CountyScore

Meade County

Kansas · KS

#47 in Kansas
67.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Meade County, Kansas

Meade County surpasses national median

Meade County's composite score of 67.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, positioning it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. Strong affordability and balanced income levels drive this above-average national performance.

Slightly above Kansas performance

Meade County ranks modestly above the Kansas state average of 66.0, placing it in the upper-middle range of the state's 105 counties. The county maintains competitive livability across measured dimensions.

Strong balance of affordability and income

Meade County combines excellent housing affordability with solid income levels, posting a cost score of 82.4 and median household income of $74,868. A tax score of 59.4 and effective rate of 1.523% provide reasonable fiscal stability.

Limited data on quality-of-life factors

Meade County lacks measured data on health, schools, safety, and environmental conditions, creating gaps in the full livability assessment. Income score of 32.3 reflects earnings that, while solid, remain below wealthier counties.

Fits balanced-budget lifestyle seekers

Meade County appeals to families seeking equilibrium between affordability and decent household income, offering a solid middle ground in rural Kansas. The county suits those valuing fiscal prudence and moderate economic stability over maximum earnings or ultra-low costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.4Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth62.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.3Risk84.5WaterComing Soon
🏛59.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡84.5
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 Meade County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lonoke County
Arkansas
67.6
Median income: $71,449
Fayette County
Iowa
67.6
Median income: $58,764
Madison County
Iowa
67.6
Median income: $89,542
Anderson County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $64,925
Morris County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $56,716

Deep Dives

Meade County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Meade County

via TaxByCounty

Meade taxes slightly above national median

Meade County's effective tax rate of 1.523% exceeds the national median of 1.29%, placing it in the upper-middle range. The median property tax of $1,858 is about 31% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Kansas's lower home values.

Right at Kansas state average

Meade's 1.523% effective rate sits just below the Kansas state average of 1.549%, making it very typical statewide. The median tax of $1,858 is lower than the state median of $1,943 due to somewhat lower home values.

Mid-range taxes among nearby counties

Meade's 1.523% rate places it between the tax-friendly Marshall (1.280%) and the higher-taxed Marion (1.726%) and Mitchell (1.901%). Its median tax of $1,858 reflects balanced property values and rates across the region.

What Meade homeowners actually pay

The median Meade home valued at $122,000 results in roughly $1,858 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $2,200; without one, it drops to $1,717.

You may be overassessed

Meade County homeowners should review their assessments against recent sales in their neighborhoods. Even small overvaluations can compound into significant overpayments across years of property ownership.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meade County

via CostByCounty

Meade County matches national affordability standards

Meade County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, with median rent at $799 and household income at $74,868—nearly matching the national median of $74,755. This balance makes Meade an accessible option for renters and owners seeking affordability without extreme rural remoteness.

Meade County outperforms Kansas affordability average

At 12.8%, Meade County's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.7%, placing it among Kansas's more affordable counties while maintaining reasonable income levels. The county achieves this balance through moderate housing costs and solid wage standards.

Meade sits in the regional middle ground

Meade County's $799 median rent falls between the cheapest options like Marshall ($670) and pricier McPherson ($889), positioning it as a moderate-cost alternative. Income levels here match the national average, making Meade appealing for those seeking balance over extremes.

Housing takes 12.8% of Meade County earnings

A typical Meade County household earning $74,868 annually spends $799 on rent monthly, while homeowners invest $766 into properties valued at $122,000. These aligned costs—rent and mortgage nearly identical—suggest healthy housing markets serving both renters and buyers equally.

Meade County offers balanced relocation value

Seeking a Kansas county that doesn't force you to choose between affordability and income? Meade County delivers equilibrium, with costs and wages both tracking close to national norms. Test Meade against Marshall's deeper savings or McPherson's higher earning potential to match your relocation priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meade County

via IncomeByCounty

Meade County matches national income level

Meade County's median household income of $74,868 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, placing it exactly at the American economic midpoint. This alignment suggests Meade County residents enjoy typical American purchasing power and economic opportunity despite its rural southwest Kansas location.

Above-state-average earners in Meade

Meade County ranks in the upper half of Kansas counties with a $74,868 median household income, notably exceeding the state average of $64,428 by about $10,400. This $10,000+ advantage over Kansas's typical household demonstrates Meade's stronger economic foundation and employment opportunities.

Meade leads southwest Kansas earnings

Meade County's $74,868 income positions it above most neighboring counties, though slightly trailing McPherson County ($77,701) to the northeast. The county's strong per capita income of $44,359—the highest among these eight counties—suggests wealth is distributed broadly across the community rather than concentrated among few households.

Manageable housing costs in Meade

Meade County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national 12% affordability threshold, indicating stable and affordable housing relative to earnings. A median home value of $122,000 combined with near-national-average income makes homeownership achievable for most families in the county.

Meade County opportunity for financial growth

At national-average income levels of $74,868, Meade County families have solid footing to pursue wealth-building strategies including retirement savings, real estate investment, and diversified stock portfolios. The county's moderate housing costs relative to income free up $6,000–$12,000 annually for households to direct toward long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Meade County

via HealthByCounty

Meade lags far behind national health

Meade County's 74.1-year life expectancy falls 2.0 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, a significant gap indicating serious health challenges. The 18.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, suggesting Meade's population bears a disproportionate disease burden.

Meade struggles in Kansas rankings

At 74.1 years, Meade County's life expectancy trails Kansas's 75.4-year state average by 1.3 years, ranking among the state's lowest-performing counties. The 16.1% uninsured rate tops the state average of 11.5%, meaning healthcare access challenges compound Meade's existing health disadvantages.

Meade faces steepest health crisis

Meade County's 74.1-year life expectancy and 18.0% poor/fair health rate represent the worst outcomes in this eight-county comparison. The 16.1% uninsured rate—the highest in the region—signals that Meade residents struggle to afford coverage and healthcare access.

Limited data on Meade's provider crisis

Specific data on primary care and mental health providers in Meade County is not currently available, but the county's high uninsured rate and poor health outcomes suggest significant provider shortages. With 16.1% lacking health insurance and limited visible provider infrastructure, Meade residents face formidable barriers to care.

Meade residents: get coverage now

If you're in Meade County, covering yourself is urgent—16.1% of neighbors lack insurance, the highest rate in the region. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans and financial assistance immediately.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meade County

via RiskByCounty

Meade County's low overall risk

Meade County scores just 15.55 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county among the nation's safer communities for natural disaster exposure.

Kansas's safest county tier

Meade County ranks in the lowest-risk category across Kansas's 105 counties, reflecting minimal exposure to flooding and earthquakes. Its very low composite score reflects one of the state's most favorable risk profiles.

Safest in the southwest

Meade County's 15.55 score makes it the lowest-risk county in its southwestern Kansas region, well below statewide averages. Nearby counties experience notably higher composite risk despite sharing similar geographic characteristics.

Wildfire the primary concern

Wildfire risk stands at 87.63, the only substantially elevated hazard in Meade County and notably higher than other threats. Flood risk is minimal at 2.89, and tornado exposure at 32.89 remains well below state averages.

Wildfire insurance essential

Meade County residents should ensure homeowners policies include robust wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around structures. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but reviewing deductibles and coverage limits ensures adequate 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.