CountyScore

Mitchell County

Kansas · KS

#76 in Kansas
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Mitchell County, Kansas

Mitchell County meets national baseline

Mitchell County's composite score of 62.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 26%, placing it solidly above average despite ranking lowest among peer counties. Strong housing affordability compensates for lower income levels.

Below Kansas performance level

Mitchell County ranks below the Kansas state average of 66.0, placing it in the lower-middle range of the state's 105 counties. The county faces headwinds from elevated tax burden and lower household incomes.

Housing affordability leads all peers

Mitchell County boasts the highest cost score of 83.8 among these eight counties, with median home values of just $109,600 and monthly rent averaging $653. These prices rank among Kansas's most accessible, enabling minimal housing cost burdens.

Income and tax burden lag significantly

Mitchell County's income score of 21.4 reflects median household income of $58,233—among the lowest in this group—while its tax score of 48.8 and effective rate of 1.901% are the highest, creating cumulative financial pressure. Multiple quality-of-life dimensions remain unmeasured.

Best for ultra-budget-conscious residents

Mitchell County suits retirees on fixed incomes and families prioritizing absolute housing affordability above all other factors. The county's extreme cost advantage makes it attractive despite income and tax limitations for those practicing tight household budgeting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax48.8Cost83.8SafetyComing SoonHealth70.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.4Risk70.2WaterComing Soon
🏛48.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.2
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 Mitchell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barrow County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $77,477
Grady County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $54,312
Tattnall County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $52,351
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
65.4
Median income: $60,938
Barber County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $57,615

Deep Dives

Mitchell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mitchell County

via TaxByCounty

Mitchell taxes notably above national median

Mitchell County's effective tax rate of 1.901% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.29%, placing it in the upper tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,084 is about 23% below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Among Kansas's highest-taxed counties

Mitchell's 1.901% effective rate ranks among the highest in Kansas, substantially above the state average of 1.549%. The median tax bill of $2,084 exceeds the state median of $1,943, adding pressure on residents despite lower home values.

Highest rates in the regional peer group

Mitchell's 1.901% rate significantly outpaces all nearby counties, including Marion (1.726%), Meade (1.523%), and Marshall (1.280%). Mitchell residents face the steepest tax burden among their regional neighbors.

What Mitchell homeowners actually pay

The median Mitchell home valued at $109,600 results in roughly $2,084 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,874; without one, it can reach $2,335 depending on homestead exemptions.

You may be overassessed

With the state's highest effective rates, Mitchell County residents should carefully review property assessments for accuracy. Errors become more costly in high-tax counties—consider appealing if your assessment exceeds recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mitchell County

via CostByCounty

Mitchell County rents stay below national burden

At 13.5%, Mitchell County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, with median monthly rent of just $653 serving a median household income of $58,233. Though income lags the national average, Mitchell's exceptionally affordable housing keeps overall affordability competitive for renters nationwide.

Mitchell County ranks among Kansas's most affordable

Mitchell County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.7%, delivering solid affordability through aggressive rent pricing at just $653 per month. Among Kansas counties, Mitchell stands out for creating genuinely affordable rental markets despite below-average incomes.

Mitchell offers Kansas's cheapest rents

At $653 monthly, Mitchell County's median rent trails only Marshall County's $670 in the region, making it one of the state's most affordable rental markets. This competitive advantage serves lower-income households particularly well, as housing costs consume a smaller portion of already-modest earnings.

Mitchell renters keep most income for essentials

A typical Mitchell County household earning $58,233 annually spends just $653 on rent monthly, freeing substantial income for food, utilities, and healthcare. Homeowners face higher costs at $859 monthly on median-valued properties of $109,600, but both renters and owners find genuine affordability here.

Mitchell County prioritizes renter affordability

If keeping housing costs minimal is your top relocation goal, Mitchell County delivers rents rivaling the state's cheapest while maintaining reasonable home prices. Compare Mitchell against Marshall for the absolute best rental value, or against slightly wealthier McPherson if you'd prefer stronger job markets and higher wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mitchell County

via IncomeByCounty

Mitchell County falls below national income

Mitchell County's median household income of $58,233 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 22%, placing it among lower-earning American counties. This significant gap reflects Mitchell's rural economy and limited employment diversification compared to national averages.

Below-average earners within Kansas

Mitchell County ranks in the lower third of Kansas counties with a $58,233 median household income, falling about $6,200 below the state average of $64,428. This below-state-average position indicates Mitchell faces economic headwinds relative to other Kansas communities.

Mitchell lags neighboring county earnings

Mitchell County's $58,233 income sits below Marion County ($63,438) and Marshall County ($70,828), though it slightly exceeds Morris County ($56,716) and Montgomery County ($53,242). The $5,000+ gap between Mitchell and Marshall County reflects differences in employment opportunities and economic diversification in the region.

Housing costs strain Mitchell households

Mitchell County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national 12% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend more on housing relative to their lower earnings than typical Americans. Combined with a median home value of $109,600, the county presents housing challenges for lower-wage residents despite modest absolute prices.

Mitchell County: strategic financial planning essential

With median household income at $58,233, Mitchell County families need disciplined financial planning to build wealth—prioritizing emergency savings, low-cost index fund investing, and employer retirement plan participation even at modest contribution levels. Starting with just 2–3% of household income directed to savings can generate $1,200–$1,700 annually toward long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mitchell County

via HealthByCounty

Mitchell matches national life expectancy

Mitchell County's 77.6-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.5 years, reflecting strong overall population longevity. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 17%, indicating Mitchell's population carries a modest health burden despite long life spans.

Mitchell ranks among Kansas's best

At 77.6 years, Mitchell County's life expectancy ties McPherson for the highest in this cohort and surpasses Kansas's 75.4-year state average by 2.2 years. The 11.4% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 11.5%, suggesting balanced health insurance coverage.

Mitchell leads on provider availability

Mitchell County's 104 primary care providers per 100K is the highest in this eight-county region, enabling residents easy access to routine care. At 105 mental health providers per 100K, Mitchell also ranks well for behavioral health, outpacing most neighbors except Miami County.

Strong providers, solid insurance coverage

Mitchell County's 11.4% uninsured rate sits at the state average, meaning most residents maintain health coverage. With 104 primary care providers per 100K—the highest in the region—and 105 mental health providers, Mitchell residents benefit from exceptional ease of access to healthcare professionals.

Keep coverage current in Mitchell

If you're among Mitchell's 11.4% uninsured residents, visit healthcare.gov to explore plans and subsidies. Mitchell's robust provider network means your coverage quickly connects you to the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mitchell County

via RiskByCounty

Mitchell County at state average

Mitchell County scores 29.83 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting essentially at Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county in the middle of the risk spectrum nationally.

Right at the state median

Mitchell County ranks near the center of Kansas's 105 counties for overall disaster risk, representing an average exposure profile statewide. Its Very Low rating indicates balanced, moderate hazard exposure across multiple threat types.

Moderate risk among peers

Mitchell County's 29.83 score places it above Marshall County (21.41) and Marshall's profile but below Marion (37.98) and McPherson (39.22). The county sits in a middle position within its regional cluster.

Wildfire the notable hazard

Wildfire risk ranks highest at 33.30, though this remains below statewide wildfire averages and other region threats. Tornado exposure follows at 40.14, representing a secondary but present risk.

Standard comprehensive coverage sufficient

Mitchell County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail coverage for tornado protection. Adding wildfire riders or endorsements ensures comprehensive protection across the county's primary hazards.

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.