countyscore
41.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.4Water Quality 86Cost of Living 80

County Report Card

About Morton County, Kansas

Morton County Lags Behind National Median

Morton County earns a 42.0 composite score, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a rural profile with specialized strengths but broader infrastructure challenges. It ranks in the lower tier of counties across the United States.

Below the Kansas Average for Livability

The county's overall score of 42.0 falls short of the Kansas state average of 49.5. While it provides a unique rural lifestyle, it lacks the balanced metrics found in higher-ranking state peers. It remains one of the more affordable but less serviced counties in the region.

Excellent Environmental Resilience and Low Costs

Morton County excels in environmental stability with a near-perfect risk score of 95.4. It also offers incredible affordability, boasting an 81.3 cost score and a median gross rent of just $637. Water quality remains a significant asset with a high score of 86.0.

High Tax Burdens and School Limitations

The local tax burden is heavy, with a 2.042% effective rate resulting in a very low 2.8 tax score. School performance also lags significantly behind regional peers with a score of 17.2. These factors present hurdles for families seeking robust public services.

A Haven for Remote Budget-Conscious Individuals

Morton County is best suited for individuals who prioritize low housing costs and environmental safety above all else. Its $95,600 median home value is ideal for those looking to maximize their savings. It offers a quiet, low-risk lifestyle for those not dependent on local school systems.

204060801002.18034.335.617.253.195.48644.1Tax2.1Cost80Safety34.3Health35.6Schools17.2Income53.1Risk95.4Water86Weather44.141.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Morton County DNA

Foverall

How Morton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Morton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.1-49.9
Cost
80+32
Safety
34.3-20.700000000000003
Health
35.6-14.399999999999999
Schools
17.2-36.8
Income
53.1
Risk
95.4+48.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
44.1-11.899999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Morton County?

Many homeowners in Morton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$96,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$632/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$96,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,447/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

75.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Sherman County
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Deep Dives

Morton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Morton County

via CrimeByCounty

Morton County remains safer than national standards

Morton County reports a total crime rate of 1525.3 per 100K residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.6 out of 100.

Local rates track closely with Kansas averages

The county's safety score of 97.6 sits just below the Kansas state average of 98.0. While the total crime rate of 1525.3 slightly exceeds the state average of 1282.2, Morton remains a low-crime area.

A regional leader in violent crime prevention

Morton County's violent crime rate of 74.4 is much lower than the Kansas average of 235.9. Compared to more populous regions, local authorities manage to keep violent incidents rare across the county.

Property crimes drive the majority of local reports

Property crimes account for 1450.9 of the total 1525.3 offenses per 100K residents. This means residents are much more likely to face theft than personal violence in their daily lives.

Secure your property to stay safe

Since property crime is the primary concern here, basic home security makes a big difference. Lighting your perimeter and locking vehicles helps deter opportunistic theft in the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Dry High Plains Climate

Morton County averages 55.8°F, placing it above the national median temperature. Its 17.7 inches of annual rain marks it as significantly drier than most American counties.

One of the State's Warmer Extremes

At 55.8°F, Morton stays a full degree warmer than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. It is also much drier than the state average of 30.3 inches, reflecting its far-west position.

Drier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

The county receives less than half the rainfall of eastern Kansas and experiences 76 extreme heat days. This makes it hotter and more arid than counties in the central part of the state.

Intense Summers and Brisk Winters

Residents face 76 days above 90°F, while winter averages a cool 35.5°F. Annual snowfall reaches 18.2 inches, providing a surprising winter contrast to the dry summer heat.

Prepare for Heat and Limited Rain

High heat demands robust air conditioning systems and water-conscious landscaping for the 17.7-inch rainfall budget. Winter drivers should keep emergency kits ready for the 18 inches of seasonal snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morton County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Vertisols of Morton County

Morton County features a dominant soil order of Vertisols with an average pH of 7.25, making it notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also higher than the Kansas state average of 6.80, influencing how nutrients interact with the land.

A Sandy Mix with Clay Character

The soil composition is unique, containing 55.3% sand, 27.8% silt, and 16.9% clay. While technically categorized by dominant texture as clay, the high sand content generally aids drainage, though the clay components retain enough moisture to remain workable.

Arid Fertility Challenges

With an organic matter content of just 1.15%, the soil sits well below the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.140 in/in also lags behind the Kansas average of 0.180, suggesting a need for careful irrigation and soil building.

Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D

The county's soil is classified as poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates high runoff potential. Builders and farmers must account for slow water movement through the profile during heavy rains.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6b

Located in USDA Zone 6b, this soil supports hardy crops like winter wheat and sorghum that can handle alkaline conditions. Native shortgrass prairie species thrive here, so consider starting a drought-tolerant garden with local favorites.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morton County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging conditions in Morton County

Morton County faces a tough lawn care environment with a difficulty score of 44.4, falling well below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a green space in this USDA Zone 6b region is significantly harder than the Kansas state average of 59.1. Homeowners must work against high heat and limited natural moisture to keep turf healthy.

High heat and dry plains climate

The county receives just 17.7 inches of annual precipitation, far short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most lawn grasses. With 76 extreme heat days per year, nearly 20 more than the state average, lawns require intensive irrigation to survive the summer. The 4059 growing degree days indicate a long, warm season that accelerates grass growth when water is available.

Working with alkaline clay soils

Soil here is predominantly clay with a high sand content of 55.3% and a slightly alkaline pH of 7.25. While the pH is just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, the poorly drained nature of the soil makes proper aeration critical. Residents often need to manage water runoff carefully to prevent the clay-heavy texture from suffocating grass roots.

Managing near-constant dry spells

Drought is a persistent threat, with 99.7% of the county currently classified as abnormally dry. Over the past year, the area endured 15 weeks of drought, necessitating strict water conservation habits. Deep, infrequent watering and keeping grass taller can help lawns withstand these recurring dry periods.

Strategic planting for the high plains

Buffalograss or drought-tolerant fescue blends are the best choices for this Zone 6b climate. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on April 27 or plan for early fall before the first frost on October 23. Starting with the right seed and timing ensures your lawn survives the intense 79.2°F July heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morton County's county score?
Morton County, Kansas has a composite county score of 41.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Morton County rank among counties in Kansas?
Morton County ranks #82 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Morton County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Morton County is $1,995, with an effective tax rate of 2.08%. This earns Morton County a tax score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morton County?
The median household income in Morton County, Kansas is $66,447 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morton County earns an income score of 53.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morton County, Kansas a good place to live?
Morton County scores 41.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Morton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Morton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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