countyscore
65.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 90.4Cost of Living 87.3

County Report Card

About Stanton County, Kansas

A National Leader in Livability

Stanton County boasts an exceptional composite score of 65.9, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score ranks it among the top counties in the country for its specific blend of economic and safety metrics.

One of Kansas' Top Peripheries

The county's 65.9 score is more than 16 points higher than the Kansas average of 49.5. It serves as a model for high-functioning rural administration and community stability in the state.

Unmatched Safety and Housing Value

With a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 87.3, this county is both incredibly secure and affordable. Home values average a remarkably low $64,200 while household incomes remain high at $70,361.

High Effective Tax Rates

The primary drawback is the tax burden, which receives a score of only 0.8. A 2.470% effective tax rate is among the highest in the region, meaning residents pay significantly for their local services.

Best for High-Income, Value-Seeking Families

This county is tailor-made for those who want the highest levels of safety and the lowest housing prices. It is perfect for professionals who can trade a high tax bill for extreme peace of mind and low mortgage costs.

Score breakdown

Tax0.8Cost87.3Safety97.5Health46.2Schools73.3Income67.4Risk90.4Water86Weather44.3
🏛0.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.7
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

Grant County
Kansas
55.3
Hamilton County
Kansas
51.5
Morton County
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42
Prowers County
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Stevens County
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Kearny County
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Baca County
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Haskell County
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Deep Dives

Stanton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stanton County

via TaxByCounty

Stanton's rate among nation's highest

Stanton County's 2.470% effective rate ranks among the highest in the U.S., towering 0.846 percentage points above the national median of 1.624%. Even so, annual taxes of $1,586 fall well below the national median of $2,690 because homes here are valued at only $64,200—less than 23% of the national average.

By far Kansas's highest rate

At 2.470%, Stanton County's effective rate far exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549%, making it the statewide outlier for property tax burden. This 0.921-point premium means a typical home carries substantially higher tax pressure than its Kansas neighbors.

Dramatically higher than all peers

Stanton's 2.470% rate towers over every comparison county—nearly a full percentage point above Sumner (1.705%) and Stevens (1.798%), the next-highest in this group. Despite the steep rate, absolute taxes of $1,586 remain modest because median home values ($64,200) are the lowest examined.

What $64,200 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Stanton County generates approximately $1,586 in annual property taxes at the current 2.470% rate—the highest effective rate of any county analyzed. With a mortgage, expect around $1,908 annually; without one, roughly $1,336.

Challenge inflated valuations aggressively

Stanton County's unusually high rate makes assessment accuracy critical—even a small overvaluation translates to outsized tax burden. Homeowners should actively contest assessments that exceed recent market sales, potentially recovering meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stanton County

via CostByCounty

Stanton achieves excellent affordability

Stanton County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and Kansas's 14.7% state average, signaling strong housing accessibility. The median household income of $70,361 ranks among the highest in this eight-county cluster, further easing housing burden.

Among Kansas's most affordable markets

At 11.8%, Stanton's rent-to-income ratio sits 2.9 percentage points below Kansas's 14.7% state average, placing it in the state's top affordability tier. The median rent of $691 undercuts the state average by $96, proving housing accessibility.

Strong income backs low rents

Stanton's $691 median rent sits between Sheridan ($663) and Sherman ($852), but the $70,361 median household income edges out most peers in the region. This income advantage, combined with modest rents, makes Stanton one of the region's best deals.

Lowest owner costs in the region

At just $571 monthly, Stanton's median owner cost ranks lowest across these eight counties, while median rent of $691 remains modest. Combined with the county's strongest income profile, Stanton residents enjoy the cushiest housing economics in this cluster.

Best-balanced affordability picture

Stanton County combines excellent incomes, low rents, and the lowest homeownership costs in the region, creating an unbeatable affordability equation. If you're relocating to northwest Kansas, Stanton offers the region's strongest overall housing value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stanton County

via IncomeByCounty

Stanton County nearly matches national income

Stanton County's median household income of $70,361 trails the national median of $74,755 by only $4,394, positioning it among the strongest-earning Kansas counties. The per capita income of $35,970 indicates Stanton's wealth is distributed across multiple earners per household.

Stanton ranks second among Kansas counties

Stanton County's $70,361 median household income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by nearly $6,000, reflecting above-average economic opportunity. The county stands among Kansas's highest-income rural areas, driven by energy and agricultural sectors.

Stanton ties for regional income leadership

Stanton County's $70,361 median household income essentially ties with Sheridan County's $70,000 as the highest in the eight-county group. This combined strength in northwest Kansas reflects shared economic engines in agriculture and oil and gas development.

Outstanding affordability in Stanton

Stanton County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.8% ranks among the region's most favorable, with median home values of just $64,200—the lowest among the eight counties. This combination allows most Stanton households to own homes outright or with minimal mortgage burden.

Stanton offers pathways to financial security

With $70,000+ incomes and exceptional housing affordability, Stanton County households possess rare capacity to invest and build wealth. Pursue employer retirement plans, consider real estate investments, and explore energy and agricultural sector opportunities unique to northwest Kansas.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stanton County

via CrimeByCounty

Unprecedented Safety in Stanton

Stanton County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0 with a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K. This is an extreme outlier compared to the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

A Statistical State Leader

While the Kansas average safety score is 98.0, Stanton technically leads the state. However, because only one agency reports data, these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

A Unique Regional Profile

Stanton's data suggests it is the quietest county in its region. Neighbors with more reporting agencies show typical rural crime levels, highlighting Stanton's unique statistical standing.

Zero Reported Incidents

There are zero reported violent or property crimes according to 2022 data. This implies an incredibly low-risk environment, though residents should remain aware of their surroundings regardless of the data.

Practical Home Safety

Even with a perfect score, maintaining home security through simple door locks and good lighting is wise. A perfect safety record is best preserved through consistent, basic precautions by all residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stanton County

via HealthByCounty

Stanton lives longer but feels sicker

Stanton County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 2.5 years, yet its 20.8% poor or fair health rate is the worst among all eight counties and more than double the national average. This paradox suggests Stanton's population ages well but experiences significant chronic disease and quality-of-life challenges.

Long lives, heavy health burdens

At 78.9 years, Stanton edges out Kansas' 75.4-year average, but its 20.8% poor or fair health rate ranks as among the state's highest. With 14.9% uninsured—the second-highest in this dataset—Stanton residents lack both coverage and likely adequate chronic disease management.

Longevity without health satisfaction

Stanton's 78.9-year life expectancy is second only to Smith's 79.0 years, yet its 20.8% poor or fair health rate is the region's worst—a striking contrast. Limited provider data makes detailed access assessment difficult, but the combination of high uninsured rates and poor health self-assessment suggests systemic barriers to quality care.

Data gaps obscure critical access issues

Stanton County lacks reported primary care and mental health provider data, making direct assessment of healthcare infrastructure impossible. With 14.9% uninsured—the second-highest rate in this group—and 20.8% reporting poor or fair health, coverage and access gaps clearly exist but are not fully quantified.

Seek coverage and health assessment now

Stanton's high uninsured rate and health distress signal urgent need for action. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a community health center immediately to explore coverage, get chronic disease screening, and connect with available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stanton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficiency and Excellence in a Small System

Stanton County maintains a simple but effective educational system with 423 students enrolled across just two public schools. One district manages a single elementary school and one combined junior/senior high school.

Exceptional Graduation and Efficient Spending

The county achieves a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average and the 88.7% state average. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,811, lower than the state's average spending.

Stanton County Schools Stand Alone

The Stanton County school district oversees all 423 students, ensuring a unified educational experience from preschool through graduation. There are no charter schools, keeping the community focused on its core public campuses.

Rural Stability and Mid-Size Classrooms

Both schools are situated in rural settings, with an average school size of 212 students. Stanton County Elementary is slightly larger with 232 students, while the High School houses 191 students.

Find Your Place in a Top-Graduating County

Stanton County’s 95% graduation rate is a major draw for families seeking academic reliability. Real estate near these high-performing schools offers a sense of security for parents prioritizing their children's future success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stanton County

via RiskByCounty

Stanton ranks among America's safest counties

At 9.64, Stanton County's composite risk score places it among the nation's lowest natural disaster exposures—far below the national average and nearly 20 points beneath Kansas's mean of 29.89. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from major hazards.

Third-safest county in Kansas

Stanton County's 9.64 score ranks it among the very safest areas in Kansas, with only a tiny handful of counties scoring lower. This remote western location provides remarkable insulation from natural disaster risk.

Among the safest in the region

Neighboring Sheridan and Grant counties share Stanton's exceptionally low risk profile, creating a pocket of remarkable safety across southwest Kansas. Stanton fits squarely within this region's minimal-hazard pattern.

Wildfire presents Stanton's only modest concern

Wildfire risk reaches just 30.44—Stanton's highest hazard but still well below problematic levels. Tornado and flood risks remain minimal at 16.22 and 1.24 respectively.

Basic homeowners coverage provides ample protection

Stanton's exceptional low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices for most residents. Annual policy reviews ensure continued adequate coverage as needs change.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stanton County

via WeatherByCounty

High and Dry Southwest Plains

Stanton County maintains an annual average temperature of 55.8°F, which is warmer than the national median. It is one of the driest regions in the country, with only 17.5 inches of precipitation.

Hotter and Much Drier Than Kansas

The county is over a degree warmer than the state average and receives 12.8 fewer inches of rain than the state norm. It is characterized by high evaporation rates and persistent sunshine.

Drier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Stanton is significantly drier than Stafford, receiving about 11 fewer inches of rain annually. Despite the heat, it actually receives more snow than Stafford, totaling 21.9 inches.

Intense Heat and Surprising Snow

The county endures 76 days of extreme heat each year, with July averages hitting 79.5°F. Winter provides a sharp contrast, delivering 21.9 inches of snow despite the low overall moisture.

Plan for Arid Extremes

Residents must plan for 76 days of extreme heat and a very dry climate by using drought-tolerant landscaping. Don't let the heat fool you; you will still need a shovel for 21.9 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stanton County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols of the Southwest

Stanton County features Entisols with a high average pH of 7.49, reflecting the arid conditions of southwest Kansas. These soils are relatively young in geological terms and lack the deep development of eastern prairie soils. The soil score of 33.4 is among the lowest in the state.

Sandy Loam for Light Management

The dominant texture is sandy loam, composed of 40.5% sand, 39.4% silt, and 20.2% clay. This mix provides a balance of drainage and structure that is easy to manage under irrigation. However, it is prone to wind erosion if left without a cover crop.

Conserving Moisture in Lean Soils

Organic matter is low at 1.38%, which is nearly a full percentage point below the Kansas state average. Available water capacity is also modest at 0.170 in/in. These factors mean that soil health and moisture conservation are top priorities for local land managers.

Well-Drained with High Runoff Risk

The soil is classified as well-drained but falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates a high runoff potential when the ground is saturated. This paradox means that while water moves through the profile well, the surface can shed water during intense storms. Managed drainage is key for both building and farming here.

Dryland Resilience in Zone 6b

The Zone 6b climate in Stanton County is best suited for resilient, deep-rooted crops and native shrubs. High-pH tolerant vegetables like beans and kale can do well if provided with consistent supplemental water. Focus on building organic matter to improve your garden's chances of success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stanton County

via LawnByCounty

Stanton County Faces Steep Lawn Challenges

With a difficulty score of 42.7, Stanton County is one of the hardest places in Kansas to grow a traditional lawn. This score is significantly lower than the state average of 59.1 and the national median. This Hardiness Zone 6b region requires expert-level care and high water inputs to thrive.

Low Rain and Intense Summer Heat

The county receives just 17.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly half of the ideal 30-50 inch range. Coupled with 76 extreme heat days, traditional turf struggles to stay dormant-free without constant irrigation. The 4,089 growing degree days indicate a hot environment where water evaporates quickly.

Sandy Loam Provides Excellent Drainage

The soil is classified as well-drained sandy loam, featuring a high 40.5% sand content. While the 7.49 pH is on the alkaline side, the texture allows for deep root penetration if managed correctly. You should focus on iron supplements to combat the high pH and maintain a green color.

Managing Resources in a Dry Climate

The county currently sees 27.8% of its area in abnormally dry conditions after 12 weeks of drought last year. In this arid climate, water conservation is not just a suggestion but a necessity for lawn survival. Utilizing drip irrigation for landscape beds and selecting native turf is the most sustainable path forward.

Selecting Hardy Species for Stanton

Warm-season grasses like Buffalograss or Blue Grama are the most reliable choices for this harsh 17.5-inch rainfall environment. Plan your primary planting around the April 19 spring frost and the October 23 fall frost. With a 42.7 difficulty score, lean into native species that thrive where others fail.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stanton County's county score?
Stanton County, Kansas has a composite county score of 65.9 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 Stanton County rank among counties in Kansas?
Stanton County ranks #3 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 Stanton County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Stanton County is $1,586, with an effective tax rate of 2.47%. This earns Stanton County a tax score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stanton County?
The median household income in Stanton County, Kansas is $70,361 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stanton County earns an income score of 67.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stanton County, Kansas a good place to live?
Stanton County scores 65.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Stanton 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 Stanton 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.