countyscore
29.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 66.2Income & Jobs 60.7

County Report Card

About Sedgwick County, Kansas

Significant Gap to National Median

Sedgwick County's composite score of 29.9 is far below the national median of 50.0. As a major urban center, it faces the complex livability challenges typical of large metro areas.

Laggard Among Kansas Counties

The county scores nearly 20 points lower than the Kansas average of 49.5. Despite its economic importance, it ranks poorly in terms of safety and environmental risk compared to rural peers.

Strong Incomes and Infrastructure

The county features a high income score of 60.7 and a water score of 86.0. These reflect a median household income of $67,675 and highly developed public utility systems.

Critical Safety and Risk Issues

Safety and risk scores are extremely low at 2.4 and 3.4, respectively. High rates of reported crime and vulnerability to natural disasters significantly impact the overall quality of life.

Suited for Urban Income Seekers

Sedgwick County is best for career-oriented individuals who want to take advantage of the state's largest job market. Residents trade safety and environmental stability for higher earning potential and urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax24.1Cost27.2Safety2.4Health51.7Schools34.9Income60.7Risk3.4Water86Weather53.6
🏛24.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.2
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

Sedgwick County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sedgwick County

via TaxByCounty

Sedgwick County has Kansas's lowest rate

Sedgwick County's effective tax rate of 1.230% sits just above the national median of 1.1%, making it one of the nation's more tax-friendly counties. Despite a median home value of $190,700, homeowners pay only $2,345 annually—well below national medians.

Sedgwick ranks lowest in Kansas

At 1.230%, Sedgwick County has the lowest effective tax rate in Kansas, substantially below the state average of 1.549%. The median annual tax of $2,345 on homes worth $190,700 represents the state's most favorable ratio of tax to property value.

Most tax-friendly county in the region

Sedgwick County's 1.230% rate is the lowest in its region, undercutting Saline County (1.328%), Scott County (1.532%), Russell County (1.751%), and all other nearby counties. This gives Sedgwick homeowners a significant financial edge.

Lowest tax burden: $2,345 annually

Sedgwick County homeowners with a median-valued property of $190,700 pay approximately $2,345 per year in property taxes. Whether mortgaged ($2,467) or owned outright ($2,148), Sedgwick's effective rate delivers tax savings compared to neighbors.

Keep assessments accurate to preserve savings

With the state's lowest tax rate, protecting your favorable assessment status is important; even modest overvaluations can eliminate the county's tax advantage. Review your assessment notice annually to ensure your home's value aligns with comparable properties sold nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sedgwick County

via CostByCounty

Sedgwick rents climb in metro setting

Sedgwick County renters spend 17.3% of income on housing, exceeding both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and the national average of 14.6%. As home to Wichita, Kansas's largest metro, Sedgwick's $977 median rent reflects urban demand, though household income of $67,675 provides some buffer.

Sedgwick strained by metro growth

Sedgwick County ranks below average for Kansas affordability, with a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio and rents 24% above the state median of $787. The metro premium reflects Wichita's role as the region's job and services hub, driving costs upward faster than rural counties.

Sedgwick costs more than all peers

Sedgwick County's $977 median rent exceeds every rural county peer, substantially surpassing Rooks ($679), Rush ($700), and even mid-sized Saline ($915). Yet Sedgwick offers metro amenities, diverse employment, and a larger economic base than smaller alternatives.

Sedgwick metro strain on budgets

Households earning Sedgwick's $67,675 median spend approximately $11,724 annually on $977 rent, allocating 17.3% of income and leaving $55,951 for other needs. Homeowners face steeper burden, with $1,099 monthly costs consuming 19.5% of income and median home values at $190,700.

Sedgwick rewards metro job-seekers

Sedgwick County suits relocators seeking metro job markets and urban services willing to pay a premium—budget roughly $980 for rent or $191,000 for home purchase. Wichita's diverse employers and regional centrality justify housing costs, making Sedgwick ideal for career growth over pure affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sedgwick County

via IncomeByCounty

Sedgwick County Competitive with National Income

Sedgwick County's median household income of $67,675 closes within $7,080 of the national median of $74,755, a 9.5% gap reflecting solid economic performance. Per capita income of $36,699 exceeds the national average, indicating broad-based earning strength across the county's larger population. As Kansas's largest metro region, Sedgwick County (Wichita) drives state economic performance.

Kansas's Economic Engine Underperforming Nationally

Sedgwick County's median household income of $67,675 ranks above Kansas's state average of $64,428 and represents the strongest performance in this eight-county sample. Per capita income of $36,699 substantially exceeds the state average of $34,748, indicating concentrated earning power in the Wichita metro area. Despite being Kansas's largest economy, Sedgwick County still lags national norms by 9.5%.

Top-Tier Earnings in Regional Comparison

Sedgwick County's $67,675 median income virtually ties Scott County ($67,788) for highest earnings in this cohort, far exceeding rural peers. The median home value of $190,700 is the highest in the sample, reflecting Wichita's stronger housing market demand. Rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% remains affordable despite higher home values, showing that metro incomes have kept pace with housing appreciation.

Home Values Rising Faster Than Incomes

Sedgwick County's median home value of $190,700 represents the highest in this eight-county sample, requiring approximately 27-30% of gross income for mortgage, taxes, and insurance at the median income level. While still within traditional affordability ranges, the gap between home values and median income has widened relative to rural comparisons. First-time homebuyers here face tighter down-payment requirements than rural neighbors.

Balanced Growth Between Real Estate and Investments

Sedgwick County households at $67,675 should diversify wealth-building between home equity (through appreciation and mortgage paydown) and investment accounts. With housing consuming 27-30% of income, direct surplus income to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, employer matches, and diversified investments—aiming for 15% total savings rate. Metro-area advantages (higher wages, career mobility) mean prioritizing skill development and network-building to capture income growth opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sedgwick County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Safety Challenges in Sedgwick County

As a major metropolitan hub, Sedgwick County has a total crime rate of 4,493.7 per 100K. This is nearly double the national average, resulting in a safety score of 92.9.

Safety Profile of the Wichita Metro Area

Sedgwick County’s safety score of 92.9 sits below the Kansas state average of 98.0. With 23 agencies reporting data, it provides the state's most comprehensive view of urban crime trends.

Higher Activity Than Rural Neighbors

Sedgwick County experiences far more crime incidents than its rural neighbors like Riley or Saline. This is typical for the state's most populous county and its primary economic center.

Property and Violent Crime Overview

Property crime is high at 3,611.4 per 100K, and the violent crime rate of 882.3 is more than double the national average. These numbers reflect the complexities of policing a large urban population.

Essential Home Protection for Residents

High property crime rates make advanced home security systems a wise investment. Ensure your property is well-lit and consider using smart home technology to monitor for package theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sedgwick County

via HealthByCounty

Sedgwick County slightly trails national health

At 74.8 years, Sedgwick County's life expectancy falls 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 15.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits modestly below national medians. As Kansas's largest county, Sedgwick's health profile influences statewide trends significantly.

Below-average health for Kansas

Sedgwick County's 74.8-year life expectancy slightly trails the state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The 15.4% poor/fair health rate sits just below the state median. As the most populous county, Sedgwick's outcomes shape Kansas's overall health reputation.

Mid-tier regional health outcomes

Sedgwick County's 74.8-year life expectancy ties Russell County and trails Rooks County (75.5 years) and Riley County (79.7 years). The 15.4% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among the larger counties (Saline, Sedgwick) but exceeds rural high-performers like Rooks. Sedgwick holds solid ground regionally despite its size.

Adequate providers, moderate coverage gaps

Sedgwick County has 89 primary care and 283 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid by state standards. At 12.3% uninsured, the county slightly exceeds the state average of 11.5%, indicating modest coverage gaps in this large urban-county setting. Overall infrastructure supports good care for those with insurance.

Don't fall through the cracks

Sedgwick County's 12.3% uninsured rate affects roughly one in eight residents, creating barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management. If you're uninsured or facing coverage changes, visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to explore marketplace plans and Medicaid options. Coverage is available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sedgwick County

via SchoolsByCounty

Kansas' largest and most diverse school system

Sedgwick County operates a massive network of 160 public schools serving 83,366 students across 11 districts. The system includes 98 elementary, 32 middle, and 24 high schools to accommodate its vast population.

Steady performance across a large metropolitan area

The graduation rate is 85.7%, which sits just below the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,184, significantly lower than the Kansas state average of $9,009, resulting in a composite score of 51.7.

Wichita district anchors the county's education

The Wichita district is the largest in the state, managing 88 schools and 46,101 students. Major suburban districts like Derby and Goddard also play significant roles, serving over 13,000 students combined.

Urban and suburban variety in every neighborhood

With 91 city schools and 35 suburban campuses, the average school size is 521 students. East High in Wichita is the largest with 2,295 students, reflecting the metropolitan scale of the county.

Unlimited options for Sedgwick County homebuyers

From urban magnet programs to high-performing suburban districts like Goddard and Derby, Sedgwick County offers the most school choices in Kansas. Families should consider their desired commute and school size when searching for homes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sedgwick County

via RiskByCounty

Sedgwick County faces highest national risks

Sedgwick County scores 96.60 on the composite risk scale, ranking in the "Relatively High" category and substantially exceeding the national average. The county faces extreme exposure across flood (96.09), tornado (99.27), and wildfire (94.43) hazards.

Kansas's highest-risk county

At 96.60, Sedgwick County has the highest composite risk score in Kansas, more than triple the state average of 29.89. This singular elevation reflects the county's exceptional vulnerability to multiple catastrophic natural hazards.

Dramatically higher risk than neighbors

Sedgwick County's 96.60 score vastly exceeds all neighboring counties, including Saline County (66.16) and Seward County (42.30). The county stands alone in Kansas as a high-risk disaster zone.

Tornado, flood, and wildfire triple threat

Tornado risk reaches a near-maximum 99.27, flood risk hits 96.09, and wildfire risk scores 94.43—making Sedgwick County vulnerable to three catastrophic hazard types simultaneously. Even earthquake risk of 75.22 significantly exceeds most Kansas counties.

Comprehensive insurance is essential

Sedgwick County homeowners must carry robust wind and tornado coverage, comprehensive flood insurance, and wildfire protection—this is not optional given the county's extreme multi-hazard exposure. Consider a safe room or storm shelter installation and maintain detailed property inventory for all disaster types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sedgwick County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm and humid southern plains profile

Sedgwick County is warmer than the national average, with a 57.1°F annual temperature. This climate is influenced by moist air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in higher humidity.

One of the warmest spots in Kansas

Sedgwick County averages 57.1°F annually, significantly higher than the 54.8°F state average. It is also wetter than most of the state, receiving 34.4 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer and wetter than central neighbors

Sedgwick County is much warmer than Saline County to the north, with a winter average that is nearly 3 degrees higher. It also receives 4 more inches of rain annually than the Salina area.

Mild winters and sweltering 80-degree Julys

July averages 80.8°F, fueling 61 days of extreme heat per year. Winters are the mildest in this group, averaging 35.0°F with just 9.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and storm drainage

The 34.4 inches of rain can lead to flash flooding, so maintain clear storm drains and gutters. With only 9.9 inches of snow, residents can focus their budget on high-performance air conditioning for the 80.8°F July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sedgwick County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Heart of Kansas

Sedgwick County features an average pH of 6.48, which is virtually identical to the national median of 6.5. This slightly acidic profile is lower than the Kansas state average of 6.80, making it very versatile for agriculture. The county earns a solid soil score of 60.7, indicating good overall quality.

A Gritty, Versatile Mix

The soil contains 35.1% sand, 43.3% silt, and 21.1% clay, offering a more balanced and workable texture than heavy clay regions. The higher sand content helps with drainage, while the silt and clay provide necessary nutrient binding. This mix is ideal for the varied needs of both urban Wichita and surrounding farms.

Fertility Near the National Average

Organic matter is 1.95%, hovering just below the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly under the Kansas average of 0.180 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is productive, it benefits from consistent irrigation and soil health management.

Efficient Drainage for Urban Growth

While specific drainage and taxonomic classifications are not recorded here, the 35.1% sand content suggests generally efficient drainage. This is beneficial for building foundations and reducing runoff in urbanized areas like Wichita. Always confirm local hydrology for specific farm or garden plots to ensure proper water management.

Lush Landscapes in Zone 7a

As one of the warmer regions in Kansas, Sedgwick County falls into Hardiness Zone 7a. This allows for a longer growing season for warm-weather crops like okra, sweet potatoes, and zinnias. The neutral pH makes it easy to maintain a beautiful lawn or a high-yielding vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sedgwick County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing in Sedgwick County

Sedgwick County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 66.2, the highest among these counties and well above the national median. This Zone 7a region offers a longer growing season and more favorable conditions for a wide variety of turfgrasses.

Plentiful Rain and Extended Growing Days

The county receives a generous 34.4 inches of precipitation annually, supported by a massive 4,483 growing degree days. With only 61 days of extreme heat—lower than many Kansas neighbors—your lawn has a better chance of staying green through the summer.

Sandy Texture and Ideal pH Balance

The soil's 35.1% sand content ensures excellent drainage, preventing the root rot issues often found in heavier clay soils. A pH of 6.48 is nearly perfect for lawn health, allowing for efficient fertilizer use and vigorous grass growth.

Vigilance Needed for Abnormally Dry Areas

While the county only saw 10 weeks of drought last year, currently 31.9% of the area is classified as Abnormally Dry (D0). Even in this high-scoring county, you should follow local water conservation guidelines to keep the 34.4-inch rain supply effective.

Early Starts in the 7a Hardiness Zone

The early frost date of April 11 gives you a head start on the growing season compared to the rest of the state. Take advantage of the long season by planting Zoysia or hybrid Bermuda, which thrive in the warm 7a climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sedgwick County's county score?
Sedgwick County, Kansas has a composite county score of 29.9 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 Sedgwick County rank among counties in Kansas?
Sedgwick County ranks #103 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 Sedgwick County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Sedgwick County is $2,345, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Sedgwick County a tax score of 24.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sedgwick County?
The median household income in Sedgwick County, Kansas is $67,675 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sedgwick County earns an income score of 60.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sedgwick County, Kansas a good place to live?
Sedgwick County scores 29.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #103 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Sedgwick 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 Sedgwick County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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