CountyScore

McPherson County

Kansas · KS

#44 in Kansas
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About McPherson County, Kansas

McPherson County meets national standard

McPherson County's composite score of 66.0 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it among the top tier of U.S. counties. This 32% performance advantage is driven by strong income levels and reasonable taxation.

Perfectly aligned with Kansas average

McPherson County scores exactly at the Kansas state average of 66.0, representing the median livability experience across the state's 105 counties. This balanced performance suggests solid, mainstream livability conditions.

McPherson leads on household income

McPherson County boasts the highest median household income among these eight counties at $77,701, with an income score of 34.1 reflecting strong earning potential. The 1.401% effective tax rate and tax score of 62.9 complement this income advantage.

Housing costs rise noticeably

McPherson's cost score of 76.2 is the lowest among peer counties, reflecting higher median home values ($198,400) and gross rent ($889 monthly) that consume more household income. Critical data remains unavailable on health, schools, safety, and environmental factors.

Suits working professionals and entrepreneurs

McPherson County appeals to families with moderate-to-good incomes seeking Kansas living where earning potential outpaces housing costs. The county's balanced score profile and higher wages make it attractive to those prioritizing job opportunities over ultra-low housing prices.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.9Cost76.2SafetyComing SoonHealth74.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.1Risk60.8WaterComing Soon
🏛62.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡60.8
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 McPherson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lee County
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Juneau City and Borough
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Bacon County
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Median income: $50,310
Lee County
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67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
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Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

McPherson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McPherson County

via TaxByCounty

McPherson taxes in line with nation

McPherson County's effective tax rate of 1.401% sits just above the national median of 1.29%, placing it squarely in the middle nationally. The median tax of $2,780 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, thanks to higher home values in the county.

Slightly below Kansas state average

McPherson's 1.401% effective rate falls just below the Kansas state average of 1.549%, making it a fairly typical county. The median tax bill of $2,780 significantly exceeds the state median of $1,943 because McPherson homes are valued much higher.

Homes pricier, taxes middle-ground

McPherson's median home value of $198,400 is substantially higher than neighboring Marion ($114,400) and Marshall ($119,500), explaining why its tax bill of $2,780 is elevated despite a moderate rate. The 1.401% rate itself sits below Marion and Mitchell counties.

What McPherson homeowners actually pay

The median McPherson home valued at $198,400 generates approximately $2,780 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, homeowners pay $2,820; without one, about $2,712.

You may be overassessed

Higher-value properties attract greater assessment scrutiny, and McPherson homeowners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. A successful appeal on a $200,000 home could save hundreds per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McPherson County

via CostByCounty

McPherson County balances higher incomes and costs

At 13.7%, McPherson County's rent-to-income ratio tracks just below the national norm, though housing itself costs more here—median rent stands at $889 versus the state average of $787. The county compensates with above-average household income of $77,701, $3,000 more than the national median, making higher costs manageable for most residents.

McPherson ranks mid-tier among Kansas counties

McPherson County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio performs better than the state average of 14.7%, placing it solidly in the affordable range despite charging above-state-average rents. Higher incomes here offset premium housing prices, creating favorable affordability overall.

McPherson is the region's premium rental market

At $889 per month, McPherson County's median rent exceeds Marion ($727), Marshall ($670), and Meade ($799)—reflecting a more developed economy with higher service and job diversity. The trade-off: median household incomes here outpace neighbors, rewarding higher earners with quality services and amenities.

Housing consumes 13.7% of McPherson incomes

Renters in McPherson County earning $77,701 annually pay $889 monthly in gross rent, while homeowners invest $1,066 into ownership on median-valued properties of $198,400—the highest in this region. Despite these premium costs, the healthy income base keeps housing affordability in check across both renters and owners.

McPherson offers Kansas's highest earning potential

If career advancement and higher incomes matter more than minimum housing costs, McPherson County delivers—residents earn $77,701 on average, well above neighboring counties. Compare McPherson's higher wages and diverse job market against Marshall's rental bargains to find your relocation balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McPherson County

via IncomeByCounty

McPherson County exceeds national income benchmark

McPherson County's median household income of $77,701 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by about 4%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of American counties. This achievement demonstrates strong local economic fundamentals and positions McPherson residents above the typical American household in earnings power.

Kansas's top earners live here

McPherson County ranks among Kansas's highest-earning counties with a $77,701 median household income, exceeding the state average of $64,428 by more than $13,000. This substantial advantage reflects McPherson's diversified economy and draws households seeking above-average wages within Kansas.

McPherson leads regional income competition

McPherson County's $77,701 income substantially outpaces Marion County ($63,438), Marshall County ($70,828), and Morris County ($56,716) in the surrounding region. The county's $7,000+ advantage over Marshall County—already a strong earner—underscores McPherson's position as the economic engine of central Kansas.

Higher incomes offset rising home values

McPherson County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly above the national 12% threshold, reflecting higher median home values of $198,400 compared to neighbors. However, the county's above-national-average income provides households greater purchasing power and equity-building potential despite the price premium.

McPherson County positioned for wealth creation

With $77,701 median household income and strong local employment, McPherson County families can aggressively fund retirement accounts, build investment portfolios, and diversify assets beyond primary residences. The county's income level supports mortgage payments on premium homes while still preserving $8,000–$15,000 annually for wealth-building investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McPherson County

via HealthByCounty

McPherson leads on life expectancy

McPherson County's 77.6-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.5 years, placing it among America's healthier communities. With just 14.0% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national 17%—McPherson residents demonstrate strong overall wellness.

Kansas's healthiest county tier

McPherson County's 77.6-year life expectancy ranks among Kansas's top counties, outpacing the state average of 75.4 years by 2.2 years. The 9.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties reviewed, reflecting McPherson's economic stability and healthcare engagement.

McPherson excels in every measure

McPherson's 77.6-year life expectancy and 14.0% poor/fair health rate best its nearby peers; Marshall County ties the life expectancy but has a slightly higher health burden at 16.1%. McPherson's 70 primary care providers and 110 mental health providers per 100K are among the region's highest densities.

Excellent coverage and provider access

McPherson County's 9.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in this eight-county cohort, meaning 90% of residents have active health coverage. With 70 primary care providers per 100K and 110 mental health specialists per 100K, residents benefit from abundant healthcare options without traveling long distances.

McPherson's coverage is nearly universal

If you're among McPherson's small 9.6% uninsured population, visit healthcare.gov to close the coverage gap. Maintaining continuous insurance keeps you connected to McPherson's strong healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McPherson County

via RiskByCounty

McPherson County's disaster risk

McPherson County scores 39.22 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating while exceeding Kansas's state average of 29.89. This moderate exposure places the county in a manageable risk tier nationally.

Above-average risk for Kansas

McPherson County ranks above the state median among Kansas's 105 counties, reflecting notably higher tornado exposure than most of its peers. Its Very Low rating still indicates manageable overall hazard exposure statewide.

Highest-risk neighbor in cluster

McPherson County's 39.22 score edges out Marion County (37.98) and far exceeds Marshall County (21.41) in the immediate neighborhood. Its elevated tornado risk (77.10) significantly outpaces both neighbors' storm exposure.

Tornado threat leads all hazards

Tornadoes rank as the dominant natural disaster risk here with a score of 77.10, among the highest in the state. Wildfire exposure follows at 67.37, presenting a secondary but significant threat.

Strong tornado safety measures

McPherson County residents must prioritize access to a safe room or storm shelter and ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage. A comprehensive policy addressing both tornado and wildfire exposure provides the best protection.

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.