30.7
County Score
Soil Quality 69.4Lawn Care 68.6Health 57.3

County Report Card

About Shawnee County, Kansas

Falling Below National Averages

Shawnee County earns a composite score of 30.7, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the bottom third of all U.S. counties for overall livability metrics.

A Capital County Lagging Behind Kansas

The county's overall score of 30.7 falls far below the Kansas state average of 49.5. Despite being a major population center, it struggles to match the livability rankings of many rural and suburban counterparts.

Stronger Health and Income Foundations

Health and income represent the county's brightest spots, with dimension scores of 57.3 and 57.0 respectively. A median household income of $66,043 supports a standard of living that remains competitive within the state's economy.

Critical Safety and Environmental Concerns

Safety is a major challenge, reflected in a very low score of 4.2. Additionally, the county faces high environmental risks and a tax burden with an effective rate of 1.467%, dragging down the overall composite.

Targeting Urban Professionals and Health Access

This county best suits individuals who prioritize proximity to healthcare and government jobs over low crime rates. It offers urban amenities and solid income potential but requires a trade-off in community safety.

2040608010014.530.44.257.345.9571242.151.3Tax14.5Cost30.4Safety4.2Health57.3Schools45.9Income57Risk12Water42.1Weather51.330.7/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Shawnee County DNA

Foverall

How Shawnee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Shawnee County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (4.2/100), though Health (57.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.5-37.5
Cost
30.4-17.6
Safety
4.2-50.8
Health
57.3
Schools
45.9-8.100000000000001
Income
57
Risk
12-35
Water
42.1-15.899999999999999
Weather
51.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Shawnee County?

Many homeowners in Shawnee County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$170,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$970/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$170,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,043/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Shawnee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Shawnee County

via TaxByCounty

Shawnee taxes below national median

At 1.467%, Shawnee County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.624%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The typical homeowner here pays $2,500 annually—$190 less than the national median of $2,690—despite a median home value of $170,400.

Below-average Kansas rate

Shawnee ranks middle-of-the-road statewide, with its 1.467% rate running slightly below Kansas's state average of 1.549%. At $2,500 in median annual property tax, the county exceeds the state median of $1,943 because homes here command higher values.

Lower than western county peers

Shawnee's 1.467% rate undercuts nearby Sherman County (1.572%) and Stanton County (2.470%), though it edges above Stafford County (1.556%). For context, a typical $170,400 home in Shawnee costs $2,500 in taxes—about $400 less than the same home would cost in Stanton County.

What $170,400 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Shawnee County generates roughly $2,500 in annual property taxes at the current 1.467% rate. If you have a mortgage, expect about $2,562 annually; without one, roughly $2,406.

Your assessment might be wrong

Many Kansas homeowners pay more than they should because their properties are overassessed. If your property taxes have spiked or your home's assessed value doesn't match recent sales in your area, you may be eligible to appeal—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Cost of Living in Shawnee County

via CostByCounty

Shawnee rents strain more than average

At 17.6%, Shawnee County's rent-to-income ratio runs 3 percentage points higher than the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing. The county's median household income of $66,043 also falls about $8,700 below the national median of $74,755, making housing costs feel steeper.

Above average for Kansas affordability

Shawnee's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it worse than Kansas's 14.7% state average, placing it in the middle-to-higher range of housing burden across the state. With a median rent of $970 per month, Shawnee exceeds Kansas's $787 state average by nearly $200.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Shawnee's $970 median monthly rent stands significantly higher than nearby Stafford County ($613) and Stanton County ($691), making it one of the region's pricier rental markets. Even compared to Sherman County at $852, Shawnee renters pay roughly $120 more each month for comparable housing.

Homeownership costs rival rents here

Monthly owner costs of $1,030 nearly match the median rent of $970, while the median home value sits at $170,400. Together, these figures show renters and homeowners alike spend roughly 15–17% of the $66,043 median household income on housing.

Consider the rent premium you'll pay

If affordability drives your relocation decision, Shawnee County rents exceed nearby alternatives by hundreds of dollars monthly. Explore Stanton, Stafford, or Smith counties for significantly lower rental burdens while maintaining comparable job markets and services.

Income & Jobs in Shawnee County

via IncomeByCounty

Shawnee trails the nation on household income

Shawnee County's median household income of $66,043 falls about $8,700 short of the national median of $74,755. This gap places Shawnee in the lower half of U.S. counties, though the county's per capita income of $37,072 exceeds Kansas's state average of $34,748.

Above-average earner among Kansas counties

Shawnee ranks comfortably above Kansas's median household income of $64,428, earning roughly $1,600 more per household. The county's economic foundation supports this position, with educational institutions and state government employment anchoring the local economy.

Strongest incomes in the region

Shawnee County outearns most nearby counties, with only Sheridan County ($70,000) and Stanton County ($70,361) posting higher median household incomes. Among the eight-county region, Shawnee's $66,043 median ranks third and reflects the economic pull of Topeka, the state capital.

Rent remains manageable for most households

At 17.6% of median household income, Shawnee's rent-to-income ratio sits at the higher end of affordability but remains within the federal 30% guideline. With median home values around $170,400, homeownership is within reach for dual-income households earning near the county median.

Build long-term wealth in Shawnee

With median incomes in the mid-$60,000s, Shawnee households have room to invest after covering housing and essentials. Consider automatic savings plans, employer 401(k) matches, and local credit union resources to grow retirement savings and build equity in affordable Shawnee homes.

Safety in Shawnee County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Trends in Shawnee County

Shawnee County reports a total crime rate of 3,740.3 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, the county maintains a safety score of 94.1 out of 100.

Shawnee vs the Kansas Average

The county's safety score of 94.1 falls below the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate is nearly triple the state average of 1,282.2 per 100K, reflecting the challenges of its urban center.

Urban Density Impacts Reporting

With 18 reporting agencies, Shawnee County tracks crime more granularly than its more rural neighbors. This high level of reporting contributes to a crime rate that exceeds many adjacent agricultural counties.

Property Crimes Lead Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 2,998.5 incidents per 100K, while violent crime stays lower at 741.8. While both exceed national averages, residents are far more likely to experience theft than physical violence.

Prioritizing Property Security

Because property crime represents the majority of local incidents, home security systems are a vital deterrent. Installing smart cameras and motion-activated lighting helps protect homes against opportunistic theft.

Schools in Shawnee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Infrastructure for Thousands of Students

Shawnee County manages a robust network of 53 public schools, including 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 11 high schools. Seven different districts serve a massive total enrollment of 27,422 students across the capital region.

Graduation Success Amidst Budget Challenges

The county achieves an 87.6% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the state's 88.7% benchmark. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,600, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national average.

Capital City Schools Lead the Way

Topeka Public Schools is the dominant provider, educating 12,351 students across 26 different schools. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which represents about 1.9% of the total educational landscape.

From Urban Centers to Rural Classrooms

The area features a mix of 29 city schools, 16 rural schools, and 8 suburban sites with an average school size of 517 students. Washburn Rural High is the largest facility with 1,884 students, offering a large-campus experience contrasted by smaller rural options.

Build Your Future in a Shawnee School District

Whether you prefer the energy of Topeka or the quiet of the rural outskirts, this county provides diverse educational pathways. Homebuyers often prioritize these districts for their stable graduation rates and wide variety of extracurricular programs.

Disaster Risk in Shawnee County

via RiskByCounty

Shawnee stands well above national risk average

With a composite risk score of 88.04, Shawnee County ranks as Relatively Moderate—significantly higher than the national average and well above Kansas's mean of 29.89. This elevated risk profile means residents face measurable exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Highest-risk county in Kansas by far

Shawnee County's composite risk score of 88.04 towers over every other Kansas county, making it the state's clear outlier for natural disaster exposure. No other Kansas county comes close to this risk level, reflecting Shawnee's unique combination of hazard vulnerabilities.

Risk concentrates dramatically here

Adjacent counties like Jackson and Jefferson carry substantially lower risk scores, with Shawnee's 88.04 dwarfing neighboring areas. This concentration means Shawnee residents face notably steeper natural disaster exposure than their immediate regional counterparts.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate threats

Tornado risk hits 95.87 and flood risk reaches 89.98—both extreme scores that demand serious preparation. These two hazards dwarf Shawnee's other exposures and represent your most urgent planning considerations.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover tornado or flood damage, so Shawnee residents should prioritize separate flood insurance and ensure wind/hail coverage for tornado season. With risks this high, a conversation with your insurance agent isn't optional—it's essential planning.

Water Quality in Shawnee County

via WaterByCounty

Low violation rate despite Grade D status

Shawnee County maintains a D grade with 44 health violations over the last five years. While the grade is low, the county violation rate of 28.5 per 100K residents remains significantly lower than the Kansas state average of 313.4. This data reflects consistent reporting under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Watershed assessment pending for Shawnee streams

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet covered the water bodies within this county's boundaries. Consequently, no impairment percentages or specific contaminant causes are currently listed in the ATTAINS database. This highlights a gap in the federal reporting cycle for local watershed health.

Dense water quality monitoring in Shawnee

Monitoring efforts are robust with 4,581 measurements recorded across 6 sites over the past five years. Technicians focus heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic materials to track local water quality. This high density of data provides a clear picture of the county's environmental health.

Kansas River flow drops significantly

The primary USGS gauge at Topeka reports a current discharge of 1,500 cfs, representing only 27% of its long-term mean. This low flow level on the Kansas River indicates a significant departure from typical hydrological conditions. Such a decrease can impact both aquatic habitats and local water source availability.

Monitor low flows and tap quality

Given the Grade D compliance rating, residents should stay informed about annual water quality reports and consider home filtration for added security. The significantly low streamflow on the Kansas River suggests that source water availability may be strained. Active monitoring of local consumption is recommended during this dry period.

Weather & Climate in Shawnee County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Median

Shawnee County maintains an average annual temperature of 55.6°F, placing it slightly above the national median. This humid continental climate experiences significant seasonal shifts throughout the year.

Topping the Kansas Temperature Average

The county stays warmer than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. It also receives 36.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 30.3 inches.

A Humid Standout in the Region

While sharing similar heat patterns with its neighbors, Shawnee County is notably wetter than western counterparts like Sheridan. Its 36.7 inches of rain creates a more humid environment than the drier plains to the west.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Residents face 51 days of extreme heat above 90°F, with July temperatures averaging a sweltering 79.7°F. Winter brings a different challenge with 13.9 inches of annual snowfall and January lows near 30.0°F.

Prepare for Rain and Humidity

Invest in high-quality rain gear and basement sump pumps to handle the heavy 36.7 inches of annual rainfall. With 51 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is essential for summer comfort.

Soil Quality in Shawnee County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Productive Shawnee County Soils

Shawnee County features a well-balanced average pH of 6.43, which aligns closely with the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level ensures that essential nutrients remain highly available for plant uptake. The county's soil score of 69.4 significantly outperforms the Kansas state average of 55.4.

Silt-Dominant Foundation for Reliable Growth

The soil composition is 52.9% silt, 25.6% clay, and 21.2% sand. This high silt content provides a smooth, workable texture that balances moisture retention and aeration. It offers better nutrient-holding capacity than sandier soils found further west in the state.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage

With an organic matter content of 2.67%, Shawnee County exceeds both the state average of 2.22% and the national average. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in provides a steady reservoir for crops during dry spells. These factors create a highly fertile environment for agricultural production.

Steady Hydrology for Eastern Kansas Plains

While specific drainage classes remain unclassified in this data set, the high overall soil score suggests efficient water movement. The mix of silt and clay typically supports stable moisture levels across the landscape. This profile helps mitigate runoff while providing deep moisture for deep-rooted plants.

Abundant Gardening Potential in Zone 6b

The USDA Hardiness Zone 6b climate pairs perfectly with these high-quality soils to support diverse vegetable gardens and orchards. Local growers find success with everything from heirloom tomatoes to fruit trees. It is an ideal environment to start a productive backyard garden.

Lawn Care in Shawnee County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Shawnee County

Shawnee County earns a lawn difficulty score of 68.6, outperforming the state average of 59.1 and the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers a relatively hospitable environment for maintaining healthy turf compared to its western neighbors. Most homeowners find success with common cool-season grasses here.

Reliable Precipitation Supports Steady Growth

The county receives 36.7 inches of annual precipitation, which falls comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While residents face 51 extreme heat days over 90°F, the 4,213 growing degree days provide ample energy for thick turf development. Mowing begins in mid-April following the final spring frost.

Well-Balanced Soil for Local Lawns

Soil here maintains a pH of 6.43, sitting perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The composition is balanced with 25.6% clay and 21.2% sand, providing enough structure to hold moisture without suffocating roots. Most lawns thrive with standard aeration to manage this clay content.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dry Spells

Despite 16 weeks in drought over the past year, only 33.3% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. No areas currently face severe drought levels, making water conservation manageable for most residents. Deep, infrequent watering in the early morning helps build the resilient roots needed for dry Kansas summers.

Kickstarting Your Shawnee County Lawn

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are top choices for this 6b zone, especially when seeded around the October 23 fall frost date. You should plan your primary lawn work between April 15 and late October to maximize the growing season. With a difficulty score well above the national average, your green space is set for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shawnee County's county score?
Shawnee County, Kansas has a composite county score of 30.7 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 Shawnee County rank among counties in Kansas?
Shawnee County ranks #102 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 Shawnee County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Shawnee County is $2,500, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Shawnee County a tax score of 14.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shawnee County?
The median household income in Shawnee County, Kansas is $66,043 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shawnee County earns an income score of 57/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shawnee County, Kansas a good place to live?
Shawnee County scores 30.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #102 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Shawnee 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 Shawnee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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