countyscore
58.8
County Score
Safety 85.8Cost of Living 82.9Schools 64.8

County Report Card

About Phillips County, Kansas

Beating the National Median

Phillips County earns an impressive 58.8 composite score, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural community on the national stage.

A Northern Kansas Standout

The county significantly outperforms the state average score of 49.5. It serves as a regional leader by providing a high standard of living for its residents.

Unmatched Safety and Affordability

The county boasts an exceptional Safety Score of 85.8 and a Cost Score of 82.9. Median home values are under $95,000, making it one of the most affordable regions in the state.

Addressing Infrastructure and Taxes

The Tax Score of 7.2 reflects a 1.697% effective tax rate that weighs on local budgets. Furthermore, the Water Score of 27.1 suggests that water quality or access is a local development priority.

Perfect for Safety-First Families

This county is a premier choice for families seeking peace of mind and low housing costs. The median gross rent of $621 makes it exceptionally attractive for those prioritizing financial security.

204060801007.282.985.85264.842.959.527.136.8Tax7.2Cost82.9Safety85.8Health52Schools64.8Income42.9Risk59.5Water27.1Weather36.858.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Phillips County DNA

Foverall

How Phillips County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Phillips County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.2-44.8
Cost
82.9+34.900000000000006
Safety
85.8+30.799999999999997
Health
52
Schools
64.8+10.799999999999997
Income
42.9-8.100000000000001
Risk
59.5+12.5
Water
27.1-30.9
Weather
36.8-19.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Phillips County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$621/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,235/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Harlan County
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69
Franklin County
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68.2
Norton County
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64.2
Smith County
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Rooks County
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Furnas County
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Graham County
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Osborne County
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56.7

Deep Dives

Phillips County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Phillips County

via TaxByCounty

Phillips below national property tax median

Phillips County's effective rate of 1.697% sits well below the national median of 1.549%, placing residents in the favorable 40th percentile for property tax burden nationwide. This means most American homeowners pay a higher percentage of home value in taxes.

Among Kansas's lower-tax counties

At 1.697%, Phillips County ranks below the Kansas state average of 1.549% in effective rate, with a median property tax of $1,607—$336 less than the statewide median of $1,943. This positions Phillips as one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state.

Competitive regional tax environment

Phillips's 1.697% rate matches Republic County exactly, and trails both Pawnee County (1.789%) and Pratt County (1.763%). Among northwestern Kansas counties, Phillips offers more modest tax obligations than several neighbors.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Phillips County home valued at $94,700 generates roughly $1,607 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount rises to $1,949; without one, it drops to $1,372.

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 Phillips County

via CostByCounty

Phillips offers rare Kansas affordability bargain

Phillips County residents spend just 12.2% of income on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold and notably better than Kansas's 14.7% state average. Despite a median household income of $61,235, which trails the national median of $74,755, Phillips delivers some of the best housing value in the state.

Among Kansas's most affordable counties

Phillips County ranks as one of Kansas's most affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 2.5 percentage points. Its $621 monthly rent is the lowest among the counties in this region, attracting budget-conscious renters.

Lowest rents in the comparison set

Phillips County's $621 rent significantly undercuts all neighboring counties in this analysis, from Pawnee ($806) to Republic ($638). Owner costs of $690 also rank among the region's most affordable, making Phillips a standout value play.

Rent-friendly with low home values

Renters in Phillips County dedicate about $621 monthly to housing, while homeowners invest $690 per month on ownership costs with median home values of $94,700. Both pathways consume well under 15% of the median household income, leaving more room in household budgets.

Remote workers should explore Phillips

If housing costs are your biggest relocation concern, Phillips County delivers exceptional affordability combined with lower income requirements than most U.S. counties. Pair it with remote work income and you'll find extraordinary financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Phillips County

via IncomeByCounty

Phillips lags behind national income

Phillips County's median household income of $61,235 falls roughly $13,500 short of the national median of $74,755. This represents one of the steeper gaps among Kansas counties, reflecting the economic challenges of rural northwestern plains communities.

Below-average income in Kansas

Phillips County ranks below Kansas's median household income of $64,428, placing it in the lower third of the state's counties. The per capita income of $34,887 closely matches the state average of $34,748, suggesting income is fairly distributed across the population.

Among the lower earners regionally

Phillips County's $61,235 median household income ranks among the lowest in its region, with only Republic County ($53,611) earning less nearby. Rawlins ($65,000) and Pawnee ($63,625) counties outpace Phillips, highlighting economic disparities across northwestern Kansas.

Excellent housing affordability

Phillips County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this group at 12.2%, meaning residents dedicate just over one-tenth of earnings to rent. This exceptional affordability is bolstered by median home values of $94,700, making housing one of the county's economic strengths despite modest overall incomes.

Leverage affordable living to invest

With housing costs consuming less than 13% of income, Phillips County residents have significant capacity to save and invest. Build an emergency fund, explore employer retirement plans, and consider working with a financial counselor to develop a personalized wealth strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Phillips County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Phillips County

Phillips County boasts an incredible safety score of 99.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 322.5 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Kansas Safety

With a 99.5 safety score, Phillips County significantly exceeds the state average of 98.0. Data comes from a single reporting agency, so while the numbers are excellent, they reflect a specific local snapshot.

Phillips County Leads Its Regional Peers

The local crime rate of 322.5 per 100K is much lower than Rawlins County's rate of 668.2. Phillips stands out as one of the safest jurisdictions in the entire state of Kansas.

Violent Crime Outpaces Property Incidents

In a rare trend, the violent crime rate of 241.9 per 100K is higher than the property crime rate of 80.6. Despite this unusual ratio, the total number of incidents remains extremely low overall.

Maintaining a Secure Local Community

Even in high-safety areas, basic precautions like locking vehicles and garages are essential. Community awareness remains the best tool for keeping Phillips County's crime rates near zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Phillips County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options in North Central Kansas

Phillips County supports 808 students across seven public schools and three distinct districts. The network features two elementary, three middle, and two high schools, providing specialized facilities for different age groups. This distribution across multiple districts offers families several distinct educational paths.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

Phillips County boasts an impressive 89.9% graduation rate, surpassing both the Kansas average of 88.7% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $9,322, which is slightly higher than the state average of $9,009. These results contribute to a solid composite school score of 58.5.

Phillipsburg and Thunder Ridge Lead the Way

The Phillipsburg district is the largest, educating 576 students across three schools. Thunder Ridge Schools follow with 177 students, while the Logan district serves 132 learners. Public education remains traditional here, as 100% of schools are non-charter institutions.

Intimate Learning in a Rural Setting

Education in Phillips County feels personal, with an average school size of just 115 students across four rural and three town locales. Phillipsburg Elementary is the largest campus with 218 students, while Thunder Ridge Middle School maintains a small-school feel with 64 students. The high ratio of middle schools ensures students receive focused attention during critical transitional years.

Relocate for High-Performance Education

The strong graduation rates in Phillipsburg and Logan make this county an attractive destination for families seeking academic reliability. Finding a home near these top-performing districts ensures your children benefit from a system that beats state averages. Consider the local school district's reputation as a key factor in your home-buying strategy.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Phillips County

via RiskByCounty

Phillips County: slightly elevated but still low risk

Phillips County's composite risk score of 40.52 places it above Kansas's state average of 29.89 and in the Very Low national risk category. Despite this above-average rating, the county remains safer than most U.S. counties when it comes to natural disaster exposure.

Upper-middle Kansas county for disaster risk

Among Kansas counties, Phillips ranks higher than average, driven primarily by wildfire and tornado hazards scoring 58.27 and 56.52 respectively. The county sits in the top tier for non-flood, non-earthquake perils across the state.

Riskier than Rawlins, safer than Pratt

Phillips County's 40.52 composite risk sits between Rawlins County (4.83) and Pratt County (54.83), reflecting moderate exposure to the region's characteristic storm and fire hazards. Its wildfire score of 58.27 is notably higher than Rawlins's 36.77.

Wildfire and tornado threats are substantial

Wildfires emerge as the leading hazard with a risk score of 58.27, followed closely by tornadoes at 56.52—both well above the county's composite average. Flood risk is low at 20.01, and earthquake activity is minimal at 18.48.

Bundle wind, fire, and storm coverage

Phillips County homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for tornado damage and wildfire risk, with particular emphasis on roof and structural protection. Defensible space around your home—clearing brush and dead vegetation—is essential given the elevated wildfire exposure in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Phillips County

via WaterByCounty

Three Health Violations Signal Quality Concerns

Phillips County receives a Water Quality Grade of F due to 3 health violations recorded by the EPA. The county's violation rate of 79.3 per 100K residents is much better than the state average of 313.4, yet any health violation impacts the overall safety score. Compliance remains a critical area for local water systems.

Local Water Bodies Await Federal Assessment

Water bodies in Phillips County are not currently assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No data on impairment causes or attainment percentages exists in the current reporting cycle. This lack of federal reporting makes it difficult to gauge overall watershed health.

Limited Monitoring Data for Phillips County

No monitoring records or active sites appear in the federal Water Quality Portal for Phillips County over the past five years. Without these federal records, there is no public data regarding nutrient or inorganic levels in local streams. Monitoring infrastructure appears concentrated in other regions of the state.

Prairie Dog Creek Runs Dry

The USGS gauge at Prairie Dog Creek near Woodruff shows a current discharge of 0 cfs. This is a total drop from the long-term mean of 22 cfs, placing the creek at 0% of its typical flow. Zero flow conditions can significantly impact local ecology and groundwater recharge.

Watch Your Water in Dry Conditions

The combination of an F grade for drinking water and dry stream conditions suggests residents should be cautious about water quality. When surface flows like Prairie Dog Creek disappear, contaminants can become more concentrated in the water table. Regular testing of private wells is recommended when federal monitoring is absent.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Phillips County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical mid-continental temperatures

Phillips County averages 52.7°F annually, which is close to the national median for the interior United States. Its 24.8 inches of annual precipitation reflect a transition toward the drier High Plains.

Cooler than the Kansas state average

The county's 52.7°F average is over two degrees cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. This northern location results in a winter average of 29.1°F, significantly colder than counties further south.

Drier than neighboring eastern counties

Phillips receives 24.8 inches of rain, nearly 10 inches less than Pottawatomie County to the east. However, its 19.6 inches of snowfall exceed Pawnee County's total by over four inches.

Sixty-six days of extreme heat

The county faces 66 days above 90°F, even with its cooler northern latitude. Summers average 76.3°F, while January is the coldest point with a 27.2°F average.

Plan for snow and sun

Homeowners should prioritize insulation to manage the 29.1°F winter average and almost 20 inches of snow. Drought-resistant landscaping is ideal given the below-average annual precipitation of 24.8 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Phillips County

via SoilByCounty

Higher pH in Phillips County

Phillips County reports an average soil pH of 7.06, placing it above both the Kansas average of 6.80 and the national median of 6.5. This slightly alkaline profile is common for Western Kansas and generally supports local row crops. While specific taxonomic orders aren't recorded here, the pH indicates a mineral-rich environment.

Rich Silt for Better Workability

The soil is dominated by silt at 53.1%, paired with 24.7% sand and 22.1% clay. This high silt ratio creates a fertile texture that is easier to plow than heavy clay but holds more water than sand. This mix provides an ideal balance for moisture retention and root penetration.

Strong Water Retention Potential

At 1.99%, the organic matter content nearly hits the national 2.0% average but lags behind the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity is impressive at 0.188 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.180. This means the soil acts like a sponge, keeping plants hydrated during dry spells.

Navigating Local Drainage

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, the county's soil score of 55.1 aligns closely with the state average of 55.4. The high silt and clay content suggests that water moves through the profile at a moderate rate. Local gardeners should watch for drainage patterns during heavy spring rains.

Gardening in Zone 6a

Phillips County is situated in Hardiness Zone 6a, allowing for a wide variety of cool and warm-season crops. The silty, water-retaining soil is perfect for growing sunflowers, corn, or deep-rooted prairie grasses. Whether you are farming or backyard gardening, these soils are ready for production.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Phillips County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growing Conditions in North-Central Kansas

Phillips County scores 51.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it near the national median but well below the Kansas state average of 59.1. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, lawns here face cold winters and significant summer heat. Success requires a proactive approach to moisture management and temperature stress.

Low Moisture and High Heat Stress

Annual precipitation averages 24.8 inches, which is nearly six inches below the state average and well under the 30-inch ideal minimum. The county experiences 66 extreme heat days annually, putting significant stress on cool-season grasses during the 3,694 growing degree days. Gardeners must prioritize efficient irrigation to bridge the gap between rainfall and plant needs.

Balanced Soils for Hardworking Lawns

Soil pH in Phillips County is slightly alkaline at 7.06, which is just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range but still manageable for most turf. The soil makeup is 22.1% clay and 24.7% sand, creating a texture that holds moisture reasonably well without becoming waterlogged. Regular core aeration can help improve oxygen flow to roots in these clay-influenced soils.

Widespread Dryness Demands Caution

With 25 weeks spent in drought over the last year and 58.9% of the county currently under D0 status, water conservation is critical. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation while ensuring the lawn receives at least one inch of water per week. Dormancy is a natural defense mechanism during these prolonged dry spells.

Planting for Success in Zone 6a

Hardy grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or drought-tolerant Buffalo grass thrive best in this region. Your primary growing window opens after the April 30 spring frost and closes with the arrival of the first frost on October 16. Fall seeding is highly recommended to give young grass time to mature before the summer sun intensifies.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phillips County's county score?
Phillips County, Kansas has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Phillips County rank among counties in Kansas?
Phillips County ranks #18 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 Phillips County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Phillips County is $1,607, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Phillips County a tax score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Phillips County?
The median household income in Phillips County, Kansas is $61,235 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Phillips County earns an income score of 42.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Phillips County, Kansas a good place to live?
Phillips County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Phillips 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 Phillips County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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