CountyScore

Pottawatomie County

Kansas · KS

#15 in Kansas
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Pottawatomie County, Kansas

Pottawatomie Leads National Rankings

Pottawatomie County's composite score of 68.4 towers 37% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's most livable counties. This commanding lead reflects exceptional performance on tax burden and income metrics that define true quality of life.

Kansas's Standout Performer

With a score of 68.4, Pottawatomie ranks above Kansas's average of 66.0 and places among the state's top performers across its 105 counties. This positioning makes Pottawatomie the livability leader in this county cohort by a clear margin.

Exceptional Tax and Income Profile

Pottawatomie's tax score of 71.1 and income score of 40.6 are standout strengths, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 1.11% and median household income of $87,694. These figures significantly exceed state and county peer averages, creating genuine financial advantage for residents.

Higher Housing Costs Offset Gains

Pottawatomie's cost score of 73.3 trails its tax and income strengths, with median home values at $223,000 and rents at $1,011 monthly—substantially above rural county norms. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, though the income advantage likely supports quality education and services.

Premium Choice for Professionals

Pottawatomie County suits higher-earning families and professionals who value low taxes, strong incomes, and willingness to pay for housing quality. This is Kansas's livability standout—a county where financial strength and favorable tax policy create measurable advantage.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.1Cost73.3SafetyComing SoonHealth78.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.6Risk69.1WaterComing Soon
🏛71.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡69.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pottawatomie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Pottawatomie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pottawatomie County

via TaxByCounty

Pottawatomie has lowest county tax rate

At just 1.110%, Pottawatomie County ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in the nation, falling well below the national median effective rate of 1.549%. This exceptional rate places residents in the 15th percentile nationally—meaning they pay significantly less in property taxes than most Americans.

Kansas's most tax-friendly county

Pottawatomie's effective rate of 1.110% ranks as the lowest in Kansas, falling 0.439 percentage points below the state average of 1.549%. Despite this favorable rate, its median property tax of $2,475 exceeds most counties due to higher median home values ($223,000).

Clear tax advantage in region

Pottawatomie's 1.110% rate is substantially lower than any neighboring county examined, with the next-best rates—Rice County (1.551%) and Phillips County (1.697%)—running 44 and 59 basis points higher. This gives Pottawatomie residents a distinct tax advantage.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Pottawatomie County home valued at $223,000 generates approximately $2,475 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,935; without one, it drops to $1,823.

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 Pottawatomie County

via CostByCounty

Pottawatomie: Higher incomes, higher costs

Pottawatomie County residents earn a median household income of $87,694—17% above the national median of $74,755—and spend 13.8% of that income on rent, below the national affordability ceiling. The county's higher incomes absorb its above-average housing costs, making it more accessible than raw rent figures suggest.

Kansas's most affluent housing market

Pottawatomie County boasts the highest median household income of any county in this analysis and ranks as one of Kansas's most affluent markets. Its 13.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, reflecting the economic strength of the region.

Premium pricing for premium incomes

Pottawatomie's $1,011 monthly rent and $1,104 owner costs are the highest in the regional comparison, but the county's median household income of $87,694 is also the region's strongest. Home values of $223,000 reflect a substantially more developed market than surrounding rural counties.

Higher-income households pay proportionally less

Renters in Pottawatomie County pay $1,011 monthly while homeowners invest $1,104, but both remain manageable at 13.8% and 15% of household income respectively. The county's $223,000 median home value allows homeowners to build equity faster than in lower-value markets.

Pottawatomie attracts upwardly mobile families

If you're seeking a Kansas county with strong job markets and higher incomes, Pottawatomie County delivers both, with housing costs that remain proportionally affordable for higher earners. The region's economic momentum makes it a strategic choice for career-focused relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pottawatomie County

via IncomeByCounty

Pottawatomie outearns the nation

Pottawatomie County's median household income of $87,694 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $13,000, positioning it firmly in the upper-income tier nationally. This achievement reflects the county's proximity to Fort Riley military installation and stronger economic diversification.

Kansas's income leader by far

At $87,694, Pottawatomie County's median household income ranks highest among all Kansas counties profiled here and significantly surpasses the state average of $64,428. The county's per capita income of $37,341 also tops peers, demonstrating broad-based economic strength across the population.

Far ahead of surrounding counties

Pottawatomie County earns $20,000 to $34,000 more than adjacent counties like Riley, Geary, and Wabaunsee, reflecting its unique economic positioning. This income advantage stems largely from military presence and related employment opportunities unavailable to neighbors.

Strong income supports higher costs

While Pottawatomie's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% remains healthy, median home values of $223,000 represent the highest in this group and reflect elevated local costs. Higher incomes align well with these expenses, maintaining affordability for homebuyers despite rapid property appreciation.

Advanced wealth strategies for leaders

Pottawatomie County's above-average incomes create opportunities for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments and real estate. Consult a fee-only financial planner about tax-advantaged strategies, investment portfolios, and long-term wealth accumulation suitable for your higher income bracket.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pottawatomie County

via HealthByCounty

Pottawatomie residents live longest in region

At 78.7 years, Pottawatomie County's life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 75.4 years by over 3 years—a significant advantage. Just 12.8% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among peer counties, reflecting strong overall wellness.

Kansas's healthiest county by longevity

Pottawatomie County's 78.7-year life expectancy far exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, and its 7.5% uninsured rate is the lowest statewide compared to 11.5%. This county is a health leader within Kansas.

Good access, but mental health lag

Pottawatomie County maintains 74 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, adequate for a rural county. However, mental health provider availability at 38 per 100,000 lags most neighbors, creating a gap in behavioral health access.

Nearly all Pottawatomie residents insured

With only 7.5% uninsured, Pottawatomie County achieves near-universal coverage—the best in the region. Residents enjoy broad access to primary care, though those needing mental health services may face longer wait times or limited local options.

Stay covered with regular enrollment checks

If you're among Pottawatomie County's uninsured 7.5%, healthcare.gov offers enrollment year-round, and Kansas Medicaid covers eligible families. Review your coverage annually to maintain the health security your neighbors enjoy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pottawatomie County

via RiskByCounty

Pottawatomie sits at very low national risk

With a composite risk score of 30.88, Pottawatomie County ranks just slightly above Kansas's state average of 29.89 and earns a Very Low national risk rating. The county's overall disaster exposure remains lower than the typical U.S. county.

Middle-of-road Kansas county for hazards

Pottawatomie ranks near the state average among Kansas counties, with wildfire risk driving much of its exposure at a notable 90.74. This wildfire score significantly outpaces the county's other hazard exposures, making vegetation management a critical local concern.

Wildfire threat stands out in the region

Pottawatomie's composite risk of 30.88 is nearly identical to nearby Pawnee County (31.62), but its wildfire score of 90.74 is substantially higher than both Pawnee's (55.12) and Rawlins's (36.77). This reflects unique local wildfire vulnerability in the county.

Wildfire dominates; tornado threat is real

Wildfire risk is exceptional at 90.74, making it the county's dominant hazard concern and well above state norms. Tornado exposure is also notable at 57.47, while flood risk remains moderate at 33.97.

Wildfire preparedness is essential here

Pottawatomie residents must prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and invest in defensible space—removing trees and brush within 100 feet of structures. Ensure your policy includes coverage for wind damage from tornadoes and review your roof and siding materials for fire resistance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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