CountyScore

Osage County

Kansas · KS

#73 in Kansas
65.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Osage County, Kansas

Osage County exceeds the national livability standard

Osage County's composite score of 64.5 stands 29% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating solid livability performance against U.S. benchmarks. This standing reflects a balanced profile with particular strength in income-earning potential.

Slightly below Kansas average, middle-tier performance

At 64.5, Osage County ranks just below the Kansas state average of 66.0, placing it in the middle of the state's livability tier. It remains competitive within Kansas while maintaining meaningful national advantage.

Better incomes coupled with solid affordability

Osage County's income score of 29.2 reflects a median household income of $70,216—among the highest in this group—combined with a cost score of 78.7 supporting median housing at $142,800. This balance of earning potential and reasonable housing costs appeals to working families seeking stability.

Rising housing costs and moderate tax burden

While still affordable by national standards, Osage County's median home value of $142,800 and monthly rent of $810 rank higher within this peer group, reducing the affordability advantage. An effective tax rate of 1.598% is moderate but not exceptional.

Suited for working families seeking economic balance

Osage County appeals to working families and professionals seeking a blend of reasonable earning potential and stable housing costs in a Kansas small-town setting. The county offers genuine economic opportunity for those willing to accept slightly higher housing prices in exchange for better income prospects.

Score breakdown

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

Tax57.3Cost78.7SafetyComing SoonHealth69.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk64.6WaterComing Soon
🏛57.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.6
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 Osage County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clinch County
Georgia
65.7
Median income: $55,549
Jo Daviess County
Illinois
65.7
Median income: $74,954
Porter County
Indiana
65.7
Median income: $85,828
Kenton County
Kentucky
65.7
Median income: $79,421
Somerset County
Maryland
65.7
Median income: $52,462

Deep Dives

Osage County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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