CountyScore

Morton County

Kansas · KS

#71 in Kansas
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Morton County, Kansas

Morton County scores above the national median

Morton County's composite score of 63.3 places it well above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the upper half of U.S. counties on overall livability. This 26% advantage over the national baseline reflects a county with solid fundamentals in affordability and economic opportunity, though room remains for growth.

Slightly below Kansas county average

At 63.3, Morton County ranks just below Kansas's state average composite score of 66.0, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 105 counties. While not a standout performer within Kansas, it remains above the national median and offers stability for those seeking Kansas living.

Affordability is Morton County's calling card

Morton County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 86.5, supporting a median home value of just $95,600 and monthly rent averaging $637. These prices are among the lowest in the state, making the county attractive to budget-conscious families and first-time homebuyers seeking maximum purchasing power.

Income growth and tax burden need attention

The county's income score of 26.2 reflects a median household income of $65,625, which lags behind both state and national averages. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 2.042% ranks in the higher range, offsetting some of the affordability gains from low housing costs.

Best for budget-conscious families and retirees

Morton County suits families prioritizing low housing costs and older adults on fixed incomes who value affordability over higher earning potential. The county's solid national standing and Kansas stability make it a reasonable choice for those seeking a quiet, economical lifestyle, though higher-income households might find limited economic advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax44.8Cost86.5SafetyComing SoonHealth62.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.2Risk95.4WaterComing Soon
🏛44.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.4
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 Morton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Kent County
Delaware
65.8
Median income: $72,872
Citrus County
Florida
65.8
Median income: $55,355
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308

Deep Dives

Morton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morton County

via TaxByCounty

Morton taxes rank high nationally

Morton County's effective tax rate of 2.042% sits well above the national median of 1.549%, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,952, compared to the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower home values rather than lower rates.

Among the highest-taxed in Kansas

At 2.042%, Morton County ranks in the upper tier of Kansas counties, exceeding the state average effective rate of 1.549% by about 32%. This makes it one of the more tax-intensive places to own property in Kansas.

Taxes climb in Morton County

Morton County's 2.042% rate outpaces nearby Ness County (1.965%) and Norton County (1.491%). Among the eight-county region, only Morton and Ness counties exceed the state average rate, signaling higher tax burdens here.

Annual tax on median home

A home valued at $95,600—the county median—costs $1,952 in annual property taxes under Morton's 2.042% rate. Owners with mortgages typically pay slightly more ($2,108) due to escrow adjustments.

Consider appealing your assessment

Many homeowners in high-tax counties like Morton are overassessed relative to actual market value. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and could reduce your tax bill if your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morton County

via CostByCounty

Morton County rents are a bargain

Renters in Morton County spend just 11.7% of their income on housing—well below the national affordability sweet spot of 12-15%. While median household income here ($65,625) trails the national average ($74,755) by about 12%, the county's low rent burden of $637/month makes it one of Kansas's most accessible rental markets.

Among Kansas's most affordable

Morton County ranks favorably within Kansas, with a rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% compared to the state average of 14.7%—a 3-percentage-point advantage that puts renters here in genuinely comfortable territory. Median rent of $637/month undercuts the Kansas state average of $787 by $150, creating real savings for working families.

Morton County vs. the region

Morton County's $637 median rent is the lowest among its peer counties, with nearby Ness County ($653) and Nemaha County ($726) running noticeably higher. Homebuyers will find Morton's median value of $95,600 competitive regionally, though neighbors like Nemaha ($196,100) and Ottawa ($164,100) command significantly steeper prices.

Renting beats buying here

Renters allocate just 11.7% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 12.8% ($698 monthly on a $65,625 income), making rental the more affordable path. With a median home value of $95,600, both pathways remain accessible, though monthly owner costs ($698) are remarkably close to rent ($637)—a rare equilibrium.

A hidden gem for budget-conscious renters

If housing affordability tops your relocation checklist, Morton County delivers: lowest rents in the region and a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state by 3 percentage points. Compare this rural haven to pricier neighbors like Osage County ($810 rent) or Ottawa County ($738 rent) and you'll see why value-seeking renters should take a closer look.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morton County

via IncomeByCounty

Morton County trails national income average

Morton County's median household income of $65,625 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about $9,100 annually. While the county sits below the U.S. average, it still outpaces Kansas's statewide median of $64,428, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier.

Above-average earner in Kansas

Morton County ranks in the top third of Kansas counties for household income, earning $1,197 more than the state average. This positions the county as a relative economic strength in rural Kansas.

Mixed results among neighboring counties

Morton County's $65,625 median sits between Ness County ($66,107) and Neosho County ($55,704), showing modest geographic variation. The county's per capita income of $29,023 trails the state average of $34,748, suggesting wealth concentration in fewer households.

Housing costs are manageable here

At 11.7%, Morton County's rent-to-income ratio signals healthy affordability—well below the 30% threshold that defines housing cost burden. Median home values of $95,600 remain accessible on the county's median income, though renters enjoy better affordability than homebuyers.

Build financial security in Morton County

With manageable housing costs consuming only 11.7% of household income, Morton County residents have opportunity to direct resources toward savings and investments. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions and explore homeownership as a wealth-building tool.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Morton County

via HealthByCounty

Morton County lags behind national health trends

At 74.0 years, Morton County's life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, marking a 2.4-year gap that signals underlying health challenges. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.3%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17.0%.

Health outcomes trail Kansas state average

Morton County ranks below Kansas's state life expectancy of 75.4 years, a 1.4-year deficit that places it among the lower-performing counties statewide. The uninsured rate of 15.2% also exceeds Kansas's state average of 11.5%, leaving more residents vulnerable.

Morton County faces steeper challenges than peers

Neighboring Norton County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 78.8 years—nearly 5 years longer than Morton County's 74.0 years. Morton County's uninsured rate of 15.2% also stands notably higher than Norton County's 10.5%, suggesting greater economic barriers to care.

Primary care access varies; mental health services robust

Morton County has 111 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the national recommendation of 50—but 15.2% of residents remain uninsured, limiting their ability to access that care. Mental health providers number 39 per 100,000, providing a solid foundation for behavioral health support.

Explore coverage options today

With 1 in 7 Morton County residents uninsured, exploring health insurance options through the Kansas marketplace or employer plans can dramatically improve access to the primary care providers available in your community. Local health departments and community health centers can connect you with enrollment assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morton County

via RiskByCounty

Morton County's disaster risk: well below average

With a composite risk score of 4.68, Morton County ranks as very low risk nationally and sits far below Kansas's state average of 29.89. This county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties, giving residents substantially better odds of avoiding major natural hazards.

Safest county in Kansas

Morton County has the lowest composite risk score of any Kansas county, significantly outpacing state averages across multiple hazard types. This exceptional safety profile makes it one of the most protected counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Morton County stands apart from neighbors

At 4.68, Morton County's risk score dramatically undercuts neighbors like Stanton County and Texas County, which face higher wildfire and tornado exposure. This county's western plains location and lower population density contribute to its exceptionally low disaster vulnerability.

Wildfire and tornado: your main concerns

Wildfire risk (73.06) and tornado risk (20.07) represent Morton County's most significant natural hazards, though both remain below national averages. Flood risk is minimal at 0.92, and earthquake risk is modest at 16.98, leaving wildfire preparedness as your strongest planning priority.

Prioritize wildfire and wind insurance

Even in low-risk Morton County, wildfire insurance and comprehensive wind coverage should anchor your homeowner's policy given the county's elevated wildfire score. Review your coverage annually and maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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