CountyScore

Republic County

Kansas · KS

#27 in Kansas
69.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Republic County, Kansas

Republic Ranks Well Above National

Republic County's composite score of 66.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 34%, placing it in the upper third of American counties. This strong positioning reflects exceptional cost performance that defines its livability advantage.

Slightly Ahead of Kansas Average

Republic's score of 66.9 edges past Kansas's average of 66.0, ranking it in the state's upper tier among 105 counties. This narrow lead indicates Republic delivers above-average Kansas livability despite lower income levels.

Outstanding Housing Affordability

Republic's cost score of 88.3 is among Kansas's highest, backed by median homes at just $76,000 and rents of $638 monthly. These figures represent exceptional value, offering genuine purchasing power for budget-first households.

Weakest Income Performance

Republic's income score of 18.4 and median household income of $53,611 are the lowest in this eight-county cohort, reflecting limited employment opportunity. School, health, and safety data gaps prevent fuller assessment, though affordability partially compensates.

Perfect for Ultra-Budget Seekers

Republic County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing minimal living expenses above all else. This is Kansas's affordability champion—a place where housing costs nearly disappear from the budget equation.

Score breakdown

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

Tax54.5Cost88.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.4Risk81.1WaterComing Soon
🏛54.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.1
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 Republic County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
69.7
Median income: $64,000
Chicot County
Arkansas
69.7
Median income: $39,683
Elbert County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $129,477
Park County
Colorado
69.7
Median income: $95,450
Franklin County
Georgia
69.7
Median income: $52,264

Deep Dives

Republic County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.