countyscore
58
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.2Water Quality 86Safety 72

County Report Card

About Rawlins County, Kansas

An Elite Rural Haven

Rawlins County earns a 58.0 composite score, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This reflects a very high quality of life for a rural setting.

Northwest Kansas Top Performer

The county easily outpaces the Kansas state average of 49.5. It stands out in the region for its environmental security and stable infrastructure.

Superior Environmental Resilience

The county boasts a near-perfect Risk Score of 95.2 and an impressive Water Score of 86.0. It also offers great safety, scoring 72.0 on the safety index.

High Tax Burden Noted

Despite its strengths, the Tax Score is low at 8.0 due to an effective rate of 1.661%. Income scores are average at 54.5, suggesting steady but not elite wage growth.

Built for Nature Lovers

This county is a top choice for people seeking environmental security and peace of mind. With median home values at $99,400, it offers a secure, low-risk lifestyle at an affordable price.

Score breakdown

Tax8Cost64.8Safety72Health61.8Schools66.2Income54.5Risk95.2Water86Weather36.8
🏛8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.2
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

Rawlins County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rawlins County

via TaxByCounty

Rawlins slightly exceeds national median

Rawlins County's effective tax rate of 1.661% runs 112 basis points above the national median of 1.549%, placing the county in the 55th percentile nationwide. This means roughly half of American homeowners pay less in property taxes as a percentage of home value.

Below state average, mid-tier ranking

At 1.661%, Rawlins County sits 0.112 percentage points below the Kansas state average of 1.549%, putting it in the lower-tax half of the state. The county's median property tax of $1,651 runs $292 below the statewide median of $1,943.

Moderate rates among regional peers

Rawlins's 1.661% rate falls between Phillips County (1.697%) and Reno County (1.744%), offering a middle-ground tax environment. Compared to higher-rate counties like Pawnee (1.789%) and Pratt (1.763%), Rawlins provides moderate relief.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Rawlins County home valued at $99,400 generates roughly $1,651 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,864; without one, it drops to $1,426.

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 Rawlins County

via CostByCounty

Rawlins rents exceed state norms slightly

Rawlins County residents spend 15.2% of their $65,000 median household income on rent, matching Pawnee County and exceeding Kansas's state average of 14.7%. Though household incomes lag the national median of $74,755, rental costs remain within reasonable affordability limits.

Slightly above-average affordability strain

Rawlins County ranks in the less-affordable tier of Kansas counties, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by half a percentage point. Its $823 monthly rent is among the highest in the state's rural markets.

Highest rent in the comparison set

Rawlins County's $823 rent tops all neighboring counties, from Pawnee ($806) to Pottawatomie ($1,011), making it the priciest rural option in this region. However, its owner costs of $680 are among the most affordable, signaling a renter-heavy market.

Renting costs more than homeownership

Rawlins County renters pay $823 monthly while homeowners invest just $680, a notable $143 gap that favors ownership with median home values of $99,400. This gap suggests that building equity through homeownership offers better value than renting.

Homebuyers find Rawlins more attractive

If you're considering Rawlins County, prioritize homeownership over renting to maximize affordability and build equity at $680 monthly costs. Renters may find better value in neighboring Phillips or Pawnee counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rawlins County

via IncomeByCounty

Rawlins income below national level

Rawlins County's median household income of $65,000 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $9,700, though it performs better than many rural Kansas peers. The gap reflects the economic realities of northwestern plains agriculture and limited urban centers.

Slightly above Kansas average

At $65,000, Rawlins County marginally exceeds Kansas's state median of $64,428, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 105 counties. Per capita income of $34,231 slightly trails the state average of $34,748, suggesting fairly typical wealth distribution.

Slightly above regional peers

Rawlins County's $65,000 income edges out Pawnee ($63,625), Rice ($63,947), and Reno ($60,498) but falls short of Pottawatomie ($87,694). Among northwestern Kansas counties, Rawlins ranks in the solid middle range.

Housing costs highly manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2%, Rawlins County residents allocate less than one-sixth of household income to housing, well below national recommendations. Median home values of $99,400 align closely with annual earnings, ensuring homeownership remains financially accessible.

Transform affordability into savings

Rawlins County's strong housing affordability creates genuine opportunity for household savings and wealth accumulation. Prioritize building a 3-6 month emergency fund, then channel savings into employer retirement plans or Individual Retirement Accounts to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rawlins County

via CrimeByCounty

Rawlins County Boasts Minimal Crime

Rawlins County reports a total crime rate of just 668.2 per 100K, roughly one-quarter of the national average. This remarkable safety is reflected in its 98.9 safety score.

Well Above the Kansas Average

With a safety score of 98.9, Rawlins County is significantly safer than the state average of 98.0. Two reporting agencies provide a consistent view of this peaceful region.

Rawlins Leads Local Safety Rankings

Rawlins County's crime rate of 668.2 per 100K is lower than Pratt County's 675.8. It remains one of the quietest counties in Kansas for criminal activity.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Rawlins is exceptionally rare at 78.6 per 100K, compared to 589.6 for property crime. The local focus remains largely on preventing minor thefts and property damage.

Simple Precautions for Peace of Mind

Protect your home by securing outbuildings and using motion-activated lights. These basic steps help preserve the high level of safety Rawlins County residents enjoy today.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rawlins County

via HealthByCounty

Rawlins edges ahead on longevity

Rawlins County residents live to 77.5 years, 2.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Yet 16.7% report poor or fair health, suggesting chronic conditions persist despite longer lifespans.

Above-state-average life expectancy

Rawlins County's 77.5-year life expectancy outpaces Kansas's state average of 75.4 years by over 2 years, and its 10.5% uninsured rate falls below the state average of 11.5%. Health coverage is better than typical for rural Kansas.

Provider access remains limited

Rawlins County has 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below most neighbors and insufficient for rural adequacy. Mental health provider data is unavailable, though local availability is likely sparse in this remote county.

One in ten residents uninsured

At 10.5% uninsured, Rawlins County residents fare slightly better than state average on coverage. The shortage of local primary care providers means even insured residents often travel significant distances for routine checkups or preventive care.

Secure coverage for remote healthcare needs

Rawlins County residents can explore marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or apply for Kansas Medicaid to ensure coverage for travel to distant care centers. Having insurance in place makes out-of-county visits more affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rawlins County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education System

Rawlins County operates a single unified school district consisting of just two public schools. This highly centralized system serves 384 total students, providing a consistent educational experience from PK through 12th grade. The simplicity of the district structure fosters a strong sense of community among all families.

High Performance with Strong Fiscal Support

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 88.7% and the national average. Investment remains high at $9,346 per pupil, which exceeds the Kansas average. These figures result in a competitive school score of 58.6, indicating a high-quality rural education.

One District, One Community

Rawlins County is served exclusively by the Rawlins County district, which manages both schools and all 384 students. This unified approach eliminates district competition and ensures resources are shared across the entire student body. There are no charter schools, keeping the educational focus entirely on the local public system.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a cohesive cultural environment for all students. Rawlins County Elementary is the larger of the two with 208 students, while the Jr/Sr High School serves 176 students. With an average school size of 192, students benefit from small classes and familiar faces throughout their academic careers.

Stability in a Unified School District

Buying a home in Rawlins County means joining a community where every student attends the same two schools. This predictability is a major draw for families seeking stability and high graduation rates. Focus your home search here if you value a high-performing, single-district environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rawlins County

via RiskByCounty

Rawlins County: Kansas's safest county

With an exceptionally low composite risk score of 4.83, Rawlins County is dramatically safer than Kansas's state average of 29.89 and ranks among the lowest-risk counties in the entire nation. The county experiences minimal exposure to major natural disasters.

Distinctly safer than nearly all peers

Rawlins County ranks at the very bottom of Kansas's natural disaster risk hierarchy, with all hazard scores well below state norms. The county's minimal composite risk reflects consistently low exposure across tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes.

Dramatically safer than neighboring counties

Rawlins's composite score of 4.83 is lower than any neighboring county, including Republic (18.92), Phillips (40.52), and Pawnee (31.62). The county represents one of Kansas's safest geographical zones for natural disaster risk.

Even major risks are quite modest here

Wildfire presents the highest relative hazard at 36.77, though this remains far below state and national norms for this peril. Tornado risk at 28.82 and flood risk at 7.03 are both exceptionally low for Kansas.

Standard coverage suffices for Rawlins

Rawlins County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized storm or wildfire riders, as natural disaster risk is minimal. Maintain routine property maintenance and standard emergency preparedness, but intensive disaster mitigation is unnecessary here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rawlins County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and drier northern plains

Rawlins County is cooler than the national average with an annual temperature of 51.9°F. It is one of the driest counties in the region, receiving only 21.8 inches of precipitation.

Among the coldest Kansas counties

The 51.9°F average is nearly three degrees below the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. Rawlins also records 27.1 inches of snow, which is significantly higher than most of the state.

High snow compared to neighbors

Rawlins sees 27.1 inches of snow, nearly triple the 9.2 inches found in Reno County. It is also significantly drier than Republic County, which receives 30.0 inches of precipitation.

Mild summers and snowy winters

July averages 76.8°F, which is much cooler than the 80.6°F seen in Rice County. However, the 58 extreme heat days show that the High Plains can still reach intense temperatures.

Invest in heavy winter gear

Residents must prepare for 27.1 inches of snow, making snow removal equipment a top priority. The winter average of 30.4°F and lower precipitation suggest a need for winter-ready home sealing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rawlins County

via SoilByCounty

The Alkaline Mollisols of Rawlins

Rawlins County features Mollisols with an average pH of 7.51, which is notably higher than the state average of 6.80. This alkaline profile is characteristic of the rich, dark grasslands found in the High Plains. These soils are historically famous for their inherent fertility and deep topsoil layers.

Silt Loam Dominance

The soil is a heavy silt loam composed of 61.3% silt, 21.7% clay, and only 16.9% sand. This high silt-to-sand ratio creates a very fine-textured soil with excellent nutrient-holding capacity. It is highly productive but requires careful management to avoid compaction when wet.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter stands at 2.04%, while the available water capacity is a remarkable 0.206 in/in. This water capacity far exceeds the state average of 0.180, making these soils some of the best in Kansas for dryland farming. The soil effectively stores every drop of rain for future plant use.

Well-Drained Hydrologic Group B

The dominant drainage is classified as 'Well drained' and falls into Hydrologic Group B. This means the soil has a moderate infiltration rate even when thoroughly wetted. It provides an ideal balance of moisture retention without the risk of prolonged saturation.

High Productivity in Zone 6a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, these deep silt loams are perfect for small grains, sunflowers, and native grasses. The high water capacity makes it an ideal spot for a productive home garden that can withstand Kansas heat. Get started with hardy vegetables that love a mineral-rich, alkaline environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rawlins County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Hardship in the High Plains

Rawlins County is a challenging environment for lawns, with a difficulty score of 43.2, well below the national median of 50.0. The Zone 6a climate in this region presents unique hurdles that require specialized grass types and dedicated maintenance. Growing a traditional green lawn here is a labor-intensive endeavor compared to the rest of the state.

Arid Climate and Short Growing Seasons

With only 21.8 inches of annual precipitation, Rawlins is significantly drier than the Kansas average of 30.3 inches. The growing season is shorter, reflected by 3,403 growing degree days and 58 extreme heat days per year. Supplemental irrigation is not optional here; it is the lifeline for any non-native turf grass.

Alkaline Silt Loam Challenges

The soil pH is a high 7.51, which is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and may lock up essential nutrients like iron. The soil is classified as a well-drained silt loam with 21.7% clay and 16.9% sand. Homeowners may need to apply elemental sulfur to lower the pH and help the grass access the nutrients it needs to stay green.

Persistent Drought Preparedness

Rawlins County faced 30 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. In this semi-arid environment, xeriscaping or choosing native buffalo grass is often more practical than thirsty traditional turf. Reducing mowing frequency and increasing blade height can help shade the soil and conserve every drop of water.

Planting with Care in Rawlins

Native Buffalo grass is the gold standard for this region because it thrives on low water and tolerates alkaline soil. Wait until after the May 4 frost to begin spring projects, as Rawlins has one of the later spring frost dates in Kansas. Be mindful that the growing window closes early, with the first fall frost typically arriving by October 12.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rawlins County's county score?
Rawlins County, Kansas has a composite county score of 58 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 Rawlins County rank among counties in Kansas?
Rawlins County ranks #21 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 Rawlins County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Rawlins County is $1,651, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Rawlins County a tax score of 8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rawlins County?
The median household income in Rawlins County, Kansas is $65,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rawlins County earns an income score of 54.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rawlins County, Kansas a good place to live?
Rawlins County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Rawlins 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 Rawlins County with other counties side by side.

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