countyscore
38.6
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.

2040608010018.937.25.257.576.74933.967.844.5Tax18.9Cost37.2Safety5.2Health57.5Schools76.7Income49Risk33.9Water67.8Weather44.538.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Saline County DNA

Foverall

How Saline County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Saline County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (76.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.9-33.1
Cost
37.2-10.799999999999997
Safety
5.2-49.8
Health
57.5
Schools
76.7+22.700000000000003
Income
49
Risk
33.9-13.100000000000001
Water
67.8+9.799999999999997
Weather
44.5-11.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$179,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$961/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$179,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,422/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.2

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

Ottawa County
Kansas
55.3
McPherson County
Kansas
49.2
Dickinson County
Kansas
46.1
Ellsworth County
Kansas
52.3
Lincoln County
Kansas
60.8
Clay County
Kansas
46.1
Mitchell County
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57.2
Marion County
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48.9

Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 38.6 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 $2,345, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Saline County a tax score of 18.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saline County?
The median household income in Saline County, Kansas is $65,422 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saline County earns an income score of 49/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saline County, Kansas a good place to live?
Saline County scores 38.6/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.