CountyScore

Marshall County

Kansas · KS

#10 in Kansas
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Kansas

Marshall County leads national comparison

Marshall County's composite score of 71.1 ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This 42% performance edge reflects particularly strong cost-of-living advantages and favorable tax treatment.

Among Kansas's top performers

Marshall County ranks above the Kansas state average of 66.0, positioning it in the upper quartile of the state's 105 counties. The county demonstrates above-average livability across multiple measured dimensions.

Marshall excels in affordability and taxes

Marshall County combines excellent housing affordability (cost score 85.0) with the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at just 1.280%, and median rent of only $670 monthly. Higher median household income of $70,828 and a tax score of 66.3 further strengthen the county's economic appeal.

Income levels still modest

Despite outperforming peers, Marshall County's income score of 29.6 indicates median household earnings remain below many national benchmarks. Data gaps in health, schools, safety, and environmental factors leave portions of livability unmeasured.

Ideal for value-seeking rural families

Marshall County attracts families and retirees seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax burden in a rural Great Plains setting. The combination of low rents, reasonable home prices, and minimal taxes makes it particularly appealing to those stretching modest incomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax66.3Cost85SafetyComing SoonHealth71.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.6Risk78.6WaterComing Soon
🏛66.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Marshall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
71.7
Median income: $80,625
Howard County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $44,492
Monroe County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
Colorado
71.7
Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $65,551

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall County ranks among America's most affordable

At just 11.3%, Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning renters here keep significantly more earnings in their pockets than most Americans. With a median rent of $670 per month and median household income of $70,828, the county offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community stability.

Marshall County is Kansas's affordability leader

Marshall County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio is the strongest among Kansas counties, substantially outpacing the state average of 14.7%. This top-tier affordability stems from low rents combined with above-state-average incomes, creating one of the best housing-cost equations in the state.

Marshall offers Kansas's cheapest regional rents

At $670 monthly, Marshall County's median rent undercuts all neighboring counties—Marion charges $727, Meade asks $799, and McPherson runs $889. If affordable rentals are your priority, Marshall County stands out as the regional bargain.

Housing costs take only 11.3% of income

A typical Marshall County household earning $70,828 annually spends just $670 on rent each month, leaving substantial income for savings and other expenses. Homeowners face slightly higher monthly costs at $758, but median home values of $119,500 remain remarkably accessible compared to national and state benchmarks.

Marshall County delivers Kansas's best rental value

Relocating to Marshall County means securing the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio while maintaining solid income levels—a rare combination in rural Kansas. Compare this advantage against neighboring Marion and McPherson counties if you're weighing multiple relocation options, but Marshall's numbers are genuinely hard to beat.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall matches national life expectancy

Marshall County residents live 76.6 years on average, matching the U.S. life expectancy of 76.1 years within measurement error. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 17%, indicating Marshall's population experiences comparable health challenges to the country overall.

Above-average health in Kansas

At 76.6 years, Marshall County beats Kansas's 75.4-year state average by 1.2 years, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. The county's 10.3% uninsured rate is notably below Kansas's 11.5% state average, suggesting strong health insurance coverage.

Provider strength sets Marshall apart

Marshall County boasts 60 primary care providers per 100K—more than triple Marion County's 17—and 91 mental health providers per 100K. These figures signal that Marshall has built robust healthcare infrastructure compared to surrounding rural counties, making it easier for residents to access providers without long drives.

Strong insurance coverage, good access

Only 10.3% of Marshall County residents lack health insurance, among the lowest rates in the region and well below the state average. With 60 primary care providers and 91 mental health providers per 100K, Marshall residents benefit from comparatively easy access to healthcare professionals.

Ensure continuous coverage in Marshall

If you're in Marshall County's 10.3% of uninsured residents or experiencing a coverage gap, visit healthcare.gov to explore marketplace plans. Marshall's strong provider network means coverage connects you quickly to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County in national context

Marshall County's composite risk score of 21.41 earns a Very Low rating and sits well below Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county among the safer communities nationally for natural disaster exposure.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Marshall County ranks in the lower-risk tier across Kansas's 105 counties, offering below-average exposure to most hazard types. Its Very Low rating reflects relatively modest threats compared to state counterparts.

Safest in the neighborhood

Marshall County's 21.41 score makes it the lowest-risk county among its immediate neighbors, well below Marion (37.98) and McPherson (39.22). This comparative safety reflects lower tornado exposure despite similar wildfire risk.

Wildfire dominates local hazards

Wildfire risk soars to 81.23, the highest threat in Marshall County despite its overall low risk profile. Tornado exposure ranks second at 56.01, still elevated compared to national averages for severe weather.

Prioritize wildfire preparedness

Marshall County residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance covering wildfire damage and keep home perimeters clear of dead vegetation. Wildfire-specific riders and adequate wind/hail coverage provide the most relevant protection here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.