countyscore
43.7
County Score
Schools 82.8Cost of Living 70.8Disaster Risk 67.5

County Report Card

About Neosho County, Kansas

Neosho County Faces National Headwinds

Neosho County earns a composite score of 44.4, which sits below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high marks in specific areas like education, other socioeconomic factors pull down its overall ranking. It faces typical challenges common to rural manufacturing hubs.

Tracking Below the Kansas Average

The county's 44.4 score is lower than the Kansas average of 49.5. This performance highlights a gap between its strong school system and its local economic and safety metrics. It ranks in the lower half of Kansas counties for overall livability.

Educational Excellence and Affordable Living

The standout feature is the school system, which earns an impressive 82.8 score. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 72.8 and a median gross rent of $650. These assets provide a solid foundation for local residents and young families.

Critical Safety and Economic Concerns

Safety is a primary concern here, with a score of only 3.0 reflecting significant local challenges. The income score of 27.0 also indicates that household earnings of $55,704 struggle to keep pace with state leaders. Additionally, the 1.483% effective tax rate limits the county's fiscal score.

Best for Education-Focused Budget Seekers

Neosho County suits residents who place a high premium on public school quality and low housing costs. It is an attractive option for those who can navigate local safety concerns to take advantage of its educational assets. The low cost of entry makes it accessible for first-time homebuyers.

204060801001270.8348.282.824.767.560.856.9Tax12Cost70.8Safety3Health48.2Schools82.8Income24.7Risk67.5Water60.8Weather56.943.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Neosho County DNA

Foverall

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

Neosho County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (82.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12-40
Cost
70.8+22.799999999999997
Safety
3-52
Health
48.2
Schools
82.8+28.799999999999997
Income
24.7-26.3
Risk
67.5+20.5
Water
60.8
Weather
56.9
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Many homeowners in Neosho 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

$111,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$681/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$111,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,618/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Nearby counties

Allen County
Kansas
40.2
Crawford County
Kansas
36
Wilson County
Kansas
50
Labette County
Kansas
39.8
Bourbon County
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Woodson County
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Montgomery County
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Cherokee County
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Deep Dives

Neosho County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Neosho County

via TaxByCounty

Neosho's tax rate near national median

Neosho County's effective tax rate of 1.483% sits just below the national median of 1.549%, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties. The median property tax of $1,501 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting modest home values.

Slightly below Kansas average

At 1.483%, Neosho County's effective rate runs about 4% below the state average of 1.549%, positioning it among the more moderate-taxed counties in Kansas. The median tax of $1,501 is also below the state median of $1,943.

Middle ground in the region

Neosho's 1.483% rate falls between low-tax Nemaha (0.978%) and higher-tax counties like Osage (1.598%) and Ottawa (1.615%). It represents a tax environment that's comfortable but not exceptionally cheap or expensive.

Affordable annual property tax

The median home in Neosho County, valued at $101,200, costs $1,501 in annual property taxes. This combines a moderate rate with below-average home values, creating a genuinely affordable tax situation for homeowners.

Know your assessment rights

Neosho County homeowners can request an assessment review if they believe their home was valued too high relative to similar properties. This informal appeal process is free and may lower your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Neosho County

via IncomeByCounty

Neosho County significantly below national income

Neosho County's median household income of $55,704 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $19,000 annually, placing it among Kansas's lower-earning counties. The county trails the state average of $64,428 by almost $9,000.

Bottom tier of Kansas counties

Neosho County ranks among the lowest-income counties in Kansas, with median household earnings placing it in the bottom quartile statewide. Its per capita income of $30,510 also falls below Kansas's state average of $34,748.

Lowest earner in surrounding region

Neosho County's $55,704 median household income ranks well below regional peers, trailing Nemaha County ($77,375) by over $21,000 and Osage County ($70,216) by $14,500. Among neighboring counties, only Norton County ($50,305) earns less.

Housing costs strain Neosho budgets

At 14.0%, Neosho County's rent-to-income ratio signals modest cost burden, approaching the 30% threshold that triggers financial stress. The combination of lower incomes and higher housing cost burdens suggests many residents face tighter household budgets.

Strategic planning essential in Neosho

With higher rent burdens, Neosho County residents should prioritize budgeting and seek financial counseling to maximize limited discretionary income. Exploring income-boosting opportunities—such as job training programs, side income, or homeownership for wealth equity—can help build long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Neosho County

via CrimeByCounty

Neosho County crime rates exceed national averages

Neosho County reports a total crime rate of 4100.8 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national figure of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 93.5, indicating room for improvement compared to peers.

Local statistics higher than Kansas state norms

The county's total crime rate of 4100.8 is more than triple the Kansas state average of 1282.2. Its safety score of 93.5 currently trails the state average of 98.0.

Facing higher challenges than neighboring rural counties

Neosho’s violent crime rate of 404.4 is higher than the state average of 235.9 and nearby counties like Osage. This indicates a more active landscape for local law enforcement than in surrounding areas.

Property crimes dominate the local crime data

The vast majority of reported incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 3696.4 per 100K. While violent crime exists at 404.4, residents are statistically far more likely to experience theft or burglary.

Take proactive steps to secure your home

Because property crime rates are elevated, installing home security cameras or alarm systems is a wise investment. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the three local reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Neosho County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Humidity and High Rainfall

Neosho’s 57.0°F average and 43.4 inches of rain create a lush, humid environment. This far exceeds the national rainfall median and marks it as a warm regional hub.

Warmest and Wettest in the State

It is significantly warmer and wetter than the Kansas averages of 54.8°F and 30.3 inches. Neosho ranks as one of the state's most humid southeast corners.

Lush Contrast to Western Plains

While western counties bake in dry heat, Neosho deals with a high 43.4 inches of precipitation. Its 9.7 inches of snow is much lower than the northern Kansas average.

Humid Summers and Mild Winters

July averages a sweltering 79.7°F with 48 days of extreme heat. Winters remain relatively mild, with the mercury averaging 35.3°F from December to February.

Manage Moisture and Summer Swelter

High humidity and 43 inches of rain require excellent drainage systems and dehumidifiers. Light winter gear usually suffices for the modest 9.7 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Neosho County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Neosho County

Neosho County has an average pH of 6.27, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.80. This slightly acidic profile is common in eastern Kansas and requires specific management for acid-sensitive crops.

Silty Soils for Better Retention

The soil consists of 55.3% silt, 26.7% clay, and 18.1% sand. This high silt-to-clay ratio ensures strong nutrient retention and a fine-grained texture that is generally easy to cultivate when moisture levels are right.

Above-Average Growing Potential

At 2.84%, the organic matter content is significantly higher than the 2.22% state average. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in ensures that plants have a steady supply of moisture throughout the growing season.

Deep Water Storage

With water capacity exceeding the state average, these soils provide a stable environment for root systems. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the silty-clay mix suggests moderate movement of water through the soil.

Thriving in Zone 7a

As part of the warmer hardiness zone 7a, Neosho County supports a long growing season for berries and specialty crops. This is a great environment to start a fruit orchard or a productive perennial garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Neosho County

via LawnByCounty

Supportive conditions in southeast Kansas

Neosho County earns a 62.9 lawn difficulty score, outperforming both the state average of 59.1 and the national median. As part of USDA Zone 7a, the county offers a slightly longer and warmer growing season than northern neighbors. This allows for a wider variety of grass species to thrive with moderate effort.

Abundant rainfall and long seasons

With 43.4 inches of annual precipitation, the county is among the wettest in the state, often meeting all a lawn's water needs naturally. The 4383 growing degree days signify a robust season, though 48 extreme heat days still require monitoring. Proper drainage is essential to handle the heavy rainfall typical of this region.

Acidic soil and clay textures

The soil pH averages 6.27, which is excellent for grass health and falls within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A clay content of 26.7% provides good water retention but can become compacted over time. Regular aeration helps maintain the soil structure and ensures nutrients reach the root zone efficiently.

Watching for late summer dryness

Despite high annual rainfall, 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Neosho County experienced 20 weeks of drought over the last year, proving that even wet regions face water stress. Focus on building organic matter in the soil to act as a sponge during these fluctuating periods.

A long window for planting

Zone 7a allows for successful cultivation of both cool-season fescues and warm-season grasses like Zoysia. The growing season stretches from the last frost on April 10 to the first frost on October 29. Start your lawn projects in early spring to take full advantage of the generous 43.4 inches of rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neosho County's county score?
Neosho County, Kansas has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Neosho County rank among counties in Kansas?
Neosho County ranks #73 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 Neosho County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Neosho County is $1,637, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Neosho County a tax score of 12/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Neosho County?
The median household income in Neosho County, Kansas is $56,618 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Neosho County earns an income score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Neosho County, Kansas a good place to live?
Neosho County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Neosho 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 Neosho 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.