CountyScore

Smith County

Kansas · KS

#18 in Kansas
70.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Smith County, Kansas

Smith County ranks well above national level

With a composite score of 67.4, Smith County ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, well above the median of 50.0. This strong positioning reflects solid fundamentals that compete favorably with counties nationwide.

Kansas's most affordable option

Smith's 67.4 score exceeds Kansas's state average of 66.0, making it one of the state's standout performers. The county consistently delivers value across its primary livability measures.

Unbeatable affordability at every level

Smith's cost score of 87.7 is exceptional, offering median rent of just $601 per month and median home values of only $91,000. These figures represent some of the lowest housing costs in the region, maximizing resident purchasing power.

Income levels are notably low

Median household income of just $57,024 with an income score of 20.6 signals limited wage-earning opportunities in the county. The higher effective tax rate of 1.652% combined with low incomes presents a trade-off that requires careful consideration.

Perfect for budget-first priorities

Smith County appeals to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those with outside income sources. It delivers the region's cheapest cost of living, making it ideal for anyone who can afford to prioritize affordability over local job market strength.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax55.8Cost87.7SafetyComing SoonHealth76.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk78.8WaterComing Soon
🏛55.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Smith County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $51,493
Lauderdale County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $59,082
Holmes County
Florida
70.5
Median income: $48,236
Fayette County
Indiana
70.5
Median income: $56,659
Clark County
Kentucky
70.5
Median income: $67,824

Deep Dives

Smith County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Smith County

via CostByCounty

Smith County leads on affordability

Smith County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and Kansas's 14.7% state average, delivering strong housing affordability. However, the median household income of $57,024 ranks lowest among these eight counties, so modest rents make all the difference.

Among Kansas's most budget-friendly

Smith County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the state average of 14.7%, placing it firmly in Kansas's affordable tier. At just $601 per month, the median rent runs $186 below the state average of $787.

Lowest rents in the region

Smith County's $601 median monthly rent stands out as the cheapest in this eight-county cluster, undercut only by Stafford County ($613). For renters prioritizing low monthly costs, Smith delivers the region's best baseline price.

Ultra-affordable housing on modest income

At $601 in rent and $665 in owner costs against a $57,024 median household income, Smith County residents spend just 12–14% of earnings on housing. The median home value of $91,000 ranks among the state's lowest, matching the county's income profile.

Rock-bottom housing costs await

Smith County offers Kansas's best housing affordability story: rock-bottom rents and ownership costs on modest incomes leave room for other priorities. Relocate here if you value maximum housing equity and minimal financial strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Smith County

via HealthByCounty

Smith County is Kansas' longevity leader

Smith County residents live to 79.0 years on average, nearly 2.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, making it a rare bright spot in rural Kansas health. The 14.7% poor or fair health rate is slightly above national average, suggesting strong population health underpins the exceptional longevity.

State's best life expectancy and coverage

At 79.0 years, Smith County's life expectancy leads Kansas by 3.6 years compared to the state's 75.4-year average. Its 8.5% uninsured rate is well below Kansas' 11.5%, indicating strong coverage and likely contributing to the county's exceptional health outcomes.

Clear winner in regional health rankings

Smith's 79.0-year life expectancy significantly outpaces all regional peers—nearly 5 years ahead of Sheridan (72.4) and Stafford (74.2). With 140 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Smith boasts the region's strongest primary care infrastructure, directly supporting its longevity advantage.

Strong providers, strong coverage equals results

Smith's 140 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly double the regional average—enables robust preventive and chronic disease care. Combined with only 8.5% uninsured, Smith residents have both access and coverage, creating the conditions for exceptional population health.

Keep your coverage active and strong

Smith County's health success depends on maintaining coverage. Even if you're insured, verify your plan annually at Healthcare.gov to ensure continuous protection and access to Smith's excellent primary care network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Smith County

via RiskByCounty

Smith stays well below national risk levels

Smith County's composite risk score of 21.21 sits comfortably below the national average and Kansas's mean of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating. Most residents here face minimal natural disaster exposure relative to the broader U.S.

Among Kansas's lower-risk counties

At 21.21, Smith County ranks in the safer half of Kansas counties, though not in the absolute bottom tier. The county's north-central location provides moderate protection from extreme natural hazards.

Risk levels align with surrounding counties

Adjacent counties like Osborne and Mitchell carry similar low-to-moderate risk scores, creating a relatively uniform hazard landscape. Smith fits comfortably within this broader regional safety pattern.

Wildfire and tornado pose modest threats

Wildfire risk reaches 40.90 and tornado risk 39.25—the county's two highest hazards, but both remain well below severe thresholds. Flood and earthquake risks stay minimal by comparison.

Standard coverage handles Smith's risks

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most Smith County residents given the county's modest overall exposure. Verify that wind and hail coverage remains active, particularly during spring tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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