CountyScore

Ness County

Kansas · KS

#70 in Kansas
65.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Ness County, Kansas

Ness County remains above the national livability baseline

Ness County's composite score of 64.1 stands 28% above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid livability performance relative to U.S. averages. This positioning reflects a county with meaningful affordability strengths that appeal beyond its Kansas borders.

Below Kansas average but still competitive within state

At 64.1, Ness County ranks slightly below the Kansas state average of 66.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. While not a standout performer in Kansas rankings, it maintains respectable national standing.

Housing affordability anchors county's appeal

Ness County's cost score of 86.4 and median home value of $85,400 make it one of the most affordable options in the region, supported by monthly rent of just $653. This exceptional affordability is the county's primary draw for price-sensitive families and downsizers.

Tax burden and modest incomes create headwinds

An effective tax rate of 1.965% ranks on the higher side, while the income score of 26.5 reflects a median household income of $66,107 that lags state and regional peers. These factors offset the housing affordability advantage for households with economic ambitions.

Best for retirees and minimalist lifestyle seekers

Ness County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and those pursuing an intentionally simple lifestyle where low housing costs matter most. Traditional commuters or families seeking strong income growth may find the economic climate limiting compared to neighboring counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax47Cost86.4SafetyComing SoonHealth62.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk89.5WaterComing Soon
🏛47
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.5
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 Ness County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Siskiyou County
California
65.9
Median income: $55,499
Clark County
Indiana
65.9
Median income: $72,298
Boone County
Kentucky
65.9
Median income: $94,752
Clay County
Minnesota
65.9
Median income: $77,664
Cass County
Missouri
65.9
Median income: $87,413

Deep Dives

Ness County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ness County

via TaxByCounty

Ness County taxes rank above average

Ness County's effective tax rate of 1.965% exceeds the national median of 1.549% by about 27%, placing it in the upper third of American counties. The median property tax of $1,678 is substantially below the national median of $2,690, a reflection of lower home values in the county.

Among Kansas's higher-taxed counties

At 1.965%, Ness County's effective rate ranks second-highest among the eight featured counties, trailing only Morton (2.042%), and runs about 27% above the state average of 1.549%. This puts Ness in the upper tier of Kansas tax burdens.

Ness taxes outpace most neighbors

Ness County's 1.965% rate is topped only by Morton (2.042%) and exceeds all other regional comparables, including Osage (1.598%) and Ottawa (1.615%). Among the eight-county cohort, Ness residents shoulder one of the heavier tax loads.

Annual tax on modest home value

The median Ness County home, valued at $85,400, generates $1,678 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.965% rate. This relatively high rate on low home values reflects Ness's tax policy priorities.

Appeal assessments if warranted

Homeowners in higher-taxed counties like Ness benefit most from challenging inflated assessments. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, file an appeal with the county appraiser—it's free and can yield real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ness County

via CostByCounty

Ness County rents favor working families

Ness County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio falls squarely in the affordable zone and beats most national benchmarks, even as median income of $66,107 runs about 12% below the national average. A $653/month median rent keeps housing costs low in absolute terms, creating real purchasing power for other necessities.

Well above Kansas affordability standards

With an 11.8% rent-to-income ratio, Ness County beats the Kansas state average of 14.7% by 2.9 percentage points, ranking among the state's most tenant-friendly markets. Median rent of $653/month undercuts the state average of $787, signaling consistent value for renters.

Ness County in the regional sweet spot

Ness County's $653 median rent trails only Morton ($637) and Osborne ($591) among peer counties, making it one of the region's bargain rental markets. For homebuyers, the $85,400 median value ranks among the lowest in the region, competing directly with Morton ($95,600) and Osborne ($84,700) for budget-conscious purchasers.

Nearly balanced across renting and buying

Renters allocate 11.8% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 12.4% ($686 monthly), creating remarkable parity between both pathways. This equilibrium means households here can choose based on lifestyle and long-term goals rather than pure affordability constraints.

Rural affordability with flexibility

Ness County appeals to families and individuals seeking low housing costs without sacrificing choice between renting and buying. Whether you're a first-time renter or a homeowner trading down for rural living, Ness County's balanced affordability and low absolute prices make it a compelling relocation destination.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ness County

via IncomeByCounty

Ness County slightly below national income

Ness County's median household income of $66,107 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about $8,600 annually. The county performs slightly better than Kansas's state average of $64,428, standing just $1,679 above the statewide norm.

Mid-range earner in Kansas

Ness County ranks in the middle of Kansas counties for household income, earning marginally above the state average. Notably, its per capita income of $45,430 substantially exceeds Kansas's state average of $34,748, suggesting strong individual earning capacity.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Ness County's $66,107 median household income positions it among the higher earners in this region, exceeding Osborne County ($59,408) and Morton County ($65,625) while running close to Osage County ($70,216). Its per capita income of $45,430 is among the region's highest.

Excellent housing affordability

Ness County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio is well below the burden threshold, indicating strong housing affordability for renters and homebuyers alike. Median home values of just $85,400 remain highly accessible on local incomes.

Strong per capita income fuels growth

Ness County's exceptional per capita income of $45,430 indicates robust individual earning power, creating excellent opportunities for wealth building. With minimal housing cost burden, residents should prioritize investment accounts, education, and entrepreneurial ventures to amplify long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ness County

via HealthByCounty

Ness County significantly trails national health metrics

Ness County's life expectancy of 72.1 years lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.3 years—the steepest gap among this group of counties—signaling serious health headwinds. One in 5.5 residents (18.1%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 17.0%.

Ness County ranks among Kansas's lowest performers

At 72.1 years, Ness County's life expectancy ranks well below Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, representing a 3.3-year shortfall that places it at the lower end of statewide health outcomes. The 13.5% uninsured rate also exceeds Kansas's state average of 11.5%.

Ness County faces the steepest regional challenges

Ness County's 72.1-year life expectancy trails Norton County (78.8 years) by 6.7 years, the largest gap in this region, reflecting persistent health disparities. The 13.5% uninsured rate is also the highest among nearby counties, compounding access barriers.

Limited primary care and no mental health data

Ness County provides 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below the national standard of 50 and insufficient for the county's needs, while mental health provider data is unavailable. The 13.5% uninsured rate—highest in the region—leaves many residents unable to afford even available primary care.

Health coverage is your starting point

Ness County's stubborn health challenges demand immediate action: securing health insurance through Kansas marketplace plans or employer coverage should be the first step. Community health centers and local enrollment navigators can help connect uninsured residents to plans that restore access to primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ness County

via RiskByCounty

Ness County: among Kansas's safest

With a composite risk score of 10.53, Ness County ranks well below the Kansas state average of 29.89 and qualifies as very low risk nationally. Residents here face significantly reduced exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Top tier for safety in Kansas

Ness County consistently underperforms the state average across hazard categories, securing a place among Kansas's lowest-risk counties. This exceptional protection profile reflects the county's location and local geography.

Safer than surrounding western counties

Ness County's 10.53 score beats neighboring Hodgeman and Lane Counties, both facing higher wildfire and tornado exposure on the western plains. The county's relatively contained risk profile stands out even in a comparatively safe region.

Wildfire and tornado: modest regional concerns

Wildfire risk (50.51) and tornado risk (39.44) represent Ness County's most significant natural hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is minimal at 14.28, and earthquake risk is negligible at 16.86.

Focus on wildfire and wind coverage

Even in low-risk Ness County, a comprehensive homeowner's policy should emphasize wildfire and wind damage protection given regional exposure patterns. Review your coverage annually and maintain adequate liability limits for your property value.

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.