countyscore
52.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 77.8Schools 77.3

County Report Card

About Scott County, Kansas

Exceeding the National Baseline

Scott County holds a composite score of 52.2, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high overall quality of life relative to the rest of the country.

A Leading Kansas County

With a score of 52.2, Scott County sits comfortably above the Kansas state average of 49.5. It is one of the more desirable jurisdictions in the state based on integrated data.

Superior Infrastructure and Safety

The county boasts an impressive water score of 86.0 and a safety score of 77.8. Coupled with a strong school score of 77.3, it provides a stable and secure environment for residents.

High Tax Burden Limits Score

The tax score is the county's primary weakness at 11.5. An effective tax rate of 1.532% may deter some who are looking for the absolute lowest tax environment in the region.

Best for Safety-Conscious Professionals

Scott County is a premier choice for high-earning professionals who value safety and excellent schools. The trade-off for higher taxes is a community with top-tier utilities and peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax11.5Cost40.5Safety77.8Health41.9Schools77.3Income61.2Risk53.6Water86Weather37.8
🏛11.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.4
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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Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes above national average

Scott County's effective tax rate of 1.532% exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing the county in the nation's higher-taxed tier. The median annual tax of $2,606 reflects moderately strong tax collection relative to property values.

Scott ranks 6th among Kansas counties

At 1.532%, Scott County's effective rate slightly exceeds the Kansas state average of 1.549%, putting it squarely in the state's mid-to-upper range. The median home value of $170,100 generates $2,606 in annual property taxes.

Mid-range taxes for the plains region

Scott County's 1.532% rate sits between higher-taxed central Kansas counties (Rush at 1.897%, Rooks at 1.770%, Russell at 1.751%) and lower-taxed neighbors (Saline at 1.328%, Sedgwick at 1.230%). This positions Scott as a moderate-tax alternative in the region.

Expect $2,606 annual tax on median home

Scott County homeowners with a median property valued at $170,100 pay approximately $2,606 yearly in property taxes. With mortgage-related adjustments, that figure can reach $3,342 per year.

Assessment accuracy protects your wallet

Scott County's mid-range effective rate makes verification of your assessed value especially worthwhile—an overestimate could add unnecessary costs. Compare your assessment to recent sales of homes similar to yours within your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County stays near affordability targets

Scott County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing, exceeding the Kansas average of 14.7% but remaining close to the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of $861 and household income of $67,788—the highest among peer rural counties—Scott balances moderate costs with stronger earning power.

Scott ranks solidly mid-range

Scott County holds middle ground in Kansas affordability, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio and rents 9% above the state median of $787. The county benefits from higher household incomes than most rural neighbors, easing the housing cost burden despite slightly elevated rents.

Scott balances cost and income well

Scott County's $861 median rent exceeds rural counties like Rooks and Rush, yet Scott households earn $6,000-$8,000 more annually, creating favorable affordability math. This income premium positions Scott as a comfortable middle option between purely rural and mid-sized city housing markets.

Scott households manage housing well

At a median income of $67,788, Scott residents spend roughly $10,332 annually on $861 rent, consuming 15.2% of income and preserving $57,456 for all other needs. Homeowners enjoy similar ease, with $987 monthly costs taking 17.4% of income and median home values at $170,100.

Scott offers rural stability, better incomes

Scott County appeals to rural-inclined relocators with stronger employment prospects and above-average household earnings—plan for rents near $860 or home prices around $170,000. The county's income advantage over smaller neighbors makes it a more resilient choice for families prioritizing financial security.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County Approaches National Income Parity

Scott County's median household income of $67,788 closes within $6,967 of the national median of $74,755, a gap of just 9.3% that makes it one of the stronger-performing rural Kansas counties. Per capita income of $35,206 slightly exceeds national averages, suggesting broad-based earning strength. Scott County's economic performance indicates successful agricultural operations and business activity.

Among Kansas's Highest-Income Counties

Scott County's median household income of $67,788 ranks well above Kansas's state average of $64,428, placing it in the state's top tier of earnings. The county's per capita income of $35,206 also exceeds the state average of $34,748, indicating consistent economic strength across households. Scott County performs better than 75% of the eight-county sample profiled here.

Top Performer Among Peer Rural Counties

Scott County's $67,788 median income exceeds all comparison rural counties except Sedgwick County ($67,675), making it virtually tied for highest earnings in this cohort. The median home value of $170,100 and rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% offer excellent affordability, beaten only by Rush County and Rooks County. Scott County represents the rural ideal: strong incomes, low housing costs, and solid financial foundation.

Strong Income Offsets Housing Affordability

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% and median home value of $170,100 create excellent affordability for the $67,788 median income. Homebuyers here dedicate approximately 23-26% of gross income to housing—well within comfort zones—leaving substantial income for savings and investment. This favorable ratio, combined with above-average earnings, creates meaningful financial breathing room for families.

Strong Position for Aggressive Wealth Building

Scott County households earning $67,788 with favorable housing costs should maximize retirement savings, invest in 529 college plans, and build taxable investment accounts. At this income level, every dollar directed to tax-advantaged accounts and diversified investments compounds powerfully; target 15-20% of income for long-term wealth building. Consider real estate investment or business expansion opportunities; Scott County's stability provides a platform for entrepreneurial ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County is a National Safety Leader

Scott County boasts an elite safety score of 99.2, making it one of the safest places in America. Its total crime rate of 526.5 per 100K is roughly 22% of the national average.

Leading the State in Public Safety

At 99.2, Scott County’s safety score is significantly better than the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate is less than half the state average of 1,282.2.

The Safest Option in the Region

Scott County maintains much lower crime rates than nearby Seward and Rush counties. It sets a high bar for community safety in western Kansas.

Remarkably Low Crime Across Categories

Property crime is exceptionally rare at just 312.0 per 100K residents. Violent crime is also low at 214.5, which is well below both state and national benchmarks.

Staying Safe in a Low-Crime Zone

To maintain these excellent numbers, residents should continue reporting any suspicious activity. Simple precautions like locking car doors help prevent opportunistic property crimes from rising.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County's health hinges on coverage

At 76.8 years, Scott County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, yet 18.9% report poor or fair health—above national norms. This contradiction suggests residents live longer on average but face higher health burdens while living. A 17.6% uninsured rate—among Kansas's highest—likely drives this pattern.

High health challenges despite longer life

Scott County's 76.8-year life expectancy tops the state average of 75.4 years, but 18.9% poor/fair health exceeds the state median significantly. The 17.6% uninsured rate is among Kansas's worst, suggesting coverage gaps drive day-to-day health struggles. This paradox reflects insurance-related access barriers despite longer lifespans.

Worst coverage in the region

Scott County's 17.6% uninsured rate nearly doubles Russell County's 9.1% and far exceeds Saline's 9.9%, marking it an outlier for lack of coverage. At 18.9% poor/fair health, Scott ranks second-worst in the region behind Seward County (23.3%). Despite adequate provider availability, insurance gaps undermine daily health.

Good providers, poor coverage access

Scott County offers 97 primary care providers and 81 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, competitive by state standards. Yet the 17.6% uninsured rate—triple the state average—means nearly one in five residents cannot access these providers. This coverage crisis creates a two-tiered health system despite adequate provider supply.

Insurance gap threatens your health

Scott County's 17.6% uninsured rate is a health emergency—the highest in this region and far above the state average. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov immediately or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; subsidies and Medicaid expansion may cover your family. Coverage transforms access from theoretical to real.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient education in Scott County

Scott County provides public education through a lean system of four schools serving 960 students. All schools are managed by a single district, providing a clear path from elementary through high school.

Exceptional graduation rates lead the region

The county achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 88.7% and the nation's 87.0%. This efficiency comes despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $7,743 compared to the state average.

Unified district with high-performance results

The Scott County district oversees all 960 students in the county, ensuring consistent standards across its four campuses. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's educational focus unified.

Town-centric schools with manageable sizes

Three of the four schools are in town locales, creating an average school size of 240 students. Scott City Middle is the largest with 426 students, while the Scott Community Learning Center provides a specialized environment for eight students.

Elite graduation rates for Scott County families

Homebuyers can take confidence in one of the highest graduation rates in the state when choosing a home in Scott County. The town-based schools are conveniently located for those seeking a balance of community and academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County moderately below national risk

Scott County scores 46.44 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and below the national average. This profile reflects a balanced hazard exposure across multiple threat categories.

Mid-range risk for Kansas counties

Scott County's 46.44 score exceeds the Kansas state average of 29.89, but remains well below the highest-risk counties. This positions the county in the moderate-risk range within the state's distribution.

Moderate risk in its region

Scott County's 46.44 score sits between the very-low-risk central Kansas corridor (Russell, Rooks, Rush) and the high-risk eastern tier. It represents a transitional zone where hazard exposure increases compared to immediate western neighbors.

Tornado is the leading hazard

Tornado risk of 38.52 represents Scott County's primary threat, moderate for Kansas but notable nonetheless. Earthquake risk at 21.82 is Scott County's second-highest individual hazard, with wildfire (22.04) and flood (12.09) presenting lesser concerns.

Wind and earthquake coverage recommended

Prioritize tornado and wind coverage in your homeowner's insurance given the 38.52 tornado risk, and consider earthquake insurance given the 21.82 earthquake risk. Standard flood insurance should be evaluated based on property location and elevation relative to flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

High plains climate with cooler averages

Scott County’s 53.1°F annual average is among the coolest in the region, typical of the high altitude plains. The air is thinner and drier here than in the eastern half of the country.

Among the driest counties in Kansas

Scott County receives just 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, over 10 inches less than the Kansas state average. It is also significantly cooler than the 54.8°F state average temperature.

Drier than the central heartland

Scott County is much drier than Rush County, which receives 25.3 inches of rain. However, Scott experiences heavier winters, averaging 19.6 inches of snow compared to Rush's 15.5 inches.

Snowy winters and sixty-seven hot days

The county averages 19.6 inches of snow per year, one of the highest totals in the state. Summers remain intense, however, with 67 days exceeding 90°F despite a cooler 75.5°F summer average.

Prepare for snow and low humidity

With nearly 20 inches of annual snow, residents need heavy-duty winter gear and vehicle prep. The dry 20.2-inch rainfall requires xeriscaping or specialized irrigation for any local gardening.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Scott County’s High-Alkaline High Plains

The soil in Scott County has an average pH of 7.44, making it one of the most alkaline in the region. This is notably higher than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.80. A soil score of 38.6 reflects the environmental challenges of this arid western Kansas territory.

Sandy Loams for Rapid Drainage

With 35.6% sand and 43.4% silt, these soils are coarser than many eastern Kansas counties. The 20.0% clay content provides some structure, but the higher sand percentage means water often moves through the profile quickly. This texture is well-suited for specific irrigation-heavy crops but can be prone to drying out.

Navigating Low Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.58%, falling below the Kansas average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% mark. Available water capacity is also lower than the state average at 0.175 in/in. To sustain high productivity, farmers often rely on conservation tillage and supplemental water.

Managing Hydrology in the West

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not provided for Scott County in this dataset. The high sand content of 35.6% suggests that drainage is likely rapid, which can lead to nutrient leaching if not managed. Local site testing is critical for understanding water movement for irrigation or construction.

Hardy Gardening in Zone 6a

Scott County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, meaning plants must withstand colder winter nights. Drought-hardy species like lavender, sage, and certain types of corn thrive in these sandy, alkaline soils. For the best garden results, focus on building up soil organic matter with compost or manure.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Dry Conditions Test Scott County Lawns

Scott County earns a lawn difficulty score of 53.4, reflecting the challenges of a semi-arid High Plains environment. In Zone 6a, homeowners must be proactive to keep grass alive through cold winters and very dry summers.

Managing with Limited Annual Rainfall

With only 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, Scott County is significantly drier than the state average of 30.3 inches. The 67 extreme heat days and lower growing degree days (3,653) mean you have a shorter, more intense window for lawn maintenance.

Sandy Soil and Higher pH Levels

The soil contains 35.6% sand, leading to fast drainage that can leave grass thirsty during heat waves. Combined with a pH of 7.44, you may need to use acidifying fertilizers to help your lawn access essential nutrients.

Consistent Drought Resilience Strategies

Scott County only saw 6 weeks of drought over the last year, which is lower than many neighboring counties. However, the low base rainfall means you should always prioritize native or drought-resistant grass species to conserve local water resources.

Focus on Hardy, Low-Water Species

Wait for the April 30 frost to pass before beginning your spring lawn work. Because of the 20.2-inch rainfall limit, Buffalograss is the highly recommended choice for this 6a zone to ensure a green yard that won't break the water bill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Kansas has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Scott County rank among counties in Kansas?
Scott County ranks #48 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 Scott County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $2,606, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 11.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Kansas is $67,788 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 61.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Kansas a good place to live?
Scott County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott 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.