countyscore
64.2
County Score
Safety 90.4Schools 84Cost of Living 82.3

County Report Card

About Norton County, Kansas

Norton County Stronger than National Median

Norton County earns a 64.2 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living characterized by safety and quality public services. It ranks in the upper echelon of US counties for rural livability.

Well Above the Kansas Average

At 64.2, Norton County easily surpasses the Kansas average score of 49.5. It performs particularly well compared to its neighbors in western Kansas. The county offers a more balanced quality of life than many other rural jurisdictions.

Superior Safety and High-Quality Schools

The county excels with a 90.4 safety score and an 84.0 school score, ensuring a secure environment for families. Housing is also very affordable, evidenced by an 82.3 cost score and median rent of $642. These pillars of stability define the local experience.

Water and Income Present Hurdles

The county faces significant challenges in water quality, which scores a very low 6.0. Economic growth is also modest, with an income score of 15.1 and a median household income of $50,305. High property taxes further impact the overall fiscal profile.

Perfect for Safe, Family-Oriented Living

Norton County is an excellent match for families who prioritize top-notch schools and personal safety over high wages. Its low cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle even on a modest income. It offers a secure, community-focused environment that is hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax13.1Cost82.3Safety90.4Health65.7Schools84Income15.1Risk80.2Water6Weather37.6
🏛13.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.9
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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Nearby counties

Furnas County
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55.9
Phillips County
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58.8
Decatur County
Kansas
54.3
Graham County
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Harlan County
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Red Willow County
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Sheridan County
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Rooks County
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Deep Dives

Norton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Norton County

via CrimeByCounty

Norton County sets a high safety standard

With a total crime rate of 184.1 per 100K, Norton County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns an elite safety score of 99.7.

Ranked among the safest counties in Kansas

Norton's safety score of 99.7 far exceeds the state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate is less than 15% of the Kansas state average of 1282.2.

Outpacing regional peers in public safety

Norton County maintains a violent crime rate of just 36.8, far below the Kansas average of 235.9. It serves as a model of safety compared to other counties in the region.

Both violent and property crimes remain low

Property crime sits at 147.3 per 100K, while violent crime is just 36.8. These low numbers suggest that residents enjoy a high level of security for both their persons and their property.

Simple habits maintain a safe community

The low crime rate is a community asset that residents can help protect. Simple actions like using outdoor motion lights keep the property crime rate at its current record lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Norton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Targeted Education in the High Plains

Norton County serves 817 students through five public schools organized into two districts. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, providing a complete K-12 pathway.

Strong ROI on Education Spending

A graduation rate of 95.0% places Norton County well ahead of the national 87.0% benchmark. The county invests $9,287 per pupil—exceeding the state average—which contributes to a high school score of 61.1.

Norton Community Schools Take Center Stage

Norton Community Schools is the primary district, educating 697 students across three schools. Northern Valley serves the remaining 156 students, and there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Community Schools in Town Settings

Three of the five schools are located in town settings, while two remain rural, with an overall average size of 163 students. Eisenhower Elementary is the largest hub with 402 students, contrasted by Northern Valley High with 49 students.

Build Your Future in Norton

With academic performance consistently beating state averages, Norton County is an ideal place to buy a home. Families value the combination of town amenities and high-performing schools like Eisenhower Elementary.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Norton County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Plains Weather

At 52.3°F, Norton stays cooler than the national median and the Kansas state average. It receives a modest 23.7 inches of rain, typical for the northern plains.

Among the State's Coldest Counties

Norton is one of the cooler counties in Kansas, trailing the 54.8°F state average by over two degrees. It averages 18.8 inches of snow, slightly higher than southern peers.

Relief From the Southern Heat

It shares a dry profile with other northwest counties but remains cooler than the southern border. The 60 extreme heat days are fewer than the 70+ seen further south.

Chilly Winters and Hot July Days

Winters are cold with an average of 29.7°F and nearly 19 inches of snow. July brings relief from the cold with a 77.8°F average and 60 days of heat over 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Cold Peaks

Heavy winter coats and snow blowers are necessities for the 18.8 inches of annual snow. Energy-efficient heating is a smart investment for the sub-30°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Norton County

via SoilByCounty

Mildly Alkaline Northern Soils

Norton County presents an average soil pH of 7.07, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.80. This neutral-to-alkaline shift is common in the High Plains and supports a variety of prairie grasses.

The Siltiest Soils in the Region

With a high silt content of 60.0%, this soil is exceptionally fine-textured and smooth. The remaining mix of 21.7% clay and 18.2% sand creates a fertile medium that is prized for its physical workability.

High Moisture Retention

Norton County excels in available water capacity at 0.207 in/in, significantly higher than the Kansas average of 0.180. The organic matter content of 2.09% is nearly on par with the state average, providing a solid base for growth.

A Superior Water Reservoir

The exceptional water capacity suggests these soils are excellent at buffering against drought. Although drainage classification data is unavailable, the high silt percentage typically allows for steady, even moisture distribution.

Lush Potential in Zone 6a

Norton County falls into hardiness zone 6a, making it ideal for cool-season grasses and hardy vegetables. With such high water capacity, your garden has a natural advantage during the hot Kansas summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Norton County

via LawnByCounty

A middle-ground for Norton lawns

Norton County's lawn difficulty score of 50.9 sits almost exactly at the national average, though it is more challenging than the Kansas state average of 59.1. Zone 6a conditions here demand careful attention to watering during the dry summer months. Maintaining a healthy lawn is achievable but requires consistent monitoring of climate shifts.

Moderate heat and low precipitation

Annual precipitation averages 23.7 inches, which is below the state average of 30.3 inches. The county faces 60 extreme heat days per year, slightly above the state norm, which can quickly brown out thirsty lawns. Managing the 3578 growing degree days involves careful timing of fertilization to avoid stressing the grass in July.

Neutral soil with clay balance

The soil pH stands at a nearly neutral 7.07, providing a stable foundation that is just on the edge of the ideal range. With 21.7% clay and 18.2% sand, the soil texture is relatively balanced for a Kansas county. This composition generally supports good root development if compaction is managed through periodic aeration.

Battling persistent dry conditions

Drought resilience is a primary concern as 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Norton County spent 27 weeks in drought over the past year, making it one of the more water-stressed areas in the region. Using mulch and avoiding mid-day watering are essential tactics to preserve limited moisture.

Planting for the short season

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass work well in Zone 6a. The window between the last frost on May 1 and the first frost on October 17 is relatively tight. Start seeding early in the spring or in the early fall to give roots time to establish before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norton County's county score?
Norton County, Kansas has a composite county score of 64.2 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 Norton County rank among counties in Kansas?
Norton County ranks #6 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 Norton County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Norton County is $1,585, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Norton County a tax score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norton County?
The median household income in Norton County, Kansas is $50,305 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Norton County earns an income score of 15.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Norton County, Kansas a good place to live?
Norton County scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Norton 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 Norton County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.