countyscore
38.4
County Score
Schools 76.7Soil Quality 74.1Water Quality 67.8

County Report Card

About Saline County, Kansas

Performance Below National Median

Saline County's composite score of 38.4 puts it well below the national median of 50.0. While it features strong institutional scores, overall livability is weighed down by safety concerns.

Challenged Within the State

The county scores lower than the Kansas average of 49.5. It remains an important regional hub but faces specific social and fiscal hurdles that affect its ranking.

Excellent Schools and Infrastructure

Saline County earns a high school score of 76.7 and a water score of 67.8. These scores highlight a commitment to public education and reliable local utility services.

Safety and Environmental Risk Gaps

The safety score is critically low at 5.2, while the risk score sits at 33.9. These figures suggest that crime and natural disaster vulnerability are significant concerns for the local population.

Targeted Toward Education-Focused Families

This county is best for families who place top priority on school quality and infrastructure. It attracts those who work in the local economy and are comfortable navigating an urban-rural mix.

Score breakdown

Tax19.8Cost35.6Safety5.2Health57.5Schools76.7Income49.1Risk33.9Water67.8Weather44.5
🏛19.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63
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

Ottawa County
Kansas
57.4
McPherson County
Kansas
49.6
Dickinson County
Kansas
47.7
Ellsworth County
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52.5
Lincoln County
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Clay County
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Mitchell County
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Marion County
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Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Saline County

via TaxByCounty

Saline County has below-average tax rates

At 1.328%, Saline County's effective tax rate sits above the national median of 1.1% but represents a relatively moderate burden within Kansas. The median annual tax of $2,283 on homes worth $171,900 reflects the county's balanced approach to property taxation.

Saline ranks in state's lower half

Saline County's effective rate of 1.328% is among the lowest in Kansas, sitting well below the state average of 1.549%. With a median tax of $2,283 compared to the state median of $1,943, the county's advantage comes from lower rates applied to modestly valued homes.

Most affordable taxes in central Kansas

Saline County offers the lowest effective tax rate in its region, undershooting Russell County (1.751%), Rooks County (1.770%), Rush County (1.897%), and Scott County (1.532%). Only Sedgwick County (1.230%) approaches Saline's tax-friendly stance.

Annual tax of $2,283 on median home

Saline County homeowners with a median-valued property of $171,900 pay roughly $2,283 per year in property taxes. The tax burden remains remarkably stable whether the home is mortgaged ($2,291) or owned outright ($2,274).

Even low rates merit periodic review

While Saline County's rates are favorable compared to neighbors, homeowners should still verify that their assessments reflect current market values. A small correction could yield modest but meaningful savings on an already reasonable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Saline County

via CostByCounty

Saline rents climb above state norm

Saline County renters spend 17.3% of income on housing, exceeding the Kansas average of 14.7% and outpacing the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of $915 and household income of $63,316, Saline reflects a regional pattern of rising housing costs in Kansas's mid-sized cities.

Saline moderately strained statewide

Saline County ranks in the middle tier of Kansas affordability, with rents 16% above the state median of $787 and a rent-to-income ratio 2.6 percentage points above average. As the home of Salina, the county's regional hub status drives higher costs than purely rural neighbors.

Urban premium over rural counties

Saline County's $915 median rent significantly exceeds rural counties like Rooks ($679) and Rush ($700), reflecting Salina's position as a regional center with more diverse employment and services. Yet Saline rents remain below Riley County's $1,065, creating a middle ground between rural and college-town pricing.

Saline income handles urban costs

Households earning Saline's $63,316 median spend approximately $10,980 annually on $915 rent, allocating 17.3% of income and leaving $52,336 for other needs. Homeowners see higher burden, with $988 monthly costs consuming 18.8% of income and median home values at $171,900.

Saline balances city and affordability

Saline County suits relocators seeking small-city amenities without Riley County's premium costs—budget around $915 for rent or $172,000 for home purchase. The county's regional hospital, university, and commerce create job diversity, making it more versatile than smaller rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saline County

via IncomeByCounty

Saline County Nearly Matches National Median

Saline County's median household income of $63,316 comes within $11,439 of the national median of $74,755, a tighter gap than most Kansas counties. Per capita income of $34,403 aligns closely with the national average, indicating balanced earning power across households. Saline County's proximity to national norms reflects its larger urban center (Salina) and more diversified economic base.

Slightly Above Kansas Average Overall Earnings

Saline County's median household income of $63,316 sits just $1,112 below Kansas's state average of $64,428, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's economic landscape. The county's per capita income of $34,403 aligns with state averages, suggesting typical income distribution. This middle-tier performance reflects Saline County's role as one of Kansas's more economically stable mid-sized regions.

Balanced Between Urban and Rural Peers

Saline County's $63,316 income sits between rural counties (Russell $53,902, Rooks $61,596) and more prosperous Scott County ($67,788) and Sedgwick County ($67,675). The median home value of $171,900 is higher than purely rural neighbors but more affordable than Sedgwick County's $190,700. Saline County occupies a comfortable middle ground—more economically robust than rural counties yet more affordable than larger metros.

Rent-to-Income Ratio Challenges Renters

Saline County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio remains below affordability concerns, but combined with a median home value of $171,900, housing remains expensive relative to income. Homebuyers here should expect to dedicate 25-28% of gross income to mortgage, property taxes, and insurance—manageable but not generous. Renters, particularly those earning below the $63,316 median, face tighter budgets than their rural counterparts.

Diversify Income and Investments Strategically

Saline County households at $63,316 should direct housing savings—roughly 17.3% of income—into retirement accounts and diversified investments to compound over decades. Consider employer-sponsored retirement plans, especially if matched; this creates immediate wealth growth. Side income or spouse employment can accelerate wealth building; couples earning $63,316 each enter significantly higher financial security and investment opportunity tiers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Saline County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Trends in Saline County

Saline County faces a total crime rate of 3,478.6 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a safety score of 94.5, signaling a need for increased awareness.

Saline County vs State Safety

The county's safety score of 94.5 is lower than the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate is nearly triple the state average of 1,282.2 per 100K residents.

Urbanized Activity in a Rural Region

Saline County reports significantly more crime than neighboring Riley or Russell counties. This higher rate is typical for counties with more urbanized centers and multiple reporting agencies.

High Property Crime Volume

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics at 3,037.3 per 100K. The violent crime rate of 441.3 also sits above both the state and national averages.

Prioritizing Home Defense and Security

With elevated property crime, residents should consider professional alarm monitoring. Joining a neighborhood watch program can also help foster a safer environment for all Saline County citizens.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Saline County

via HealthByCounty

Saline County aligns with national health

At 75.5 years, Saline County's life expectancy runs just 0.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in six residents (16.2%) report poor or fair health, matching national medians. The county presents typical health outcomes with stable, sustainable trends.

Slightly above Kansas median

Saline County's 75.5-year life expectancy exceeds Kansas's state average of 75.4 years by a narrow margin. The 16.2% poor/fair health rate sits marginally above the state median, placing the county in the middle tier statewide. This balanced profile reflects neither exceptional health nor major disparities.

Solid regional health standing

Saline County's 75.5-year life expectancy ties Rooks County and trails only Riley County (79.7 years) in the region. The 16.2% poor/fair health rate matches Rush County and sits between Rooks's lower rate (13.5%) and Scott County's higher rate (18.9%). Saline holds steady among regional peers.

Strong primary and mental health access

Saline County boasts 97 primary care providers and 396 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, both well above state averages. At 9.9% uninsured, the county outperforms the state average of 11.5%, meaning most residents have care access. This combination of strong coverage and robust provider supply supports excellent health outcomes potential.

Keep your coverage active

Saline County's low 9.9% uninsured rate reflects strong community enrollment, but roughly one in ten residents still lack coverage. If you're uninsured or facing a coverage gap, visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to review your options. Saline's excellent provider network is only valuable if you're covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Saline County

via SchoolsByCounty

A major educational center in Saline County

Saline County manages 17 public schools serving a total of 7,844 students across three districts. This system includes 10 elementary, two middle, and four high schools, creating a comprehensive academic pipeline.

High achievement and significant financial backing

The county excels with a 91.6% graduation rate, beating both state and national averages. This success is backed by $10,861 in per-pupil spending, which is well above the Kansas average of $9,009, leading to a strong school score of 62.7.

Salina district leads with massive student body

The Salina district is the largest by far, operating 13 schools for 6,724 students. The county contains zero charter schools, maintaining a tradition of strong, district-led public education.

Dynamic town schools with larger student populations

Thirteen schools are located in town settings, and the average school size is 461 students. Salina High South is the largest campus with 1,102 students, while Stewart Elementary serves a more modest 417.

Move near top-performing Saline schools

Saline County is a premier choice for families due to its high graduation rates and superior per-pupil investment. Prospective homeowners should explore properties within the Salina district for proximity to high-capacity secondary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Saline County

via RiskByCounty

Saline County faces elevated national risk

Saline County scores 66.16 on the composite risk scale, ranking in the "Relatively Low" category but well above the national average. The county's tornado risk of 91.41 drives much of this elevation, making it a weather-vulnerable location.

Second-highest risk in Kansas

At 66.16, Saline County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Kansas, exceeded only by Sedgwick County's 96.60. This places the county in the upper tier of Kansas disaster exposure, more than double the state average of 29.89.

Saline significantly outranks regional peers

Saline County's 66.16 score far exceeds neighboring Russell County (12.53) and Rooks County (14.34), reflecting its unique exposure pattern. Only Riley County (58.46) approaches Saline's risk level in the immediate region.

Tornadoes are the dominant threat

Tornado risk reaches 91.41 in Saline County, among the highest in the nation and significantly exceeding state norms. Wildfire (82.41) and flood (58.81) risks round out a triple threat of severe weather hazards.

Prioritize tornado and severe weather coverage

Homeowners must have robust wind and tornado coverage given the county's 91.41 tornado risk, including consideration for a safe room or storm shelter. Add comprehensive flood insurance for the 58.81 flood risk and ensure hail coverage to protect against the county's multi-hazard environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Saline County

via WeatherByCounty

Higher temperatures and steady inland rains

Saline County averages 55.3°F annually, slightly warmer than the national median. This region experiences a classic continental climate with wet springs and hot, dry summers.

A warm hub in central Kansas

Saline County is warmer than the state average, posting a 55.3°F annual temperature compared to the 54.8°F state figure. Its 30.4 inches of precipitation almost perfectly matches the statewide average.

Wetter than the western plains

Saline County is much wetter than its western neighbor, Russell County, receiving 4.4 inches more rain annually. It also experiences more intense summer heat, with an 80.6°F July average compared to Russell’s 79.8°F.

Intense summers and moderate winter snow

The county faces 69 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, peaking during the hot 80.6°F July average. Winter brings a consistent 15.5 inches of snow and an average December-February temperature of 32.3°F.

Balance moisture control with heat prep

With 30.4 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper drainage and gutter maintenance. The 69 extreme heat days make high-efficiency HVAC and window shading essential for summer comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Saline County

via SoilByCounty

Saline County’s Gold Standard Soils

Saline County boasts an average pH of 6.52, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This near-perfect neutrality is more acidic than the Kansas average of 6.80, making it ideal for a vast range of plants. With a high soil score of 74.1, this is some of the state's most valuable land.

Deep Silts for Maximum Productivity

The soil composition is 56.3% silt and 26.4% clay, offering an exceptional balance for agricultural and construction uses. With only 17.3% sand, the ground holds moisture and nutrients extremely well. This fine-textured soil is a hallmark of the highly productive Smoky Hill River valley.

High Organic Matter and Water Retention

Organic matter in Saline County is 2.77%, well above the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in also significantly exceeds the state benchmark of 0.180 in/in. These figures indicate a naturally rich soil that supports heavy crop yields and lush landscapes.

Reliable Water Dynamics in Salina

While specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unlisted, the 74.1 soil score suggests excellent natural function. The high silt and clay content indicates that while drainage may be slower than sandy areas, it is generally consistent. This soil provides a stable, nutrient-rich anchor for both urban and rural development.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 6b

Saline County is in Hardiness Zone 6b, where the neutral pH and high organic matter allow almost any temperate plant to thrive. Gardeners here can find success with everything from fruit trees to heirloom vegetables. It is a fantastic place to start a high-yield garden with minimal chemical intervention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Saline County

via LawnByCounty

Saline County: A Kansas Lawn Leader

With a lawn difficulty score of 63.0, Saline County is one of the easier places in Kansas to maintain a beautiful yard. This score beats both the state average of 59.1 and the national median of 50.0, thanks to favorable soil and rain patterns.

Ideal Rainfall and Long Growing Days

Saline County receives 30.4 inches of annual precipitation, hitting the sweet spot for turfgrass health. While you will face 69 days of extreme heat, the 4,180 growing degree days provide an ample window for grass to establish and recover.

Perfectly Acidic Soil for Nutrient Success

The soil pH of 6.52 is widely considered the 'goldilocks' zone for lawns, ensuring that nitrogen and phosphorus are easily absorbed. A clay content of 26.4% provides excellent nutrient retention, though it may require occasional aeration to improve airflow.

Short Dry Spells Require Vigilance

Despite having only 12 weeks of drought in the past year, the 69 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the surface. Monitoring soil moisture and watering deeply in the early morning will help your lawn withstand the intense Kansas sun.

Capitalize on the Long Growing Season

With the last frost occurring around April 27, you have a reliable start date for spring projects. The 6b hardiness zone is perfect for tall fescue, which will thrive in your high-quality soil and take advantage of the 30.4 inches of rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saline County's county score?
Saline County, Kansas has a composite county score of 38.4 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 Saline County rank among counties in Kansas?
Saline County ranks #89 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 Saline County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Saline County is $2,283, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Saline County a tax score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saline County?
The median household income in Saline County, Kansas is $63,316 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saline County earns an income score of 49.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saline County, Kansas a good place to live?
Saline County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Saline 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 Saline County with other counties side by side.

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