countyscore
63.7
County Score
Schools 85.7Cost of Living 84.3Safety 78.8

County Report Card

About Smith County, Kansas

An Elite National Contender

Smith County delivers a strong composite score of 64.5, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights a quality of life that is exceptionally high for a rural American community.

Leading the Pack in Kansas

The county outperforms the state average of 49.5 by 15 points. It stands out as a premier destination for Kansans seeking a high-functioning local government and affordable community.

Affordability Meets Academic Excellence

The county earns matching scores of 85.7 in both cost of living and school quality. With a median home value of just $91,000 and top-tier educational metrics, it offers an incredible value proposition for families.

Water and Taxation Hurdles

Utility infrastructure is a concern, with a water score of only 7.6. Residents also face a low tax score of 8.3, driven by a 1.652% effective tax rate that is higher than many surrounding areas.

A Paradise for Young Families

This county is a top choice for young families who want high-quality education and very affordable housing. It provides a safe, small-town atmosphere where a dollar goes much further than the state average.

204060801004.284.378.876.585.731.378.87.639.4Tax4.2Cost84.3Safety78.8Health76.5Schools85.7Income31.3Risk78.8Water7.6Weather39.463.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Smith County DNA

D+overall

How Smith County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Smith County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (84.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.2-47.8
Cost
84.3+36.3
Safety
78.8+23.799999999999997
Health
76.5+26.5
Schools
85.7+31.700000000000003
Income
31.3-19.7
Risk
78.8+31.799999999999997
Water
7.6-50.4
Weather
39.4-16.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$635/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,135/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

55.9

per 100K

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

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 Smith County with Humboldt County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Nebraska
66.3
Webster County
Nebraska
64.9
Phillips County
Kansas
57
Jewell County
Kansas
62.6
Osborne County
Kansas
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Harlan County
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68.5
Rooks County
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53
Mitchell County
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57.2

Deep Dives

Smith County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Smith County

via TaxByCounty

Smith taxes among nation's lowest

Smith County's 1.652% effective rate modestly exceeds the national median of 1.624%, but annual taxes of just $1,503 rank far below the national median of $2,690. At median home values of only $91,000—less than a third of the national average—Smith offers exceptionally affordable property ownership.

Highest rate in this comparison

Smith County's 1.652% effective rate stands above Kansas's 1.549% average and higher than most peers in this analysis, placing it in the upper tax tier statewide. Yet the median annual tax of $1,503 remains below the state median of $1,943 thanks to lower home values.

Highest rate among western group

Smith's 1.652% rate exceeds all other counties examined, including Sumner (1.705%) and Stevens (1.798%) when rate is the focus—though when comparing to Stanton's 2.470%, Smith remains moderate. A $91,000 home in Smith pays $1,503 annually, the lowest absolute tax bill in this group.

What $91,000 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Smith County generates approximately $1,503 in annual property taxes at the current 1.652% rate. With a mortgage, plan for around $1,754 annually; without one, closer to $1,410.

Affordable homes warrant verification

Smith County's low home values mean property appeals may yield modest savings in dollars, but percentage gains can be meaningful. Review your assessment regularly to ensure the valuation reflects current market conditions in rural Kansas.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Smith County

via IncomeByCounty

Smith County's income lags far behind

Smith County's median household income of $57,024 falls nearly $18,000 below the national median of $74,755, ranking in the bottom tier of U.S. counties. The county's per capita income of $35,983 nearly matches the Kansas state average of $34,748, indicating limited earning potential across the board.

Lowest income in Kansas's sample

Smith County ranks among the lowest-income counties in Kansas, with a median household income of $57,024 trailing the state average of $64,428 by $7,404. This gap reflects economic challenges in rural northwest Kansas, where population and employment options remain limited.

Struggling most among peer counties

Smith County's $57,024 median household income ranks lowest among the eight-county group, significantly trailing Sheridan ($70,000), Stanton ($70,361), and Shawnee ($66,043). Only Sumner County ($60,348) comes close, leaving Smith facing substantial economic headwinds.

Housing remains accessible despite low incomes

Smith County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% is surprisingly favorable, with median home values of just $91,000—the lowest in the region. This affordability is essential for Smith County households earning $57,024 annually, as housing costs represent the primary financial obligation.

Build financial resilience in Smith County

Smith County households face tight budgets with incomes averaging $57,024, making emergency savings a critical priority before investing. Explore low-cost financial literacy programs, employer benefits, and community credit unions to establish sustainable paths toward homeownership and retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Smith County

via CrimeByCounty

Peaceful Trends in Smith County

Smith County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 99.2 and a total crime rate of only 505.4 per 100K. This rate is nearly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Averages

With a safety score of 99.2, Smith County ranks better than the average Kansas county score of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 505.4 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1,282.2.

Quiet Streets in Smith

Two local agencies report very low crime volumes, keeping Smith County quieter than more populous regions in Kansas. It maintains a profile similar to the safest agricultural counties in the state.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels

Violent crime is very rare here, occurring at a rate of just 112.3 per 100K. Property crime accounts for 393.1 incidents per 100K, which remains well below national norms.

Low-Tech Safety Works

In a low-crime environment, basic habits like exterior lighting and locking windows provide sufficient protection. Staying connected with neighbors helps maintain this county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Smith County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Plains Temperature Balance

Smith County tracks closely with national figures, showing an annual average temperature of 53.1°F. Its climate is marked by significant seasonal variability typical of the American heartland.

Cooler Winters Than the State Average

The county's average temperature of 53.1°F is lower than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. Winter months are particularly cold, with January temperatures averaging just 27.3°F.

Hotter Summers Than Western Neighbors

Smith County experiences 61 days of extreme heat, significantly more than Sheridan's 51 days. It also receives more annual precipitation than its neighbors to the west, totaling 27.2 inches.

Steep Spikes in Summer Heat

July brings an average temperature of 79.1°F and contributes to over two months of extreme heat days. Winter balances this with 20.5 inches of snowfall and a cold 29.4°F winter average.

Prepare for Wide Thermal Ranges

Your home needs robust insulation to handle temperatures that range from 27.3°F in January to over 90°F during 61 summer days. Expect a significant 20.5 inches of snow each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Smith County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Alkaline Soils in North Central Kansas

Smith County features an average pH of 7.23, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is common in the region and supports the local prairie ecology. The overall soil score of 52.7 is just slightly below the Kansas state average.

Silt-Heavy Mix with High Workability

With 55.6% silt and 24.2% clay, the soil has a fine, silty texture that is conducive to farming. Sand makes up only 20.2% of the profile, meaning the soil retains moisture better than many western counties. This balance provides a stable foundation for the county's agricultural heartland.

Strong Water Storage Capabilities

The soil provides an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.180 in/in. Organic matter content is 2.04%, which is solid but slightly under the state benchmark of 2.22%. This combination allows for decent nutrient cycling and drought resistance.

Reliable Moisture Management

While specific drainage data is unavailable, the high silt and clay content suggests the soil holds water effectively. This is beneficial for dryland farming where every inch of rain counts for the harvest. Proper tillage practices help ensure that moisture reaches deep into the root zone.

Garden Success in Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a means Smith County gardeners can grow a wide range of hardy vegetables and native sunflowers. The silty soil is excellent for root crops like carrots if kept consistently moist. With a little extra compost, your garden will thrive in this fertile landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Smith County

via LawnByCounty

Mid-State Challenges in Smith County

Smith County scores a 52.0 for lawn difficulty, reflecting the tough transition between the humid east and arid west. This Hardiness Zone 6a region is more difficult to manage than the state average of 59.1. Consistent maintenance is required to keep grass green against the local climate stressors.

Intense Summer Heat and Moderate Rain

The county faces 61 extreme heat days over 90°F, which is higher than the state average of 58 days. While 27.2 inches of annual rain is close to the state average, it falls short of the 30-inch ideal for lush lawns. Growing degree days total 3,826, providing a standard window for turf development.

Slightly Alkaline Soils and Clay Texture

Soil pH sits at 7.23, slightly exceeding the ideal 6.0-7.0 range but remaining manageable for many grass types. The texture includes 24.2% clay and 20.2% sand, creating a dense foundation that holds moisture well. Regular dethatching and aeration help maintain health in these heavy soils.

Recovering from Significant Drought

Over the past year, the county spent 21 weeks in drought conditions, stressing even established lawns. Currently, 25.9% of the area remains abnormally dry, though severe drought is currently non-existent. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help preserve moisture during these frequent dry spells.

Timing Your Smith County Planting

Focus on heat-tolerant cool-season grasses or Buffalograss, which can handle the 61 days of high heat. Your growing season starts after the April 24 frost and concludes with the first frost around October 15. Late August is the prime window for seeding to allow roots to establish in the cooling soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smith County's county score?
Smith County, Kansas has a composite county score of 63.7 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 Smith County rank among counties in Kansas?
Smith County ranks #6 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 Smith County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Smith County is $1,722, with an effective tax rate of 1.83%. This earns Smith County a tax score of 4.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Smith County?
The median household income in Smith County, Kansas is $59,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Smith County earns an income score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Smith County, Kansas a good place to live?
Smith County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Smith 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 Smith County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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