countyscore
49.7
County Score
Lawn Care 71.1Income & Jobs 67Soil Quality 65.9

County Report Card

About Osage County, Kansas

Osage County Matches National Median

Osage County tracks the national median almost perfectly with a composite score of 49.7. This reflects a balanced profile that offers a standard American quality of life. It provides a reliable baseline of services and economic opportunity.

Right in Line with Kansas Average

The county's score of 49.7 is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 49.5. It serves as a representative example of a typical Kansas county, offering moderate performance across most categories. It maintains a competitive position within the state's central region.

Healthy Incomes and Solid Schools

Osage County performs well in economic stability with a 67.0 income score and a $70,216 median household income. Safety and schools are also reliable, scoring 65.0 and 65.2 respectively. These mid-to-high scores provide a dependable environment for working households.

Tax and Water Infrastructure Gaps

A tax score of 9.4 reflects a relatively high 1.598% effective tax rate for the area. Water quality is also a concern, with a score of 33.8 that lags behind other environmental factors. Additionally, housing costs are higher than in more remote neighbors, scoring a 45.6.

A Reliable Choice for Working Families

Osage County is best for middle-income families who want a balanced lifestyle with decent schools and safe streets. It offers a suburban-rural mix that provides more income potential than the far western counties. It is a solid choice for those seeking consistency over extreme specialization.

Score breakdown

Tax9.4Cost45.6Safety65Health52.3Schools65.2Income67Risk64.6Water33.8Weather51.8
🏛9.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.1
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Osage County?

Many homeowners in Osage County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Osage County with Cullman County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cullman County
Alabama
Median income: $60,916
49.7
Modoc County
California
Median income: $56,648
49.7
Effingham County
Illinois
Median income: $75,380
49.7
Elk County
Kansas
Median income: $56,087
49.7
Piscataquis County
Maine
Median income: $55,234
49.7
Johnston County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,911
49.7
Red River County
Texas
Median income: $46,912
49.7
El Dorado County
California
Median income: $106,190
49.8

Nearby counties

Franklin County
Kansas
40.2
Lyon County
Kansas
39.6
Shawnee County
Kansas
30.7
Douglas County
Kansas
33.7
Coffey County
Kansas
60.4
Wabaunsee County
Kansas
52.3
Anderson County
Kansas
54.9
Jefferson County
Kansas
52

Deep Dives

Osage County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Osage County

via TaxByCounty

Osage's rate above national norm

Osage County's effective tax rate of 1.598% exceeds the national median of 1.549% by just 3%, keeping it near the national average. The median property tax of $2,282 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values relative to the nation.

Above-average taxes for Kansas

At 1.598%, Osage County's effective rate runs about 3% above the state average of 1.549%, placing it in the upper-middle range of Kansas counties. The median tax of $2,282 also exceeds the state median of $1,943.

Osage taxes are elevated regionally

Osage's 1.598% rate ranks fourth-highest among the eight counties, topped only by Morton (2.042%), Ness (1.965%), and comparable to Osborne (1.612%) and Ottawa (1.615%). It runs notably higher than Nemaha (0.978%) and Neosho (1.483%).

Median tax bill exceeds neighbors

The median Osage County home, valued at $142,800, costs $2,282 in annual property taxes. This is the second-highest median tax in the eight-county group, reflecting both a higher rate and higher home values.

Assessment appeals can help

Osage County homeowners facing substantial annual tax bills should verify their assessments against recent arm's-length sales of comparable properties. If your assessed value appears inflated, request a reassessment—it's free and could lower your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Osage County

via CostByCounty

Osage County: premium pricing for stability

Osage County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably in the affordable zone despite higher absolute housing costs—a testament to the county's strong median income of $70,216. At $810/month for rent and $996/month for homeownership, Osage County commands the highest housing costs in the peer group, reflecting a more established, affluent market.

Above Kansas average but income-balanced

Osage County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, despite having the highest median rent ($810) among peer counties. Above-average median income of $70,216 allows households to absorb these higher costs while maintaining healthy affordability ratios.

Osage County: the premium regional market

Osage County's $810 median rent is notably higher than all peers—$173 above Nemaha County's $726 and $168 above Ottawa County's $738. Homebuyers will find median values of $142,800 moderate for the region, though monthly owner costs of $996 represent the highest in the peer group.

Income supports higher housing costs

Renters allocate 13.8% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 17.0% ($996 monthly), creating a meaningful affordability gap between renting and buying. Osage County's higher income base ($70,216) is what makes these premium prices sustainable—lower-income households would find both pathways strained.

For those seeking affluent stability

Osage County attracts established families and professionals who value strong community infrastructure and don't mind paying a premium for it. If your household income exceeds $75,000 and you prioritize neighborhood stability over rock-bottom housing costs, Osage County's vibrant market justifies its higher price tags.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Osage County

via IncomeByCounty

Osage County approaching national income

Osage County's median household income of $70,216 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling short by about $4,539 annually. The county substantially outperforms Kansas's state average of $64,428 by nearly $6,000.

Upper-tier earner in Kansas

Osage County ranks in the top third of Kansas counties for household income, standing well above the statewide average. Its per capita income of $33,617 closely tracks the Kansas state average of $34,748, indicating relatively balanced wealth distribution.

Strong performer in regional context

Osage County's $70,216 median household income stands solidly above most regional peers, outpacing Osborne County ($59,408), Morton County ($65,625), and Ness County ($66,107). It runs competitively with Nemaha County ($77,375) and Ottawa County ($76,755).

Moderate housing costs, solid affordability

Osage County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates reasonable housing affordability, though slightly elevated compared to other counties in the region. Median home values of $142,800 remain accessible for most households earning the county median.

Build on Osage's economic momentum

Osage County's above-average income and reasonable housing costs position residents well to build wealth through consistent saving and investment. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying into property ownership, and exploring local investment opportunities to strengthen financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Osage County

via CrimeByCounty

Osage County maintains a strong safety record

Osage County reports a total crime rate of 817.1 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 98.7 out of 100.

Performing better than the state average

The county's safety score of 98.7 is higher than the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 817.1 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1282.2.

Comprehensive reporting across eight local agencies

With eight agencies reporting, Osage provides a very transparent look at its crime data. This collaborative approach keeps violent crime at 266.0, which is close to the state average.

Property crime is the most frequent issue

Property crimes occur at a rate of 551.1 per 100K, outnumbering violent crimes by more than two to one. Residents should focus on protecting their homes and vehicles from theft.

Vigilance helps keep Osage County safe

Since property crime is more common than violence, securing sheds and garages is a top priority. Using smart doorbells can help the eight local agencies identify and deter potential thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Osage County

via HealthByCounty

Osage County trails national health benchmarks

Osage County's life expectancy of 73.7 years falls 2.7 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting health disparities relative to the nation. The 15.7% poor/fair health rate performs slightly better than the national average of 17.0%, yet overall outcomes remain concerning.

Osage County ranks among Kansas's lower performers

At 73.7 years, Osage County's life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the bottom tier of Kansas counties. The 10.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.5%, though only slightly.

Osage County faces severe primary care shortage

Osage County's 73.7-year life expectancy is 5.3 years below Nemaha County (79.0 years) and 5.1 years below Norton County (78.8 years), despite sharing state resources. The county's critical shortage of primary care—just 6 providers per 100,000—may be a significant factor in this health gap.

Severe primary care shortage threatens health outcomes

Osage County has only 6 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a devastating shortfall compared to the national standard of 50—leaving residents unable to access routine preventive care. With 10.0% uninsured and provider scarcity, many residents face dual barriers to health security.

Coverage helps despite provider limitations

While Osage County faces a severe shortage of primary care providers, securing health insurance through Kansas marketplace plans ensures you're covered when traveling to care or using telehealth options. Community health centers and enrollment assistance are available to help uninsured residents connect to coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Osage County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Extensive School System

Osage County supports a large network of 13 public schools serving 2,760 students. Five distinct districts manage this infrastructure, which includes five elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools.

Consistent Performance Across the County

The county’s 91.0% graduation rate exceeds the state average of 88.7% and the national median. With per-pupil spending at $8,556 and a school score of 57.4, the county provides solid results for its investment.

Santa Fe Trail Leads Five Districts

Santa Fe Trail is the largest district with 1,096 students, followed by Osage City with 724. Despite the high number of schools, none are charter schools, focusing resources into the traditional district model.

Rural Roots and Town Hubs

The landscape is mostly rural with 10 schools, though three serve as town centers, leading to an average school size of 212. Overbrook and Carbondale Attendance Centers are the largest, each serving nearly 400 students.

Find Your Community in Osage County

Osage County offers a variety of school districts, allowing families to choose the right fit for their lifestyle. Check out homes near the highly-regarded Santa Fe Trail or Osage City schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Osage County

via RiskByCounty

Osage County: above-average Kansas risk

Osage County's composite risk score of 35.43 exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, marking it as one of the state's higher-risk counties despite a very low national rating. This county faces elevated exposure to several natural hazard types, particularly tornadoes and wildfires.

Among Kansas's riskier counties

Osage County ranks in the upper tier of Kansas counties for natural disaster risk, surpassing the state average on multiple hazard fronts. Its location in eastern Kansas contributes to heightened tornado and wildfire vulnerability statewide.

Elevated risk compared to Lyon and Morris

Osage County's 35.43 score exceeds neighboring Lyon and Morris Counties, reflecting higher tornado and wildfire exposure in this east-central region. The county faces notably elevated risk relative to its immediate western neighbors.

Wildfire and tornado lead hazards

Wildfire risk (74.94) and tornado risk (57.03) dominate Osage County's natural disaster profile, both significantly above state averages. Flood risk (30.22) and earthquake risk (27.16) add secondary vulnerabilities, though wildfire preparedness should be the primary planning focus.

Secure robust wildfire and tornado coverage

Osage County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowner's insurance emphasizing wildfire and tornado protection, with special attention to policy limits and deductibles. Create and maintain defensible space around your home, and develop a family disaster plan before severe weather season arrives.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Osage County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Wet

Osage County’s 55.5°F average is warmer than the national median. Its 38.4 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the US average.

Vibrant and Green Landscapes

The county sits just above the Kansas average temperature of 54.8°F. It receives significantly more rain than the 30.3-inch state average, fueling its lush environment.

More Moisture than the West

It is wetter than its western neighbors, though it shares the same 47 days of extreme heat found in central Kansas. Snowfall is light at 10.2 inches compared to northern counties.

Moderate Summers and Manageable Winters

Summer is warm with a 77.2°F average and 47 days of extreme heat. Winter remains manageable with a 32.9°F average and just 10.2 inches of snow.

Invest in Drainage and Cooling

Residents should prepare for rainy springs with reliable sump pumps and gutter maintenance. The 47 heat days suggest a need for efficient cooling during the humid July peak.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Osage County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Dense Osage Soils

Osage County features an average pH of 6.13, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This environment often requires lime applications to balance the soil for traditional row crops.

High Silt and Clay Content

The soil is comprised of 57.9% silt and 29.3% clay, with very little sand at only 10.2%. This dense, heavy mix creates a soil that is excellent at holding nutrients but can be difficult to work when wet.

Rich in Organic Life

The organic matter content is high at 2.82%, well above the state average of 2.22%. An available water capacity of 0.193 in/in also beats the state benchmark, signaling a very productive landscape.

Slow Drainage Dynamics

The high clay and silt percentages combined with limited sand suggest a soil that holds water tightly. This can lead to slower drainage after heavy rains, which gardeners should manage by using raised beds.

Fruitful Gardening in Zone 6b

Located in zone 6b, Osage County is perfect for organic-rich gardening of leafy greens and root vegetables. The natural fertility of this soil makes it a great place to start a backyard composting project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Osage County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent growing climate in Osage

Osage County is a premier location for lawn care with a difficulty score of 71.1, significantly higher than the national 50.0. The Zone 6b climate and generous rainfall make it one of the easier places in Kansas to maintain a lush yard. Homeowners here can achieve professional results with standard lawn care practices.

Plentiful rain and manageable heat

The county receives 38.4 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the state average and falls well within the ideal range for grass. With 47 extreme heat days, the summer stress is lower than many other parts of Kansas. The 4168 growing degree days ensure a long, productive season for most turf varieties.

Acidic clay requires monitoring

Soil pH in Osage County is 6.13, sitting perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. The soil contains 29.3% clay and only 10.2% sand, which means it holds moisture very well but can be prone to drainage issues. Incorporating organic matter can help improve the soil structure and prevent waterlogging during heavy rains.

Currently clear of drought stress

The county is currently enjoying a drought-free status with 0.0% of the area in dry conditions. Over the last year, Osage County only saw 6 weeks of drought, indicating a very stable water supply for lawns. This consistency makes it much easier to maintain green turf throughout the entire summer.

Timing your Osage County lawn

Tall Fescue is the regional favorite and thrives in these conditions. Aim to seed between the last frost on April 8 and the first frost on October 30 for the best results. The long frost-free window and ample 38.4 inches of rain make establishing a new lawn here a rewarding project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osage County's county score?
Osage County, Kansas has a composite county score of 49.7 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 Osage County rank among counties in Kansas?
Osage County ranks #58 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 Osage County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Osage County is $2,282, with an effective tax rate of 1.60%. This earns Osage County a tax score of 9.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osage County?
The median household income in Osage County, Kansas is $70,216 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osage County earns an income score of 67/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osage County, Kansas a good place to live?
Osage County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Osage 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 Osage 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.