CountyScore

Thomas County

Kansas · KS

#13 in Kansas
71.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Thomas County, Kansas

Thomas County outpaces national median

Thomas County's composite score of 69.0 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper range of U.S. counties. This 38% advantage signals strong overall livability driven primarily by affordability and manageable taxes.

Slightly above average for Kansas

With a score of 69.0, Thomas County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, though it sits in the middle tier among the state's 105 counties. This solid performance reflects the county's competitive position within Kansas's broader livability landscape.

Affordable housing is the clear winner

Thomas County shines in housing affordability with a cost score of 81.3, supported by a median home value of $165,900 and median rent of just $753 per month. The county also maintains reasonable taxes at an effective rate of 1.321%, giving households meaningful financial breathing room.

Income growth lags behind affordability

The income score of 31.4 reveals a significant gap: median household income stands at $73,575, well below what residents might earn in higher-income regions. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Rural comfort for budget-conscious families

Thomas County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and reasonable taxes over wage growth. Those seeking affordability and a slower pace will find genuine value here, though future residents should gather more data on schools and safety before deciding.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.1Cost81.3SafetyComing SoonHealth72SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.4Risk90.6WaterComing Soon
🏛65.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.6
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 Thomas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bullock County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $36,723
Cherokee County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $50,769
Bradley County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $39,565
Franklin County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $51,919
Fulton County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $38,941

Deep Dives

Thomas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Thomas County

via TaxByCounty

Thomas County taxes rank low nationally

At 1.321%, Thomas County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.55%, placing it in the bottom half of all U.S. counties. Property owners here pay a median of $2,192 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—saving roughly $500 per year on a similar-value home.

Below average by Kansas standards

Thomas County's 1.321% effective rate ranks it among the lowest in Kansas, where the state average is 1.549%. Homeowners benefit from this lower burden compared to the median Kansas county tax of $1,943.

Competitive with nearby counties

Thomas County's rate of 1.321% is lower than neighboring Trego County (1.456%) and Wallace County (1.538%), making it one of the more tax-friendly options in the northwest Kansas region. Only Wabaunsee County (1.274%) in this group offers a marginally lower rate.

What a typical home costs to own

On the median home value of $165,900, Thomas County homeowners can expect to pay approximately $2,192 in annual property taxes. That breaks down to roughly $183 per month—a manageable burden for property owners with or without a mortgage.

You might be overassessed

Many Thomas County homeowners are unaware that their properties may be overvalued on the county's assessments. If your tax bill seems high compared to similar homes nearby, filing an appeal could potentially reduce your burden and recoup overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Thomas County

via CostByCounty

Thomas County: Below National Averages

Renters in Thomas County spend 12.3% of income on housing, well below the national standard of affordability. With median household income at $73,575—nearly matching the national median of $74,755—Thomas County offers competitive shelter costs compared to the broader U.S. market.

Among Kansas's Most Affordable

Thomas County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, positioning it in the upper tier of affordability across the state. At $753/month, median rent runs slightly below Kansas's state average of $787.

Competitive with Northwest Kansas

Compared to neighboring Trego County, Thomas County rents run $59 higher monthly, though both counties maintain healthy affordability ratios below 13%. Thomas County's median home value of $165,900 exceeds nearby Trego County's $115,400, reflecting stronger property appreciation.

Balanced Housing Costs

Renters allocate $753 monthly while homeowners pay $898—a manageable gap against the $73,575 median household income. Together, these costs consume roughly 13% of household income for renters and 15% for owners, leaving substantial income for other needs.

Reliable Affordability for Remote Workers

If you're relocating to rural Kansas, Thomas County delivers stable housing costs with incomes that stretch further than national averages. Compare its 12.3% rent-to-income ratio against other Great Plains counties to confirm your relocation savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Thomas County

via IncomeByCounty

Thomas County Keeps Pace Nationally

With a median household income of $73,575, Thomas County sits just $1,180 below the U.S. median of $74,755—a strong showing for a rural Kansas county. This positions Thomas County in the upper-middle range nationally, outperforming most of rural America.

Top Earners in Kansas

Thomas County's median income of $73,575 towers 14% above Kansas's state average of $64,428, ranking it among the highest-income counties in the state. The county's per capita income of $39,637 also exceeds the state average by 14%, signaling strong earning power across all residents.

Outearning the Region

Thomas County leads most of its northwest Kansas neighbors, beating Trego County ($73,375) by just $200 and substantially outpacing Wallace County ($60,263). This income resilience reflects a more diversified economic base than surrounding rural counties.

Housing Costs Are Manageable Here

At 12.3%, Thomas County's rent-to-income ratio signals that housing absorbs a modest share of household budgets—well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $165,900, homeownership remains accessible on the county's median income.

Build Security Beyond the Paycheck

Thomas County households earn enough to cover basics and save; the next step is intentional wealth-building through retirement accounts, home equity, and diversified investments. Local financial advisors can help families turn steady income into long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Thomas County

via HealthByCounty

Thomas County outlives the nation

At 77.7 years, Thomas County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 14.0% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average of 15.3%, suggesting a healthier population overall.

Well above Kansas average

Thomas County's life expectancy of 77.7 years ranks among the strongest in Kansas, outpacing the state average of 75.4 years by 2.3 years. This positions the county in the healthier tier of Kansas communities.

Leaders in northwest Kansas

Compared to neighboring counties, Thomas County holds steady with solid life expectancy and health metrics. The county's 14.0% poor/fair health rate matches its immediate region, though some neighbors exceed its primary care access with up to 96 providers per 100,000 residents.

One in eight residents uninsured

Thomas County's uninsured rate of 12.6% exceeds the state average of 11.5%, leaving about 1 in 8 residents without coverage. The county maintains 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and strong mental health capacity at 178 providers per 100,000.

Explore your coverage options today

With 12.6% of residents uninsured, Thomas County residents should check healthcare.gov or Kansas Medicaid to find affordable plans. Local primary care providers and mental health specialists are available to serve you once covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Thomas County

via RiskByCounty

Thomas County faces very low national risk

With a composite risk score of 9.45, Thomas County sits well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" rating for natural disasters. This means your county experiences fewer and less severe hazard exposures than most U.S. counties.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Thomas County's score of 9.45 ranks it far below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the lower-risk tier statewide. You're in one of the more protected corners of Kansas when it comes to composite disaster risk.

Safer than nearby Wallace County

Thomas County (9.45) edges out its western neighbor Wallace County (1.18) for lowest overall risk, though both remain very low. Your risk profile is comparable to other northwest Kansas plains counties.

Tornadoes your primary weather concern

Tornado risk (36.51) is Thomas County's dominant hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms. Earthquake risk (17.46) and wildfire risk (15.39) round out your secondary concerns, each well-managed with proper preparation.

Tornado insurance protects your investment

Given tornado risk of 36.51, ensure your homeowners policy covers wind damage and consider a separate rider for additional protection. Check your policy annually and maintain a home disaster kit with battery-powered radio and first-aid supplies.

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.