CountyScore

Osborne County

Kansas · KS

#23 in Kansas
70.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Osborne County, Kansas

Osborne County ranks among America's most livable

Osborne County's composite score of 68.7 represents a 37% advantage over the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This strong national ranking reflects exceptional housing affordability and reasonable tax burdens that resonate across regional boundaries.

Above Kansas average, strong performer within state

At 68.7, Osborne County ranks above the Kansas state average of 66.0 and represents one of the strongest performers in this sampled group. Its position in the upper tier of Kansas counties confirms genuine competitive advantage within the state.

Housing affordability combined with low tax burdens

Osborne County's cost score of 89.1 is the highest in this group, supporting median rent of just $591/month and home values of $84,700. A tax score of 56.9 with effective tax rate of 1.612% adds to the county's economic appeal for those prioritizing affordability.

Modest income levels may limit growth prospects

The income score of 22.2 reflects a median household income of $59,408, which trails several peer counties and constrains wealth-building opportunities. Limited employment diversity and wage growth may present challenges for career-focused households.

Perfect for penny-pinchers and minimalist living

Osborne County excels for budget-conscious households, retirees, and those pursuing intentional frugality—it offers the lowest rents and strongest housing affordability in the group. Families with stable, location-independent income will thrive here; those relying on local employment growth should explore other options.

Score breakdown

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

Tax56.9Cost89.1SafetyComing SoonHealth71.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.2Risk78.6WaterComing Soon
🏛56.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.6
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 Osborne 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
Norton County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $50,305

Deep Dives

Osborne County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Osborne County

via TaxByCounty

Osborne's rate slightly above national

Osborne County's effective tax rate of 1.612% sits 4% above the national median of 1.549%, placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. The median property tax of $1,365 is about half the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Above-average within Kansas

At 1.612%, Osborne County's effective rate runs about 4% above the state average of 1.549%, ranking it in the higher-tax tier of Kansas counties. The median tax of $1,365 falls below the state median of $1,943.

Osborne's rate among the highest

Osborne's 1.612% rate ranks fifth-highest in the eight-county region, matching Ottawa (1.615%) and trailing Morton, Ness, and Osage. It significantly exceeds Nemaha (0.978%), Neosho (1.483%), and Norton (1.491%).

Lowest median tax in the group

The median Osborne County home, valued at $84,700, generates just $1,365 in annual property taxes. This is the lowest median tax bill among the eight counties, despite a above-average effective rate.

Review your assessment for savings

Osborne County residents should compare their home's assessed value to recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. A successful assessment appeal could meaningfully reduce your tax burden with no cost or effort beyond filing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Osborne County

via CostByCounty

Osborne County: genuine affordability all around

Osborne County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio delivers genuine affordability, supported by a median rent of just $591/month—the lowest among peer counties. Though median income of $59,408 trails the national average, the county's rock-bottom housing costs create exceptional purchasing power for everyday expenses.

Kansas's most affordable rental market

Osborne County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio and $591 median rent rank among Kansas's best values, beating the state average of 14.7% and $787 respectively. The county offers genuine relief for renters stretched by housing costs in pricier Kansas markets.

Osborne County: the region's bargain anchor

Osborne County's $591 median rent is the lowest in the entire peer group—$46 below Morton County and $59 below Ness County. The $84,700 median home value is equally spartan, making Osborne a destination for renters and buyers prioritizing absolute cost minimization over amenities.

Buying and renting nearly equivalent

Renters spend 11.9% of income on housing, while homeowners commit 11.8% ($585 monthly), creating nearly perfect parity between both pathways. This equilibrium means households here have genuine freedom to choose based on personal preference rather than affordability constraints.

The region's true affordability leader

Osborne County is the clear winner for anyone making relocation decisions based purely on housing cost minimization—lowest rent, lowest home prices, and balanced affordability across both renting and buying. If you're relocating from a high-cost market and value financial breathing room, Osborne County delivers unmatched rural affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Osborne County

via IncomeByCounty

Osborne County below national income level

Osborne County's median household income of $59,408 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $15,300 annually. The county falls short of Kansas's state average of $64,428 by about $5,000.

Below-average earner in Kansas

Osborne County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Kansas counties for household income, underperforming the statewide average. Its per capita income of $36,655 exceeds the Kansas state average of $34,748, suggesting concentrated individual earning power despite lower household income.

Mixed standing among comparable counties

Osborne County's $59,408 median household income ranks below Ness County ($66,107), Osage County ($70,216), and Morton County ($65,625), though it surpasses Neosho County ($55,704) and Norton County ($50,305). The variation reflects economic diversity across the region.

Housing remains highly affordable

Osborne County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio signals excellent housing affordability for renters and buyers alike. Median home values of $84,700 are among the lowest in the region, making homeownership particularly accessible.

Leverage low housing costs for savings

With minimal housing expense burden, Osborne County residents should redirect freed-up household budgets toward emergency savings, retirement accounts, and education investments. The county's strong per capita income provides a foundation for building household wealth despite below-average median earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Osborne County

via HealthByCounty

Osborne County aligns with national life expectancy

Osborne County's life expectancy of 75.7 years nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among the healthier communities nationally. Only 15.3% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 17.0%, suggesting solid health fundamentals.

Osborne County performs at state average

Osborne County's life expectancy of 75.7 years slightly exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, positioning it as an average-to-above-average performer statewide. The 10.3% uninsured rate is near the state average of 11.5%, reflecting typical insurance coverage patterns.

Osborne County occupies middle health ground

Osborne County's 75.7-year life expectancy falls between high performers like Nemaha County (79.0 years) and lower performers like Neosho County (73.9 years), reflecting moderate community health status. The 10.3% uninsured rate is competitive with peers.

Mental health resources offset modest primary care access

Osborne County has 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the national standard—but offers 88 mental health providers per 100,000, well above average. This configuration suggests the county has invested in behavioral health while primary care capacity remains stretched.

Secure coverage to maximize available providers

With 10.3% of Osborne County residents uninsured, health insurance through Kansas marketplace plans or employer programs ensures access to available primary care and the county's robust mental health services. Enrollment assistance is available through local health departments and community health centers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Osborne County

via RiskByCounty

Osborne County: low risk below state average

Osborne County's composite risk score of 21.44 falls below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating nationally. This county offers residents substantially reduced exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Below-average risk for Kansas

Osborne County ranks in the safer half of Kansas counties for natural disaster exposure, scoring roughly 28% below the state average. Its solid safety profile reflects relatively contained hazard risk across most categories.

Comparable to Mitchell and Lincoln

Osborne County's 21.44 score aligns closely with neighboring Mitchell and Lincoln Counties, all facing similar central Kansas hazard profiles. The county's risk level reflects typical exposure for this region.

Wildfire emerges as primary concern

Wildfire risk (52.07) represents Osborne County's most significant natural hazard, though tornado risk (33.33) also merits attention. Flood risk is relatively low at 18.48, and earthquake risk (13.45) poses minimal threat.

Emphasize wildfire and wind coverage

Osborne County homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wildfire and wind damage protection through their standard homeowner's policy. Maintain defensible space around your property and review coverage annually to ensure adequate limits for your home's replacement value.

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.