countyscore
46.8
County Score
Safety 71.8Lawn Care 60.6Health 55.5

County Report Card

About Pratt County, Kansas

A Traditional Rural Profile

Pratt County holds a composite score of 46.8, which is slightly below the national median of 50.0. It functions as a classic agricultural hub with stable community metrics.

Competitive Within Kansas

The county trails the Kansas average of 49.5 by a small margin. It remains a viable option for those looking for a balanced rural lifestyle in the southern part of the state.

Safe Streets and Solid Healthcare

Safety is the county's primary asset, earning a high score of 71.8. It also maintains a respectable Health Score of 55.5 and a median household income of $64,348.

Water Scarcity and Taxes

A critical Water Score of 7.1 is the county's most significant hurdle. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.763% keeps the Tax Score at a low 5.8.

Best for Community-Minded Residents

Pratt County appeals most to individuals who value personal safety and a tight-knit community feel. It is a good fit for those who can navigate the local resource and tax constraints.

Score breakdown

Tax5.8Cost54.6Safety71.8Health55.5Schools42.8Income51.5Risk45.2Water7.1Weather45.2
🏛5.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.6
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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Compare Pratt County with Dillingham Census Area →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Stafford County
Kansas
56.4
Barber County
Kansas
50.1
Kingman County
Kansas
48.9
Edwards County
Kansas
50.4
Kiowa County
Kansas
59
Reno County
Kansas
34.7
Pawnee County
Kansas
47.1
Rice County
Kansas
54.7

Deep Dives

Pratt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pratt County

via TaxByCounty

Pratt's rate runs above national average

Pratt County's effective tax rate of 1.763% exceeds the national median of 1.549% by 214 basis points, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationwide. This means most American homeowners benefit from lower property tax rates than Pratt residents experience.

Among highest-taxed Kansas counties

At 1.763%, Pratt County ranks second-highest among these eight counties, trailing only Pawnee's 1.789%. The county's effective rate runs 0.214 percentage points above the Kansas state average of 1.549%, with a median property tax of $2,019.

Higher rates than most regional peers

Pratt's 1.763% rate exceeds Rawlins County (1.661%), Reno County (1.744%), and most others in the region. Only Pawnee County comes close, making Pratt one of the pricier places to own property in west-central Kansas.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Pratt County home valued at $114,500 generates approximately $2,019 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount rises to $2,045; without one, it drops to $2,000.

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 Pratt County

via CostByCounty

Pratt balances incomes and housing costs

Pratt County residents spend 15.1% of their $64,348 median household income on rent, slightly above Kansas's state average of 14.7% but comfortably below the national 30% affordability threshold. Though household incomes trail the national median of $74,755 by 14%, housing remains reasonably accessible.

Middle-ground affordability in Kansas

Pratt County ranks in the moderate tier of Kansas counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just 0.4 points above the state average. Its $810 monthly rent slightly exceeds the state median of $787, reflecting typical rural Kansas pricing.

Highest owner costs in the region

Pratt County's $810 rent sits between Pawnee County ($806) and Rawlins County ($823), but its $838 monthly owner cost is the highest in the regional comparison. Median home values of $114,500 position Pratt as moderately valued for homebuyers.

Renters and owners pay similar amounts

Pratt County renters spend $810 monthly while homeowners invest $838, a minimal difference that reflects balanced housing options for both cohorts. With a median home value of $114,500, both pathways consume roughly 15% of household income.

Steady choice for moderate-income families

Pratt County offers predictable, middle-range housing costs for families earning around $64,000 annually, with both rental and ownership pathways equally viable. Compare it with lower-cost Phillips County or higher-income Pottawatomie County to find your fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pratt County

via IncomeByCounty

Pratt trails national earning levels

Pratt County's median household income of $64,348 sits roughly $10,400 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationwide. Like much of rural Kansas, the county faces income headwinds relative to more urbanized U.S. regions.

Slightly above Kansas middle

Pratt County's $64,348 median household income marginally exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428, positioning it just above the middle of the state's income distribution. Per capita income of $33,584 falls below the state average of $34,748, suggesting wealth concentration among fewer households.

Competitive within south-central Kansas

Pratt County's $64,348 income exceeds Reno ($60,498) and Rice ($63,947) counties but trails Rawlins ($65,000) and Pawnee ($63,625) in the regional comparison. The county maintains steady middle-ground status within its economic peers.

Affordable housing supports budgets

Pratt County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% keeps housing costs well below the 30% threshold, leaving substantial room in household budgets for other expenses. Median home values of $114,500 align reasonably with annual household income, supporting accessible homeownership.

Start building financial security now

With comfortable housing affordability, Pratt County residents can dedicate savings toward emergency reserves and retirement accounts. Work with a local credit union or financial advisor to establish automatic savings plans and explore low-cost investment options tailored to your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pratt County

via CrimeByCounty

Pratt County Safety Score Hits 98.9

Pratt County maintains a total crime rate of 675.8 per 100K, making it significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance translates to a near-perfect safety score of 98.9.

A Top Performer in Kansas Safety

The county's 98.9 safety score easily surpasses the Kansas state average of 98.0. Three local agencies work together to keep crime levels consistently low for residents.

Pratt Matches Its Safest Neighbors

Pratt County's crime rate of 675.8 per 100K is nearly identical to Rawlins County's 668.2. These neighboring regions share a profile of high safety and low incident rates.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime sits at 141.7 per 100K, while property crime is 534.1. Residents are much more likely to encounter property issues than any form of violent incident.

Keeping Your Property Safe

Strong property security, like deadbolts and well-lit entryways, remains the best defense against local theft. Pratt County's low crime rates are maintained through active community participation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pratt County

via HealthByCounty

Pratt matches national life expectancy

Pratt County residents live to 75.7 years, essentially in line with the U.S. average of 75.4 years. However, 16.1% report poor or fair health, indicating wellness challenges despite average longevity.

Slight edge over Kansas average

Pratt County's 75.7-year life expectancy marginally exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, and its 11.1% uninsured rate closely tracks the state average of 11.5%. Health outcomes here mirror statewide patterns.

Solid primary care, limited mental health

Pratt County offers 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, above rural adequacy thresholds. Mental health providers number 110 per 100,000, below many neighbors and suggesting limited access for behavioral health needs.

Coverage gaps affect one in nine

With 11.1% uninsured, roughly 1 in 9 Pratt County residents lack health insurance. Those with coverage access primary care relatively easily, but mental health services require longer waits or travel outside the county.

Don't go without—enrollment is open now

Pratt County residents can sign up for marketplace coverage at healthcare.gov or apply for Kansas Medicaid online. Taking action now protects you from unexpected medical bills and connects you to local primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pratt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Districts in Central Kansas

Pratt County operates six public schools across two school districts, serving 1,599 students. The landscape is balanced between two elementary schools and two high schools, supported by a middle school and one specialized facility. This structure provides a clear, community-driven path from kindergarten through graduation.

Steady Academic Standing and Targeted Spending

Pratt County reports a 52.8 school score and a graduation rate of 85.2%, which sits just below the national average. The county spends $7,856 per pupil, reflecting a leaner budget compared to the Kansas average of $9,009. Educators here focus on core competencies to maximize the impact of every dollar spent.

Pratt District Hub for Student Activity

The Pratt school district is the county's primary provider, educating 1,214 students across four schools. Skyline Schools serve the remaining 385 students in a two-school configuration. The county maintains a 100% traditional public school model with no charter schools currently operating.

A Balance of Town and Rural Learning

Schools are evenly split between three town and three rural locations, with an average enrollment of 267 students. Southwest Elementary in Pratt is the largest campus with 525 students, while Skyline High offers a more intimate setting with 105 students. This diversity allows parents to select a school environment that best fits their child's social and academic needs.

Find Your Community in Pratt County

For families looking for a town-centered lifestyle, properties near Southwest Elementary offer easy access to the county's largest school. The Skyline district provides a more rural alternative with highly personalized class sizes. Use these district boundaries to help narrow down your search for the perfect Kansas home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pratt County

via RiskByCounty

Pratt County faces relatively low national risk

Pratt County's composite risk score of 54.83 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, yet still qualifies as Relatively Low at the national level. The county stands above most Kansas counties but remains safer than many disaster-prone U.S. regions.

One of Kansas's higher-risk counties

Pratt ranks among the top disaster-exposed counties in Kansas, driven by tornado risk scoring 68.58 and wildfire risk at 80.60. These two hazards combine to create one of the state's more challenging disaster environments.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Pratt's composite score of 54.83 is nearly 24 points higher than neighboring Pawnee County (31.62) and substantially above Rawlins County (4.83). The county faces notably greater tornado and wildfire exposure than most of its geographic neighbors.

Tornados and wildfires define the threat

Tornadoes present the most serious hazard at 68.58, followed closely by wildfires at 80.60—both well above the state average. Earthquake risk remains low at 23.54, and flooding is minimal at 15.17.

Storm shelters and fire preparedness are vital

Pratt County residents should invest in a reinforced storm shelter or safe room and ensure comprehensive tornado coverage in their homeowners insurance. Clear vegetation around your property and maintain fire-resistant landscaping, as wildfire risk here exceeds most Kansas counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pratt County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Pratt County's average annual temperature of 55.2°F sits above the national average for temperate zones. It experiences a drier climate with only 27.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Warm and dry southern plains

Pratt's 55.2°F average exceeds the state mark of 54.8°F, reflecting its position in the southern half of Kansas. Rainfall here is lower than the state average of 30.3 inches, totaling 27.6 inches annually.

Similar to its central neighbors

Pratt closely mirrors Pawnee County, though it is slightly cooler at 55.2°F versus 55.6°F. Both counties face exactly 66 to 68 days of extreme heat each year.

Searing summers and light snow

July temperatures average 79.2°F, contributing to 66 days where the mercury hits 90°F or higher. Winter is relatively mild for Kansas, with 15.1 inches of snow and a January average of 31.1°F.

Prepare for long heat waves

With 66 extreme heat days, robust air conditioning is a primary requirement for residents. The 33.1°F winter average means fewer deep freezes than northern Kansas, but winter tires are still useful for the 15.1 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pratt County

via SoilByCounty

Pratt’s Near-Ideal pH Levels

Pratt County soil maintains an average pH of 6.64, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.80 but remains within the 'sweet spot' for most agricultural crops. Such balance ensures that essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen remain chemically available.

Sand-Dominant Soil Structure

Unlike many Kansas counties, Pratt is dominated by sand at 55.6%, with 28.5% silt and 15.9% clay. This creates a very permeable soil that warms up quickly in the spring and is incredibly easy to work. However, this high sand content means water and nutrients can move through the profile rapidly.

Managing Sandy Soil Fertility

Organic matter is lower here at 1.43%, trailing the state average of 2.22% significantly. The available water capacity of 0.148 in/in is also below the state benchmark of 0.180. These factors contribute to a soil score of 44.0, suggesting a need for careful irrigation and organic amendments.

Fast Drainage Challenges

Specific drainage classification data is missing, but the high sand percentage implies rapid drainage and low runoff. This is beneficial for preventing root rot but requires frequent monitoring of soil moisture during dry spells. Farmers in this area must manage water carefully to maintain consistent growth.

Opportunities in Zone 6b

Pratt County falls in Zone 6b, where the fast-warming sandy soils are great for early-season vegetables and melons. While the soil requires more frequent watering and compost, it rewards gardeners with excellent drainage. Consider drought-resistant varieties to thrive in this lighter soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pratt County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing Conditions in Pratt County

Pratt County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 60.6, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in the average Kansas county. Situated in Zone 6b, the area benefits from a climate that is more forgiving than the national average. Gardeners can expect a relatively rewarding experience if they manage the local soil texture correctly.

High Heat and Moderate Precipitation

Annual precipitation of 27.6 inches is slightly below the state average and the ideal 30-inch threshold. With 66 extreme heat days, lawns in Pratt County face more thermal stress than the 58-day Kansas average. Successful lawns rely on the 4,077 growing degree days to flourish but require careful monitoring during the hot July weeks.

Sandy Soils Require Extra Care

Unlike many parts of the state, Pratt County features very sandy soil at 55.6% sand and only 15.9% clay. This high sand content means water and nutrients drain away very quickly, despite a near-ideal soil pH of 6.64. Homeowners should focus on adding organic matter like compost to improve water retention in this porous ground.

Defending Against Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 67.3% of the county is considered abnormally dry, following a year with 11 weeks of drought. Because of the sandy soil, lawns here will show signs of drought stress much faster than in clay-heavy regions. Frequent, light watering may be necessary during dry spells to keep the root zone from dehydrating completely.

Best Grasses for Sandy Zone 6b

Bermuda grass and Zoysia are excellent choices here as they tolerate both the heat and the sandy soil conditions well. Schedule your spring planting after the April 20 frost date to avoid late-season cold snaps. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first frost arrives around October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pratt County's county score?
Pratt County, Kansas has a composite county score of 46.8 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 Pratt County rank among counties in Kansas?
Pratt County ranks #68 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 Pratt County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Pratt County is $2,019, with an effective tax rate of 1.76%. This earns Pratt County a tax score of 5.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pratt County?
The median household income in Pratt County, Kansas is $64,348 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pratt County earns an income score of 51.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pratt County, Kansas a good place to live?
Pratt County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Pratt 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 Pratt 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.