Wabaunsee County's composite score of 68.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 37%, reflecting strong overall livability in a rural Kansas context. This performance rests on affordable housing and reasonable tax burdens.
2 / 5
Above-average performer within Kansas
Wabaunsee County scores 68.6, modestly exceeding Kansas's state average of 66.0, positioning it comfortably in the upper half of the state's counties. The county maintains competitive livability relative to its peers.
3 / 5
Tax rates and housing create value
Wabaunsee County combines an excellent tax score of 66.4 with a cost score of 80.0, supported by a median home value of $178,200 and rent at $771 per month. The effective tax rate of 1.274% is among the lowest in the region, preserving household wealth.
4 / 5
Income potential remains constrained
The income score of 29.4 reflects a median household income of $70,536, indicating limited wage growth and professional opportunities compared to faster-growing regions. School quality, safety, health services, and environmental data all remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Quiet stability for tax-conscious settlers
Wabaunsee County suits those seeking lower tax bills, modest housing costs, and a slower rural pace over career advancement. Families with modest income needs and a preference for financial predictability will find this county's stable, affordable environment appealing.
Wabaunsee County's composite score of 68.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 37%, reflecting strong overall livability in a rural Kansas context. This performance rests on affordable housing and reasonable tax burdens.
Above-average performer within Kansas
Wabaunsee County scores 68.6, modestly exceeding Kansas's state average of 66.0, positioning it comfortably in the upper half of the state's counties. The county maintains competitive livability relative to its peers.
Tax rates and housing create value
Wabaunsee County combines an excellent tax score of 66.4 with a cost score of 80.0, supported by a median home value of $178,200 and rent at $771 per month. The effective tax rate of 1.274% is among the lowest in the region, preserving household wealth.
Income potential remains constrained
The income score of 29.4 reflects a median household income of $70,536, indicating limited wage growth and professional opportunities compared to faster-growing regions. School quality, safety, health services, and environmental data all remain unavailable.
Quiet stability for tax-conscious settlers
Wabaunsee County suits those seeking lower tax bills, modest housing costs, and a slower rural pace over career advancement. Families with modest income needs and a preference for financial predictability will find this county's stable, affordable environment appealing.
Score breakdown
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🏛66.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.