CountyScore

Saline County

Kansas · KS

#80 in Kansas
64.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Saline County, Kansas

Saline ranks in top 82nd percentile nationwide

Saline County's composite score of 65.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 16 points, placing it in the 82nd percentile nationally. This strong ranking reflects above-average livability across the country.

Nearly mirrors Kansas state average exactly

Saline County's score of 65.9 sits nearly equal to Kansas's state average of 66.0, reflecting solid mid-to-upper tier performance within the state. It exemplifies typical livability in one of Kansas's better-performing counties.

Highest income and lowest taxes among eight

Saline County leads this group with an income score of 24.7 and the lowest effective tax rate at 1.328%, with median household income of $63,316. These strengths create strong financial breathing room for residents.

Housing costs are moderate compared to peers

While Saline County's cost score of 76.9 is respectable, it ranks below six of the other seven counties in this analysis, with median gross rent at $915. This reflects higher housing costs tied to stronger economic conditions.

Ideal for professionals balancing income and taxes

Saline County appeals to working professionals and middle-class families seeking good income potential paired with low tax burden. Its balanced profile makes it attractive for those who don't prioritize rock-bottom housing costs over financial opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.9Cost76.9SafetyComing SoonHealth70.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.7Risk33.9WaterComing Soon
🏛64.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡33.9
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 Saline County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Santa Cruz County
Arizona
64.4
Median income: $53,614
Gordon County
Georgia
64.4
Median income: $61,997
Macon County
Georgia
64.4
Median income: $37,177
Davis County
Iowa
64.4
Median income: $79,505
Platte County
Missouri
64.4
Median income: $95,748

Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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