countyscore
42.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.1Cost of Living 84.7Lawn Care 52.6

County Report Card

About Rush County, Kansas

Below the National Benchmark

Rush County carries a composite score of 42.6, which is below the national median of 50.0. While it offers specific local advantages, it ranks lower than the typical U.S. county for overall livability.

Lagging Behind State Averages

The county's overall score sits roughly seven points below the Kansas average of 49.5. It faces uphill battles in competing with more developed regions within the state.

Top-Tier Resilience and Affordability

Rush County boasts an incredible risk score of 95.1 and a high cost score of 84.7. These numbers reflect an extremely low risk of natural disasters and a very accessible median home value of $79,300.

High Taxes and Water Infrastructure Issues

A tax score of 4.2 and a water score of 4.1 represent the county's primary hurdles. The effective tax rate of 1.897% is among the highest in the region, impacting take-home pay for local workers.

Suited for Disaster-Wary Budgeters

This county is an excellent match for those who value low-cost housing and extreme environmental safety. It is best for individuals who can look past high property tax rates to secure a very affordable mortgage.

204060801004.284.726.237.347.94095.14.137.8Tax4.2Cost84.7Safety26.2Health37.3Schools47.9Income40Risk95.1Water4.1Weather37.842.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Rush County DNA

Foverall

How Rush County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rush County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.2-47.8
Cost
84.7+36.7
Safety
26.2-28.8
Health
37.3-12.700000000000003
Schools
47.9
Income
40-11
Risk
95.1+48.099999999999994
Water
4.1-53.9
Weather
37.8-18.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$79,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$700/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$79,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,288/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Ellis County
Kansas
43.3
Pawnee County
Kansas
47.1
Barton County
Kansas
42.2
Ness County
Kansas
60
Russell County
Kansas
43.4
Trego County
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Hodgeman County
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Edwards County
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Deep Dives

Rush County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rush County

via TaxByCounty

Rush County leads nation in tax rates

Rush County's effective tax rate of 1.897% is among the highest in the United States, far exceeding the national median of 1.1%. This rate reflects how aggressively the county taxes property relative to its value, affecting homeowners across all price points.

Kansas's highest effective tax rate

Rush County holds the distinction of Kansas's highest effective property tax rate at 1.897%, well above the state average of 1.549%. The median annual tax of $1,504 on homes valued at $79,300 underscores the county's relentless tax collection relative to modest property values.

Far steeper than neighboring counties

Rush County's 1.897% rate dramatically outpaces nearby Rooks County (1.770%), Russell County (1.751%), and Scott County (1.532%). Homeowners moving between Rush and its neighbors face a noticeably different tax burden.

Pay $1,504 yearly on $79,300 median home

The median Rush County homeowner pays approximately $1,504 in annual property taxes on a home valued at $79,300. This translates to roughly $1,919 per year once mortgage-related adjustments are factored in.

Assessment review is essential here

In a county with the nation's highest effective rates, ensuring your assessment is accurate becomes crucial to your household budget. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment if you believe your home is overvalued relative to comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rush County

via CostByCounty

Rush County housing proves attainable

Rush County renters allocate just 13.9% of household income to rent, matching Kansas's state average of 14.7% and holding steady with the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of $700 and household income of $60,288, Rush offers genuine affordability for working families.

Rush ranks solidly affordable statewide

Rush County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio positions it in the top tier of Kansas affordability, with rents running 11% below the state median of $787. This consistency across income and cost metrics makes Rush reliably habitable for renters and buyers alike.

Rush competes with Rooks for value

Rush County's $700 median rent nearly matches Rooks County's $679, making both counties dramatically more affordable than Riley County's $1,065. Rush residents earn slightly more than Rooks residents, reinforcing the region's affordability edge over college-town competitors.

Rush housing consumes modest share

A household earning Rush's $60,288 median income spends approximately $8,400 annually on $700 rent, preserving $51,888 for all other costs. Homeowners see similar relief, with $597 monthly owner costs consuming just 11.9% of income and median home values at $79,300.

Rush welcomes cost-conscious relocators

Rush County delivers rural affordability with stable incomes and genuine community infrastructure—ideal if you seek low housing costs without total isolation. Budget roughly $700 for rent or $79,000 for home purchase, and enjoy the financial flexibility rural Kansas provides.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rush County

via IncomeByCounty

Rush County Income Trails but Per Capita Shines

Rush County's median household income of $60,288 falls $14,467 below the national median of $74,755, following the rural Kansas pattern. Yet Rush County's per capita income of $45,168 significantly exceeds both the state average ($34,748) and national norms, suggesting concentrated wealth among fewer households. This divergence indicates that some Rush County residents earn substantially more than the median, pulling up per capita averages.

Below State Average but High Per Capita Earners

Rush County's $60,288 median household income ranks below Kansas's $64,428 average, yet its per capita income of $45,168 stands 30% above the state's $34,748. This uncommon pattern suggests Rush County has a smaller working-age population or fewer households relative to high earners, possibly reflecting agricultural operations and older demographics. The county occupies a mid-tier position statewide despite income concentration at the upper end.

Exceptional Per Capita Wealth Among Peers

Rush County's per capita income of $45,168 dramatically exceeds neighboring Russell County ($32,255) and Rooks County ($34,675), signaling higher individual earning power. The median home value of $79,300 remains affordable, and the rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is among the region's best. This combination suggests Rush County households, particularly earners, have strong purchasing power relative to housing costs.

Housing Easily Affordable, Income Volatile

At 13.9% rent-to-income ratio and $79,300 median home value, Rush County offers excellent housing affordability relative to the $60,288 median income. Agricultural dependence likely creates significant income volatility across seasons and commodity prices, requiring careful budgeting and reserves. Families here should prioritize variable-income strategies and maintain larger emergency funds to weather downturns.

High Earners Should Maximize Tax-Advantaged Savings

Rush County's elevated per capita income suggests substantial earnings among some households; these earners should maximize 401(k) contributions and consider SEP-IRAs or Solo 401(k)s if self-employed. Agricultural operators should work with tax professionals on depreciation strategies and commodity hedging to smooth volatile income. With housing costs manageable at 13.9% of income, direct surplus cash flow into diversified investments to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rush County

via CrimeByCounty

Rush County Remains Below National Averages

Rush County reports a total crime rate of 1,803.3 per 100K, which is significantly safer than the national rate of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 97.2.

Navigating Safety in Central Kansas

The county's safety score of 97.2 is slightly below the Kansas average of 98.0. Local crime figures come from a single reporting agency, so these numbers represent a specific snapshot of the area.

Comparing Crime Across County Lines

Rush County experiences more reported crime per 100K than its neighbor Rooks County. However, it remains more secure than larger urban centers in the central part of the state.

Analyzing Violent and Property Trends

The violent crime rate stands at 272.2, which is higher than the state average but lower than the national average. Property crime dominates the local data at ,1531.1 incidents per 100K.

Proactive Security for Rush Residents

Because data is reported by a single agency, localized community awareness is vital. Installing visible security cameras can be an effective way to discourage property crime in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rush County

via SchoolsByCounty

A small-scale approach to public education

Rush County operates six public schools that serve a total of 531 students across two districts. This compact infrastructure consists of two elementary, one middle, and three high schools scattered throughout the region.

Above-average investment in rural student success

The county invests $9,676 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $9,009. However, the graduation rate of 80.9% remains below the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.7%.

LaCrosse and Otis-Bison split county enrollment

The LaCrosse district is the larger of the two with 292 students, while Otis-Bison serves 239 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's education system, as no charter schools are currently available.

Close-knit campuses in a purely rural landscape

Every school in Rush County is in a rural locale, leading to a very small average school size of 89 students. Enrollment ranges from 143 students at La Crosse Elementary to just 48 students at La Crosse Middle School.

Invest in a community-focused school system

Families who value high per-pupil spending and extremely small class sizes should explore housing options in LaCrosse or Otis. The intimate scale of these rural schools ensures that every student receives individual attention.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rush County

via RiskByCounty

Rush County ranks among safest nationally

Rush County's composite risk score of 4.96 places it in the "Very Low" category and well below the national average. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal exposure across nearly all natural hazard categories.

Kansas's lowest-risk county

At 4.96, Rush County's composite risk score is the lowest among all Kansas counties and represents just 17% of the state average of 29.89. This makes Rush County one of the nation's safest locations for natural disaster exposure.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Rush County's 4.96 score is substantially lower than Russell County (12.53), Rooks County (14.34), and all other nearby counties. Its exceptional safety profile stands out across central Kansas.

Minimal hazard exposure overall

Even Rush County's highest individual risk—wildfire at 42.53—remains below-average for Kansas. Tornado (31.46) and flood (6.27) risks are both very low, creating an exceptionally safe county-wide environment.

Basic homeowner's insurance sufficient

Standard homeowner's insurance adequately protects properties in Rush County given the minimal natural disaster exposure. Focus on maintaining standard wind and hail coverage as a reasonable precaution, though catastrophic risk remains extremely low.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rush County

via WaterByCounty

Elevated Violations Impact County Water Grade

Rush County earns an F grade with 23 recorded drinking water health violations. The violation rate of 985.0 per 100,000 residents far exceeds the state average of 313.4.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Recorded

The EPA ATTAINS database shows no §303(d) assessed water bodies for Rush County. Local streams have not yet been categorized for impairments at the federal level.

No Federal Monitoring Data Found

No monitoring records exist in the federal Water Quality Portal for Rush County over the past five years. This data gap makes it challenging to assess localized contaminant levels through public records.

Walnut Creek Flow Near Zero

The USGS gauge at Nekoma is recording just 1 cfs, representing only 4% of its 21 cfs long-term mean. These low flow conditions suggest severe moisture deficits in the surrounding watershed.

Focus on Compliance and Testing

With multiple health violations and critically low streamflow, residents should prioritize private testing or certified filtration. Stay alert to municipal alerts regarding any recurring system compliance issues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rush County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but prone to summer extremes

Rush County averages 53.5°F annually, falling just below the national average for temperate interior counties. The climate is defined by high summer heat and moderate winter precipitation.

Dry conditions define the local landscape

The county is noticeably drier than the state average, receiving only 25.3 inches of annual precipitation compared to 30.3 inches statewide. Its 53.5°F average makes it one of the cooler counties in the Kansas heartland.

Parallel patterns across the central plains

Rush County mirrors the 25.3-inch rainfall found in Rooks County but experiences more extreme summer heat. It sees 71 days of 90°F+ weather, surpassing the 63 days recorded in nearby Russell County.

Seventy-one days of blistering summer heat

Summer dominates the calendar with 71 days exceeding 90°F, even though the July average is a moderate 78.2°F. Winters are relatively dry, producing only 15.5 inches of snowfall on average.

Manage heat stress and water usage

The high frequency of 90°F days requires robust air conditioning and smart irrigation for gardens. Because snowfall is moderate at 15.5 inches, focus your seasonal prep on summer heat mitigation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rush County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Rush Plains

Rush County features an average pH of 7.42, which is notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline characteristic exceeds the state average of 6.80, potentially affecting nutrient availability for certain crops. The overall soil score of 48.8 suggests a landscape that requires specific management to reach peak productivity.

Heavy Silt and Clay Foundations

The soil is dominated by 54.4% silt and 25.1% clay, creating a heavy texture that holds onto moisture well. With only 20.5% sand, these soils can be slower to drain but offer excellent stability for roots. This composition is typical of the productive central Kansas wheat belt.

Consistent Water Storage for Agriculture

Rush County provides an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, outperforming the Kansas state average of 0.180 in/in. However, organic matter remains low at 1.93%, trailing the state average of 2.22%. This means while the soil stores water well, it may need nitrogen or organic boosts to support heavy feeding plants.

Moisture Management in Unclassified Lands

Specific data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for Rush County. The high silt and clay percentages suggest the soil is likely to have moderate to slow permeability. Local builders and farmers should expect steady water retention but should verify drainage before starting large-scale projects.

Zone 6b Growth and Garden Tips

The local climate in Hardiness Zone 6b supports a wide variety of prairie-adapted plants and traditional vegetables. Squash and legumes do particularly well in this high-silt environment when given enough water. Your garden will benefit greatly from mulching to preserve the moisture captured by the county's high water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rush County

via LawnByCounty

Beating the Heat in Rush County

Rush County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.6, indicating a moderately difficult environment compared to the Kansas state average of 59.1. Residents in Zone 6b must contend with high heat and limited natural rainfall to keep turf thriving.

Seventy-One Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Lawns here endure 71 extreme heat days a year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 58 days. Combined with only 25.3 inches of annual precipitation, your irrigation system must be highly efficient to counter the high evaporation rates.

Alkaline Soil and High Clay Content

The local soil pH of 7.42 is on the high side, which can lead to lime-induced chlorosis in sensitive grass types. With 25.1% clay, the soil holds moisture well but can become rock-hard if allowed to dry out completely during the summer.

Short Growing Windows and Dry Cycles

The county experienced 11 weeks of drought over the past year, making deep, infrequent watering a critical strategy for root development. Using mulch mowers helps return nutrients and moisture to the soil, providing a buffer against these dry periods.

Plant Warm-Season Grasses for Best Results

With a final spring frost around April 30 and an early fall frost on October 10, the window for growth is concise. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are better equipped to handle the 71 days of extreme heat prevalent in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rush County's county score?
Rush County, Kansas has a composite county score of 42.7 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 Rush County rank among counties in Kansas?
Rush County ranks #77 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 Rush County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Rush County is $1,504, with an effective tax rate of 1.90%. This earns Rush County a tax score of 4.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rush County?
The median household income in Rush County, Kansas is $60,288 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rush County earns an income score of 40/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rush County, Kansas a good place to live?
Rush County scores 42.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Rush 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 Rush County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.