countyscore
43.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.5Cost of Living 67Health 57.7

County Report Card

About Russell County, Kansas

Trailing National Livability Standards

Russell County reports a composite score of 43.4, falling short of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong environmental safety and economic challenges.

Behind the Kansas Curve

At 43.4, the county sits below the Kansas state average of 49.5. It ranks as a mid-tier option for residents compared to other rural Kansas counties.

Low Environmental Risk and Affordable Living

The county excels with a risk score of 87.5 and a cost score of 67.0. Housing remains accessible with a median home value of $106,400, providing a low barrier to entry for buyers.

Weak Income and Tax Scores

Russell County struggles with an income score of 22.7 and a tax score of 6.1. A median household income of $53,902 and an effective tax rate of 1.751% create a tighter financial margin for residents.

A Haven for Rural Retirees

This county is well-suited for retirees or those with fixed incomes who value environmental stability and low-cost housing. It offers a quiet, safe lifestyle for those not dependent on high-growth local job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax6.1Cost67Safety36.3Health57.7Schools44Income22.7Risk87.5Water20.5Weather44.5
🏛6.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Kansas
60.4
Osborne County
Kansas
56.7
Ellsworth County
Kansas
52.5
Ellis County
Kansas
43.3
Barton County
Kansas
42.2
Rush County
Kansas
42.7
Rooks County
Kansas
53.9
Mitchell County
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55.8

Deep Dives

Russell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Russell County

via TaxByCounty

Russell County taxes exceed national norms

Russell County's effective tax rate of 1.751% sits well above the national median of 1.1%, placing it among higher-taxed counties nationwide. The median annual tax of $1,863 reflects the county's substantial local revenue needs.

Russell ranks 3rd in Kansas tax rates

At 1.751%, Russell County's effective rate is the third-highest in Kansas, behind Rush County (1.897%) and Rooks County (1.770%), and above the state average of 1.549%. The median home value of $106,400 generates $1,863 in annual tax revenue per household.

Steeper taxes than most nearby counties

Russell County's 1.751% rate exceeds Scott County (1.532%), Saline County (1.328%), and Sedgwick County (1.230%), matching the regional pattern of higher taxes in central Kansas. Only Rooks and Rush counties impose heavier burdens nearby.

Median tax of $1,863 on $106,400 home

Russell County homeowners with a median-valued property of $106,400 pay approximately $1,863 annually in property taxes. That figure climbs to $2,615 when adjustments for mortgages and escrow are included.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Russell County's elevated effective rate makes a property assessment review worthwhile—even small reductions can save hundreds over time. Request your county assessor's comparison of your home to recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Russell County

via CostByCounty

Russell stretches incomes tighter

Russell County renters spend 16.1% of income on housing, exceeding both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and the national average of 14.6%. The strain reflects Russell's relatively lower household income of $53,902—the lowest among peer counties—paired with $722 median rents.

Russell faces affordability headwinds

Russell County ranks below average for Kansas affordability, with a 16.1% rent-to-income ratio and median rents of $722—slightly above the state average of $787. The gap narrows further when considering that Russell households earn significantly less than the Kansas median.

Russell costs more with less income

Russell County residents earn roughly $8,000 less annually than Rooks and Rush County households, yet pay rents within a few dollars of those counties. This income-cost mismatch makes Russell the least affordable of its rural peers despite modest absolute rents.

Russell housing takes heavy toll

A household earning Russell's median $53,902 spends about $8,688 annually on $722 rent, consuming 16.1% of income and leaving just $45,214 for all other expenses. Homeowners face even steeper pressure, with $822 monthly costs consuming 18.3% of income and median home values at $106,400.

Russell requires strategic planning

If you're considering Russell County, dual incomes or remote work at above-median wages become critical for comfortable housing affordability. The county offers rural character and lower absolute costs, but budget carefully—rents approach $750 and homes run $100,000+.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Russell County

via IncomeByCounty

Russell County Significantly Below National Income

Russell County's median household income of $53,902 lags the national median of $74,755 by $20,853—a 27.9% shortfall that ranks it among the nation's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $32,255 also falls below national and state norms, indicating broadly lower earning power across the county. This rural county faces economic headwinds common to sparsely populated agricultural regions across America.

Lowest Income County in Kansas Sample

Russell County's median household income of $53,902 ranks last among the eight counties profiled here and sits $10,526 below Kansas's state average of $64,428. The county's per capita income of $32,255 also falls well below the state's $34,748, indicating limited economic opportunity throughout the region. Russell County faces genuine affordability and opportunity challenges that require targeted policy and investment.

Lowest Earnings, but Affordable Housing Helps

Russell County's $53,902 median income is the lowest in this cohort, trailing Rooks County ($61,596) by $7,694 and Rush County by $6,386. However, the median home value of $106,400 and rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% remain manageable, actually more affordable than higher-income Riley County. This suggests Russell County households stretch incomes further through low housing costs.

Housing Affordable but Overall Budgets Tight

Russell County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, and the $106,400 median home value is accessible to median-income buyers. Yet the household income of $53,902 limits discretionary spending on healthcare, education, childcare, and savings relative to national peers. Families here face trade-offs: affordable housing offsets low overall earnings but leaves little margin for emergencies or investment.

Focus on Stable Employment and Skill Development

Russell County households earning $53,902 should prioritize stable employment first, then build emergency savings of 6-12 months given limited financial cushion. Every dollar saved grows through compound interest over decades—even small contributions to retirement accounts (Roth IRA, workplace plans) build meaningful long-term wealth. Invest in job training, certifications, or education that raise earning power; moving from $53,900 to $65,000 income dramatically improves lifetime financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Russell County

via CrimeByCounty

Russell County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Russell County earns a high safety score of 97.7, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,477.1 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistent with Kansas Safety Norms

The county's safety score of 97.7 is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 98.0. Although its violent crime rate is slightly elevated, the overall crime volume remains manageable.

Regional Safety Comparison

Russell County is safer than neighbor Rush County but reports more activity than Rooks County. This puts Russell in a middle-tier position for safety within the region.

Property and Violent Crime Split

Violent crime in Russell is 387.9 per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 1,089.2 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Targeted Safety for Russell Homeowners

Since violent crime is slightly higher than the state average, residents should prioritize personal and home security. Using smart doorbells and maintaining bright exterior lighting are excellent preventative measures.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Russell County

via HealthByCounty

Russell County near national health norms

At 74.8 years, Russell County's life expectancy falls 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 15.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits just below national medians. While not an outlier, these figures suggest room for targeted health improvement.

Below-average health in Kansas

Russell County's 74.8-year life expectancy trails the state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Kansas counties. The 15.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state median, indicating broader health challenges. However, the county avoids the extreme disparities seen in nearby Rush County.

Mid-tier performance in region

Russell County's 74.8-year life expectancy surpasses Rush County (69.0 years) but trails Rooks County (75.5 years) and Riley County (79.7 years). The 15.9% poor/fair health rate sits between Rooks's stronger performance (13.5%) and Rush's weaker outcomes (16.2%). The county occupies a middle position regionally.

Limited primary care, minimal mental health

Russell County has 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below state average and regional leaders. Mental health provider supply is extremely limited at 15 per 100,000, creating care gaps for residents with depression, anxiety, or behavioral health needs. At 9.1% uninsured—below the state average—more residents have coverage, yet provider shortages limit its value.

Strengthen your health security

Russell County's 9.1% uninsured rate is among the state's lowest, but gaps remain for vulnerable residents. If you lack coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to explore marketplace plans, or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to confirm Medicaid eligibility. Having insurance opens doors to preventive care and mental health support.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Russell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified education across Russell County towns

Russell County's public education is delivered through five schools serving 915 students. The system is streamlined under a single district, featuring three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Steady performance with focused local spending

The graduation rate stands at 84.0%, which is slightly lower than the national benchmark of 87.0%. With $8,222 spent per pupil, the county's investment is below the Kansas average of $9,009, resulting in a composite school score of 53.0.

A single district serving the entire community

The Russell County district manages the vast majority of local students, with 778 children enrolled across its four primary schools. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a centralized approach to public learning.

Small-town atmosphere with consolidated campuses

Four of the five schools are located in town settings, contributing to an average school size of 183 students. Bickerdyke Elementary is the largest with 228 students, while Lucas/Sylvan Elementary Unified remains the smallest with 137.

Centralized schooling for easy home searches

The unified district structure in Russell County makes it easy for homebuyers to find properties close to their preferred campus. Small school sizes and a town-centric feel are key advantages for families moving to the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Russell County

via RiskByCounty

Russell County maintains low national risk

Russell County scores 12.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Very Low" category well below the national average. This favorable standing reflects managed exposure to the state's common hazards.

Well below Kansas average risk

Russell County's 12.53 score is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This advantage provides residents with notably lower disaster risk compared to most state peers.

Similar safety to nearby Rush County

Russell County's 12.53 score closely mirrors Rush County (4.96) and Rooks County (14.34) to create a relatively safe central Kansas corridor. All three counties offer below-average risk compared to state metrics.

Wildfire and tornado manageable threats

Wildfire risk of 58.91 and tornado risk of 45.96 represent Russell County's primary hazards, though both remain below state maximums. Flood risk at 9.92 is minimal, contributing to the county's overall low composite score.

Standard coverage with wildfire consideration

Homeowners should maintain standard wind, hail, and tornado coverage as baseline protection in Russell County. Adding a wildfire rider to homeowner's insurance provides additional peace of mind given the 58.91 wildfire risk, though overall exposure remains manageable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Russell County

via WeatherByCounty

An archetypal mid-continental climate profile

Russell County’s 54.8°F average annual temperature is a near-perfect match for the central United States median. This climate provides distinct seasonal shifts without the extreme humidity of the deep south.

The exact average of the Sunflower State

Russell County perfectly matches the Kansas state average temperature of 54.8°F. It remains drier than the state average, however, recording 26.0 inches of precipitation against the 30.3-inch state norm.

Warmer and drier than northern neighbors

Russell County is warmer than Rooks County by 1.2 degrees annually and sees significantly less snow. It receives only 11.7 inches of snowfall, while Rooks County to the north gets 19.2 inches.

Warm July nights and light snow

July temperatures average 79.8°F, contributing to 63 days of extreme heat each year. Winter is milder than nearby counties, with snowfall totals averaging only 11.7 inches per season.

Efficient cooling for dry summer months

Low snowfall makes winter maintenance easier, but the 63 days of extreme heat require efficient cooling systems. The 26-inch rainfall average suggests drought-resistant landscaping is a wise choice for residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Russell County

via SoilByCounty

Russell County’s Sweet Soil Profile

Russell County reports an average pH of 7.17, indicating a slightly alkaline soil compared to the national median of 6.5. This value is higher than the state average of 6.80 but remains within a healthy range for most regional crops. The county earns a soil score of 51.5, placing it near the middle of the state's productivity spectrum.

A Versatile Silt-Dominated Blend

The soil texture is composed of 52.3% silt, 23.7% sand, and 23.7% clay. This even split between sand and clay, backed by a high silt volume, provides a balanced medium for drainage and nutrient storage. It offers better workability than heavier clay soils found further east.

Solid Fertility and Water Capacity

At 2.05% organic matter, Russell County is slightly above the national average of 2.0% but just below the Kansas average of 2.22%. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is slightly better than the state benchmark of 0.180 in/in. This combination provides a reliable foundation for dryland farming and local gardening.

Stable Drainage for Heartland Use

Detailed hydrologic groups and drainage classes are currently not listed for this county. Given the 52.3% silt content, users can generally expect moderate water movement and good root penetration. Always check local site conditions, as the 23.7% clay content can lead to localized compaction in low-lying areas.

Gardening Success in Zone 6b

As part of Hardiness Zone 6b, Russell County is perfect for heat-tolerant favorites like peppers and sunflowers. The soil's ability to hold water makes it easier to maintain a vegetable garden during dry Kansas summers. Try planting native shrubs to help anchor the soil and boost your landscape's resilience.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Russell County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing Challenges in Russell County

Russell County's lawn difficulty score of 52.6 reflects a climate that is tougher than the state average but slightly easier than the national median. This Zone 6b region requires a strategic approach to balance heat resistance with winter hardiness.

Hot Summers and Moderate Rainfall

The county sees 63 days of extreme heat and 26.0 inches of annual precipitation, creating a demand for supplemental watering. With 4,079 growing degree days, grass grows quickly in the spring and fall but may go dormant during the peak of summer.

Balanced Texture for Reliable Drainage

Russell County features a balanced soil texture with 23.7% clay and 23.7% sand, providing a stable foundation for root growth. The soil pH of 7.17 is nearly neutral, making it compatible with most standard lawn fertilizers without heavy lime or sulfur adjustments.

Fourteen Weeks of Drought Stress

Lawns survived 14 weeks of drought over the past year, underlining the importance of selecting species with deep root potential. Even with 0% current severe drought, installing a rain sensor on your irrigation system can save water while maintaining lawn health.

Timing is Everything for Russell Lawns

Plan your major lawn work after the April 22 frost date to ensure new seedlings aren't damaged by late cold snaps. Drought-tolerant fescue blends are the local standard, thriving in the 6b zone and handling the 63 days of intense sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Russell County's county score?
Russell County, Kansas has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Russell County rank among counties in Kansas?
Russell County ranks #75 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 Russell County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Russell County is $1,863, with an effective tax rate of 1.75%. This earns Russell County a tax score of 6.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Russell County?
The median household income in Russell County, Kansas is $53,902 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Russell County earns an income score of 22.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Russell County, Kansas a good place to live?
Russell County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Russell 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 Russell County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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