countyscore
60
County Score
Safety 92.5Disaster Risk 89.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Ness County, Kansas

Ness County Outperforms National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 60.0, Ness County beats the national median of 50.0 by a healthy margin. This indicates a high level of security and cost-efficiency relative to the average American county. It is a strong performer in the rural heartland.

Leading the Kansas State Average

Ness County's 60.0 score is well above the Kansas state average of 49.5. It distinguishes itself from other rural counties through superior safety and environmental stability. This makes it one of the more desirable low-density counties in the state.

Elite Safety and Low Environmental Risk

Ness County shines with a 92.5 safety score and an 89.5 risk score, making it one of the safest places to live. Housing is equally attractive, earning an 81.9 cost score with home values averaging just $85,400. It offers peace of mind at an affordable price point.

Tax Burdens and Health Outcomes

High property taxes are a drawback, with a 1.965% effective rate leading to a low 3.5 tax score. The health score of 32.9 suggests limited access to medical services or lower health metrics for the population. These are the primary trade-offs for its exceptional safety.

A Haven for Quiet, Secure Living

Ness County is ideal for individuals or retirees who value personal safety and affordable housing above all else. The ultra-low crime rates and environmental stability provide a stress-free lifestyle. It is a perfect fit for those looking to escape the bustle of more expensive urban centers.

Score breakdown

Tax3.5Cost81.9Safety92.5Health32.9Schools63Income57.3Risk89.5Water86Weather38.6
🏛3.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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57.3
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Deep Dives

Ness County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Ness County

via CrimeByCounty

Extremely low crime rates reported in Ness

Ness County shows a total crime rate of just 112.1 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a nearly perfect safety score of 99.8 out of 100.

A top-tier safety ranking within Kansas

The county's safety score of 99.8 is among the highest in the state, easily surpassing the Kansas average of 98.0. Total crime remains a fraction of the state average of 1282.2 per 100K.

Single-agency reporting requires careful context

With only one agency reporting, Ness County appears significantly safer than its neighbors. However, the lack of property crime reports suggests the data may not capture every local incident.

Unique data shows only violent crime reported

The data shows a violent crime rate of 112.1 and a property crime rate of 0.0 per 100K. This likely reflects reporting practices rather than a total absence of theft in the county.

Stay alert despite the low numbers

Low reported numbers are encouraging, but residents should still practice basic home security. Ensure all doors and outbuildings are locked to prevent unrecorded property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Ness County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools for a Sparse Population

Ness County operates five public schools serving a total of 414 students across two districts. This compact infrastructure includes three elementary schools and two high schools, ensuring local access for rural families.

Meeting State Standards with Small Classes

The county maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 88.7% and the national average. Investment sits at $8,711 per pupil, which aligns closely with the state’s spending habits and earns a 57.2 school score.

Ness City and Western Plains Districts

Ness City is the larger district, serving 294 students, while Western Plains supports 120 students across three schools. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional public education.

The Essence of Rural Education

All five schools are strictly rural, with an average enrollment of just 83 students per building. While Ness City Elementary is the largest with 167 students, Western Plains High serves a tiny cohort of just 20 students.

Discover Peaceful Living in Ness

Ness County offers some of the smallest class sizes in Kansas, providing students with unparalleled individual attention. Explore local homes if you are looking for a quiet, supportive environment for your children's education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Ness County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but Arid Conditions

Ness County averages 53.7°F, aligning closely with the national median temperature. Its 22.5 inches of annual rainfall reflects a typical semi-arid high plains climate.

Sun-Drenched and Drier Than Average

Ness matches the state’s temperature profile at 53.7°F but falls short on rain compared to the 30.3-inch state average. It is a dry, sun-drenched part of the state.

More Heat Days Than Eastern Neighbors

It experiences 71 days of extreme heat, significantly more than the wetter counties to the east. Snowfall of 17.6 inches is consistent with its central Kansas neighbors.

Summer Heat Dominates the Year

Summer heat is intense with 71 days topping 90°F and a July average of 78.8°F. Winter brings a chill with a December-to-February average of 31.7°F.

Focus on Cooling and Conservation

Prepare for long periods of high heat by servicing HVAC units early in the spring. The dry 22.5-inch rainfall means drought-resistant crops and lawns are essential for residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ness County

via SoilByCounty

High Alkalinity in Ness County

Ness County soils are significantly alkaline, with an average pH of 7.41 compared to the national median of 6.5. This can often limit the availability of certain micronutrients like iron and phosphorus for plants.

Standard Silty Composition

The soil is dominated by 54.7% silt and 24.9% clay, rounded out by 19.4% sand. This mix provides a balanced structure that offers decent workability while maintaining the ability to hold onto water.

Moderate Organic Levels

The organic matter content stands at 1.95%, which is slightly below the Kansas average of 2.22%. However, the available water capacity is quite high at 0.197 in/in, offering better moisture storage than many neighboring counties.

Efficient Water Management

While specific drainage class data is not available, the 0.197 in/in water capacity indicates a soil that can absorb and store significant rainfall. This is a critical trait for surviving the semi-arid climate of Western Kansas.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6a

This region is best suited for drought-resistant crops like wheat and milo in its 6a hardiness zone. For home gardeners, utilizing compost can help lower the high pH and boost the moderate organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ness County

via LawnByCounty

Managing lawns on the western edge

Ness County has a lawn difficulty score of 55.3, indicating more challenges than the state average but remaining slightly easier than the national median. Situated in Zone 6a, the area experiences significant temperature swings that can stress turf. Success here requires a focus on selecting hardy, heat-resistant grass varieties.

High heat and limited moisture

The county receives 22.5 inches of rain per year, which is significantly lower than the 30-inch ideal for many traditional lawns. With 71 days above 90°F, heat stress is a major factor during the peak of summer. Mowing higher helps shade the soil and reduces evaporation during these intense heat waves.

Managing alkaline soil levels

The local soil pH is 7.41, which is slightly more alkaline than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for many grass types. With 24.9% clay, the soil has decent structure but may require sulfur amendments to lower pH for optimal nutrient uptake. Regular soil testing is recommended to ensure your fertilization plan matches these specific chemistry needs.

Favorable current water conditions

Ness County is currently drought-free, with 0% of its area experiencing abnormally dry conditions. This follows a relatively stable year with only two weeks spent in drought. This temporary surplus of moisture provides an excellent window to establish new growth or repair damaged patches.

Timing your Zone 6a planting

Drought-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or Buffalograss are the most reliable choices for this climate. Your primary planting window opens after April 29 and closes as the first frost approaches on October 14. Take advantage of the current lack of drought to get your seeds established before the summer heat returns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ness County's county score?
Ness County, Kansas has a composite county score of 60 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 Ness County rank among counties in Kansas?
Ness County ranks #12 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 Ness County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Ness County is $1,678, with an effective tax rate of 1.96%. This earns Ness County a tax score of 3.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ness County?
The median household income in Ness County, Kansas is $66,107 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ness County earns an income score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ness County, Kansas a good place to live?
Ness County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Ness 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 Ness County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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