countyscore
63.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.9Water Quality 86Safety 82.8

County Report Card

About Sheridan County, Kansas

Outperforming the National Median

Sheridan County achieves an impressive composite score of 63.8, soaring past the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a quality of life far superior to the average American county.

A High Performer in the Sunflower State

With a score of 63.8, the county easily exceeds the Kansas state average of 49.5. It ranks as one of the more desirable rural jurisdictions in the state for overall stability and resources.

Excellence in Safety and Environment

The county boasts exceptional scores in environmental risk (93.9), water quality (86.0), and safety (82.8). These figures indicate a highly secure environment where residents face fewer natural and social hazards.

Managing the Local Tax Burden

Taxation remains the primary weakness, with a dimension score of 11.4 and an effective tax rate of 1.534%. While other livability factors are high, the cost of public services remains a notable expense for residents.

The Ideal Haven for Secure Rural Living

This county is a perfect match for families and retirees who value peace of mind and environmental resilience above all else. It offers a rare combination of safety and clean water at a price point well above state averages.

Score breakdown

Tax11.4Cost75.5Safety82.8Health61.7Schools67.9Income66.4Risk93.9Water86Weather43.6
🏛11.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.6
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Sheridan County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Sheridan County with Sabine Parish →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Sabine Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $52,047
63.8
Nicholas County
West Virginia
Median income: $49,280
63.8
Preston County
West Virginia
Median income: $61,373
63.8
Baca County
Colorado
Median income: $40,380
63.7
Washington County
Illinois
Median income: $75,652
63.7
Crittenden County
Kentucky
Median income: $47,003
63.7
Lyon County
Kentucky
Median income: $64,464
63.7
Trimble County
Kentucky
Median income: $67,813
63.7

Nearby counties

Graham County
Kansas
56.1
Decatur County
Kansas
54.3
Thomas County
Kansas
48.5
Gove County
Kansas
57.3
Norton County
Kansas
64.2
Trego County
Kansas
68.8
Rawlins County
Kansas
58
Red Willow County
Nebraska
60.1

Deep Dives

Sheridan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sheridan County

via TaxByCounty

Sheridan taxes track national average

Sheridan County's 1.534% effective rate aligns closely with the national median of 1.624%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $2,331 annually—$359 below the national median—because median home values ($152,000) are significantly lower than the national norm.

Slightly above Kansas average

At 1.534%, Sheridan's rate edges past Kansas's state average of 1.549%, but the median tax of $2,331 exceeds the state median of $1,943 due to higher property values. The county sits in the upper-middle range statewide for tax burden.

Mid-range among western counties

Sheridan's 1.534% rate falls between Stanton County's steep 2.470% and Sherman County's 1.572%, making it relatively moderate for the region. A median-valued home pays $2,331 in Sheridan versus $1,986 in nearby Sherman County—a $345 difference.

What $152,000 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Sheridan County generates approximately $2,331 in annual property taxes at the current 1.534% rate. With a mortgage, plan for around $1,950 annually; without one, closer to $2,406.

Appeal if assessed value climbs

Sheridan County homeowners facing rising assessments should verify their valuations against comparable recent sales. Many property owners discover they can successfully appeal inflated assessments and recover hundreds in tax savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sheridan County

via CostByCounty

Sheridan punches above affordability

Sheridan County's 11.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and sits 3.3 percentage points below Kansas's state average of 14.7%. With a median household income of $70,000—only $4,700 below the national median—Sheridan offers genuinely affordable rental housing.

Among Kansas's most affordable counties

At 11.4%, Sheridan ranks well below the state average of 14.7%, placing it in the top tier of affordability across Kansas. The county's $663 median monthly rent significantly undercuts the state average of $787, making housing accessible.

Lower rent, higher income balance

Sheridan's $663 median rent matches well with Stafford County ($613) and Stanton County ($691), but Sheridan's $70,000 median household income edges out most nearby counties. This combination—modest rents paired with stronger earnings—creates the region's best affordability math.

Housing costs stay modest across tenure

Whether renting at $663 or owning at $761 per month, Sheridan residents spend roughly 11–13% of household income on housing, well below the recommended 30% threshold. The median home value of $152,000 remains accessible on the county's median income.

One of Kansas's best housing deals

Sheridan County delivers rare affordability in Kansas: rents and ownership costs stay low while incomes remain reasonable. If you're relocating to the Great Plains, Sheridan deserves serious consideration for budget-conscious families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sheridan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sheridan County closes the income gap

Sheridan County's median household income of $70,000 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $4,800, placing it closer to the U.S. average than most Kansas counties. The county's per capita income of $44,743 significantly outpaces the state average of $34,748, reflecting strong individual earnings.

Second-highest incomes in Kansas

Sheridan County ranks near the top of Kansas counties, earning $5,572 above the state's median household income of $64,428. This elevated position stems from robust agricultural and energy sectors that support higher-wage employment.

Sheridan leads the eight-county cluster

Sheridan County's $70,000 median household income matches or exceeds most adjacent counties, tying with Stanton County at $70,361 for the region's highest earnings. Only Shawnee County ($66,043) comes close among the comparison group.

Excellent housing affordability in Sheridan

Sheridan's rent-to-income ratio of 11.4% is among the lowest in the region, well below the 30% federal guideline for affordability. At median home values near $152,000 and household incomes of $70,000, Sheridan offers strong homebuying power.

Invest your Sheridan earnings wisely

Sheridan households earning $70,000 annually possess above-average capacity to invest after housing costs. Explore local investment opportunities in agriculture, energy enterprises, and diversified retirement accounts to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sheridan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sheridan County's High Safety Rating

Sheridan County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.4, far outpacing the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 408.1 per 100K is a fraction of the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

Sheridan's safety score of 99.4 exceeds the Kansas average of 98.0. The county's total crime rate of 408.1 per 100K is also significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,282.2.

A Secure Neighborhood Profile

Sheridan County remains one of the safest areas in the region, with crime rates well below nearby commercial hubs. Local law enforcement from two reporting agencies maintains a very quiet data profile.

Violent Crime is Rare

Violent crime occurs at a very low rate of 81.6 per 100K, while property crime is slightly higher at 326.5. These numbers indicate that physical safety is remarkably high for the local population.

Maintaining a Safe Community

Even in high-safety areas, simple precautions like locking outbuildings can prevent property crimes. Community vigilance and knowing your neighbors remain the most effective security measures in Sheridan.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sheridan County

via HealthByCounty

Sheridan faces significant life expectancy gap

At 72.4 years, Sheridan County's life expectancy is nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a substantial gap indicating serious underlying health challenges. The 12.9% poor or fair health rate is slightly better than the national average, suggesting acute mortality pressures rather than widespread chronic disease reporting.

Kansas' lowest life expectancy county

Sheridan's 72.4 years ranks it dead last in Kansas, trailing the state average of 75.4 by 3 full years. Its 7.5% uninsured rate is the best in this dataset, yet the county still struggles with the state's worst longevity outcomes.

Steep disadvantage versus regional peers

Sheridan's 72.4-year life expectancy lags even struggling neighbors like Stafford (74.2 years) and Sumner (74.0 years), placing it in acute health crisis territory. The county's 81 primary care providers per 100K is above regional average, but limited mental health data suggests access may mask quality or utilization barriers.

Provider access exists, outcomes lag

Sheridan has 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, competitive for rural Kansas, yet mental health provider data is unavailable—a potential blind spot in addressing behavioral health crises. With only 7.5% uninsured, coverage barriers likely aren't the primary driver; other factors like provider quality, health behaviors, or socioeconomic stress may explain the severe longevity gap.

Verify your health coverage now

Even with Sheridan's already-low uninsured rate, ensuring continuous coverage matters during health crises. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Kansas' health department to confirm your plan is active and meets your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sheridan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Northwest Kansas

Sheridan County operates a concentrated educational system with just three public schools serving a total of 530 students. This single-district county focuses its resources on two elementary schools and one high school.

Strong Graduation Rates and Competitive Funding

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing both the state average of 88.7% and the national average of 87.0%. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending at $9,742, well above the Kansas state average of $9,009.

Hoxie Community Schools Take the Lead

The Hoxie Community Schools district is the primary provider, educating 454 of the county's students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a traditional and unified public school experience.

The Heart of Rural Education

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit environment where the average school size is just 177 students. Hoxie Elementary is the largest site with 260 students, while Golden Plains Elementary offers a very small setting for 76 students.

Find Your Home in a High-Performing Rural District

Families seeking a high-performing, small-town atmosphere will find Sheridan County's 90% graduation rate particularly attractive. Explore homes in this area to benefit from personalized attention and a community-driven educational culture.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sheridan County

via RiskByCounty

Sheridan enjoys minimal national risk exposure

At 6.14, Sheridan County's composite risk score ranks among America's safest regions—far below both the national average and Kansas's state mean of 29.89. Residents here face substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

Second-safest county in Kansas

Sheridan County ranks among the very lowest-risk areas statewide, with only a handful of Kansas counties scoring lower than its 6.14 composite score. This places it in the top tier of safety within the state.

Consistent safety across the region

Neighboring counties like Gove and Logan maintain similarly low risk profiles, creating a relatively stable hazard zone across northwest Kansas. Sheridan's low score reflects the broader safety pattern of this sparsely populated region.

Wildfire presents modest risk here

Wildfire risk reaches 15.71—Sheridan's highest hazard exposure—but remains well below concerning thresholds. Tornado and flood risks stay minimal, with scores of 18.26 and 2.16 respectively.

Standard coverage handles most exposure

Sheridan's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. However, those in fire-prone areas should confirm brush and structure fire coverage remains current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sheridan County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Interior Continental Climate

Sheridan County's average annual temperature of 53.5°F sits very close to the national median. The region experiences a semi-arid influence with limited annual precipitation.

Cooler and Drier Than Average Kansas

The county's 53.5°F average is cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It is also considerably drier, receiving only 22.0 inches of precipitation compared to the state's 30.3-inch norm.

Warmer and Drier Than Western Neighbors

Sheridan is 2.5 degrees warmer on average than nearby Sherman County. However, it sees about 10 inches less snow annually than its neighbor to the west.

Balanced Extremes and Moderate Snow

Summer temperatures peak in July at 78.1°F, contributing to 51 days of extreme heat annually. Winter remains cold but manageable, with an average of 13.9 inches of snow.

Focus on Moisture Management

Given the low 22.0 inches of annual rainfall, water conservation and drought-resistant landscaping are vital. Ensure your HVAC system is ready for the 51 days of heat that exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sheridan County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the High Plains

Sheridan County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.40, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This elevated pH can influence which minerals plants can easily absorb from the ground. The county's overall soil score of 44.2 reflects the unique challenges of this semi-arid region.

Loamy Texture for Easy Workability

The soil consists of 49.8% silt, 29.8% sand, and 19.2% clay. This mixture provides a medium texture that is relatively easy to till and manage for large-scale farming. The moderate sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming too compacted under heavy machinery.

Resourceful Management of Leaner Organic Matter

Organic matter stands at 1.91%, falling below the Kansas state average of 2.22%. Despite this lower organic wealth, the soil maintains a decent available water capacity of 0.177 in/in. Careful management is required to maintain productivity in these thinner High Plains soils.

Natural Drainage in a Dry Climate

Though formal drainage data is not listed, the significant silt and sand percentages suggest naturally porous conditions. Water typically moves through these profiles without long periods of saturation. This characteristic is vital for preventing salt buildup in more alkaline environments.

Resilient Growing in Zone 6a

Sheridan County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, requiring plants that can handle cold winters and dry summers. Drought-tolerant crops like wheat and grain sorghum thrive in this specific soil and climate combination. Gardeners should focus on native species and alkaline-tolerant vegetables for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sheridan County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Sheridan County

Sheridan County posts a lawn difficulty score of 49.6, falling below the state average of 59.1 and just under the national median. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, this area presents significant obstacles for traditional green turf. Maintaining a lawn here requires more dedication than in the more humid eastern parts of Kansas.

Navigating Low Rainfall and Heat

Annual precipitation of only 22.0 inches sits well below the 30-inch ideal minimum, making supplemental irrigation essential. The region experiences 51 days over 90°F, putting heat stress on cool-season grass varieties during mid-summer. Growing degree days total 3,738, indicating a shorter and more intense window for turf development.

Managing Alkaline Western Soils

The soil pH of 7.40 is slightly alkaline compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can limit the availability of certain micronutrients like iron. With 19.2% clay and 29.8% sand, the soil provides decent drainage but may require sulfur amendments to lower pH levels. Homeowners should prioritize organic matter additions to improve moisture retention.

Resilience During Prolonged Drought

The county endured 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and nearly half the county remains abnormally dry today. While severe drought is currently at 0.0%, the limited rainfall makes water-wise landscaping a necessity. Consider drought-tolerant species like Buffalograss to reduce the burden on local water resources.

Best Practices for Zone 6a

The growing window is framed by an April 20 last frost and an October 20 first frost. Hardy, drought-resistant cool-season blends or native warm-season grasses perform best in this semi-arid climate. Start your seeding projects in late summer to ensure roots establish before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheridan County's county score?
Sheridan County, Kansas has a composite county score of 63.8 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 Sheridan County rank among counties in Kansas?
Sheridan County ranks #7 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 Sheridan County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Sheridan County is $2,331, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Sheridan County a tax score of 11.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sheridan County?
The median household income in Sheridan County, Kansas is $70,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sheridan County earns an income score of 66.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sheridan County, Kansas a good place to live?
Sheridan County scores 63.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Sheridan 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 Sheridan 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.