57.4
County Score
Schools 83.3Disaster Risk 83.1Income & Jobs 79.7

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Kansas

Ottawa County Beats National Median

Ottawa County earns a composite score of 57.4, placing it well above the 50.0 national median. It demonstrates strong resilience and economic health for a rural community. The county offers a higher quality of life than many of its national peers.

A Strong Contender in Kansas

With a 57.4 score, Ottawa County significantly exceeds the Kansas average of 49.5. It is a high-performing region that balances agricultural roots with modern economic stability. It ranks as a top-tier choice for residents within the state.

Robust Incomes and Quality Education

The county boasts a 79.7 income score with a median household income of $76,755. This economic strength is matched by an 83.3 school score and an 83.1 environmental risk score. It is a prosperous area with high-quality public institutions.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

Local residents face a high effective tax rate of 1.615%, leading to a low 9.1 tax score. Water quality also trails behind, with a score of 37.7 that suggests room for infrastructure improvement. Housing costs are moderate but less affordable than in more remote counties.

A Prosperous Rural Hub for Families

Ottawa County is an ideal fit for working families who want strong schools and high income potential in a rural setting. Its economic and educational scores make it one of the most stable choices in Kansas. It suits those willing to pay slightly higher taxes for a more prosperous community.

Score breakdown

Tax9.1Cost56.9Safety63.3Health64.9Schools83.3Income79.7Risk83.1Water37.7Weather43.8
🏛9.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠56.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼79.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡63.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
64.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓83.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
83.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧37.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤43.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱51.2
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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Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Ottawa County

via CrimeByCounty

Ottawa County outperforms national safety trends

Ottawa County reports 849.5 total crimes per 100K, which is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.7 out of 100.

Beating the Kansas state safety average

The county’s safety score of 98.7 sits above the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 849.5 is also lower than the state average of 1282.2.

Violent crime rates require local attention

Ottawa's violent crime rate of 329.4 is higher than the state average of 235.9. This suggests that while total crime is low, violent incidents are more frequent here than in some neighboring areas.

A mix of property and violent crime

Property crime sits at 520.1 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 329.4. These numbers indicate that public safety efforts must balance theft prevention with personal safety.

Focus on comprehensive home safety

Because violent crime rates are slightly elevated, home security should include both theft prevention and personal safety measures. Motion sensors and reinforced entries provide an extra layer of protection.

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.

Schools in Ottawa County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Achieving Schools in Ottawa

Ottawa County manages six public schools serving 1,235 students through two local districts. The system is split evenly between three elementary schools and three high schools.

Exceptional Success in Graduation Rates

With a 95.0% graduation rate, Ottawa County far outperforms the 87.0% national average. The county spends $9,122 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average, resulting in a strong school score of 60.7.

A Balance Between Two Districts

North Ottawa County and Twin Valley districts share the load, serving 629 and 606 students respectively. Currently, no charter schools operate in the county, keeping the focus on these two primary districts.

A Completely Rural Education

The county is 100% rural, yet maintains a healthy average school size of 206 students. Minneapolis Elementary is the largest campus with 327 students, providing a central hub for the northern part of the county.

Discover Academic Excellence in Ottawa

Families seeking high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle will find Ottawa County to be a perfect match. Explore residential options near Minneapolis or Bennington to access these top-performing rural schools.

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.

Weather & Climate in Ottawa County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and National-Avg Rain

Ottawa County’s 55.0°F average is warmer than the national median. It receives 31.0 inches of rain, closely mirroring the average precipitation of the United States.

Perfectly Representative of Kansas Weather

The county’s 55.0°F average nearly matches the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. Precipitation of 31.0 inches is also right in line with the state average of 30.3 inches.

Higher Peak Heat Than Neighbors

It is hotter than its northern neighbors, recording a July average of 80.8°F. The 69 extreme heat days make it one of the warmer spots in its immediate region.

Intense Summer Heat and Dry Cold

Summer is intense with 69 days over 90°F and a July average that tops 80°F. Winter is cold but relatively dry, averaging 31.6°F with 15.4 inches of snowfall.

Focus on Summer Cooling Systems

Prioritize cooling systems to handle the high number of extreme heat days and the 80.8°F July average. Winter maintenance should focus on clearing the 15.4 inches of seasonal snow.

Soil Quality in Ottawa County

via SoilByCounty

Near Ideal Soil Conditions

Ottawa County features an average pH of 6.57, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it one of the most versatile counties in the state for a wide range of plants.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil contains 54.6% silt, 24.5% clay, and 20.5% sand. This relatively high sand content compared to neighbors helps improve aeration and drainage while the silt maintains a high level of workability.

Robust Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts a healthy organic matter content of 2.63%, significantly outperforming the state average of 2.22%. With an available water capacity of 0.188 in/in, the soil is naturally equipped for high productivity.

Healthy Water Movement

The combination of 20.5% sand and a high water capacity suggests a soil that drains well but still retains moisture for plants. This balance is ideal for both agriculture and residential gardening projects.

Garden-Ready in Zone 6b

With its excellent pH and high organic matter, Ottawa County is a gardener's dream in zone 6b. From heirloom vegetables to vibrant flower beds, almost everything thrives in this well-balanced soil.

Lawn Care in Ottawa County

via LawnByCounty

Managing high-stress lawns in Ottawa

With a lawn difficulty score of 51.2, Ottawa County presents more challenges than most of Kansas. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region must deal with significantly more drought stress than the state average. Success requires a proactive approach to water management and species selection.

Hot summers and adequate rainfall

The county receives a healthy 31.0 inches of annual rainfall, which meets the basic needs of most lawns. However, 69 extreme heat days and 4195 growing degree days create high evaporation rates that can quickly deplete soil moisture. Mowing during the cooler parts of the day and leaving clippings on the lawn helps protect the soil.

Balanced pH and clay soil

The soil pH is 6.57, sitting comfortably within the ideal range for nutrient absorption. With a mix of 24.5% clay and 20.5% sand, the soil provides a decent balance of water retention and structure. This foundation is excellent for grass growth, provided that the high heat doesn't bake the surface too hard.

Facing significant drought history

Ottawa County has struggled with 36 weeks of drought over the past year, among the highest in the state. While current readings show 0% of the area in drought, the historical frequency suggests that dry spells return often. Investing in smart irrigation or drought-tolerant landscaping is a wise move for local homeowners.

Seeding for success in Zone 6b

Bermudagrass or heat-tolerant Tall Fescue are recommended to handle the 69 days of intense heat. Aim for a planting window between the last frost on April 20 and the first frost on October 19. Starting your lawn in early spring allows it to establish the deep roots necessary to survive the frequent drought cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ottawa County's county score?
Ottawa County, Kansas has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Ottawa County rank among counties in Kansas?
Ottawa County ranks #23 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 Ottawa County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Ottawa County is $2,651, with an effective tax rate of 1.62%. This earns Ottawa County a tax score of 9.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ottawa County?
The median household income in Ottawa County, Kansas is $76,755 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ottawa County earns an income score of 79.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ottawa County, Kansas a good place to live?
Ottawa County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Ottawa 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 Ottawa County with other counties side by side.