countyscore
52.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 85.4Schools 84.2Health 82.9

County Report Card

About Wabaunsee County, Kansas

Above Average National Standing

Wabaunsee County earns a 52.3 composite score, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that captures the best of the American heartland.

Beating the Kansas State Average

The county’s score of 52.3 puts it ahead of the 49.5 state average. It ranks as a solid middle-to-high performer among the 105 counties in Kansas.

Premier Education and Health Services

The county shines with a School Score of 84.2 and a Health Score of 82.9. Residents also benefit from a high Risk Score of 85.4, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters.

Water Quality and Public Safety

The Water Score is a significant low point at 8.9, suggesting infrastructure or quality needs attention. The Safety Score of 23.6 also indicates higher than average local crime metrics.

Great for Health-Conscious Families

Families who prioritize top-rated schools and excellent health outcomes will find Wabaunsee County highly attractive. It offers a stable environment with a median household income of $70,536.

Score breakdown

Tax22.1Cost52.7Safety23.6Health82.9Schools84.2Income67.8Risk85.4Water8.9Weather53.3
🏛22.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.5
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

Pottawatomie County
Kansas
55.5
Shawnee County
Kansas
30.7
Morris County
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51.3
Geary County
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Riley County
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Osage County
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Lyon County
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Deep Dives

Wabaunsee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wabaunsee County

via TaxByCounty

Wabaunsee County offers lowest rates

At 1.274%, Wabaunsee County has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the nation, significantly outpacing the national median of 1.55%. Homeowners pay a median of $2,270 annually—well below the national median of $2,690.

Among Kansas's most tax-friendly

Wabaunsee County's 1.274% effective rate is the lowest in this group and well below Kansas's 1.549% average. At the median tax of $2,270, residents pay more than the statewide median of $1,943 due to higher home values, but the rate itself is a major advantage.

Most affordable in the comparison set

Wabaunsee County's 1.274% rate is the lowest among all eight counties in this analysis, beating Thomas County (1.321%) and all others. This makes it the most tax-efficient option for homeowners in the region.

Reasonable taxes on higher-value homes

The median home in Wabaunsee County is valued at $178,200, with annual taxes of $2,270. That's approximately $189 per month—a solid value given the county's low rate and stronger property values.

Appeal could lower your bill further

Even with Wabaunsee's favorable rates, overassessments happen regularly and go unchallenged. A property tax appeal could potentially reduce your assessed value and unlock additional savings on an already reasonable tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wabaunsee County

via CostByCounty

Wabaunsee: Solid National Standing

Wabaunsee County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% sits comfortably below national affordability thresholds, supported by median household income of $70,536. Though income runs slightly below the national median of $74,755, housing costs remain manageable.

Middle Ground in Kansas Affordability

At 13.1%, Wabaunsee County's rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, landing it in the state's more affordable half. Median rent of $771/month nearly aligns with the state average of $787.

Higher Home Values, Moderate Rent

Wabaunsee County's $771 rent matches regional levels, but its median home value of $178,200 exceeds nearby Thomas ($165,900) and Trego ($115,400), reflecting stronger property demand. Homeowners here pay $957/month, the region's highest owner cost.

Homeownership Requires Larger Share

Renters spend $771 monthly while owners commit $957 against the $70,536 median income, creating a 13% renter burden and 16% owner burden. The gap signals Wabaunsee's appeal as a rental market, though homeownership remains achievable for stable earners.

Family Homebuyers' Central Kansas Choice

Wabaunsee County offers higher-value homes than surrounding counties while maintaining reasonable affordability, making it attractive for families upgrading to larger properties. Compare its owner costs and home values against neighboring counties to find your fit in central Kansas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wabaunsee County

via IncomeByCounty

Wabaunsee Stays Within National Range

Wabaunsee County's median household income of $70,536 sits about $4,200 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it slightly below the national middle. For a rural county in the Flint Hills region, this income level remains respectable and stable.

Above Average Across Kansas

Wabaunsee County's median income of $70,536 exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by roughly 9%, ranking it in the upper third of Kansas counties. The county's per capita income of $33,885 is slightly below the state average, reflecting a more uneven income distribution than top-earning counties.

Thriving Among Central Kansas Peers

Wabaunsee County's $70,536 median income positions it well against neighboring Shawnee and Pottawatomie counties, with stronger earning power than many central Kansas communities. The county combines rural stability with proximity to the Topeka metropolitan area.

Housing Costs Stretch Budgets Slightly

At 13.1%, Wabaunsee County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the comfort zone, meaning housing consumes a notably larger share of income than in neighboring Thomas or Trego counties. The median home value of $178,200 requires careful financial planning on local incomes.

Prioritize Debt Reduction and Savings

With housing costs taking a larger slice of the budget, Wabaunsee County families should focus on aggressive debt paydown and building emergency funds before pursuing other investments. Even modest monthly savings compound into meaningful security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wabaunsee County

via CrimeByCounty

Security Trends in Wabaunsee County

Wabaunsee County earns a safety score of 96.9, reflecting a generally secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,935.9 per 100,000 residents stays comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Wabaunsee vs. the Kansas Benchmark

Compared to the Kansas average total crime rate of 1,282.2, Wabaunsee sees slightly more reported activity. Its safety score sits just under the statewide benchmark of 98.0 for 2022.

Regional Comparisons in the Flint Hills

The county's crime rate of 1,935.9 is higher than that of nearby Washington County at 687.3 and Woodson County at 606.2. It functions as a busier corridor between major Kansas hubs.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for 1,632.5 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains lower at 303.4. These numbers suggest that while theft is a local concern, the threat of violence is below the national norm.

Monitoring Your Wabaunsee Property

Staying informed about local property trends is key to maintaining Wabaunsee’s safety. Using smart cameras can help residents monitor their homes and deter potential property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wabaunsee County

via HealthByCounty

Wabaunsee residents live longest

Wabaunsee County's life expectancy of 80.6 years ranks among America's highest, exceeding the U.S. average by 4.5 years. The county's 14.1% poor/fair health rate matches the national average, reflecting generally good population health.

Kansas's healthiest county

At 80.6 years, Wabaunsee County leads all Kansas counties in life expectancy, surpassing the state average of 75.4 years by more than 5 years. This remarkable achievement places residents among the healthiest in the nation.

Clear health advantage over neighbors

Wabaunsee County's 80.6-year life expectancy outpaces all peers in this region by at least 3 years, reflecting superior community health. The county's 7.7% uninsured rate is the lowest among its neighbors, enabling broad access to preventive care.

Lowest uninsured rate in region

Wabaunsee County's uninsured rate of 7.7% is the best in this eight-county group and well below the state average of 11.5%. While primary care capacity at 43 providers per 100,000 is more modest, residents enjoy strong mental health support at 71 providers per 100,000.

Maintain your excellent coverage

Wabaunsee County's 7.7% uninsured rate shows what good coverage looks like—but that means about 1 in 13 neighbors still lacks insurance. If you're among the uninsured, local health plans and Medicaid options can connect you to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wabaunsee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Wabaunsee's multi-district school network

Wabaunsee County features seven public schools, including four elementary, one middle, and two high schools. These facilities are managed by three different districts and serve a combined student body of 971 children. The landscape is designed to serve dispersed residents across this scenic region.

Strong outcomes and competitive funding

The county achieves a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national benchmark by eight percentage points. Local schools receive $9,318 in per-pupil funding, which is higher than the state average of $9,009. A composite school score of 61.2 reflects these solid investments and high student success rates.

Wabaunsee and Mission Valley lead the way

The Wabaunsee district manages four schools and 421 students, while Mission Valley serves 465 students in its specialized facilities. No charter schools operate in the county, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public district performance. The Morris County district also provides coverage for a portion of the county's student population.

Purely rural school environments

All seven schools in Wabaunsee County are classified as rural, creating a consistent educational atmosphere throughout the region. The average school size is 139 students, ranging from Mission Valley Elementary at 247 students down to Maple Hill Elementary with 99. Attending school here feels like being part of a close-knit, rural community where every student is known.

Discover rural life with top-tier schools

Wabaunsee County is an ideal destination for families who prioritize high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle. Homes in the Wabaunsee and Mission Valley districts offer access to schools that outperform state averages in both funding and results. Investing in a home here means securing a spot in one of the state's more successful rural school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wabaunsee County

via RiskByCounty

Wabaunsee faces low but notable risk

With a composite risk score of 14.63, Wabaunsee County remains well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" rating. However, your county's risk profile is notably higher than several neighboring plains counties.

Mid-range safety within Kansas

Wabaunsee's score of 14.63 sits below the state average of 29.89, placing it in the safer half of Kansas counties. Eastern Kansas's more variable terrain explains your slightly elevated but still manageable risk.

Higher wildfire risk than neighbors

Wabaunsee County (14.63) faces elevated wildfire risk (88.61) compared to neighboring counties, driven by dense grasslands and woodland cover. Your tornado risk (33.43) aligns with the broader region.

Wildfire and flooding your twin threats

Wildfire risk dominates at 88.61, the county's most significant hazard due to vegetation density and summer drought cycles. Flood risk (27.19) and tornado risk (33.43) present secondary concerns tied to spring weather patterns.

Plan for both fire and flood

Clear brush and dead wood within 100 feet of structures and keep roof gutters clean to prevent fire spread and water damage. Ensure your policy covers both wildfire and flood damage, and maintain detailed home inventory photos.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wabaunsee County

via WeatherByCounty

A lush landscape in Wabaunsee County

Wabaunsee County maintains a 53.8°F average temperature, aligning closely with the national median. Its 36.9 inches of annual precipitation sits well above the national average, reflecting its lush Flint Hills location.

Wetter than the typical Kansas county

The county’s annual temperature is nearly identical to the Kansas average of 54.8°F. However, it is significantly wetter than the state average, receiving 6.6 more inches of precipitation than typical Kansas counties.

Temperate weather compared to western Kansas

Wabaunsee is wetter than Washington County to its northwest, benefiting from nearly 5 extra inches of rain. It experiences far fewer extreme heat days than western counties like Trego.

Mild summers and standard plains winters

The county enjoys a relatively low number of extreme heat days, with only 33 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are standard for the region, averaging 17.1 inches of snow and a January low of 28.0°F.

Managing moisture and winter chills

High annual precipitation makes moisture management and drainage planning a priority for local homeowners. While heat is less frequent than out west, winter insulation is vital for the 30.9°F average winter temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wabaunsee County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in the Flint Hills

Wabaunsee County boasts an average pH of 6.62, sitting almost perfectly on the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is ideal for a wide range of agricultural and horticultural uses. While taxonomic data is sparse, the chemical profile suggests a highly versatile growing medium.

Rich Silt and Clay Mix

The soil contains a heavy 57.9% silt and 27.2% clay, with a low 15.0% sand content. This dense composition provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity for local pastures. The high clay content means the soil can be heavy to work but holds onto nutrients tightly.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Fertility is a strong point here, with organic matter at 2.79%, far exceeding the Kansas average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in also ranks well above the state baseline. These numbers explain why the county earns a high overall soil score of 71.5.

Planning for Local Runoff

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's primary soil profiles. Given the high clay and silt percentages, water likely moves slower through the soil than in sandier western counties. Gardeners should watch for areas of standing water after heavy storms.

Lush Potential in Zone 6b

Falling within hardiness zone 6b, Wabaunsee County supports lush vegetable gardens and diverse fruit trees. The high organic matter makes this a dream location for organic gardening and high-yield produce. Get your shovel ready for some of the best growing conditions in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wabaunsee County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growing Conditions in Wabaunsee County

With an impressive score of 75.5, Wabaunsee County offers some of the easiest lawn care conditions in the state. This rating far exceeds the national median of 50.0, benefiting from the favorable climate of hardiness zone 6b.

Optimal Rainfall and Milder Summers

The county enjoys 36.9 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for lush lawns. With only 33 extreme heat days, turf here avoids much of the scorching stress seen in western Kansas.

Productive Soils with Perfect pH

A soil pH of 6.62 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting right in the sweet spot for nutrient availability. The soil contains 27.2% clay, which helps retain moisture and fertilizers more effectively than sandy alternatives.

Managing Seasonal Moisture Shifts

Despite 15 weeks of drought over the past year, the county is currently clear of abnormally dry conditions. Residents can maximize this recovery by aerating in the fall to ensure future rains reach the root zone.

Your Guide to Wabaunsee Greenery

Tall Fescue is a top performer for zone 6b, offering year-round color and durability. Time your planting to follow the April 16th spring frost for the best establishment before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wabaunsee County's county score?
Wabaunsee County, Kansas has a composite county score of 52.3 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 Wabaunsee County rank among counties in Kansas?
Wabaunsee County ranks #47 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 Wabaunsee County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Wabaunsee County is $2,270, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Wabaunsee County a tax score of 22.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wabaunsee County?
The median household income in Wabaunsee County, Kansas is $70,536 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wabaunsee County earns an income score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wabaunsee County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wabaunsee County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Wabaunsee 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 Wabaunsee 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.