countyscore
37.6
County Score
Lawn Care 67.7Schools 62.1Soil Quality 56.7

County Report Card

About Sumner County, Kansas

Trailing National Livability Trends

Sumner County scores 37.6 on the composite index, which is roughly 12 points below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates room for improvement across several socioeconomic dimensions.

Behind the Kansas Average

The county's 37.6 score falls significantly short of the Kansas state average of 49.5. It struggles to compete with more prosperous or safer counties in the central part of the state.

Strong Educational Performance

Schools are the county's primary asset, earning a dimension score of 62.1. This indicates a local commitment to education that outperforms many other areas of its overall livability profile.

Challenges in Taxes and Utilities

Taxation and water quality are major hurdles, scoring 7.0 and 17.2 respectively. A 1.705% effective tax rate and aging utility infrastructure present ongoing challenges for current residents.

Best for Education-Focused Households

Sumner County is best for families who place a high premium on local schools and want affordable homes averaging $118,700. It is a viable option for those who are willing to navigate higher taxes for better-than-average educational access.

Score breakdown

Tax7Cost48.8Safety21.8Health46.5Schools62.1Income40.3Risk51.2Water17.2Weather50.9
🏛7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.7
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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Deep Dives

Sumner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sumner County

via TaxByCounty

Sumner taxes above national median

Sumner County's 1.705% effective rate runs 0.081 points above the national median of 1.624%, placing it in the higher-tax segment nationally. Annual taxes of $2,024 fall $666 short of the national median of $2,690, but the county's rate remains steep relative to typical U.S. counties.

Above-average Kansas rate

At 1.705%, Sumner County's rate exceeds Kansas's state average of 1.549% by 0.156 points, ranking it in the upper tax tier statewide. The median annual tax of $2,024 exceeds the state median of $1,943, driven by both elevated rates and higher home values of $118,700.

Mid-range among western counties

Sumner's 1.705% rate falls between Stevens (1.798%) and Sheridan (1.534%), representing moderate-to-high tax burden for the region. A median-valued home pays $2,024 annually in Sumner—less expensive than Shawnee ($2,500) despite the higher rate, due to lower home values.

What $118,700 home costs yearly

A median-valued home in Sumner County generates approximately $2,024 in annual property taxes at the current 1.705% rate. With a mortgage, expect around $2,284 annually; without one, roughly $1,783.

Review assessments annually

Sumner County's above-average rate makes regular assessment monitoring worthwhile for homeowners seeking to minimize tax exposure. If your assessed value drifts above comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, file an appeal—the potential savings justify the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sumner County

via CostByCounty

Sumner's rents strain household budgets

Sumner County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average and ranks above the national norm, indicating elevated housing burden. The median household income of $60,348 ranks lowest in this cluster, making the $829 median rent harder to absorb.

Above-average burden for Kansas

At 16.5%, Sumner's rent-to-income ratio runs 1.8 percentage points above the state average of 14.7%, placing it in the less-affordable tier of Kansas counties. The median rent of $829 exceeds the state average by $42, contributing to the higher burden.

Mid-range rents, lower incomes

Sumner's $829 median rent falls between Stevens ($930) and Sherman ($852), but the county's $60,348 median household income—lowest in this cluster—makes housing costs feel heavier. Compared to affordable neighbors like Stafford ($613) or Smith ($601), Sumner renters pay significantly more.

Housing absorbs substantial income share

Sumner residents spend 16.5% of their $60,348 median household income on rent, while owner costs of $889 push homebuyers even higher. The median home value of $118,700 strains the county's lower-income profile, leaving less financial flexibility for other needs.

Explore lower-cost Kansas alternatives

Sumner County's housing burden ranks among the region's highest relative to incomes; renters and buyers here face tighter budgets than neighbors. Consider relocating to Stafford, Smith, or Stanton counties, where lower rents and comparable incomes offer substantially better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sumner County

via IncomeByCounty

Sumner County significantly below national median

Sumner County's median household income of $60,348 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $14,400, ranking in the lowest tier of U.S. counties. The per capita income of $32,318 is among the region's lowest, indicating constrained earning power across the population.

Lowest income among Kansas comparison counties

Sumner County's median household income of $60,348 falls $4,080 below Kansas's state average of $64,428, marking the lowest position among the eight-county sample. This gap reflects persistent economic challenges in south-central Kansas, where agricultural dependence and population loss limit growth.

Struggling economically in the region

Sumner County's $60,348 median household income ranks eighth and lowest among the eight-county group, slightly above only Smith County's $57,024. The county substantially trails Sheridan ($70,000) and Stanton ($70,361), indicating diverging economic trajectories across the sample.

Housing costs strain Sumner budgets

Sumner County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% reflects moderate housing burden, with median home values near $118,700 exceeding what many households earning $60,348 can comfortably afford. Renters face tighter margins than homeowners in Sumner's constrained housing market.

Strengthen financial foundations in Sumner

Sumner County households earning $60,348 must prioritize budgeting and emergency savings before wealth-building investments can take root. Engage with community financial counseling services, explore side income opportunities, and maximize any available employer retirement matches to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sumner County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Metrics in Sumner County

Sumner County reports a safety score of 96.8, with a total crime rate of 2,011.8 per 100K. This rate remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Sumner vs the State Average

The county’s total crime rate of 2,011.8 is higher than the Kansas average of 1,282.2. Its safety score of 96.8 also sits slightly below the state benchmark of 98.0.

Detailed Reporting in Sumner

With eight agencies reporting data, Sumner County provides a more comprehensive look at local crime than some neighbors. This diligent reporting results in higher recorded rates than in counties with fewer agencies.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is the most frequent issue at 1,598.8 per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 413.0. Residents are more likely to experience theft or vandalism than physical violence.

Enhancing Residential Security

Security cameras and alarm systems can help combat the county's property crime rates. Simple habits, such as keeping car doors locked and homes well-lit, significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sumner County

via HealthByCounty

Sumner faces significant health challenges

At 74.0 years, Sumner County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.4 years. With an 18.0% poor or fair health rate—notably above the national average—Sumner residents report widespread daily health struggles.

Below-average life, mixed insurance coverage

Sumner's 74.0-year life expectancy ranks lowest in this dataset and trails Kansas' 75.4-year average by 1.4 years. Its 10.2% uninsured rate is slightly below the state's 11.5%, suggesting coverage gaps aren't the only driver of poor health outcomes.

Tied for worst longevity in region

Sumner's 74.0-year life expectancy ties with Stafford as the second-worst in this peer group, well behind Smith's 79.0-year leader and ahead only of Sheridan's 72.4. With just 27 primary care providers per 100K, Sumner residents struggle with access comparable to Stanton and Stafford.

Sparse primary care, stronger mental health access

Sumner's 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means residents must travel for routine care, likely delaying preventive treatment and chronic disease management. The 125 mental health providers per 100K offers robust behavioral health infrastructure, yet the county's low life expectancy and 18% poor or fair health rate suggest other barriers prevent utilization.

Ensure your coverage is active

With life expectancy and health satisfaction both lagging state averages, Sumner residents need consistent coverage and preventive care. Visit Healthcare.gov to verify your plan is active and explore local clinics offering preventive screening and chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sumner County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Network of Rural Schools

Sumner County supports a large network of 23 public schools, including 10 elementary, 3 middle, and 9 high schools. Seven separate districts manage the education of 3,558 students across the county.

Solid Performance and Efficient Management

The graduation rate stands at 90.4%, beating both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,364, showing efficient use of funds compared to the $13,000 national average.

Wellington Schools Lead the County

The Wellington district is the largest in the area, educating 1,497 students across seven schools. The county maintains a traditional educational approach with no charter schools currently in operation.

Primarily Rural with a Town Feel

Seventeen of the county's 23 schools are in rural locales, contributing to a small average school size of 155 students. Wellington High is the largest at 478 students, giving the district a more comprehensive town-school atmosphere.

Find Home in a Reliable South Kansas District

Sumner County offers a 90% graduation rate and a variety of small-school environments. Families often choose this area for its strong community ties and consistently high-performing public districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sumner County

via RiskByCounty

Sumner exceeds state average, approaches moderate risk

At 48.82, Sumner County's composite risk score substantially exceeds Kansas's mean of 29.89 and approaches moderate territory. The county sits in a higher-exposure bracket compared to most of its state and many national peers.

Second-highest risk county in Kansas

Sumner County's 48.82 score ranks it as the second-most-hazardous county in Kansas, trailing only Shawnee's extreme exposure. This places Sumner in a notably vulnerable position within the state.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Neighboring Cowley, Butler, and Woodson counties all maintain substantially lower risk scores, making Sumner a regional hotspot for natural disaster exposure. The county stands apart as notably more vulnerable than its peers.

Tornado, flood, and wildfire dominate

Tornado risk peaks at 79.01, flood risk reaches 46.72, and wildfire hits 64.79—a trio of serious exposures that far outpace other hazards. These three hazards collectively define Sumner's elevated overall risk.

Multi-hazard coverage is crucial here

Sumner County residents need separate flood insurance and should ensure comprehensive wind/hail coverage given tornado scores of 79.01. Reviewing and upgrading homeowners policies isn't optional in this second-highest-risk county in Kansas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sumner County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Productive Agricultural Climate

Sumner County is notably warmer than the national median, with an annual average temperature of 56.9°F. This climate is characterized by generous rainfall and long growing seasons.

Among the Warmest in Kansas

Sumner exceeds the Kansas average temperature by over two degrees. It is also much wetter than average, receiving 35.9 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state's 30.3 inches.

Wetter and Warmer than West

Sumner is significantly wetter than its neighbor Stevens, receiving about 16 inches more rain per year. It is also the least snowy of this group, averaging only 8.6 inches of snow.

Long Summers and Easy Winters

July is hot with an 80.5°F average, contributing to 67 days of extreme heat. Winters are the mildest in the region, with 35.0°F averages and very little snow.

Manage Heat and High Rainfall

With 67 extreme heat days and 35.9 inches of rain, humidity and cooling costs are your primary concerns. You can skip the heavy snow gear, as the county only sees 8.6 inches of snow annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sumner County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Agricultural Foundation in Sumner County

Sumner County soils feature an average pH of 6.48, which sits perfectly on the national median for ideal plant growth. This slightly acidic to neutral range is excellent for nutrient availability across many crops. The county's soil score of 56.7 is higher than the state average.

Balanced Loamy Silt Composition

The soil is a mix of 42.4% silt, 35.2% sand, and 20.9% clay. This blend provides a versatile texture that balances drainage with enough clay to hold nutrients. It is the type of soil that has made the region famous for wheat production.

Productive Soils with Moderate Organic Matter

Organic matter content is 1.69%, which is slightly lower than the state average but sufficient for high-yield farming. The available water capacity of 0.170 in/in provides a reliable buffer during the hot Kansas summers. It is a productive soil that responds well to sustainable farming practices.

Managed Hydrology for Large-Scale Growth

Falling into hydrologic group D, these soils can have a high runoff potential during heavy rains. This requires careful land management to prevent erosion and ensure water actually reaches the root zone. Proper drainage planning is a necessity for any new building or landscaping project.

A Longer Growing Season in Zone 7a

Sumner County enjoys the warmer Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Kansas. This climate and soil combination is perfect for everything from winter wheat to summer melons and lush vegetable plots. Get started now to take advantage of the generous southern Kansas sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sumner County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Growing Conditions in Sumner County

Sumner County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 67.7, far exceeding the state average of 59.1. As a Hardiness Zone 7a region, it enjoys a milder climate that is significantly easier to manage than the national median. This area is among the most favorable for residential lawns in Kansas.

Ample Rainfall and a Long Season

The county receives 35.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the 30.3-inch state average. While 67 heat days can be taxing, the 4,429 growing degree days support a long, productive growing season. A later fall frost on October 29 gives you more time for autumn lawn recovery.

Ideal pH for Nutrient-Rich Turf

Soil pH is excellent at 6.48, falling right in the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal window. The soil contains a balanced 20.9% clay and 35.2% sand, providing both moisture retention and adequate drainage. This foundation requires minimal chemical adjustment to produce lush, green results.

Managing 100% Abnormally Dry Coverage

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, despite only 9 weeks of drought in the past year. Because severe drought is at 0.0%, this is an ideal time to implement water-saving habits like raising mower blades. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing the evaporation caused by those 67 high-heat days.

Taking Advantage of Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of grasses, including both tall fescues and warm-season Bermuda. Your growing window is extensive, starting April 15 and lasting nearly until November. With such a high difficulty score, Sumner County is the perfect place to invest in a premium landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sumner County's county score?
Sumner County, Kansas has a composite county score of 37.6 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 Sumner County rank among counties in Kansas?
Sumner County ranks #90 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 Sumner County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Sumner County is $2,024, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Sumner County a tax score of 7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sumner County?
The median household income in Sumner County, Kansas is $60,348 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sumner County earns an income score of 40.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sumner County, Kansas a good place to live?
Sumner County scores 37.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Sumner 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 Sumner 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.