countyscore
56.7
County Score
Cost of Living 91.2Disaster Risk 78.6Safety 76.1

County Report Card

About Osborne County, Kansas

Osborne County Tops National Median

Osborne County achieves a 56.6 composite score, which sits above the national median of 50.0. This performance is driven by an incredible value proposition for residents. It ranks as a highly competitive option for rural living in the US.

Outperforming the Kansas State Average

At 56.6, the county is comfortably ahead of the 49.5 Kansas average. It stands out as one of the most affordable spots in the state while maintaining high safety levels. It is a hidden gem for those looking to stretch their dollar further.

Maximum Affordability and High Safety

Housing costs are the county's greatest strength, with a massive 91.2 cost score and median rent of just $591. This is paired with a strong 76.1 safety score and a 78.6 environmental risk score. Living here is both inexpensive and remarkably secure.

Critical Water Quality Concerns

Water quality is the county's primary weakness, earning a very low score of 1.6. Public schools and local taxes also present challenges, with scores of 44.3 and 9.2 respectively. These infrastructure and service gaps are the trade-offs for such low living costs.

Best for Retirees and Bargain Hunters

Osborne County is the perfect destination for those on a fixed income or anyone looking to minimize expenses. The combination of low rent and high safety is rare and highly attractive for those who don't prioritize school rankings. It offers a secure lifestyle at one of the lowest price points in the nation.

Score breakdown

Tax9.2Cost91.2Safety76.1Health59.7Schools44.3Income37.2Risk78.6Water1.6Weather38.7
🏛9.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.6
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

Russell County
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43.4
Rooks County
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53.9
Lincoln County
Kansas
60.4
Smith County
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Mitchell County
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Jewell County
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Ellis County
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Phillips County
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Deep Dives

Osborne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Osborne County

via CrimeByCounty

Osborne County is safer than the national average

The county's total crime rate of 572.6 per 100K is roughly one-quarter of the national average. This performance results in a high safety score of 99.1.

Strong safety standing within the state

Osborne County's safety score of 99.1 is notably higher than the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 572.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 1282.2.

Quiet streets compared to state benchmarks

With a violent crime rate of 114.5, Osborne is safer than the typical Kansas county, which averages 235.9. Law enforcement successfully maintains a calm environment for the local community.

Property crime remains the primary concern

Property crime accounts for 458.1 of the 572.6 reported incidents per 100K residents. While violent crime exists, it occurs at a low rate of 114.5, meaning major incidents are rare.

Protect your assets from opportunistic theft

Locking doors and securing valuables remains the best defense against the county's most common crime type. Maintaining good visibility around your home can also discourage unwanted visitors.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Osborne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Resilient Rural Schools in Osborne

Osborne County operates five public schools for 620 students across three school districts. The county maintains two elementary schools and three high schools to ensure coverage across its rural territory.

High Investment Amid Academic Challenges

The graduation rate currently sits at 70.2%, which is significantly lower than the Kansas state average of 88.7%. However, per-pupil expenditure is high at $10,055, showing a strong financial commitment to its 49.7 school score.

Osborne County and Waconda Districts

The Osborne County district is the largest with 373 students, while the Waconda district serves 342. There are no charter schools in the county, as the three local districts manage all public education.

Small, Focused Learning Environments

Every school here is rural, and the average school size is a modest 124 students. Osborne Elementary is the largest site with 213 students, while Natoma Elementary serves a very small group of 54 children.

Invest in a Close-Knit Community

For families who value small-town connections, Osborne County offers schools where every teacher knows every student. Browse homes in the area to join a community dedicated to its local educational heritage.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Osborne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Middle-of-the-Road Climate

Osborne averages 53.2°F, placing it right near the national median. It receives 27.6 inches of rain, which is slightly lower than the typical US county.

Near the Heart of State Norms

At 53.2°F, Osborne is slightly cooler than the 54.8°F Kansas state average. Its 27.6 inches of rain also falls just below the state norm of 30.3 inches.

Transitioning from North to South

It sees more snow (20.4 inches) than counties to the south and more heat days (64) than those to the east. It occupies a transitional weather zone in north-central Kansas.

Hot Summers with Snowy Breaks

Residents endure 64 days above 90°F during the hot 76.3°F summers. Winter brings 20.4 inches of snow and a chilly 30.2°F average temperature.

Ready for Both Heat and Snow

Multi-season gear is essential to handle both the 64 extreme heat days and the 20 inches of snow. High-performance insulation helps manage the swing between summer highs and winter lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Osborne County

via SoilByCounty

High pH on the Plains

Osborne County soils have an average pH of 7.39, placing them on the alkaline side of the scale. This level is higher than both the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas state average of 6.80.

Balanced Silty Clay Texture

The soil is made of 55.1% silt and 26.4% clay, with a sand component of 17.7%. This composition provides enough clay for nutrient storage while the silt ensures the soil doesn't become too compacted.

Strong Water Storage Potential

The organic matter content is 2.03%, just below the state average of 2.22%. However, the available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is above the Kansas average, helping crops survive during dry periods.

Consistent Moisture Availability

The above-average water capacity indicates that these soils are effective at capturing and holding onto rainfall. While specific drainage data is missing, the silt-heavy mix usually suggests moderate permeability.

Prairie Resilience in Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, this soil is well-suited for alfalfa and native grasses that tolerate alkaline conditions. It is a fantastic environment for a sustainable garden focused on native Kansas wildflowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Osborne County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Osborne County climate

Osborne County has a lawn difficulty score of 56.6, which is slightly below the state average but still easier than the national median. Zone 6a conditions here mean homeowners must balance cold winters with hot, dry summers. Maintaining turf in this central Kansas region requires a focus on drought resistance and soil health.

Challenging heat and moderate rain

The area averages 27.6 inches of precipitation, just shy of the state average and the ideal 30-inch mark. With 64 extreme heat days per year, lawns often go dormant in July and August without supplemental irrigation. The 3801 growing degree days support a standard growing season, but summer heat remains the biggest hurdle.

Alkaline soil and clay texture

Osborne County soil has an alkaline pH of 7.39, which can occasionally limit the availability of certain nutrients like iron. The 26.4% clay content provides a good base for holding water, though it lacks significant sand for drainage. Gardeners should monitor for signs of yellowing, which may indicate the need for pH-balancing amendments.

Stable water conditions for now

Currently, the county is 100% free of drought or abnormally dry conditions. While it experienced 7 weeks of drought over the past year, it remains more resilient than many of its western neighbors. Taking advantage of these wet periods to deep-root your grass will help it survive the next dry spell.

Best planting times for Osborne

Buffalograss and heat-hardy fescues are top recommendations for this Zone 6a environment. Plan your seeding after the April 29 frost or in early September before the October 12 frost deadline. Early autumn planting is often most successful here, as it avoids the 64 days of extreme summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osborne County's county score?
Osborne County, Kansas has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Osborne County rank among counties in Kansas?
Osborne County ranks #26 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 Osborne County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Osborne County is $1,365, with an effective tax rate of 1.61%. This earns Osborne County a tax score of 9.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osborne County?
The median household income in Osborne County, Kansas is $59,408 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osborne County earns an income score of 37.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osborne County, Kansas a good place to live?
Osborne County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Osborne 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 Osborne 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.