countyscore
35.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 88.9Water Quality 86Lawn Care 52.4

County Report Card

About Sherman County, Kansas

Struggling Against National Benchmarks

Sherman County posts a composite score of 35.4, which sits well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges in local infrastructure and safety compared to the rest of the country.

Below the Kansas Average

The county's composite of 35.4 fails to meet the Kansas average of 49.5. Residents face a lower overall quality of life index than many of their neighbors in the High Plains region.

Top-Tier Environmental Safety

The county excels in environmental factors, earning a 88.9 for risk management and 86.0 for water quality. These scores suggest that the physical environment is stable and well-protected from natural disasters.

Public Safety and Tax Pressures

Public safety is a critical concern, with a score of just 8.1. Furthermore, a high effective tax rate of 1.572% and a low school score of 38.4 limit the county's overall appeal for growing families.

Suited for Resilient Outdoor Enthusiasts

This county is best for those who value environmental stability and low home values, which average $126,300. It appeals to people who can overlook social infrastructure gaps in favor of high-quality natural resources.

Score breakdown

Tax9.9Cost47.7Safety8.1Health48Schools38.4Income51.9Risk88.9Water86Weather34.4
🏛9.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.4
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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Nearby counties

Wallace County
Kansas
64.8
Cheyenne County
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54.9
Thomas County
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48.5
Logan County
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Kit Carson County
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Rawlins County
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Dundy County
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Yuma County
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Deep Dives

Sherman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sherman County

via TaxByCounty

Sherman taxes well below national

Sherman County's 1.572% effective rate exceeds the national median of 1.624% only slightly, but annual taxes remain low at $1,986—$704 below the national median. The median home value of $126,300 is less than half the national median of $281,900, keeping overall tax bills modest.

Above-average Kansas rate

At 1.572%, Sherman County's effective rate ranks above Kansas's state average of 1.549%, placing it in the higher tier statewide. However, median annual taxes of $1,986 stay below the state average of $1,943 because homes are valued lower than typical Kansas properties.

Higher than Sheridan, lower than Stanton

Sherman's 1.572% rate sits between Sheridan County (1.534%) and Stanton County's outlier 2.470%, representing moderate tax pressure for the western region. A $126,300 home here costs $1,986 in taxes, compared to $2,331 in Sheridan—roughly $345 cheaper.

What $126,300 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Sherman County generates approximately $1,986 in annual property taxes at the current 1.572% rate. With a mortgage, expect around $2,452 annually; without one, roughly $1,412.

Check your assessment regularly

Like all Kansas counties, Sherman homeowners benefit from periodic assessments review and appeal rights if valuations exceed market conditions. Staying informed about local property sales can reveal whether your assessment needs challenging.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sherman County

via CostByCounty

Sherman's rents track near national norms

Sherman County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio falls between the national average and the Kansas state average of 14.7%, indicating moderate housing burden. The county's median household income of $64,444 trails the national median by $10,311, which partly explains the slightly elevated ratio.

Middle ground for Kansas affordability

Sherman's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above the state average of 14.7%, placing it in the middle range of Kansas counties. The median rent of $852 runs $65 above the state average, reflecting moderately priced housing for the region.

Modest rent in a rural cluster

Sherman's $852 median rent fits squarely within the northwest Kansas rental market, falling between Sheridan County ($663) and Shawnee County ($970). Among immediate neighbors, Sherman offers middle-ground pricing with slightly higher costs than Stanton ($691) but lower than Shawnee.

Owner costs marginally exceed rents

Monthly owner costs average $871 compared to $852 in rent, while the median home value of $126,300 reflects affordable homeownership for the $64,444 median household income. Housing consumes roughly 15–16% of income across both rental and ownership pathways.

Balanced affordability for rural Kansas

Sherman County offers steady, moderate housing costs without extreme premiums—suitable for those seeking rural living without sacrificing financial breathing room. If you're comfortable with small-town life, Sherman's balanced affordability makes relocation appealing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sherman County

via IncomeByCounty

Sherman County underperforms national income

Sherman County's median household income of $64,444 sits roughly $10,300 below the national median of $74,755. However, the county's per capita income of $46,410 is the highest among the eight-county group, suggesting concentrated wealth or fewer dependents per earner.

Sherman slightly above Kansas median

Sherman County's $64,444 household income edges just 16 dollars above Kansas's state median of $64,428, placing it squarely at the state average. This near-perfect alignment reflects Sherman's position as a representative rural Kansas economy.

Mid-range earner in the region

Sherman County's $64,444 median falls in the middle of the eight-county comparison, above Smith ($57,024) and Sumner ($60,348) but below Sheridan ($70,000) and Stanton ($70,361). The county's strong per capita income suggests fewer multi-earner households than neighboring counties.

Affordable housing supports Sherman families

Sherman's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% indicates housing remains accessible, with median home values of $126,300 representing a strong value relative to median income. Most Sherman households can comfortably afford housing while maintaining emergency savings and discretionary spending.

Maximize savings on Sherman's incomes

Sherman County households averaging $64,444 should prioritize building emergency funds and retirement accounts given the importance of self-reliance in rural areas. Tax-advantaged savings vehicles and agricultural investment opportunities offer pathways to wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sherman County

via CrimeByCounty

Sherman County Crime Overview

Sherman County reports a total crime rate of 2,979.8 per 100K, which sits above the national average of 2,385.5. However, the county still manages a respectable safety score of 95.3.

Sherman vs Kansas Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 95.3 is lower than the Kansas average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 2,979.8 is more than double the statewide average of 1,282.2 per 100K.

Regional Comparisons

Sherman County sees more reported activity than several of its smaller neighbors, likely due to its position along major transit routes. Two reporting agencies provide consistent data on local incidents.

Theft and Property Concerns

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics at 2,558.9 per 100K, compared to a violent crime rate of 420.9. This suggests that residents should be most alert to larceny and burglary.

Securing Your Property

With property crime rates exceeding the national average, reinforced door locks and security alarms are recommended. Keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles also reduces the risk of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sherman County

via HealthByCounty

Sherman's longevity advantage masks health distress

Sherman County residents live to 77.3 years on average, besting the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years by roughly one year. However, its 19.1% poor or fair health rate—more than 3 points above the national average—reveals a population experiencing real daily health struggles despite overall longevity.

Above-average life, above-average struggles

At 77.3 years, Sherman outperforms the Kansas state average of 75.4 years, yet its 19.1% poor or fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. The county's 13.4% uninsured rate exceeds Kansas' 11.5% average, indicating coverage gaps compound existing health challenges.

Longevity leader with health paradox

Sherman's 77.3-year life expectancy leads peers like Stafford (74.2) and Sumner (74.0), yet its 19.1% poor or fair health rate ties with Stevens County's as the region's worst. With just 34 primary care providers per 100K, Sherman residents face access barriers that may explain the gap between longevity and daily health satisfaction.

Provider shortage drives daily care gaps

Sherman's 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is roughly half the regional average, forcing residents to travel for routine care and likely delaying preventive treatment. The 13.4% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 7 residents lack coverage, and combined with scarce primary care, gaps in preventive and chronic disease management are acute.

Bridge coverage gaps this year

With 13.4% uninsured, Sherman residents need accessible, affordable options to close coverage gaps. Explore Kansas marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or call 211 to find low-cost clinics and enrollment support in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sherman County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Town-Based School System

Sherman County serves 931 students through a single district managing five public schools. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, two high schools, and one specialized learning center.

A Call for Educational Growth

The graduation rate sits at 82.0%, which is below the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.7%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,952, trailing the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000.

Goodland District Unifies the County

The Goodland school district manages all 931 students in the county across its five facilities. The county relies entirely on traditional public schools, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the area.

Consistent Town Settings and Small Classes

All schools are located in town settings, maintaining an average enrollment of 186 students per school. Goodland Junior-Senior High is the largest campus with 413 students, while the Goodland Learning Center provides highly individualized support.

Join the Goodland Community Schools

Sherman County offers a centralized town school experience where every student is part of the same local district. Families looking for a unified community and town-based living will find many options near these central campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sherman County

via RiskByCounty

Sherman ranks among America's safest counties

With a composite risk score of 11.16, Sherman County sits well below both national and Kansas averages (29.89), placing it firmly in the very low risk category. This western Kansas county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to the broader U.S.

Near the safest in Kansas

Sherman County's 11.16 score places it among Kansas's lowest-risk counties, with only a small cluster of peers sharing similarly minimal hazard exposure. The county's remote western location contributes to this safety advantage.

Consistent safety across the High Plains

Surrounding counties like Gove and Wallace maintain comparable low-risk profiles, reflecting the High Plains's general insulation from major natural hazards. Sherman's score fits the region's pattern of minimal disaster exposure.

Tornado and wildfire are modest concerns

Tornado risk peaks at 32.57 and wildfire at 28.09—moderate scores that outpace other hazards but remain well below critical thresholds. Flooding and earthquakes present minimal risk here.

Basic homeowners insurance suffices

Sherman's low overall risk means standard homeowners coverage typically protects adequately against the county's modest exposures. An annual policy review ensures wind and hail coverage remains in place for tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sherman County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Crisper High Plains

Sherman County is one of the cooler spots in the region, with an annual average of 51.0°F. This is notably lower than the national median temperature.

One of the State's Coolest Counties

At 51.0°F, Sherman County sits nearly four degrees below the Kansas state average. It also experiences high-plains aridity, receiving just 19.7 inches of annual precipitation.

The Snow King of the Region

Sherman County records 23.4 inches of snow, nearly double the amount seen in nearby Sheridan. While winters are harsher, the summer average of 73.2°F is much milder than eastern neighbors.

Snowy Winters and Brief Heat

Winter is defined by 23.4 inches of snow and a chilly December-February average of 30.0°F. Despite the cool average, the county still sees 56 days of heat reaching 90°F or higher.

Winterize for Heavy Snowfall

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity for the 23.4 inches of annual snow. Residents should also prepare for sharp temperature swings between the cool 29.0°F Januarys and hot July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sherman County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Mollisols of the Western Edge

Sherman County is defined by Mollisols with an average pH of 7.54, making it more alkaline than the 6.80 state average. These soils are characteristic of the grassland ecosystems that once covered the High Plains. The soil score of 50.6 indicates moderate productivity for the region.

Clay Loam with High Silt Content

The dominant clay loam texture is built from 58.2% silt, 22.1% clay, and 19.7% sand. This high silt ratio gives the soil a floury feel and contributes to its ability to hold onto nutrients. However, the clay content can make it heavy when wet.

Exceptional Water Retention for Semi-Arid Land

Available water capacity is 0.198 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.180 in/in. This ability to store moisture is crucial because organic matter is slightly low at 2.02%. The soil acts as a sponge, holding onto rare rainfall to support crop growth.

Poorly Drained Soils in Group C/D

Classified as poorly drained and falling into hydrologic group C/D, these soils can struggle with slow water infiltration. This can lead to ponding during heavy storms or slow drying times in the spring. Homeowners should consider raised beds to avoid root rot in these heavy conditions.

Navigating Hardiness Zone 6a Conditions

The 6a hardiness zone favors hardy grains and cool-season grasses that can withstand temperature swings. For home gardens, adding organic mulch can help manage the high pH and slow drainage. It is a rewarding environment for those who understand the local water dynamics.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sherman County

via LawnByCounty

High-Plains Hurdles in Sherman County

Sherman County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.4, trailing the state average of 59.1. Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6a at this altitude requires specialized care to combat the dry climate. While slightly easier than some neighbors, it remains a challenging environment for traditional lawns.

Short Growing Seasons and Dry Air

With only 19.7 inches of annual rain, the county receives significantly less moisture than the 30.3-inch state average. The region faces 56 extreme heat days, which can quickly brown out lawns without heavy irrigation. A shorter growing cycle is expected given the 3,193 growing degree days recorded annually.

Working with Poorly Drained Clay Loam

Unlike many neighbors, Sherman County features poorly drained clay loam that can trap water and drown roots during rare heavy rains. The soil pH is quite high at 7.54, which is well above the ideal 7.0 threshold for most turfgrass. You will likely need to aerate frequently to manage the 22.1% clay content and improve oxygen flow.

Current Relief from Drought Conditions

The county experienced only 4 weeks of drought in the last year, a stark contrast to many Kansas counties. Currently, 39.0% of the area is abnormally dry, but severe drought levels remain at 0.0%. Efficient irrigation is still vital because the low annual rainfall cannot sustain a lawn through the 56 days of high heat.

Seeding for Success in the West

Wait until after the late May 9 frost to begin spring work, as the cold lingers longer here than in the rest of Kansas. Native grasses or drought-hardy fescues are recommended to survive the high pH and low rainfall. Aim to finish fall seeding before the October 11 frost to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sherman County's county score?
Sherman County, Kansas has a composite county score of 35.4 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 Sherman County rank among counties in Kansas?
Sherman County ranks #96 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 Sherman County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Sherman County is $1,986, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Sherman County a tax score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sherman County?
The median household income in Sherman County, Kansas is $64,444 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sherman County earns an income score of 51.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sherman County, Kansas a good place to live?
Sherman County scores 35.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #96 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Sherman 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 Sherman County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.