countyscore
56.6
County Score
Cost of Living 89.8Disaster Risk 81.1Soil Quality 67.3

County Report Card

About Republic County, Kansas

A National Leader in Affordability

Republic County earns a 56.6 composite score, notably outperforming the national median of 50.0. It is a standout for cost-effective rural living.

Stronger Than the Average

The county's score is well above the Kansas average of 49.5. It provides a stable and secure environment that exceeds the performance of many other rural counties.

Incredible Value and Low Risk

With a Cost Score of 89.8, median home values sit at just $76,000. It also excels in disaster resilience, earning a high Risk Score of 81.1.

Income and Water Limitations

The Income Score of 21.9 reflects a lower median household income of $53,611. Additionally, a Water Score of 3.6 indicates significant needs for water infrastructure improvement.

Ideal for Remote Fixed-Incomes

This county is a goldmine for retirees or remote workers looking to stretch their dollars. The combination of low housing costs and high safety makes it a very practical choice.

Score breakdown

Tax7.2Cost89.8Safety60Health66.8Schools65Income21.9Risk81.1Water3.6Weather45
🏛7.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.7
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Thayer County
Nebraska
61.7
Nuckolls County
Nebraska
75.9
Cloud County
Kansas
44.4
Jewell County
Kansas
62.6
Washington County
Kansas
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Jefferson County
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Fillmore County
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Mitchell County
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55.8

Deep Dives

Republic County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Republic County

via TaxByCounty

Republic below national tax average

Republic County's effective tax rate of 1.697% sits 48 basis points below the national median of 1.549%, placing residents in the favorable 40th percentile for property tax burden. This means most American homeowners pay a higher percentage of home value in taxes than Republic residents.

Lower-tax ranking within Kansas

At 1.697%, Republic County sits marginally above the Kansas state average of 1.549%, though its median property tax of $1,290 is the lowest among these eight counties—$653 below the statewide median of $1,943. This reflects Republic's lower median home values ($76,000).

Comparable to regional rates

Republic's 1.697% rate matches Phillips County exactly and sits lower than Pawnee (1.789%), Pratt (1.763%), and Reno (1.744%). Among north-central Kansas counties, Republic offers competitive property tax rates.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Republic County home valued at $76,000 generates roughly $1,290 in annual property taxes—the lowest among these counties. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,858; without one, it drops to $977.

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 Republic County

via CostByCounty

Republic offers exceptional budget-friendly housing

Republic County residents spend 14.3% of their $53,611 median household income on rent, beating Kansas's state average of 14.7% despite having the region's lowest incomes. Housing in Republic remains impressively affordable even for lower-earning households, well under the national 30% affordability threshold.

Strong affordability despite lower incomes

Republic County ranks among Kansas's most affordable counties, with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio that outperforms the state average. Its $638 monthly rent is among the lowest in the state, making it accessible to budget-conscious renters across income levels.

Second-lowest rents in the region

Republic County's $638 rent ranks second-lowest after Phillips ($621), while its $579 owner cost is the region's most affordable for homebuyers. Despite the lowest median household income in this analysis ($53,611), Republic delivers outstanding housing value.

Ownership significantly cheaper than renting

Republic County renters pay $638 monthly while homeowners invest just $579, making homeownership $59 cheaper monthly with median home values of only $76,000. This ownership advantage is the most pronounced in the regional comparison.

Republic suits those seeking ultra-low housing costs

Republic County is the go-to choice for individuals or families prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs, offering both the region's lowest rents and most affordable homeownership. Pair a $53,000+ income with Republic's housing market and you'll find exceptional financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Republic County

via IncomeByCounty

Republic faces significant income gap

Republic County's median household income of $53,611 falls nearly $21,150 below the national median of $74,755, representing the steepest gap among all counties profiled. This substantial shortfall underscores Republic's status as one of Kansas's economically challenged rural regions.

Bottom tier in Kansas income

Republic County ranks among the lowest-income counties in Kansas, with a median household income of $53,611 trailing the state average of $64,428 by over $10,800. Per capita income of $30,465 ranks lowest in this group and well below the state average of $34,748.

Significantly behind all regional peers

Republic County's $53,611 income trails every other county in this comparison by $7,000 to $34,000, making it an outlier in the region. This isolation reflects deeper structural economic challenges beyond temporary business cycles.

Low income but affordable housing

Republic County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% remains reasonable, and median home values of $76,000 are the lowest profiled here, making housing highly affordable. However, low absolute income limits household capacity to afford other essentials despite housing affordability.

Focus on income growth strategies

Given Republic County's significant income challenges, wealth building requires prioritizing income growth alongside controlled expenses. Explore job training programs, small business opportunities, remote work options, and workforce development resources offered through local and state agencies to increase earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Republic County

via CrimeByCounty

Republic County Maintains Secure Environment

Republic County reports 917.6 crimes per 100K, a figure far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a strong safety score of 98.6.

Beating the Kansas Safety Baseline

Republic County's safety score of 98.6 sits comfortably above the state average of 98.0. Two reporting agencies provide reliable data for this predominantly safe region.

Strong Safety Profile Among Neighbors

The county's crime rate of 917.6 per 100K is slightly lower than Pottawatomie County’s rate of 934.0. Both counties are among the safest regional options for families.

Breakdown of Property and Violence

Property crime sits at 768.2 per 100K, while violent crime is relatively low at 149.4. Most law enforcement activity involves property-related incidents rather than physical threats.

Practical Advice for Local Safety

Ensuring all entry points are secure and using smart doorbells can deter property crime. Republic County remains safe, but proactive measures help keep crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Republic County

via HealthByCounty

Republic outpaces national health benchmarks

Republic County residents live to 76.5 years, 1.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Just 14.4% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate in the peer group, reflecting strong wellness overall.

Kansas health leader in rural areas

Republic County's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, and its 9.7% uninsured rate is among the best statewide compared to 11.5%. This county outperforms most Kansas rural communities on health metrics.

Strong primary care, solid mental health

Republic County maintains 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well above rural adequacy, and 108 mental health providers per 100,000. Provider availability here supports comprehensive, accessible care across disciplines.

Nearly all Republic residents covered

With just 9.7% uninsured, Republic County achieves near-universal coverage—a major health advantage. Strong provider supply means insured residents access both primary and mental health care without long waits or significant travel.

Maintain coverage for continued health

If you're among Republic County's uninsured 9.7%, sign up at healthcare.gov or check Kansas Medicaid eligibility today. Staying insured ensures you benefit from the county's strong provider network and maintain health security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Republic County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Efficient Rural Schools

Republic County supports 755 students through five public schools across two school districts. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, ensuring dedicated facilities for every grade level. This compact landscape allows for deep community involvement in local education.

Outperforming State Graduation Averages

Republic County achieves a strong 90.3% graduation rate, comfortably beating the Kansas state average of 88.7%. The county spends $8,796 per pupil, which is nearly on par with the state average of $9,009. These efforts result in a composite school score of 57.6, reflecting solid academic health.

Republic County and Pike Valley Lead

The Republic County district is the larger provider, educating 526 students in two schools. Pike Valley serves a smaller cohort of 229 students across three specialized campuses. With zero charter schools in operation, the county relies on these two established districts to deliver traditional public education.

Purely Rural, Small-Scale Learning

All five schools in Republic County are located in rural locales, creating a consistent environment for all students. Belleville East Elementary is the largest school with 264 students, while Pike Valley Junior High offers incredibly small classes with just 30 students. The average school size is 151, ensuring that no child is lost in the crowd.

Rural Charm with High Academic Standards

Families seeking a high-performing rural environment should look at homes within the Republic County and Pike Valley districts. The high graduation rate is a testament to the quality of life and education in this north-central region. Prioritize these districts to ensure your children benefit from one of the state's most efficient school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Republic County

via RiskByCounty

Republic County ranks among the nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 18.92, Republic County sits well below Kansas's state average of 29.89 and earns a Very Low national risk rating. The county experiences minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to typical U.S. counties.

Second safest county in Kansas

Republic ranks near the bottom of Kansas's disaster risk hierarchy, exceeded only by Rawlins County (4.83) in overall safety. All four of the county's measurable hazards—tornado, wildfire, flood, and earthquake—score well below state averages.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Republic's composite score of 18.92 is lower than Pawnee (31.62), Phillips (40.52), and Pottawatomie (30.88), approaching the exceptional safety of Rawlins County. The county represents one of north-central Kansas's safest zones.

Wildfire the only notable hazard

Wildfire presents the highest relative risk at 41.48, though this remains below state norms for the peril. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks all score below 20, making them minimal concerns.

Basic insurance and maintenance suffice

Republic County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized add-ons, as overall natural disaster exposure is low. Focus on routine property upkeep and basic emergency planning rather than intensive hazard mitigation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Republic County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard mid-country climate profile

Republic County has an average annual temperature of 53.8°F, sitting right at the heart of the national median. It receives an average of 30.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Consistent with Kansas state benchmarks

The county's 53.8°F average temperature is just below the state average of 54.8°F. Its precipitation of 30.0 inches is a near-perfect match for the state average of 30.3 inches.

Moderate heat compared to peers

Republic County experiences 50 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the 68 days found in Pawnee. It is warmer than northern neighbor Phillips County, which averages 52.7°F.

Cold winters and steady rain

January temperatures average a chilly 27.4°F, accompanied by 15.4 inches of annual snowfall. Summer peaks in July with a 79.4°F average temperature.

Balanced seasonal preparation required

With 50 days of extreme heat and 15.4 inches of snow, residents need both reliable HVAC and snow clearing tools. The 30.0 inches of rain supports traditional gardening better than drier western counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Republic County

via SoilByCounty

Republic County’s Prime pH Balance

Republic County features an average soil pH of 6.63, which is very close to the ideal national median of 6.5. This sits slightly below the Kansas average of 6.80, creating a versatile environment for a wide array of vegetation. This balance facilitates optimal nutrient availability for both crops and native plants.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition is 54.6% silt and 23.9% clay, with sand making up only 21.2%. This high concentration of fine particles creates a dense, nutrient-rich profile that can support intensive agriculture. It provides a stable structure that resists erosion better than sandier counties.

Outstanding Fertility and Score

This county boasts an impressive soil score of 67.3, far exceeding the state average of 55.4. This is backed by 2.25% organic matter and a high available water capacity of 0.193 in/in. These factors make it some of the most naturally productive land in the entire state.

Strong Hydrological Potential

While official drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content indicates excellent water retention. The soil score suggests that the landscape manages water effectively for crop use. Potential builders should be aware that the high clay content may affect soil expansion and contraction.

Lush Gardening in Zone 6a

Located in Zone 6a, Republic County is a gardener's paradise due to its high soil score and organic matter. This soil is perfect for high-yielding vegetable gardens and traditional Midwestern crops like corn and soybeans. You can expect robust growth with fewer amendments than neighboring counties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Republic County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth on the Northern Border

Republic County scores a 57.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, keeping it very close to the Kansas average of 59.1. This Zone 6a county provides a solid environment for turf, though it lacks the extra ease found in more southern neighbors. Success here is driven by managing the moderate precipitation and distinct seasonal shifts.

Balanced Moisture and Moderate Summer Heat

At 30.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits right at the threshold of the ideal lawn moisture range. It experiences only 50 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 58, reducing thermal stress on your grass. The 3,970 growing degree days provide a healthy, though not overly aggressive, window for lawn maintenance.

Stable Soil Texture for Nutrient Flow

The soil pH is a very healthy 6.63, providing a perfect environment for grass to absorb the fertilizers you apply. The soil consists of 23.9% clay and 21.2% sand, a balanced mixture that offers good moisture retention without sacrificing all drainage. This consistency makes the soil relatively easy to manage with standard lawn care products.

Recovering from a Year of Dryness

Republic County endured 27 weeks of drought in the past year, though current data shows 0.0% of the area under drought stress. This indicates a period of recovery where lawns can bounce back with regular maintenance. Deep-root fertilization in the fall can help your lawn better survive any future dry cycles that might occur.

Seeding for Success in Republic County

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in the cooler summer profile of this northern county. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 22 for the best results. You should have your lawn work finished by October 21 to avoid the first fall frost damaging young seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Republic County's county score?
Republic County, Kansas has a composite county score of 56.6 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 Republic County rank among counties in Kansas?
Republic County ranks #28 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 Republic County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Republic County is $1,290, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Republic County a tax score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Republic County?
The median household income in Republic County, Kansas is $53,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Republic County earns an income score of 21.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Republic County, Kansas a good place to live?
Republic County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Republic 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 Republic 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.