68.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.3Water Quality 86Schools 83.5

County Report Card

About Trego County, Kansas

Trego County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Trego County earns an impressive composite score of 68.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the most livable rural counties in the United States.

A Top-Tier Kansas Performer

At 68.8, the county towers over the Kansas average score of 49.5. It stands out as a regional leader in quality of life across the state.

Exceptional Safety and School Standards

The county boasts a remarkable Risk Score of 97.3 and a School Score of 83.5. Affordability is also a major draw, with a Cost Score of 82.6 and median rents of just $694.

Managing a High Tax Burden

The primary challenge is the Tax Score of 15.0, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.456%. While other costs are low, residents pay more in local taxes compared to the national average.

Ideal for Families and Retirees

Trego County is perfect for families seeking elite schools and a very safe environment. With home values at $115,400, it offers an exceptionally high quality of life for a modest price.

Score breakdown

Tax15Cost82.6Safety74.4Health74.5Schools83.5Income74.7Risk97.3Water86Weather40.6
🏛15
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼74.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡74.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓83.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
97.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤40.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨40.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱52.7
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

Trego County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Trego County

via TaxByCounty

Trego County taxes near national median

With an effective tax rate of 1.456%, Trego County sits just below the national median of 1.55%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,680 is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's more modest home values.

Slightly above Kansas average

Trego County's 1.456% rate edges slightly below the Kansas state average of 1.549%. At a median tax of $1,680, the county is competitive statewide, though homeowners pay less than the Kansas median tax of $1,943.

Mid-range among surrounding counties

Trego County's 1.456% rate falls between the lower-taxed Thomas County (1.321%) and the higher-taxed Wallace County (1.538%). It represents a balanced tax environment for northwest Kansas.

Affordable taxes on modest homes

The median home in Trego County is valued at $115,400, with annual property taxes of $1,680. That works out to roughly $140 per month—one of the lowest tax burdens in the state on an actual tax bill basis.

Review your assessment for savings

Even in lower-taxed counties like Trego, assessment errors are common and often cost homeowners hundreds of dollars. Requesting a property tax appeal is free and could reveal whether your home's assessed value is inflated.

Cost of Living in Trego County

via CostByCounty

Trego County Leads on Affordability

At 11.3% of income, Trego County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable housing markets. With median household income of $73,375 nearly matching the national median of $74,755, renters here enjoy exceptional shelter cost relief.

Kansas's Affordability Champion

Trego County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Kansas's 14.7% state average, making it one of the state's most housing-affordable counties. At $694/month, median rent falls $93 below the state average.

Lowest Rent in the Region

Trego County's $694 monthly rent undercuts Thomas County ($753) and Wabaunsee County ($771), offering renters the region's deepest affordability. Its median home value of $115,400 also represents solid entry-level homeownership compared to neighboring counties.

Exceptional Renter and Owner Value

Renters pay just $694/month while owners spend $637—a rare scenario where mortgages cost less than rent against the $73,375 median income. Housing consumes only 11% of income for renters and 10% for owners, freeing cash for savings and life priorities.

Budget-Conscious Relocators Take Note

Trego County's twin advantages—low rent and low mortgage costs—make it ideal for homebuyers and renters seeking maximum affordability. If housing flexibility matters in your relocation decision, this northwest Kansas county delivers measurable cost savings.

Income & Jobs in Trego County

via IncomeByCounty

Trego County Holds Its Own Nationally

Trego County's median household income of $73,375 falls just $1,380 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, putting it in solid national standing. This near-parity with the national average is impressive for a county of its size and rural character.

Second-Highest Income in Kansas

At $73,375, Trego County ranks as one of Kansas's top earners, exceeding the state average by 14%. The county's per capita income of $43,336 is the highest among Kansas's rural counties, suggesting both strong household earnings and broad-based prosperity.

Just Shy of Thomas County's Lead

Trego County trails Thomas County by only $200 in median household income, making these two northwest Kansas neighbors the region's economic powerhouses. Both counties significantly outpace Wallace ($60,263) and Decatur counties to the west.

Rent Takes a Smaller Bite Here

Trego County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.3% is among the lowest in the state, meaning housing costs consume a minimal share of household budgets. With a median home value of just $115,400, homeownership is genuinely affordable on local incomes.

Your Affordability Edge Creates Opportunity

Because housing consumes less than 12% of income in Trego County, families have more discretionary money to invest in education, small business, or retirement accounts. Strategic financial planning today creates generational wealth tomorrow.

Safety in Trego County

via CrimeByCounty

Trego County Ranks High for Safety

Trego County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 99.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 607.5 per 100,000 residents is only about a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Kansas State Average

The county outperforms the Kansas state average safety score of 98.0 by a full point. With a total crime rate of 607.5, Trego sees less than half the criminal activity of the average Kansas county.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Trego stands out as significantly safer than neighboring Thomas County, which reports a rate of 1,542.9. It remains one of the quietest and most secure jurisdictions in central Kansas.

Violent Crime is Rare in Trego

Violent crime is extremely rare here, with a rate of only 35.7 per 100,000 residents compared to the national 369.8. Most reported activity involves property crime, which occurs at a very low rate of 571.8.

Proactive Habits Maintain Local Safety

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but proactive habits keep the community secure. Residents can support local safety by securing outbuildings and using smart locks to prevent opportunistic theft.

Health in Trego County

via HealthByCounty

Trego County leads in longevity

Trego County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 80.3 years, placing them among the longest-lived Americans—4.2 years above the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With a 14.0% poor/fair health rate, the county beats the national average of 15.3%.

Top performer in Kansas health

At 80.3 years, Trego County's life expectancy ranks among Kansas's healthiest counties, exceeding the state average of 75.4 years by nearly 5 years. This exceptional performance reflects strong community health outcomes.

Among region's healthiest communities

Trego County leads its neighboring counties with the second-highest life expectancy in this eight-county group and matches regional health perception rates. The county's 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents support accessible healthcare delivery.

Strong coverage with access gaps

Trego County's uninsured rate of 10.8% sits below both the state average of 11.5% and national trends, indicating good coverage penetration. The county provides 72 primary care providers and 147 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring most residents can access care nearby.

Secure your family's health plan

Even with Trego County's strong insurance coverage, 10.8% of residents remain uninsured—a gap worth closing. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health plan navigator to find coverage that fits your budget.

Schools in Trego County

via SchoolsByCounty

A streamlined rural school system

Trego County operates a highly focused educational system consisting of just two public schools within a single district. One elementary and one high school serve a total of 404 students. This centralized structure ensures all county resources are concentrated into one local pipeline.

Exceptional graduation rates in Trego

Trego County boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 88.7% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $9,187 per pupil, which exceeds the Kansas state average of $9,009. These results contribute to a strong composite school score of 60.9, well above the national median.

The Wakeeney district advantage

The Wakeeney school district manages all public education in the county, serving 404 students across its two campuses. There are zero charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of students attend traditional district schools. This single-district model simplifies administration and fosters a unified community identity.

Small-scale learning in a rural setting

Every student in Trego County attends school in a rural setting where the average school size is 202 students. Trego Grade School is the larger of the two facilities with 292 students, while Trego Community High offers a smaller environment with 112 students. Education here feels personal and community-driven given the intimate enrollment numbers.

Join a high-achieving rural community

For families seeking top-tier graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment, Wakeeney offers a compelling case for relocation. The unified school system makes home buying simpler, as the entire county feeds into the same high-performing schools. Consider the long-term benefits of Trego's academic success when scouting your next home.

Disaster Risk in Trego County

via RiskByCounty

Trego County's risk among nation's lowest

At 2.70, Trego County has one of the lowest composite risk scores in the nation, earning a "Very Low" rating. Your county faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical American county.

Kansas's safest county overall

Trego County scores 2.70—far below Kansas's state average of 29.89—making it the safest county in the state by composite risk. This exceptional safety profile reflects diverse hazard management across your region.

Safest in a low-risk region

At 2.70, Trego County significantly outperforms its neighbors, including Thomas County (9.45) and Gove County. You live in one of the most secure areas of western Kansas.

Wildfire dominates risk profile

Wildfire risk (46.82) is unusually high relative to your low overall score, reflecting grassland fire potential in the region. Tornado (29.04) and earthquake (10.21) risks remain minimal by comparison.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Create a 30-foot defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation and trimming trees. Verify that your homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire damage and keep gutters clear of debris.

Weather & Climate in Trego County

via WeatherByCounty

Trego County matches the national temperature median

Trego County’s 54.0°F annual average temperature closely matches the national median for temperate continental zones. However, its 22.4 inches of annual precipitation is leaner than the national average for mid-latitude regions.

Arid conditions relative to the Sunflower State

The county’s 54.0°F average is just below the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. It experiences much drier conditions than the state average of 30.3 inches, receiving about 8 inches less rainfall annually.

Warmer and wetter than its western neighbors

Trego is notably warmer than Thomas County to its northwest, which averages only 51.8°F. It shares a similar semi-arid profile with nearby Wallace, though it sees slightly more annual rainfall.

Intense summer heat and snowy winters

Residents face intense summers with 67 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F. July temperatures average 79.2°F, while winter remains cold with 20.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for extreme heat and cold

Optimize home insulation and cooling systems to handle over two months of extreme heat days. Residents should also maintain reliable winter gear to navigate the cold January lows of 29.9°F.

Soil Quality in Trego County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of Central Kansas

Trego County features an average pH of 7.55, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this high pH reflects the limestone-influenced geology of the region. Most local plants must be adapted to these non-acidic conditions.

Balanced Texture for Prairie Life

The soil composition is 51.1% silt and 22.4% clay, providing a stable structure for root systems. With 24.6% sand, the soil offers a bit more grit than its neighbors to the west. This mix ensures that the ground remains workable even after heavy Kansas rains.

Steady Moisture in Dry Times

Organic matter measures 1.86%, falling below both the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.177 in/in nearly matches the state average. This provides a reliable reservoir for crops during the heat of summer.

Managing Water on the Surface

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for this area. Local land managers should observe site-specific water movement to plan their drainage needs. Generally, the silty texture suggests moderate infiltration and standard runoff patterns.

Hardy Options for Zone 6a

Trego County sits in hardiness zone 6a, making it ideal for prairie-style gardens and grains. Success comes from choosing plants like sage, yarrow, or buffalo grass that handle alkaline soils with ease. Your landscape is ready for a low-water, high-impact garden.

Lawn Care in Trego County

via LawnByCounty

Trego County Lawns Battle the Heat

A lawn difficulty score of 52.7 suggests a moderate challenge compared to the national average of 50.0. In hardiness zone 6a, homeowners must balance slightly better-than-average growing conditions with significant summer temperature spikes.

Intense Summer Sun and High Degree Days

With 67 days reaching 90°F or higher, Trego County is significantly hotter than the state average. The 3,891 growing degree days support rapid growth, provided you can supplement the modest 22.4 inches of annual rainfall.

Managing Alkaline Soils for Healthier Turf

The soil pH of 7.55 is higher than the 6.0-7.0 ideal, which can lead to iron chlorosis in some grass types. While specific texture data is limited, the 22.4% clay content provides a stable foundation for root systems.

Preparing for Future Dry Spells

The county only experienced two weeks of drought in the last year, making it one of the more stable regions recently. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3-4 inches will help shade the soil and preserve moisture during the next dry cycle.

Seeding Success in Trego County

Hardy grasses like Buffalo grass or Kentucky Bluegrass blends thrive in this zone 6a environment. Plan your seeding projects between the spring frost on April 25th and the first fall freeze around October 18th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trego County's county score?
Trego County, Kansas has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Trego County rank among counties in Kansas?
Trego County ranks #2 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 Trego County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Trego County is $1,680, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Trego County a tax score of 15/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Trego County?
The median household income in Trego County, Kansas is $73,375 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Trego County earns an income score of 74.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Trego County, Kansas a good place to live?
Trego County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Trego 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 Trego County with other counties side by side.