxes above most regional peers

Lyon's 1.598% rate ranks second-highest among the eight counties examined, exceeded only by Logan County (1.816%). The county's tax burden runs substantially above Linn (1.094%), Kiowa (1.159%), and Leavenworth (1.203%).

Your property tax on median home value

A home valued at $142,200 in Lyon County carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,272. With mortgage escrow, your annual tax obligation reaches approximately $2,363.

Appeal your assessment to save significantly

Lyon County homeowners facing above-average tax rates should carefully review their property assessments for potential overvaluation. Filing an appeal with the county appraiser is free and could reduce your annual tax burden substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lyon County

via IncomeByCounty

Lyon lags national income by significant margin

Lyon County's median household income of $59,078 falls $15,677 short of the national median of $74,755—a 21% deficit. This gap reflects economic challenges relative to the broader U.S. economy.

Below Kansas state median

Lyon County ranks below Kansas's state median of $64,428 by approximately $5,350. Its per capita income of $29,881 trails the state average of $34,748 by 14%.

Lower-income county in sample

Lyon's $59,078 median household income ranks among the lower earners in this group, comparable to Linn ($59,200) and below Kiowa ($73,214) and Leavenworth ($86,906). It faces tougher economic conditions than several neighbors.

Housing costs strain household finances

Lyon's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2%—the highest in this sample—signals affordability stress approaching critical thresholds. The median home value of $142,200 is substantial relative to median household earnings.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Lyon County households should focus on building emergency reserves before aggressive investing, given tight budgets and higher housing costs. Automated, modest savings contributions provide a foundation for future wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lyon County

via CrimeByCounty

Lyon County Crime Rates Track Below National Average

Lyon County's total crime rate is 2,190.7 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.5. Four agencies contribute to this data, providing a clear look at local safety trends.

Lyon County Safety Score Near State Average

The county's safety score of 96.5 is slightly lower than the Kansas state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 2,190.7 per 100K is higher than the state average of 1,282.2. This indicates more frequent law enforcement activity than in typical Kansas rural areas.

A Regional Comparison of Crime Trends

Lyon County's safety profile is similar to Leavenworth County but involves slightly more total crime. It is significantly more active than rural neighbors like Linn or Kiowa. Residents should recognize that more urbanized areas naturally see higher incident reports.

Property Crime is the Primary Concern in Lyon

Property crime in Lyon County is 1,935.9 per 100K, which accounts for the vast majority of local incidents. The violent crime rate is 254.8 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Most residents will find that personal safety is higher than in many other mid-sized counties.

Protecting Your Assets in Lyon County

Since property crime drives the local rate, residents should focus on securing valuables and vehicles. Using smart locks and keeping high-value items out of sight can prevent crimes of opportunity. Community awareness is key to keeping property crime rates in check.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lyon County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Kansas Climate in Central Lyon

Lyon County's 54.8°F average temperature is slightly higher than the national median. With 35.6 inches of rain, it is wetter than many other counties in the central U.S.

Average Temperature with Above-Average Rain

Lyon perfectly matches the 54.8°F Kansas state average temperature. However, it receives about 5 inches more precipitation than the typical Kansas county.

Milder Snowfall Than Western Kansas

Lyon experiences more snowfall than southern Labette but less than western Lane. It shares a similar extreme heat profile with Leavenworth, recording 46 days over 90°F.

Typical Plains Heat and Cold Januaries

Summers feature 46 days of heat over 90°F and a July average of 78.3°F. Winter brings a colder January average of 29.9°F and nearly 13 inches of snow.

Plan for Below-Freezing January Nights

Residents should prepare for moderate snow of 13 inches and consistent spring rain. Efficient heating is important as January averages stay below the freezing mark.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lyon County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Acidic Loams in Lyon

Lyon County features a soil pH of 6.17, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.80 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region and supports a variety of traditional Kansas agriculture. It provides a specialized environment that many native prairie plants find ideal.

High Clay for Maximum Retention

The soil is remarkably low in sand at only 11.3%, while silt makes up 56.7% and clay accounts for 30.0%. This high clay content gives the soil excellent structural strength and the ability to hold onto nutrients tightly. It can be quite heavy to dig, but it provides a very stable base for plant roots.

Superior Organic Matter and Moisture

Lyon County boasts a high organic matter content of 2.70%, well above the state average of 2.22%. It also features an available water capacity of 0.189 in/in, which exceeds the state benchmark of 0.180. These metrics indicate a very fertile soil that is highly resilient to dry spells.

Managing High-Retention Soils

With a strong overall soil score of 64.0, the land is generally very productive. The high clay and silt percentages mean that drainage may be slow, making it important to manage runoff during heavy rains. Proper soil management can prevent the compaction that often affects these dense, silty profiles.

Lush Growth in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b and rich, moisture-retentive soil make Lyon County an excellent place for a flourishing garden. You can successfully grow heavy-feeding crops like corn, tomatoes, and various peppers. Get started today and watch how the high organic matter transforms your home-grown harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lyon County

via LawnByCounty

Premier Lawn Conditions in Lyon

Lyon County holds an impressive difficulty score of 69.7, making it an ideal location for turf enthusiasts. This 6b hardiness zone offers a climate that is substantially more favorable than the national median score of 50.0.

Strong Precipitation and Manageable Heat

The county enjoys 35.6 inches of annual rainfall, placing it squarely in the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. With 46 extreme heat days, Lyon County avoids the worst of the Kansas heat, allowing grass to stay active longer through the summer.

Heavy Clay Foundations

With a clay content of 30.0%, Lyon County soils have a high capacity for holding water and nutrients. The pH of 6.17 is excellent for turf, though the heavy clay means homeowners should prioritize fall aeration to prevent soil compaction.

Optimal Current Moisture Levels

Lyon County is currently 0% in drought, following only 9 weeks of drought conditions over the previous year. This consistent moisture profile makes it much easier to maintain a lush, green lawn compared to more arid western counties.

Ideal Timing for Lush Turf

Standard Kansas favorites like Tall Fescue will flourish here if planted after the April 15 frost. Homeowners have a long, productive season to establish their lawns before the first fall frost usually hits on October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon County's county score?
Lyon County, Kansas has a composite county score of 40 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 Lyon County rank among counties in Kansas?
Lyon County ranks #85 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 Lyon County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Lyon County is $2,341, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Lyon County a tax score of 9.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyon County?
The median household income in Lyon County, Kansas is $59,912 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyon County earns an income score of 33.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyon County, Kansas a good place to live?
Lyon County scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Lyon 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 Lyon County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.