countyscore
56.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 78.6Soil Quality 75.2Cost of Living 74.4

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Kansas

Marshall County Outperforms National Peers

With a composite score of 57.5, Marshall County significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the top tier of counties nationwide for overall livability. It achieves this by balancing economic stability with high safety and environmental resilience.

A Top Performer in Kansas

Marshall County's 57.5 score stands well above the Kansas state average of 49.5. It serves as a model for regional success, offering higher incomes and better schools than many of its neighbors. This high ranking reflects a quality of life that is superior to the state norm.

Resilience and Economic Security

The county excels in disaster resilience with a risk score of 78.6 and maintains great affordability with a cost score of 75.4. Median household incomes are strong at $70,828, supporting a high income score of 68.4. Schools also show strength with a score of 67.2, providing a solid environment for families.

Fiscal and Infrastructure Headwinds

The tax score of 21.9 indicates a relatively high tax burden compared to national averages, though it remains more competitive than some neighbors. Water infrastructure is another area for improvement, currently scoring 23.3. Addressing these factors could further elevate the county's high standing.

The Perfect Balance for Rural Families

Marshall County is a premier choice for families looking for high-performing schools and economic stability without high costs. The combination of $670 median rent and strong local incomes creates an excellent path to financial freedom. It offers a rare mix of safety, wealth, and resilience.

2040608010022.174.456.661.167.258.478.623.345.5Tax22.1Cost74.4Safety56.6Health61.1Schools67.2Income58.4Risk78.6Water23.3Weather45.556.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

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

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (78.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (23.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22.1-29.9
Cost
74.4+26.400000000000006
Safety
56.6
Health
61.1+11.100000000000001
Schools
67.2+13.200000000000003
Income
58.4
Risk
78.6+31.599999999999994
Water
23.3-34.7
Weather
45.5-10.5
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Many homeowners in Marshall 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

$127,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$690/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,419/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

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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Oldham County
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Chase County
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Huron County
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Culberson County
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Hemphill County
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Schleicher County
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Nearby counties

Pawnee County
Nebraska
62.2
Nemaha County
Kansas
71.1
Gage County
Nebraska
51.7
Washington County
Kansas
61.6
Riley County
Kansas
34.7
Pottawatomie County
Kansas
56.4
Jefferson County
Nebraska
53
Johnson County
Nebraska
64

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall taxes well below national rate

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 1.280% is among the lowest nationally, falling noticeably below the national median of 1.29%. The median property tax of $1,529 represents a 43% savings versus the national median of $2,690.

One of Kansas's most tax-friendly counties

Marshall County's 1.280% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Kansas, well below the state average of 1.549%. This advantage carries a median tax bill of just $1,529, nearly $400 less than the state median.

Lowest taxes in the regional cluster

At 1.280%, Marshall's rate is the cheapest among nearby counties including Marion (1.726%), Meade (1.523%), and Morris (1.547%). Homeowners here enjoy some of Kansas's most affordable property tax burdens.

What Marshall homeowners actually pay

The median Marshall home valued at $119,500 costs roughly $1,529 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $1,783; without one, closer to $1,394.

You may be overassessed

Even in tax-friendly Marshall County, overassessment happens—many homeowners nationwide discover their properties are valued higher than recent market sales justify. Filing an appeal could lower your annual bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County edges closer to national average

Marshall County's median household income of $70,828 sits just 5% below the national median of $74,755, making it one of Kansas's stronger-earning counties. This performance places Marshall County well above most of rural Kansas, suggesting robust local employment and economic opportunity compared to national peers.

Above-average earners within Kansas

Marshall County ranks in the upper third of Kansas counties with a $70,828 median household income, significantly outpacing the state average of $64,428 by nearly $6,400. This strong position reflects the county's economic health and suggests residents enjoy greater purchasing power than most Kansans.

Marshall leads neighboring county earnings

Marshall County's $70,828 income outpaces nearby Marion County ($63,438) and Mitchell County ($58,233), though it trails McPherson County ($77,701) to the south. The $7,000 advantage over Marion County reflects Marshall's stronger economic foundation and employment base in this north-central Kansas region.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

Marshall County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national 12% affordability threshold, meaning renters here spend less on housing relative to earnings than the typical American household. Combined with a median home value of $119,500, the county offers genuine affordability for families seeking to build equity and stability.

Marshall County residents ready to invest

With median household income at $70,828 and housing costs well-managed, Marshall County families have real capacity to invest in their futures through employer 401(k)s, IRAs, and diversified portfolios. The county's affordability advantage means residents can direct $5,000–$10,000 annually toward wealth-building strategies without sacrificing basic financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County Maintains Elite Safety Scores

Marshall County reports a total crime rate of 998.6 per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5. The county achieves a high safety score of 98.4, reflecting its status as a secure community. It is significantly safer than the average American county.

Beating the Kansas State Safety Average

Its safety score of 98.4 beats the Kansas state average of 98.0. Local law enforcement across five reporting districts keep rates consistently below the state total average of 1,282.2. This performance places Marshall County in the upper tier of Kansas counties.

Safe Corridor in Northern Kansas

Marshall County’s crime rate of 998.6 is lower than neighboring Morris County’s rate of 1,429.9 per 100,000. It also outperforms McPherson County in total safety metrics. This makes it a standout for safety in the regional corridor.

Understanding Local Crime Statistics

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 209.7 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 788.9. These figures are significantly lower than national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively. The data indicates a peaceful environment for both families and local businesses.

Vigilance Preserves Local Security

Residents help keep Marshall County safe by staying vigilant and using modern home monitoring systems. Simple preventative measures ensure that property crime rates stay well below the national mark. Community awareness remains the best defense against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Plains Conditions

At 53.5°F annually, Marshall County is slightly cooler than the national median. This northern location experiences a classic four-season climate with significant winter influence.

Below the Average Kansas Temperature

The county averages 53.5°F, making it cooler than the 54.8°F state average for Kansas. It is one of the more temperate northern counties, though it receives 33.1 inches of rain.

A Rainy Neighbor in the North

Marshall matches the 53.5°F average of Mitchell County to the west. However, it is significantly wetter, receiving 33.1 inches of annual precipitation compared to Mitchell's 27.2 inches.

Frigid Januaries and Notable Snow Totals

Winters are sharp, with January temperatures averaging 26.7°F and delivering 15.8 inches of snow. Summers are milder than southern peers, with only 46 days reaching 90°F.

Winterize for Significant Snow and Cold

Heavy winter coats and pipe insulation are essential for the sub-freezing January averages. Homeowners should also prepare for 46 days of summer heat exceeding 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Perfect pH for Marshall Growers

Marshall County boasts a soil pH of 6.45, sitting almost exactly on the national median of 6.5. This balance ensures that essential nutrients remain chemically available for plant uptake throughout the growing season.

A Silty Foundation

The soil consists of 53.8% silt and 27.8% clay, offering a fine-textured medium for root development. With sand making up only 18.3%, the soil maintains a high capacity for holding both moisture and fertilizers.

Rich in Life and Water

The 2.85% organic matter content comfortably beats the state average of 2.22%, indicating high biological productivity. An available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is among the best in the state, shielding crops from immediate drought stress.

Navigating Moisture Infiltration

Data regarding specific drainage classes is currently limited, but the high water capacity suggests the ground stays moist longer than sandier neighboring regions. Gardeners should monitor for surface runoff during heavy Kansas thunderstorms.

Prime Potential in Zone 6a

With a top-tier soil score of 75.2, this is some of the most productive land in Kansas. Use the fertile conditions of Zone 6a to establish a high-yielding vegetable garden or a thriving fruit orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Northern Kansas

Marshall County posts a lawn difficulty score of 62.8, outperforming both the national average of 50.0 and the Kansas state average of 59.1. As a Zone 6a region, it faces slightly colder winters than its southern neighbors but remains a productive area for turf. Maintaining a lush yard here is less taxing than in many other parts of the Great Plains.

Mild Summers Support Consistent Growth

The county sees 46 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the state average of 58. With 33.1 inches of annual precipitation, lawns receive enough natural moisture to minimize heavy irrigation costs. The growing season typically spans from late April to mid-October, supported by 3,897 growing degree days.

Healthy pH Levels in Marshall Soil

Soil pH in the county averages 6.45, providing an excellent environment for grass roots to absorb essential minerals. The texture contains 27.8% clay and 18.3% sand, a mix that balances water retention with moderate structure. While drainage data is unavailable, the clay-heavy foundation suggests that core aeration will benefit most established lawns.

Managing the Mid-Year Dry Spells

Over the past year, Marshall County endured 28 weeks in drought conditions, requiring more vigilance from homeowners than the current 0% dry area suggests. Even during rainy months, monitoring soil moisture is critical due to this historical volatility. Utilizing rain barrels or smart controllers can help mitigate the impact of future dry periods.

Plan for a Mid-October Frost

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are well-suited for the 6a climate of Marshall County. Plan your spring projects for after April 25, or target the fall seeding window before the first frost arrives around October 13. Your local climate provides a solid foundation for a durable, resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Kansas has a composite county score of 56.9 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Kansas?
Marshall County ranks #22 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 Marshall County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $1,574, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 22.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Kansas is $68,419 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 58.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Kansas a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 56.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.