CountyScore

Rooks County

Kansas · KS

#38 in Kansas
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Rooks County, Kansas

Rooks scores 31 points above national median

Rooks County's composite score of 65.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 81st percentile nationally. This is a strong performance that places Rooks among better-livability counties across the country.

Nearly matches Kansas average despite isolation

Rooks County scores 65.5, nearly aligned with Kansas's state average of 66.0, making it one of the state's more competitive counties. This near-parity is impressive for a rural county.

Outstanding affordability in rural Kansas

Rooks County's cost score of 85.8 is exceptional, with median gross rent at just $679 per month and median home values around $90,000. These figures represent some of the lowest housing costs in the state, making homeownership and rental stability highly achievable.

Income and tax burden need attention

Despite excellent housing affordability, Rooks County's income score of 23.6 and tax score of 52.5 lag behind its strength in cost. The effective tax rate of 1.770% is also the highest among these eight counties, partially offsetting housing savings.

Ideal for retirees and remote-work professionals

Rooks County is perfect for those with stable income from pensions, investments, or remote jobs who want minimal housing costs. The ultra-affordable housing and rural setting appeal to people prioritizing financial security and simplicity over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax52.5Cost85.8SafetyComing SoonHealth70SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.6Risk85.7WaterComing Soon
🏛52.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.7
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 Rooks County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Etowah County
Alabama
68.3
Median income: $53,070
Greene County
Arkansas
68.3
Median income: $56,793
Charlton County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $48,534
Wilkes County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $52,542
Greene County
Illinois
68.3
Median income: $60,976

Deep Dives

Rooks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Rooks County

via HealthByCounty

Rooks County holds steady nationally

At 75.5 years, Rooks County's life expectancy falls slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 13.5% of residents report poor or fair health, a notably low rate that suggests underlying health strengths. Despite modest life expectancy, the county shows resilient population health indicators.

Matching Kansas's health baseline

Rooks County's 75.5-year life expectancy essentially mirrors the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 13.5% poor/fair health rate outperforms the statewide median, placing it in the healthier half of Kansas counties. This positioning reflects a balanced health profile for the region.

Competitive in a rural region

Rooks County's 75.5-year life expectancy edges out Rush County (69.0 years) and Russell County (74.8 years), though it trails Riley County (79.7 years). The 13.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in this cluster, indicating superior self-reported health despite modest life expectancy. This gap suggests room for preventive health improvements.

Adequate primary care, limited mental health

Rooks County has 104 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, above the state average and among the region's best. However, mental health support is sparse at 21 providers per 100,000—far below the state median. Combined with a 13.1% uninsured rate, residents have decent access to routine care but may struggle finding mental health specialists.

Review your coverage options

Rooks County's 13.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.5%, affecting one in eight residents. Whether self-employed, working part-time, or between jobs, check Healthcare.gov for marketplace plans or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for Medicaid eligibility. Coverage is within reach for most families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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