Ottawa County

Kansas · KS

#32 in Kansas
69.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Kansas

Ottawa County beats the national livability median

Ottawa County's composite score of 65.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, demonstrating solid performance on the American livability scale. This advantage reflects particular strength in household income relative to national averages.

Right at Kansas average, balanced county profile

At 65.9, Ottawa County ranks virtually at the Kansas state average of 66.0, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper tier of state counties. It represents a balanced, mainstream Kansas livability experience.

Strong incomes paired with reasonable housing costs

Ottawa County's income score of 33.5 reflects a median household income of $76,755—second-highest in this group—combined with a cost score of 80.8 supporting median home values of $164,100. This combination of earning power and manageable housing costs appeals to professional families.

Higher housing costs relative to affordability peers

While still accessible by national standards, Ottawa County's median home value of $164,100 and rent of $738/month are notably higher than several peer counties. A tax score of 56.8 with effective rate of 1.615% is moderate but not exceptional.

Ideal for professional families with stable income

Ottawa County suits professional families and dual-income households seeking a balanced Kansas county where solid earning potential meets reasonable housing costs. This county represents a mainstream livability experience with fewer extreme affordability advantages but genuine economic opportunity for career-focused residents.

Score breakdown

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

Tax56.8Cost80.8SafetyComing SoonHealth73.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.5Risk83.1WaterComing Soon
🏛56.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼33.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
83.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ottawa County

via TaxByCounty

Ottawa's rate above national average

Ottawa County's effective tax rate of 1.615% exceeds the national median of 1.549% by 4%, positioning it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,651 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting higher home values than most neighboring Kansas counties.

Among Kansas's higher-taxed counties

At 1.615%, Ottawa County's effective rate runs 4% above the state average of 1.549%, placing it in the higher-tax tier of Kansas counties. The median tax of $2,651 significantly exceeds the state median of $1,943.

Ottawa ranks highest in the group

Ottawa's 1.615% rate ranks among the top three in the eight-county set, matching Osborne (1.612%) and trailing only Morton (2.042%) and Ness (1.965%). Ottawa's median tax of $2,651 is the highest in the region.

Highest median tax in the region

The median Ottawa County home, valued at $164,100, costs $2,651 in annual property taxes—the largest tax bill among the eight counties. This reflects both an above-average rate and higher home values.

Appeal to reduce high assessments

Ottawa County homeowners paying the region's highest property taxes should scrutinize their assessments carefully. If your home's assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales, file an appeal with the county assessor—it's free and can produce substantial tax savings.

Cost of Living in Ottawa County

via CostByCounty

Ottawa County: strong incomes offset housing costs

Ottawa County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio reflects excellent affordability, bolstered by a median income of $76,755 that exceeds the national average by nearly $2,000. At $738/month for rent, housing costs are moderate in absolute terms, and the strong income base makes them feel manageable.

Top-tier affordability in Kansas

Ottawa County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kansas's best, beating the state average of 14.7% by 3.2 percentage points. Combined with above-average median income of $76,755, Ottawa County offers one of the state's strongest housing value propositions.

Ottawa County: premium community, solid value

Ottawa County's $738 median rent falls between Nemaha County's $726 and Osage County's $810, positioning it as a moderate-cost option with above-average household income. The $164,100 median home value is second-highest in the peer group—only behind Nemaha—reflecting a stable, appreciating market.

Homeownership carries a premium here

Renters allocate just 11.5% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 14.8% ($949 monthly), creating a meaningful affordability gap favoring tenants. For households earning $76,755, the gap is manageable, but would-be buyers should understand the ownership cost premium.

Stable communities with earned affordability

Ottawa County appeals to professionals and established families whose above-average incomes unlock access to quality communities and property appreciation potential. If you're seeking both affordability and long-term equity building in a stable market, Ottawa County's combination of strong income and moderate housing costs makes it a compelling choice.

Income & Jobs in Ottawa County

via IncomeByCounty

Ottawa County matches national income levels

Ottawa County's median household income of $76,755 closely matches the national median of $74,755, running just $2,000 above the U.S. average. The county substantially outearns Kansas's state average of $64,428 by over $12,000 annually.

Top-tier earner in Kansas

Ottawa County ranks among the highest-income counties in Kansas, standing well above the statewide average. Its strong performance reflects solid earning power and economic opportunity for local households.

Regional income leader

Ottawa County's $76,755 median household income ranks among the highest in the region, matching Nemaha County ($77,375) and substantially outpacing all other nearby counties. Only Nemaha County approaches Ottawa's earning power in this area.

Strong income supports higher housing values

Ottawa County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy despite median home values of $164,100, the region's highest. The county's above-average income adequately supports both rental and ownership pathways.

Premium positioning for wealth building

Ottawa County's above-average income and strong housing equity create exceptional wealth-building potential for residents. Households should explore advanced strategies: real estate diversification, equity investments, and long-term retirement planning to maximize economic advantage.

Health in Ottawa County

via HealthByCounty

Ottawa County meets national health standards

Ottawa County's life expectancy of 75.3 years approaches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, just 1.1 years behind, placing it solidly within the healthy range nationally. Only 15.4% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 17.0%, indicating good community health status.

Ottawa County tracks near Kansas average

At 75.3 years, Ottawa County's life expectancy nearly matches Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, making it a representative performer statewide. The 7.8% uninsured rate is notably better than Kansas's state average of 11.5%, reflecting stronger health security.

Ottawa County balances well among peers

Ottawa County's 75.3-year life expectancy falls between lower performers like Osage County (73.7 years) and top performers like Nemaha County (79.0 years), suggesting moderate health outcomes. The 7.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among the counties reviewed, a significant advantage.

Balanced healthcare infrastructure supports residents

Ottawa County provides 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 52 mental health providers per 100,000, both below national standards but functional for the county's needs. The 7.8% uninsured rate—lowest in this group—ensures most residents can access available providers.

Maintain coverage momentum in Ottawa County

Ottawa County's strong insurance enrollment rate of 92.2% reflects community commitment to health security—continue exploring Kansas marketplace plans and employer coverage to keep this advantage. Community health centers are available to assist the small percentage of uninsured residents.

Disaster Risk in Ottawa County

via RiskByCounty

Ottawa County: very low risk nationwide

Ottawa County's composite risk score of 16.89 sits well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating nationally. Residents face significantly reduced exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Ottawa County ranks in the safer tier of Kansas counties for natural disaster risk, scoring roughly 43% below the state average. This strong safety profile reflects relatively low exposure across multiple hazard categories statewide.

Lower risk than Republic and Cloud

Ottawa County's 16.89 score outperforms neighboring Republic and Cloud Counties, both facing higher tornado and wildfire exposure in north-central Kansas. The county benefits from a favorable risk profile relative to regional peers.

Wildfire and tornado: manageable hazards

Wildfire risk (72.65) and tornado risk (43.89) represent Ottawa County's primary natural hazards, though both remain below state averages for their respective categories. Flood risk is modest at 23.98, and earthquake risk is minimal at 11.26.

Secure wildfire and wind protection

Ottawa County homeowners should ensure comprehensive wildfire and wind damage coverage through their standard homeowner's policy, reflecting the county's primary hazard exposure. Review your coverage annually and maintain defensible space around your property as a first-line defense against wildfire.

ByCounty Network

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