countyscore
53.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 85.7Cost of Living 79.5Schools 72.8

County Report Card

About Rooks County, Kansas

Outperforming the National Median

Rooks County earns a composite score of 53.9, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher quality of life than the typical American county.

A Top Performer in Kansas

The county exceeds the Kansas state average composite score of 49.5 by over four points. It stands out as a more balanced and livable option compared to many of its state counterparts.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Value

Rooks County shines with a risk score of 85.7 and a cost score of 79.5. Residents enjoy peace of mind from natural disasters and benefit from a median home value of just $90,000.

Critical Water Quality Concerns

The water score is a notable outlier at 2.7, indicating significant room for utility improvements. Additionally, the tax score is low at 5.6 due to an effective tax rate of 1.770%.

Ideal for Value-Seeking Families

This county is perfect for families prioritizing school quality and affordable homeownership in a safe environment. Prospective residents should simply be prepared to investigate local water filtration or utility solutions.

204060801005.679.554.156.872.843.885.72.739.6Tax5.6Cost79.5Safety54.1Health56.8Schools72.8Income43.8Risk85.7Water2.7Weather39.653.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Rooks County DNA

Foverall

How Rooks County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rooks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (85.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
5.6-46.4
Cost
79.5+31.5
Safety
54.1
Health
56.8
Schools
72.8+18.799999999999997
Income
43.8
Risk
85.7+38.7
Water
2.7-55.3
Weather
39.6-16.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$90,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$679/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$90,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,596/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

82.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Graham County
Kansas
56.1
Ellis County
Kansas
43.3
Osborne County
Kansas
56.7
Phillips County
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Trego County
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Smith County
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Norton County
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Russell County
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Deep Dives

Rooks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rooks County

via TaxByCounty

Rooks County has highest tax rate nationally

At 1.770%, Rooks County's effective property tax rate ranks in the nation's top percentile, well above the national median of 1.1%. Despite lower median home values, the county's effective rate signals aggressive tax collection relative to property worth.

Rooks ranks 2nd highest in Kansas

Rooks County's 1.770% effective rate is the second-highest in Kansas, exceeded only by Rush County. While the median tax of $1,593 remains below the state average of $1,943, the high effective rate on modest home values ($90,000 median) reflects significant local tax burdens.

Most expensive taxes in the plains region

Rooks County's 1.770% rate substantially exceeds neighboring counties: Russell County at 1.751%, Scott County at 1.532%, and Saline County at 1.328%. Only Rush County in the region approaches Rooks' punishing effective rate.

Annual tax bill hits $1,593 on modest homes

On a median home valued at $90,000, Rooks County homeowners pay about $1,593 yearly in property tax. With a mortgage, that cost rises to roughly $1,893 when escrow and adjustments are included.

Assessment appeals could provide relief

Given Rooks County's elevated effective rate, homeowners should carefully review their assessment notices to verify accuracy. A successful appeal could meaningfully reduce your tax burden in a county where rates already strain modest property values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rooks County

via CostByCounty

Rooks offers rare housing relief

Rooks County renters spend just 13.2% of income on housing, beating both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of only $679 per month and household income of $61,596, Rooks stands out as an affordable rural haven.

Kansas's affordability sweet spot

Rooks County ranks among Kansas's most affordable counties for renters, with a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio and median rents 14% below the state average of $787. This combination of low costs and stable incomes creates genuine housing accessibility for working families.

Rooks leads the affordability race

Rooks County's $679 median rent is the lowest among its peers—undercut only by Rush County's $700 and substantially cheaper than Riley County's $1,065. For renters, Rooks delivers exceptional value without the income penalties of less affordable neighbors.

Rooks: maximum income, minimum strain

At a median household income of $61,596, Rooks residents can comfortably afford $679 monthly rents, leaving $51,700 annually for other needs. Homebuyers benefit similarly, with median owner costs of $695 monthly (13.5% of income) and median home values of just $90,000—among Kansas's lowest.

Rooks calls remote workers home

If affordability is your priority and you can work from anywhere, Rooks County delivers exceptional value: rents under $700 and homes under $100,000. You'll trade big-city amenities for genuine financial breathing room and a close-knit rural community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rooks County

via IncomeByCounty

Rooks County Undershoots National Median Income

Rooks County's median household income of $61,596 trails the national median of $74,755 by $13,159, placing it below the 50th percentile of U.S. counties. This rural agricultural county reflects patterns common across Great Plains communities where commodity-dependent economies face income headwinds. However, Rooks County's per capita income of $34,675 nearly matches the national pattern, suggesting moderate income concentration.

Below Kansas Average but Stable

Rooks County ranks below Kansas's median household income of $64,428, though the $2,832 gap is relatively modest in state terms. The county's agricultural and small-business economy mirrors dozens of other rural Kansas counties, creating a middle-tier position statewide. This positioning reflects Rooks County's role as a stable but not economically booming region.

Strongest Housing Affordability in Region

Rooks County's median home value of just $90,000 is the lowest among comparison counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of only 13.2%—the best affordability in this cohort. Neighboring Rush County ($79,300 median home) and Russell County ($106,400) offer similarly affordable housing, making this region attractive for cost-conscious families. The trade-off: lower home values reflect limited job growth and population decline common to rural Kansas.

Affordability Makes Budgets More Workable

With housing consuming just 13.2% of income, Rooks County households enjoy one of the region's best rent-to-income ratios, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $90,000 remains genuinely accessible to first-time buyers earning $61,596, requiring a manageable down payment and mortgage. This affordability advantage means more discretionary income for savings, childcare, and other essentials.

Leverage Housing Affordability for Wealth Building

Rooks County's exceptional housing affordability creates an opportunity: homebuyers here can build equity faster than national peers while keeping monthly payments under 25% of income. Direct savings from low housing costs into diversified investments (index funds, bonds) compounds significantly over 20-30 years. Agricultural workers and small-business owners should explore retirement plan options and crop insurance strategies to stabilize income volatility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rooks County

via CrimeByCounty

Rooks County is Exceptionally Safe

With a safety score of 98.4, Rooks County is one of the more secure areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,035.5 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Kansas State Average

Rooks County exceeds the Kansas average safety score of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,035.5 is also notably lower than the statewide average of 1,282.2 per 100K residents.

A Safety Leader Among Neighbors

Rooks County maintains lower crime rates than nearby Russell and Rush counties. This makes it a standout for public safety in the northern Kansas region.

Minimal Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 182.7 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 852.8, which is less than half the U.S. property crime rate.

Maintaining a Secure Environment

Residents can help keep Rooks County safe by practicing simple property protection. Ensuring outbuildings are locked and recording serial numbers for equipment can deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rooks County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized learning across seven Rooks County schools

Rooks County supports a total of 803 students through seven public schools across three districts. The landscape is split between three elementary, one middle, and three high schools, ensuring local access at every grade level.

Strong graduation rates and high per-pupil spending

The county boasts an impressive 91.4% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the state average of 88.7% and the national average of 87.0%. Investment is high here, with $9,709 spent per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $9,009.

Small districts drive local educational success

The Plainville district is the largest with 416 students, followed by Stockton with 290 and Palco with 97. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus on these three community-driven public districts.

Rural schools offering an intimate educational experience

All seven schools in the county are classified as rural, resulting in a small average school size of 115 students. Plainville Elementary is the largest campus with 234 students, while Damar Elementary provides a highly personal setting with just 53 students.

Excellence in a quiet rural setting

Homebuyers seeking high-performing schools with small class sizes will find Rooks County an attractive option. The high graduation rates and strong per-pupil funding make this an excellent choice for family-oriented living.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rooks County

via RiskByCounty

Rooks County well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 14.34, Rooks County ranks in the "Very Low" category and sits well below the national average. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural hazards.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Rooks County's 14.34 score is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the state. This safety advantage makes it a relatively secure location for property and life.

Safest in its immediate region

Rooks County's 14.34 risk score is lower than nearby Russell County (12.53) and significantly lower than Riley County (58.46) to the east. Among central Kansas neighbors, Rooks offers one of the most stable natural disaster profiles.

Wildfire presents modest concern

Wildfire is the primary hazard in Rooks County at 50.48, though still below the state average for this hazard type. Tornado and flood risks remain minimal at 37.02 and 5.18 respectively, creating an overall low-threat environment.

Standard coverage meets local needs

Basic homeowner's insurance with standard wind and hail coverage is appropriate for Rooks County's low overall risk profile. Consider a modest wildfire rider to protect against the county's primary hazard, though catastrophic risk remains minimal.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rooks County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates Signal Quality Risks

Rooks County receives an F grade due to 57 drinking water health violations over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 1411.9 per 100,000 people is more than four times the Kansas state average.

Federal Watershed Data Currently Unavailable

No water bodies in Rooks County have been assessed under the current federal §303(d) reporting cycle. This lack of data prevents a full understanding of local stream and lake impairment causes.

Limited Water Quality Monitoring Records

There are currently no water quality monitoring records available for Rooks County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. Without active monitoring sites, tracking long-term trends in nutrients or contaminants is difficult.

South Fork Solomon River Stagnant

The USGS gauge at Woodston currently reports a discharge of 0 cfs, a total drop from the 46 cfs long-term mean. This indicates the primary stream is currently dry or intermittent in this reach.

Filtration Recommended Due to System Failures

The county's high violation rate and F grade suggest a critical need for awareness of local water quality reports. Consider home filtration systems and regular testing, especially as the local river system is currently dry.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rooks County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler, semi-arid high plains profile

Rooks County averages 53.6°F annually, which is slightly cooler than the national median for mid-latitude regions. Its semi-arid climate features lower humidity and higher daily temperature swings than coastal counties.

Cooler and drier than the Kansas average

At 53.6°F, Rooks County sits 1.2 degrees below the state average annual temperature. It also receives 5 inches less rainfall than the Kansas average, recording only 25.3 inches per year.

Matching the dry central Kansas belt

Rooks shares an identical 25.3-inch precipitation profile with neighboring Rush County to the south. However, it is slightly cooler than Russell County, which maintains a warmer 54.8°F annual average.

Significant snow and sixty-five hot days

Summer heat is intense with 65 days hitting 90°F or higher, driven by a 78.6°F July average. Winters bring 19.2 inches of snow, one of the higher totals for this region of the state.

Invest in insulation and snow removal

The 19.2 inches of annual snow demand a high-quality shovel or snowblower for the winter months. Homeowners should prioritize attic insulation to handle the 65 extreme heat days that occur each summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rooks County

via SoilByCounty

Rooks County’s Alkaline Soil Profile

The soil in Rooks County carries an average pH of 7.33, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is also more basic than the Kansas state average of 6.80. Despite the lack of specific taxonomic data, the soil score of 43.0 reflects the challenges of a more arid, basic environment.

Balanced Texture with High Silt Content

A composition of 47.3% silt and 30.4% sand allows for decent drainage and workability across the county. The 22.2% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients, though the higher sand percentage compared to eastern neighbors speeds up water movement. This balance requires careful management to prevent erosion in open fields.

Managing Fertility in a Dry Climate

Organic matter stands at 1.81%, which is below the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in also trails the Kansas average of 0.180 in/in. These metrics indicate that supplemental irrigation and organic amendments are often necessary to maximize growing potential.

Hydraulic Challenges in Central Kansas

Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified for this area in current records. Given the moderate clay and high silt levels, the soil likely offers standard drainage for agricultural use. Developers should perform individual site assessments to determine how the 30.4% sand component affects localized water runoff.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a

Rooks County falls within Hardiness Zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle colder winter lows. Drought-tolerant crops like sorghum or native buffalo grass thrive here alongside hardy perennials. Adding compost to your garden will help compensate for the lower-than-average organic matter and boost your harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rooks County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the High Plains in Rooks County

Rooks County scores 53.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly more challenging than the national average but manageable for dedicated gardeners. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6a, your lawn must survive colder winters and more frequent temperature swings than counties to the east.

Lower Precipitation Demands Smart Watering

Annual precipitation of 25.3 inches is below the ideal threshold for turfgrass, requiring supplemental irrigation to keep lawns green. With 65 extreme heat days exceeding 90°F, your mowing schedule should slow down in mid-summer to prevent burning the grass crowns.

Alkaline Soil Trends and Sandy Mixes

The soil pH of 7.33 is slightly alkaline, which may occasionally limit the availability of certain micronutrients like iron. The 30.4% sand content helps with drainage, but you may need to add organic matter to improve water retention in this semi-arid environment.

Resilience Through Thirteen Weeks of Drought

The county spent 13 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, highlighting the need for water-wise landscaping. While current severe drought levels are at 0%, choosing drought-tolerant cultivars is essential for long-term survival in this region.

Buffalograss is a Natural Rooks County Fit

Wait until after the April 30 frost date to start your spring seeding or sodding efforts. Given the 25.3 inches of rain and 6a zone, Buffalograss or heat-tolerant tall fescues are the most sustainable choices for your local climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rooks County's county score?
Rooks County, Kansas has a composite county score of 53.9 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 Rooks County rank among counties in Kansas?
Rooks County ranks #40 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 Rooks County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Rooks County is $1,593, with an effective tax rate of 1.77%. This earns Rooks County a tax score of 5.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rooks County?
The median household income in Rooks County, Kansas is $61,596 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rooks County earns an income score of 43.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rooks County, Kansas a good place to live?
Rooks County scores 53.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Rooks 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 Rooks County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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