countyscore
47.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 68.4Health 60.7Schools 58.6

County Report Card

About Pawnee County, Kansas

A Stable Heartland Anchor

Pawnee County holds a composite score of 47.1, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests a quality of life comparable to many rural counties across the United States.

Matching the Kansas Average

The county's overall score is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 49.5. It maintains a competitive position in Central Kansas through consistent performance across major categories.

Resilience and Health Excellence

The county excels in environmental safety with a Risk Score of 68.4. Residents also benefit from a strong Health Score of 60.7 and solid schools, which earn a 58.6 rating.

High Taxes and Water Concerns

An effective tax rate of 1.789% results in a low Tax Score of 5.3, signaling a significant burden on homeowners. Additionally, the Water Score of 33.6 indicates room for infrastructure improvement.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Buyers

Pawnee County suits families and retirees who value health services and environmental stability. With median home values at $102,400, it remains an accessible option for those entering the market.

Score breakdown

Tax5.3Cost56.3Safety47.6Health60.7Schools58.6Income49.8Risk68.4Water33.6Weather46.3
🏛5.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.8
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pawnee County?

Many homeowners in Pawnee County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Pawnee County with Upson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Upson County
Georgia
Median income: $50,904
47.1
Kane County
Illinois
Median income: $100,678
47.1
Lafourche Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $63,439
47.1
Yalobusha County
Mississippi
Median income: $49,171
47.1
Herkimer County
New York
Median income: $68,858
47.1
Richmond County
New York
Median income: $98,290
47.1
Hawkins County
Tennessee
Median income: $55,278
47.1
Lake County
Tennessee
Median income: $30,500
47.1

Nearby counties

Edwards County
Kansas
50.4
Rush County
Kansas
42.7
Stafford County
Kansas
56.4
Hodgeman County
Kansas
57.3
Barton County
Kansas
42.2
Ness County
Kansas
60
Pratt County
Kansas
46.8
Kiowa County
Kansas
59

Deep Dives

Pawnee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pawnee County

via TaxByCounty

Pawnee's rate tops national average

At 1.789%, Pawnee County's effective tax rate runs about 15% higher than the national median of 1.549%. This puts the county in roughly the 65th percentile nationally—meaning most American homeowners pay less in property taxes as a percentage of home value.

Middle of the pack in Kansas

Pawnee ranks in the upper-middle tier among Kansas counties, with an effective rate 0.24 percentage points above the state average of 1.549%. The county's median property tax of $1,832 sits $89 below the statewide median of $1,943.

Regional tax rates vary widely

Among nearby counties, Pawnee's 1.789% rate exceeds Phillips County (1.697%) but trails Pratt County (1.763%). Compared to Rawlins County's 1.661%, Pawnee residents shoulder notably higher effective rates for similar-valued homes.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Pawnee County home valued at $102,400 generates about $1,832 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,991; without one, it drops to $1,457.

Review your assessment today

Many Kansas homeowners pay more than they should due to outdated assessments. If your property tax seems high relative to comparable homes, filing an appeal with your county assessor's office could reduce your burden—and the process is free.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pawnee County

via CostByCounty

Pawnee rents stretch incomes further

Pawnee County residents spend 15.2% of their median household income on rent, slightly above Kansas's state average of 14.7% but well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. With a median household income of $63,625—about 15% lower than the national median of $74,755—housing costs here remain more manageable than in many U.S. counties.

Mid-range affordability within Kansas

Pawnee County ranks in the middle tier of Kansas counties for housing affordability, with rent-to-income ratios comparable to the state average. The county's $806 monthly rent slightly exceeds the state median of $787, reflecting modest demand in a rural market.

Slightly pricier than surrounding counties

Pawnee's rent of $806 tops nearby Phillips County ($621) and Republic County ($638), but trails Rawlins County ($823). Owner costs in Pawnee ($827/month) fall between Pratt County's $838 and Phillips County's $690, positioning the county as moderately priced in its region.

Rent and ownership costs are comparable

Renters in Pawnee County spend about $806 monthly while homeowners pay $827, a near-equal split that reflects balanced housing options. With median home values at $102,400, both rental and ownership pathways consume roughly 15% of household income.

Consider Pawnee for rural stability

If you're relocating to rural Kansas, Pawnee County offers stable, near-affordable housing with costs close to state norms. Compare it with neighboring Phillips County for lower rents or Pratt County for similar price points before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pawnee County

via IncomeByCounty

Pawnee's income falls short nationally

Pawnee County's median household income of $63,625 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by over $11,000 annually. This gap puts the county in the lower half of American income distribution, though not unusually so for rural Kansas. Understanding this context helps residents benchmark their earning power against national standards.

Slightly below Kansas average

At $63,625, Pawnee County's median household income sits just below Kansas's state average of $64,428, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 105 counties. The county's per capita income of $39,318 significantly outpaces the state average of $34,748, suggesting higher earnings concentration among fewer workers.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Pawnee County earns more than Phillips ($61,235) and Reno ($60,498) counties but less than Pottawatomie ($87,694) and Rawlins ($65,000). Among rural Kansas neighbors, Pawnee holds steady in the middle range, reflecting its mixed agricultural and small-business economy.

Housing remains comfortably affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2%, Pawnee County residents spend well under the recommended 30% threshold for housing costs, indicating strong affordability. Median home values of $102,400 align closely with annual household earnings, making homeownership financially accessible for most families.

Build on Pawnee's income foundation

Pawnee County's solid per capita income and affordable housing create an ideal foundation for wealth building through savings and investment. Consider consulting a financial advisor about retirement accounts, home equity strategies, and diversifying income streams to close the national earnings gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pawnee County

via CrimeByCounty

Pawnee County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Pawnee County reports a total crime rate of 1,176.9 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

Staying Above the Kansas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.1 sits just above the Kansas state average of 98.0. Residents here experience a more secure environment than many of their peers across the state.

Comparing Crime Rates with Kansas Neighbors

At 1,176.9 incidents per 100K, Pawnee County has a higher crime rate than nearby Pottawatomie County, which sits at 934.0. However, it remains significantly safer than more populous regional neighbors.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Violent crime in Pawnee is 302.2 per 100K, while property crime is much higher at 874.7. Most incidents involve theft or burglary rather than physical confrontations.

Practical Steps for Pawnee Residents

With property crime as the main concern, simple upgrades like smart locks and outdoor lighting make a big difference. Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity helps maintain the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pawnee County

via HealthByCounty

Pawnee lives slightly longer than America

Pawnee County residents live to 75.6 years on average, edging out the U.S. life expectancy of 75.4 years. Just 15.1% report poor or fair health, suggesting relatively resilient well-being despite rural challenges.

Above-average health in rural Kansas

Pawnee County outperforms Kansas's state average life expectancy of 75.4 years and matches the state's uninsured rate at 10.0% versus the state average of 11.5%. This county is among Kansas's healthier rural communities.

Strong provider access sets Pawnee apart

Pawnee County boasts 96 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—far above rural averages—and 620 mental health providers per 100,000. This robust supply far exceeds neighboring Phillips County's 21 primary care providers and 210 mental health providers.

One in ten Pawnee residents uninsured

With a 10.0% uninsured rate, Pawnee County means roughly 1 in 10 residents lacks health coverage. Strong provider availability helps those with insurance access care quickly, but gaps remain for the uninsured.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among Pawnee County's uninsured, healthcare.gov and Kansas's Medicaid programs offer pathways to coverage. Contact your local health department or a navigator to explore plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pawnee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Network

Pawnee County operates five public schools across two school districts, serving a total of 1,004 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, creating a streamlined pipeline for local families. This concentrated footprint ensures a high level of community focus within the rural landscape.

High Investment with Room for Growth

The county invests $11,376 per pupil, significantly outspending the Kansas state average of $9,009. While the 85.0% graduation rate trails the state average of 88.7%, the county achieves a strong school score of 60.3, exceeding the state benchmark. These metrics suggest a robust financial commitment to student success.

Ft Larned Leads Local Enrollment

The Ft Larned district dominates the local education scene with three schools and 864 students. Pawnee Heights serves a smaller cohort of 140 students across two facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all public education managed through these two traditional districts.

Small Classes in a Town and Country Mix

With an average school size of 201 students, Pawnee County offers an intimate learning environment across three rural and two town locations. Fort Larned Elementary is the largest hub with 431 students, while Pawnee Heights Primary provides highly personalized instruction for just 9 students. This mix of settings offers families a choice between small-town hubs and quiet rural outposts.

Putting Down Roots Near Larned Schools

Families looking for a community that prioritizes per-pupil spending should explore homes within the Ft Larned district. The proximity of high-ranking elementary and secondary schools makes this area a stable choice for long-term residency. Use local school performance as a guide when evaluating your next real estate investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pawnee County

via RiskByCounty

Pawnee's risk profile: very low nationally

With a composite risk score of 31.62, Pawnee County sits slightly above the state average of 29.89 and well below the national baseline, earning a Very Low risk rating. This means residents face lower-than-typical exposure to major natural disasters compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Mid-range hazard exposure in Kansas

Pawnee ranks in the middle tier of Kansas counties for overall disaster risk, positioned comfortably below high-risk counties but with notably elevated tornado and wildfire exposure. The county's 55.28 tornado score and 55.12 wildfire score are the primary drivers of its composite risk.

More exposed than Republic, less than Pratt

Pawnee's risk score of 31.62 falls between Republic County (18.92, one of Kansas's safest) and Pratt County (54.83, significantly higher). Compared to nearby Rawlins County at 4.83, Pawnee residents face notably greater tornado and wildfire risk.

Tornados and wildfires dominate the landscape

Tornadoes present the highest hazard exposure at 55.28, while wildfires rank a close second at 55.12—both notably above the county's overall composite score. Flooding risk is minimal at 20.71, and earthquakes are essentially non-threatening at 19.85.

Prepare for Kansas's classic spring storms

Pawnee residents should prioritize severe storm and tornado coverage in their homeowners insurance, with particular attention to wind damage protection. Create or refresh a tornado safety plan and ensure your property can withstand high winds; storm shelters or reinforced interior rooms are critical investments in tornado country.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pawnee County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Pawnee County maintains an average annual temperature of 55.6°F, placing it above the national median for continental climates. Its semiarid conditions mean drier air and more direct sunlight than many coastal counties.

Exceeding the Kansas average temperature

With an annual average of 55.6°F, the county sits nearly a full degree above the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It also receives 26.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is four inches less than the state benchmark.

A warm pocket in central Kansas

Pawnee is slightly warmer than its neighbor Pratt County to the south, which averages 55.2°F. It experiences 68 extreme heat days per year, two more than the 66 days recorded in neighboring Phillips County.

Intense summers and moderate winters

July brings a sweltering average of 79.3°F, while January stays relatively mild at 32.4°F. The county sees an average of 15.4 inches of snowfall each year, which is typical for the central plains.

Prepare for significant summer heat

Residents must plan for 68 days of temperatures over 90°F, making high-efficiency cooling systems a necessity. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the winter months, when the average temperature remains a manageable 34.1°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pawnee County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Pawnee County

Pawnee County soils lean neutral with an average pH of 7.03, slightly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Kansas average of 6.80. While formal taxonomic records are limited here, these neutral levels suggest a hospitable environment for most standard crops. This stability provides a solid foundation for the county's agricultural output.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil composition features a balanced mix of 45.3% silt, 34.7% sand, and 20.0% clay. This high silt content offers a smooth texture that retains nutrients better than sandy soils while maintaining manageable workability. The moderate clay percentage helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly during hot Kansas summers.

Reliable Water Storage Capacities

Organic matter sits at 1.87%, which is slightly below the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in beats the state average of 0.180, indicating the soil holds onto moisture effectively. Growers should focus on building organic matter to maximize the land's inherent storage potential.

Adapting to Local Hydrology

Specific drainage class data is limited for this region, though the soil score of 51.8 suggests moderate overall performance. The silt-heavy composition typically suggests decent natural drainage with some risk of surface crusting. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables when planning significant land projects.

Flourishing in Zone 6b

Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Pawnee County is well-suited for winter wheat, sorghum, and hardy perennials. The combination of neutral pH and reliable water capacity makes this an excellent spot for a home vegetable garden. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pawnee County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Pawnee County's Mid-Range Lawn Challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 54.8, Pawnee County presents a slightly tougher environment than the Kansas average of 59.1. While it remains above the national median of 50.0, homeowners in this Zone 6b region must account for higher-than-average heat levels. Maintaining lush turf here requires a balance of heat-tolerant species and consistent care.

Beating the Heat and Low Rainfall

Pawnee County receives only 26.1 inches of annual precipitation, falling short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most lawns. Local grass must endure 68 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 58 days. With 4,115 growing degree days, the mowing season is intense and demands regular irrigation to prevent dormancy.

Neutral Soils with Moderate Drainage

The soil pH in Pawnee County sits at a near-perfect 7.03, aligning well with the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The ground contains 20.0% clay and 34.7% sand, providing a stable foundation that isn't overly heavy. While drainage class data is limited, this texture generally offers decent aeration for developing root systems.

Managing Water During Dry Spells

Homeowners navigated 10 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show no immediate D0 to D2+ alerts. To maintain resilience, deep and infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain essential moisture during those 68 annual scorchers.

Strategic Planting for Zone 6b

Tall fescue and buffalo grass are excellent choices for this climate, offering the best resistance to the local heat. Aim to seed after the last frost on April 16 or prepare for winter before the first frost hits around October 27. Starting your lawn project in early fall allows roots to establish before the summer heat returns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pawnee County's county score?
Pawnee County, Kansas has a composite county score of 47.1 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 Pawnee County rank among counties in Kansas?
Pawnee County ranks #67 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 Pawnee County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Pawnee County is $1,832, with an effective tax rate of 1.79%. This earns Pawnee County a tax score of 5.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pawnee County?
The median household income in Pawnee County, Kansas is $63,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pawnee County earns an income score of 49.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pawnee County, Kansas a good place to live?
Pawnee County scores 47.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Pawnee 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 Pawnee 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.