countyscore
52.6
County Score
Safety 87.6Water Quality 86Schools 76.8

County Report Card

About Stevens County, Kansas

Slightly Above the National Median

Stevens County earns a 52.6 composite score, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a solid, middle-of-the-pack standing relative to the rest of the United States.

Meeting the Kansas Standard

The county's 52.6 score is slightly higher than the Kansas state average of 49.5. It provides a reliable quality of life that is consistent with the expectations for a stable Kansas community.

Excellent Safety and Public Utilities

The county shines in safety (87.6) and water quality (86.0). Residents enjoy a high degree of confidence in their personal security and the reliability of their essential infrastructure.

Tax Burden and Health Access

Taxation is a significant weak spot, scoring just 5.1 with an effective rate of 1.798%. Health services also lag with a score of 31.7, indicating fewer local options for comprehensive medical care.

A Solid Choice for Security First

Stevens County is a good fit for people who prioritize safety and reliable utilities over low taxes. It suits those who prefer a stable environment and don't mind traveling for specialized healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax5.1Cost47.3Safety87.6Health31.7Schools76.8Income45Risk60Water86Weather45.1
🏛5.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.3
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
Seward County
Kansas
35.9
Texas County
Oklahoma
36.9
Morton County
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Haskell County
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Meade County
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Beaver County
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Deep Dives

Stevens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stevens County

via TaxByCounty

Stevens taxes above national median

Stevens County's 1.798% effective rate exceeds the national median of 1.624% by 0.174 points, pushing it into the higher-tax tier nationally. Annual taxes of $2,239 fall below the national median of $2,690, but the county's 1.798% rate remains notably steep relative to peers nationwide.

Well above Kansas average

At 1.798%, Stevens County's rate substantially exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549%, placing it among the highest-burden counties statewide. The median annual tax of $2,239 surpasses the state median of $1,943, combining higher rates with higher home values.

Second-highest rate in group

Stevens's 1.798% rate yields only to Stanton County's outlier 2.470%, ranking it second-steepest among all comparison counties. A median-valued home here pays $2,239 in taxes annually—more than Sheridan ($2,331) due to similar rates and comparable home values.

What $124,500 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Stevens County generates approximately $2,239 in annual property taxes at the current 1.798% rate. With a mortgage, plan for around $3,395 annually; without one, closer to $994.

Prioritize assessment verification

Stevens County's elevated tax rate amplifies the impact of overassessment; even modest valuation errors compound into significant annual costs. Homeowners should prioritize verifying assessed values match current market conditions and file appeals promptly if discrepancies emerge.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stevens County

via CostByCounty

Stevens's rents squeeze budgets hardest

Stevens County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks highest among these eight counties and exceeds both the national average and Kansas's 14.7% state average. The combination of $930 monthly rent and a $61,909 median household income creates the region's tightest housing burden.

Among Kansas's least affordable counties

At 18.0%, Stevens's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the state average of 14.7%, placing it among Kansas's least affordable counties. The median rent of $930 runs $143 above the state average, reflecting higher regional housing costs.

Rents rival Shawnee's expensive market

Stevens's $930 median rent trails only Shawnee County's $970, making it the second-priciest rental market in this eight-county cluster. Combined with Stevens's lower median income of $61,909, renters here face steeper affordability challenges than most peers.

Housing costs consume largest share

Stevens residents spend 18% of their $61,909 median household income on rent alone—well above the recommended 30% threshold when combined with other housing expenses. Owner costs of $776 and a median home value of $124,500 create comparable burdens for homebuyers.

Consider more affordable alternatives

Stevens County's high rent-to-income ratio makes housing less accessible than nearby alternatives like Stanton, Stafford, or Smith counties. If affordability drives your relocation, explore neighboring counties where rents run $200–$300 lower monthly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stevens County

via IncomeByCounty

Stevens lags national income by $13,000

Stevens County's median household income of $61,909 falls nearly $13,000 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower quartile of U.S. counties. The per capita income of $31,270 is the lowest among the eight-county group, reflecting limited earning opportunities.

Below Kansas state income average

Stevens County's median household income of $61,909 trails Kansas's state average of $64,428 by $2,519, positioning it among the lower-income counties statewide. This gap reflects economic challenges and population decline in southwest Kansas.

Second-lowest income in the region

Stevens County's $61,909 median household income ranks seventh among the eight counties, outearning only Smith County ($57,024). The county trails Stafford ($63,786), Sumner ($60,348), and Sherman ($64,444), indicating pronounced local economic stress.

Highest rent burden in the region

Stevens County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% is the highest among the eight-county group, approaching the 30% federal affordability threshold. With median home values near $124,500 and household incomes averaging $61,909, housing costs consume a larger share of Stevens budgets than peer counties.

Build stability on Stevens County incomes

Stevens County households face tighter budgets, with housing costs consuming 18% of income, leaving limited room for savings. Prioritize building emergency funds through automatic transfers and explore employer benefits, while seeking higher-wage employment or additional income sources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stevens County

via CrimeByCounty

Stevens County's Secure Environment

Stevens County holds an impressive safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 265.4 per 100K is nearly 90% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Kansas Average

Stevens County's safety score of 99.6 is higher than the state average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 265.4 is also far below the Kansas average of 1,282.2 per 100K.

Safety in Southwest Kansas

Two reporting agencies confirm Stevens County as a low-crime haven in the southwest region. It maintains a much lower crime profile than many nearby counties with similar populations.

Property Crime Dominates the Few Incidents

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 37.9 per 100K, while property crime is slightly higher at 227.5. These low numbers mean that the typical resident faces very little risk of crime.

Simple Security for Stevens

Since property crime is the main concern, ensuring homes are well-lit at night is a smart move. Community-based security, like watching out for neighbors, keeps this county among the safest in Kansas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stevens County

via HealthByCounty

Stevens matches national life span, struggles daily

Stevens County's 75.4-year life expectancy matches the U.S. average exactly, yet its 20.6% poor or fair health rate ties with Stanton's as the highest in this dataset and is more than double the national average. This disconnect reveals a population managing age but battling significant chronic disease.

Highest uninsured rate in Kansas study

Stevens' 75.4-year life expectancy equals the Kansas state average, but its 19.0% uninsured rate towers above Kansas' 11.5% average and is the highest among these eight counties. This lack of coverage directly correlates with the county's elevated poor or fair health reports.

Worst coverage crisis in the region

Stevens' 19.0% uninsured rate dramatically exceeds all regional peers; the next-highest is Stanton at 14.9%. Combined with the county's 20.6% poor or fair health rate—tied for worst—Stevens faces a convergence of coverage and health crises requiring urgent intervention.

Coverage crisis compounds access barriers

With 19.0% uninsured, roughly 1 in 5 Stevens residents lack coverage, and the county's 19 primary care providers per 100K is the region's lowest, creating a double barrier to care. The 79 mental health providers per 100K provides some behavioral health capacity, but coverage gaps likely prevent many residents from accessing services.

Make coverage your priority today

Stevens County's crisis demands immediate action: with 19% uninsured, finding coverage is urgent. Visit Healthcare.gov now or call 211 for free enrollment help and to learn about low-cost plans and community health center services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stevens County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options in Stevens County

Stevens County serves 1,172 students through six public schools, including two elementary, one middle, and three high schools. Two districts provide education across both town and rural environments.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

With a 93.9% graduation rate, Stevens County far exceeds the national average of 87.0% and the Kansas average of 88.7%. The county manages this high performance with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,565.

Hugoton District and Charter Innovation

Hugoton Public Schools is the largest district, serving 1,029 students. The county also features one charter school, which accounts for 16.7% of the total schools, offering unique flexibility for local families.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

The county features four town-based schools and two rural sites, with an average enrollment of 195 students. Hugoton Elementary is the largest with 532 students, while Moscow Elementary provides a tiny 63-student environment.

Discover Academic Success in Stevens County

Stevens County combines high graduation rates with school choice via its charter options. Families looking for a blend of town amenities and rural quiet should consider the diverse housing options near Hugoton.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stevens County

via RiskByCounty

Stevens leans toward low national risk

Stevens County's composite risk score of 40.04 slightly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89 but remains below many U.S. counties, earning a very low risk rating. Most residents face manageable natural disaster exposure.

Mid-range county within Kansas

At 40.04, Stevens County ranks in the middle tier of Kansas counties—safer than a few peers but less secure than most of the state. Wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities distinguish it locally.

Slightly elevated risk compared to neighbors

While adjacent Grant and Seward counties maintain lower composite scores, Stevens's 40.04 represents a notable step up in overall exposure. Wildfire and earthquake risks drive this distinction.

Wildfire and tornado require attention

Wildfire risk reaches 74.59 and tornado risk 41.03—Stevens's two major exposures that significantly outpace other hazards. Earthquake risk also runs higher here at 28.69 compared to neighboring counties.

Confirm wildfire and wind coverage

With wildfire at 74.59 and tornado at 41.03, Stevens County residents should verify robust fire and wind/hail coverage in their homeowners policies. Defensible space around structures offers additional wildfire protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stevens County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Windy Southern Plains

Stevens County sits above the national median with an average annual temperature of 55.5°F. The climate is distinctly semi-arid, receiving just 19.7 inches of moisture per year.

Above the Kansas Average Temperature

The county is warmer than the state average of 54.8°F but receives significantly less precipitation than the 30.3-inch state mark. This makes it one of the drier inhabited areas in Kansas.

Less Snow Than Northern Neighbors

Stevens County experiences 70 extreme heat days, similar to Stanton but with far less snowfall. It records only 12.9 inches of snow, nearly 10 inches less than Sherman County to the north.

Sun-Drenched Summers and Mild Winters

Summers feature 70 days above 90°F and a July average of 78.4°F. Winters are among the mildest in the state, with a December-February average of 34.9°F.

Protect Against the Sun

With 70 days of extreme heat and low rainfall, sun protection and hydration are daily priorities. The 19.7 inches of annual precipitation means your outdoor spaces should focus on xeriscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stevens County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral to Alkaline Southwest Plains Soil

Stevens County maintains an average pH of 7.06, which is remarkably close to neutral despite the area's dry climate. This pH level is more favorable than many neighboring counties with higher alkalinity. However, the overall soil score of 29.6 is the lowest in this group, indicating significant environmental limitations.

Sand-Heavy Mix for Rapid Drainage

The soil contains 48.9% sand, 29.2% silt, and 17.0% clay. This composition creates a light, porous soil that warms up quickly in the spring sun. The downside is a lack of structural stability and a higher risk of erosion during the region's famous wind events.

Low Organic Wealth Requires Care

At 1.16%, the organic matter content is roughly half of the Kansas state average of 2.22%. Available water capacity is similarly low at 0.138 in/in, making the soil vulnerable to drought. Success here depends heavily on external inputs and water management.

Quick Drying for Arid Landscapes

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the nearly 50% sand content ensures very fast water infiltration. This prevents any issues with standing water but necessitates frequent, light watering rather than deep soaking. It is a challenging profile for traditional gardening without significant soil amendments.

Hardy Growing in Zone 6b

Stevens County is in Hardiness Zone 6b, where wind-resistant and drought-tolerant plants are essential. For those looking to grow food, using windbreaks and thick organic mulches can help protect sensitive seedlings. Your gardening journey starts with focusing on soil health and wind protection.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stevens County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the High Plains in Stevens County

Stevens County holds a lawn difficulty score of 50.3, aligning almost exactly with the national median. While it sits below the Kansas state average of 59.1, it offers a manageable environment for dedicated homeowners in Zone 6b. Careful water management is the defining factor for success here.

Arid Air and Frequent Heat Waves

The county receives only 19.7 inches of rain annually, making it one of the drier regions in the state. With 70 days per year reaching at least 90°F, lawns face consistent thermal stress throughout the summer months. The 3,992 growing degree days provide a robust but thirsty window for grass development.

Near-Perfect pH in Sandy Soils

Stevens County boasts a soil pH of 7.06, which is remarkably close to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. The soil is quite sandy at 48.9%, meaning it drains quickly and requires frequent, light watering to keep the surface cool. This texture is generally easy to work with but lacks the nutrient retention of clay-heavy soils.

Widespread Dryness Impacts Local Lawns

Currently, a staggering 80.7% of the county is considered abnormally dry after 14 weeks of drought over the last year. Despite this, severe drought levels remain at 0.0%, offering a window to prepare for harder times. Efficient irrigation systems and smart controllers can help manage the low 19.7-inch annual rainfall.

Planting for a Sunny Stevens County

Heat-hardy grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are well-suited for the 70 days of extreme heat seen here. Your growing season begins after the April 20 frost and extends through late October. Aim for late summer seeding to allow new turf to establish before the dry winter winds arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stevens County's county score?
Stevens County, Kansas has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Stevens County rank among counties in Kansas?
Stevens County ranks #45 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 Stevens County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Stevens County is $2,239, with an effective tax rate of 1.80%. This earns Stevens County a tax score of 5.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stevens County?
The median household income in Stevens County, Kansas is $61,909 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stevens County earns an income score of 45/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stevens County, Kansas a good place to live?
Stevens County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Stevens 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 Stevens 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.