CountyScore

Riley County

Kansas · KS

#92 in Kansas
62.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Riley County, Kansas

Riley scores above the national median

Riley County's composite score of 61.1 sits well above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the 72nd percentile nationally. This means Riley outperforms roughly three-quarters of all U.S. counties on overall livability metrics.

Mid-tier performance within Kansas

Riley County's 61.1 score falls slightly below Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the middle range among the state's counties. It demonstrates solid livability but leaves room for improvement relative to Kansas's stronger performers.

Affordable housing and reasonable taxes

Riley County excels in cost-of-living with a score of 70.2, supported by a median gross rent of just $1,065 per month and median home values around $231,200. Its effective tax rate of 1.435% is also competitive, though income levels at $59,560 median household income remain modest.

Income growth lags behind peers

Riley County's income score of just 22.3 is its weakest dimension, reflecting a median household income below regional and state norms. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting a fuller livability picture.

Best for budget-conscious families and workers

Riley County suits families prioritizing affordable housing and moderate tax burdens over high earning potential. The county offers livable conditions above national standards but works best for those with stable, moderate incomes rather than those seeking rapid income growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.9Cost70.2SafetyComing SoonHealth72.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.3Risk41.6WaterComing Soon
🏛61.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41.6
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 Riley County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake County
California
62.4
Median income: $58,738
Jefferson County
Colorado
62.4
Median income: $107,800
Charlotte County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $66,154
Pasco County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $67,384
St. Johns County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $106,169

Deep Dives

Riley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Riley County

via TaxByCounty

Riley County taxes above national average

Riley County's effective tax rate of 1.435% sits comfortably above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $3,317 annually—22% more than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher local rates and stronger property values.

Ranked 8th highest in Kansas

At 1.435%, Riley County's effective rate exceeds the Kansas state average of 1.549%, though it ranks 8th among the state's counties. The median tax of $3,317 is notably higher than the state median of $1,943, driven by a median home value of $231,200.

Higher taxes than central Kansas peers

Riley County residents pay substantially more than comparable rural counties nearby: Saline County at 1.328% and Russell County at 1.751% of median home value. Only Scott County in the immediate region approaches Riley's effective rate at 1.532%.

Expect $3,317 in annual property tax

On a median home valued at $231,200, Riley County homeowners pay approximately $3,317 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure can reach $3,480 when accounting for escrow and county adjustments.

Many Riley County homes may be overassessed

Property assessments don't always reflect market reality, and homeowners who believe their home is overvalued can file a formal appeal with the county assessor. Taking 20 minutes to review your assessment could save you hundreds annually if you're successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Riley County

via CostByCounty

Riley rents strain local budgets

Riley County renters spend 21.5% of their income on housing, nearly 50% higher than the U.S. average of 14.6%. This gap reflects Riley's median household income of $59,560—about $15,000 below the national median of $74,755—paired with rents averaging $1,065 per month.

Among Kansas's least affordable

Riley County ranks as one of Kansas's least affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% compared to the state average of 14.7%. Despite this challenge, Riley's median rent of $1,065 sits well above Kansas's typical $787, reflecting the county's proximity to Manhattan and its college-town economy.

Pricier than neighboring counties

Riley County's rents exceed those of surrounding rural counties—$1,065 versus $679 in Rooks County and $700 in Rush County—yet residents earn only modestly more. This rent premium reflects Riley's position as a regional hub with Kansas State University, driving demand and costs upward.

Where Riley incomes go

A household earning Riley's median $59,560 annually spends roughly $12,894 on rent yearly, leaving $46,666 for all other expenses. Homeowners face similar pressure, with median monthly mortgage costs of $1,238 consuming 24.9% of household income—well above the sustainable 28% threshold.

Is Riley right for you?

If you're relocating and can work remotely, Riley offers vibrant college-town amenities and a university job market, but budget for higher housing costs than rural Kansas neighbors. Renters should plan for rents near $1,100; homebuyers will find median values around $231,200, requiring strong dual incomes for comfort.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Riley County

via IncomeByCounty

Riley County Lags Behind National Earnings

Riley County's median household income of $59,560 falls $15,195 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. This 20% gap reflects economic conditions that many rural and college-town communities across America share. Despite this gap, Riley County's per capita income of $34,583 closely tracks the state average of $34,748.

Middle Tier in Kansas Earnings Rankings

Riley County's median household income of $59,560 sits below Kansas's state average of $64,428, placing it in the middle ranks among the state's 105 counties. The county's economic profile reflects its position as home to Kansas State University, which supports professional and service-sector employment. This blended economy creates income diversity but doesn't match the state average.

Comparable to Regional Peer Counties

Riley County's $59,560 median income sits slightly below neighboring Saline County ($63,316) and Pottawatomie County, but comfortably ahead of Russell County ($53,902). The county's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% is notably higher than rural neighbors like Rooks County (13.2%), reflecting stronger housing demand near the university. This trade-off means renters here face tighter budgets despite similar overall household earnings.

Housing Costs Squeeze Local Budgets

At a rent-to-income ratio of 21.5%, Riley County renters dedicate more than one-fifth of gross income to housing—above the 30% affordability threshold and considerably higher than state peers. The median home value of $231,200 remains accessible to buyers with steady incomes, but combined with rental pressures, housing consumes an outsized share of household budgets. Financial planning here must prioritize housing costs and build emergency savings accordingly.

Strategic Savings Close the Wealth Gap

Riley County households earning $59,560 should prioritize debt reduction and building an emergency fund equal to 6-9 months of expenses, given tighter housing affordability. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts (401k, IRA) to reduce taxable income while building long-term wealth—every dollar invested compounds significantly over decades. With university presence driving professional development, investing in skills and credentials can unlock higher income tiers over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Riley County

via HealthByCounty

Riley County lives longer than most

At 79.7 years, Riley County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 17.4% report poor or fair health, a rate well below the national median. This advantage positions Riley among the healthiest counties in its state.

A top performer in Kansas

Riley County's 79.7-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years by 4.3 years. This 4-year gap reflects Riley's superior health outcomes across most major metrics. The county ranks in the upper tier statewide for longevity and overall health status.

Outpacing surrounding regions

Riley County's residents live 4-7 years longer than those in adjacent Rush, Russell, and Saline counties. The county's 17.4% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest in the region, compared to 16.2% in Rush and Saline. This advantage reflects both better healthcare access and healthier population demographics.

Strong healthcare access and coverage

At 10.2%, Riley County's uninsured rate sits below the state average of 11.5%, ensuring more residents have care access. The county boasts 69 primary care providers and 346 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—exceptional mental health support. This robust infrastructure translates to shorter wait times and more treatment options for residents.

Keep your coverage strong

Riley County's lower uninsured rate shows what good coverage looks like, but 10.2% of residents still lack insurance. If you're uninsured or nearing a coverage change, check your eligibility for marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Your health depends on it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Riley County

via RiskByCounty

Riley County's risk exceeds national average

Riley County scores 58.46 on the composite risk scale, nearly double the national median and placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. This elevation stems primarily from wildfire and tornado threats that significantly outpace typical U.S. county profiles.

Among Kansas's most hazardous counties

At 58.46, Riley County's composite risk score nearly doubles the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it among the highest-risk counties in the state. This gap reflects the county's exposure to multiple severe weather phenomena.

Riley stands out in its region

Riley County's 58.46 risk score substantially exceeds nearby Russell County (12.53) and Saline County's wildfire-tornado combination, though Saline County rivals it at 66.16. Riley's wildfire risk of 89.54 is notably higher than regional neighbors, making it a regional outlier.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate here

Wildfire risk reaches 89.54 and tornado risk hits 84.29 in Riley County—both extreme threats that can develop rapidly across the county's terrain. Flood risk, at 59.86, presents a secondary concern during heavy precipitation events.

Prioritize wildfire and tornado coverage

Homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage, including ember damage and defensible space insurance, given the 89.54 wildfire risk. Add tornado/wind coverage to your policy and maintain a disaster preparedness kit, as the 84.29 tornado risk is substantial.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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