CountyScore

Norton County

Kansas · KS

#22 in Kansas
70.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Norton County, Kansas

Norton County ranks solidly above U.S. baseline

Norton County's composite score of 67.9 represents a 36% advantage over the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties for livability. This strong national standing reflects particular excellence in housing affordability that competes well nationally.

Above Kansas average, among the state's stronger counties

At 67.9, Norton County ranks above the Kansas state average of 66.0 and performs well within its peer group of sampled counties. This positioning confirms the county's reputation as a solid choice within Kansas's competitive livability landscape.

Outstanding housing affordability and moderate taxes

Norton County's cost score of 86.6 and median home value of $106,300 with rent at $642/month represent genuine affordability, particularly for rural Kansas. A tax score of 60.3 and effective tax rate of 1.491% add to the county's economic appeal for budget-conscious households.

Notably low incomes constrain economic opportunity

The county's income score of just 16.2 reflects a median household income of $50,305, the lowest in this group and significantly below both state and national standards. Limited employment opportunities and lower wage levels may challenge families seeking upward mobility.

Ideal for frugal retirees and location-independent workers

Norton County suits retirees living on fixed incomes, remote professionals whose earnings don't depend on local wages, and those prioritizing an affordable, tight-knit rural lifestyle. Families with local employment options and growth aspirations will likely find greater opportunity in higher-income Kansas counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.3Cost86.6SafetyComing SoonHealth72.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.2Risk80.2WaterComing Soon
🏛60.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡80.2
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 Norton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Arkansas
70.1
Median income: $55,979
Montgomery County
Georgia
70.1
Median income: $51,188
Madison County
Idaho
70.1
Median income: $58,259
Chase County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $54,518
Osborne County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $59,408

Deep Dives

Norton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Norton County

via TaxByCounty

Norton's rate edges above average

Norton County's effective tax rate of 1.491% sits just below the national median of 1.549%, placing it slightly in the below-average range nationally. The median property tax of $1,585 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values in the county.

Moderate tax burden in Kansas

At 1.491%, Norton County's effective rate runs about 4% below the state average of 1.549%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Kansas counties. The median tax of $1,585 also sits comfortably below the state median of $1,943.

Norton among the lowest in region

Norton's 1.491% rate is the third-lowest among the eight-county set, outpaced only by Nemaha (0.978%) and Neosho (1.483%). This makes Norton a relatively tax-friendly environment compared to its neighbors.

Modest tax on median home

The median Norton County home, valued at $106,300, carries an annual property tax of $1,585. This represents a reasonable tax load for a property of that value.

Check your assessment accuracy

Even in moderate-tax counties like Norton, some assessments drift above actual market value. Reviewing your assessment notice and comparing your home's appraised value to recent sales in your area can identify appeal opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Norton County

via CostByCounty

Norton County: affordability strained by income

Norton County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds healthy affordability thresholds, driven by a median income of just $50,305—the lowest among peer counties and nearly $24,500 below the national average. While median rent of $642/month is reasonable in isolation, the thin income base makes it a pinched expense for working families.

Highest rent burden in the peer group

Norton County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it among the least affordable counties for renters in the state. The county's below-average median income compounds the challenge, leaving households with less discretionary income after housing costs.

Norton County stretches renters tightest

While Norton's $642 median rent is comparable to neighbors like Morton ($637) and Ness ($653), the county's lowest median income ($50,305) means renters here face the tightest budgets in the region. Homebuyers will find Norton's $106,300 median value moderate, but at $688/month, ownership costs remain steep relative to local earnings.

Both pathways demand tight budgeting

Renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, while homeowners commit 16.4% ($688 monthly), making neither pathway particularly comfortable for median-income households. Norton County residents need strong financial discipline or above-average earnings to avoid housing cost burdens.

Consider only with stable income

Norton County's low absolute rents and home prices attract budget shoppers, but the tight rent-to-income ratio requires relocating households to bring strong, stable earnings above the county median. If your household income exceeds $60,000, Norton becomes viable; below that threshold, consider more affordable peer counties like Morton or Osborne.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Norton County

via IncomeByCounty

Norton County faces significant income gap

Norton County's median household income of $50,305 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $24,500 annually, marking it among the lowest-earning counties in Kansas. The county significantly underperforms the state average of $64,428 by $14,123.

Lowest-income county in Kansas sample

Norton County ranks at the very bottom of Kansas counties for household income, with median earnings placing it in the lowest decile statewide. Its per capita income of $26,220 is the lowest in the region and well below Kansas's state average of $34,748.

Significantly behind all neighboring counties

Norton County's $50,305 median household income lags all comparable counties in the region—nearly $27,000 behind Nemaha County ($77,375) and $9,000 behind even Neosho County ($55,704). This represents the steepest income disadvantage among peer communities.

Housing costs create real burden

At 15.3%, Norton County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the region, signaling meaningful housing cost strain that limits household budgets. The combination of lowest county income and highest housing burden suggests significant financial pressure on local residents.

Urgent need for income and wealth strategies

Norton County residents should prioritize high-impact financial strategies: seek job training or career development to boost earnings, explore assistance programs for housing, and build emergency savings even in small increments. Consider connecting with nonprofit financial counselors to develop realistic plans for long-term wealth building despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Norton County

via HealthByCounty

Norton County exceeds national life expectancy

Norton County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 78.8 years, surpassing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.4 years and placing the county among America's healthier communities. Only 16.6% report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 17.0%.

Norton County ranks among Kansas's top performers

With a life expectancy of 78.8 years, Norton County significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, marking it as one of the healthiest counties in the state. The uninsured rate of 10.5% also performs better than the Kansas state average of 11.5%.

Norton County leads region in life expectancy

Norton County's 78.8-year life expectancy ranks second only to Nemaha County (79.0 years) and stands 4.7 years above Ness County (72.1 years), underscoring Norton's consistent health advantage. The 10.5% uninsured rate is also competitive with nearby high-performing counties.

Balanced access to primary and mental health care

Norton County maintains 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 113 mental health providers per 100,000—both above national standards—creating a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure. With 10.5% uninsured, most residents can access these services and benefit from preventive care.

Maintain coverage and community health success

Norton County's strong health outcomes reflect consistent health insurance enrollment and access to quality providers—continue leveraging Kansas marketplace options and employer plans to sustain this advantage. Community health centers stand ready to assist those seeking coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Norton County

via RiskByCounty

Norton County: low risk below state average

Norton County's composite risk score of 19.78 sits comfortably below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating nationally. This county faces substantially less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, positioning residents in a safer-than-average zone.

Well protected within Kansas

Norton County ranks among the safer Kansas counties for natural disaster risk, scoring roughly one-third below the state average. Its solid safety profile reflects relatively low exposure across most major hazard categories.

Safer than Graham and Decatur

Norton County's 19.78 score outperforms neighboring Graham and Decatur Counties, which face higher overall risk exposure in northwest Kansas. The county benefits from a favorable hazard profile relative to its immediate peers.

Tornado poses the main threat

Tornado risk (47.77) is Norton County's dominant natural hazard, though it remains below state tornado averages for Kansas. Wildfire risk (31.30) ranks second, while flood risk is minimal at 9.73 and earthquake risk is low at 9.64.

Prioritize tornado and wind protection

Norton County homeowners should ensure comprehensive wind and tornado coverage through their standard homeowner's policy, as this represents the county's primary natural disaster exposure. Maintain a safe room or shelter plan and review coverage annually before severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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