CountyScore

Neosho County

Kansas · KS

#45 in Kansas
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Neosho County, Kansas

Neosho County outperforms the national average

Neosho County's composite score of 67.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, demonstrating solid livability above the American baseline. This performance reflects a county with meaningful strengths in affordability that resonates beyond Kansas borders.

Slightly above Kansas average, middle of the pack

With a composite score of 67.5, Neosho County ranks just above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It performs respectably within its state peer group while maintaining national competitiveness.

Exceptional housing affordability and reasonable taxes

Neosho County's cost score of 84.5 supports a median home value of $101,200 and rent at $650 per month, making it genuinely affordable for working families. A tax score of 60.6 and effective tax rate of 1.483% provide additional economic breathing room compared to higher-tax regions.

Income levels lag significantly behind peers

The county's income score of just 19.8 reflects a median household income of $55,704—notably lower than both the state and most peer counties in this group. Limited economic growth opportunities may constrain long-term advancement for ambitious households.

Right for cost-conscious workers seeking stability

Neosho County suits individuals and families with modest income needs who prioritize affordability and tax efficiency over aggressive career growth. Remote workers and those with secure employment elsewhere will find genuine value here, though those seeking upward economic mobility may encounter headwinds.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.6Cost84.5SafetyComing SoonHealth68.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.8Risk67.5WaterComing Soon
🏛60.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.5
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 Neosho County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lee County
Alabama
67.7
Median income: $61,123
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
67.7
Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
Illinois
67.7
Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

Neosho County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Neosho County

via CostByCounty

Neosho County: tighter budgets, steady housing

Neosho County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio sits at the upper edge of affordability, reflecting a median income of $55,704 that lags the national average by nearly $19,000. Median rent of $650/month is reasonable in absolute terms, but the lower income base makes it a larger slice of the household budget.

Slightly above Kansas average on rent burden

Neosho County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the Kansas state average of 14.7% by a narrow margin, placing it in the middle of Kansas affordability rankings. The county's median income trails the state, which partly explains why housing costs consume a larger percentage of earnings here.

Neosho County among the moderate markets

Neosho's $650 median rent sits between the bargain options (Morton at $637, Osborne at $591) and the pricier markets (Osage at $810, Ottawa at $738). Homeownership is more expensive here: a $814 monthly owner cost paired with a $101,200 median home value makes this county better suited to established, stable households.

Renters have the edge—for now

Renters spend 14.0% of income on housing, while homeowners commit a steeper 17.5% ($814 monthly), making renting the more accessible entry point to housing stability. For households earning $55,704, the $164/month difference between rent and owner costs adds up significantly over a year.

Renters seeking stability should compare

Neosho County works best for renters willing to accept tighter budgets in exchange for lower absolute costs and a rural quality of life. If homeownership is your goal, compare Neosho's 17.5% owner-cost burden with affordability leaders like Morton County or Osborne County before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Neosho County

via HealthByCounty

Neosho County trails U.S. health life expectancy

At 73.9 years, Neosho County's life expectancy falls 2.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, indicating health vulnerabilities relative to the nation. The poor/fair health rate of 17.5% approaches the national average, suggesting chronic health challenges affecting daily life.

Neosho County ranks below Kansas average

Neosho County's life expectancy of 73.9 years lags Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties in the state. The uninsured rate of 9.8% performs slightly better than the state average of 11.5%, yet health outcomes remain subdued.

Neosho County faces steeper health challenges

Nemaha County residents live to 79.0 years on average—5.1 years longer than Neosho County's 73.9 years—despite geographic proximity, suggesting significant disparities in economic or health resources. Neosho's 9.8% uninsured rate mirrors nearby Osage County (10.0%), hinting at shared regional challenges.

Mental health providers compensate for primary care gaps

Neosho County has only 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the national standard—but offers 110 mental health providers per 100,000, nearly double the state average. This imbalance suggests the county is addressing behavioral health needs, yet residents may struggle accessing routine medical care.

Coverage unlocks the providers you need

With 9.8% of Neosho County residents uninsured, coverage through Kansas marketplace plans or employer programs can bridge gaps to available primary care and mental health services. Enrollment assistance is available through local health departments and federally qualified health centers in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Neosho County

via RiskByCounty

Neosho County: slightly above-average risk

Neosho County's composite risk score of 32.51 places it slightly above Kansas's state average of 29.89, though it still maintains a very low risk rating nationally. This county faces more natural disaster exposure than most Kansas peers, driven primarily by tornado and flood vulnerabilities.

Middle of the pack in Kansas risk

Neosho County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Kansas counties for disaster risk, exceeding the state average on multiple hazard fronts. Its tornado risk (64.57) and flood risk (39.89) push the county above statewide norms, reflecting its location in eastern Kansas.

Comparable risk to Crawford and Linn

Neosho County's 32.51 score aligns closely with neighboring Crawford and Linn Counties, all facing elevated tornado and flood risks typical of eastern Kansas. The county's slightly higher composite score reflects its position in a regionally vulnerable zone.

Tornado and flood dominate the risk profile

Tornado risk (64.57) is Neosho County's most pressing hazard, followed by flood risk (39.89) and earthquake risk (41.00), reflecting the county's eastern Kansas location near water systems. Wildfire risk is comparatively low at 21.06, though hurricane risk (24.32) adds seasonal vulnerability.

Bundle flood and tornado protection

Neosho County residents should maintain comprehensive coverage for tornado damage and separate flood insurance, as standard homeowner's policies exclude both perils. Review your coverage before severe weather season and ensure your family has a tornado safety plan.

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.