countyscore
64.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.9Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wallace County, Kansas

Leading the Nation in Security

Wallace County achieves a composite score of 64.8, nearly 15 points higher than the national median. This reflects an exceptional level of overall livability and peace of mind.

A Standout in Western Kansas

Wallace County easily clears the state average of 49.5 with its 64.8 score. It is one of the more resilient and affordable counties in the state.

Maximum Safety and Minimal Risk

The county reaches near-perfect scores for Safety (97.5) and Risk (98.9). Housing is also incredibly affordable, with a Cost Score of 85.3 and a median home value of $94,200.

Lower Incomes and High Taxes

The Tax Score is quite low at 11.2, reflecting a 1.538% effective rate. Residents also face a lower Income Score of 39.9, as the median household income sits at $60,263.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Living

This county is a haven for those prioritizing safety and disaster resilience over high wages. It is an excellent fit for remote workers or retirees seeking a sub-$100k home in a secure area.

Score breakdown

Tax11.2Cost85.3Safety97.5Health68.8Schools44Income39.9Risk98.9Water86Weather37.2
🏛11.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.9
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

Sherman County
Kansas
35.4
Greeley County
Kansas
53.7
Logan County
Kansas
54.8
Wichita County
Kansas
58.1
Kit Carson County
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51.7
Cheyenne County
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66.3
Thomas County
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48.5
Scott County
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52.2

Deep Dives

Wallace County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wallace County

via TaxByCounty

Wallace County taxes exceed national average

At 1.538%, Wallace County's effective tax rate matches the national median almost exactly, at 1.55%. Despite this comparable rate, the median property tax of $1,449 is just over half the national median of $2,690, due to lower home values in the county.

Highest rate among Kansas counties here

Wallace County's 1.538% effective rate is virtually tied with Kansas's 1.549% state average, making it right at the middle. The county's median tax of $1,449 is well below the statewide median of $1,943.

Highest tax rate in the region

At 1.538%, Wallace County has the highest effective tax rate among all eight counties in this analysis. It exceeds Thomas County (1.321%), Wabaunsee (1.274%), and most others, though it's still comparable to state and national norms.

Modest homes, moderate tax bills

The median home in Wallace County is valued at just $94,200, with annual property taxes of $1,449. That's approximately $121 per month—one of the lowest absolute tax burdens despite having the highest rate in this county group.

Check your assessment against comparables

With the highest tax rate in this region, Wallace County residents should be especially diligent about reviewing their assessments. Appealing an inflated valuation could provide meaningful relief from an already above-average rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wallace County

via CostByCounty

Wallace County: Deep Rural Affordability

At 11.5% of income, Wallace County delivers exceptional rental affordability despite a median household income of $60,263—14% below the national median of $74,755. Lower incomes here pair with equally modest housing costs, creating genuine purchasing power.

Best-in-State Affordability for Lower Incomes

Wallace County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, remarkable given its below-average household income. At $578/month, median rent runs $209 below the state average, reflecting deep rural affordability.

Western Kansas's Most Budget-Friendly

Wallace County's $578 rent significantly undercuts Thomas County ($753) and rivals Trego County ($694), positioning it as western Kansas's most affordable rental market. Its median home value of $94,200 also represents entry-level homeownership for modest earners.

Maximum Affordability for Working Families

At $578 monthly rent and $679 monthly owner costs against a $60,263 income, Wallace County residents allocate only 12% to rent and 13% to ownership. This exceptional ratio allows working families to save and invest despite lower absolute wages.

Rural Retreat for Modest Budgets

If you're relocating from a high-cost area to stretch a modest income further, Wallace County delivers western Kansas's deepest affordability gains. Compare its rent and home values against your current market to quantify your potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wallace County

via IncomeByCounty

Wallace County Trails National Average

Wallace County's median household income of $60,263 falls about $14,500 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower third nationally. This gap reflects the economic challenges facing isolated high-plains communities.

Below Kansas Average, But Stable

At $60,263, Wallace County's median income is about 6% below Kansas's state average of $64,428, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. The per capita income of $35,831 suggests that wealth is distributed relatively evenly across residents.

Struggling Against Regional Peers

Wallace County significantly lags Thomas ($73,575) and Trego ($73,375) counties to the east—a gap of roughly $13,000 in median household income. Even compared to Greeley and Sherman counties, Wallace's earning power is noticeably lower.

Low Housing Costs Provide Relief

Wallace County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.5% is healthy, and the median home value of just $94,200 means housing remains genuinely affordable despite modest incomes. This is a bright spot in an otherwise tight budget picture.

Start Small, Think Long-Term

Wallace County residents should harness the affordability advantage to build modest savings—even $50 monthly into a retirement account compounds significantly over decades. Local lending institutions and state savings programs can help families convert housing savings into broader wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wallace County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Wallace County

Wallace County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, indicating one of the lowest reported crime levels in the country. With a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, it stands in stark contrast to the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Peace and Quiet

This rural county significantly exceeds the Kansas state average safety score of 98.0. Data from the single reporting agency suggests a near-total absence of criminal activity compared to the state average rate of 1,282.2.

The Quietest Corner of the Region

Wallace County's reported zero crime rate makes it the quietest neighbor compared to Wichita County's 375.4 and Thomas County's 1,542.9. It represents the peak of rural tranquility in western Kansas.

Rare Statistics for Violent and Property Crime

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for 2022. While these numbers from a single reporting agency are remarkably low, residents should still practice standard safety precautions.

Maintaining a Perfect Safety Record

Even with a perfect safety score, community awareness remains vital for long-term security. Keeping doors locked and participating in local neighborhood watches ensures this perfect rating continues.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wallace County

via HealthByCounty

Wallace County faces health challenges

Wallace County's 15.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15.3%, signaling elevated health challenges in this community. While life expectancy data is limited, the health perception rate suggests residents experience more chronic conditions than average.

Below-average Kansas health metrics

Wallace County's 15.2% poor/fair health rate ranks above the state median, indicating residents report more health challenges than typical Kansas communities. Specific life expectancy data is unavailable, but health perception suggests residents face greater health burdens.

Challenged compared to region

Wallace County's 15.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest among its neighbors, indicating greater health challenges in this community. The county's 8.7% uninsured rate is lower than average, but coverage alone cannot address underlying health disparities.

Good insurance but limited primary care

Wallace County's uninsured rate of 8.7% is better than the state average of 11.5%, yet primary care provider data is unavailable, raising questions about care access. Mental health support at 133 providers per 100,000 is solid, but comprehensive primary care capacity assessment is needed.

Strengthen your health foundation

With 8.7% uninsured, Wallace County has good coverage overall, but residents with health challenges should verify they have comprehensive plans. Contact a local health navigator or visit healthcare.gov to ensure your plan covers the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wallace County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-scale education on the border

Wallace County maintains four public schools consisting of two elementary and two high schools. Two school districts manage this infrastructure, serving a total of 292 students. The network is built for accessibility in one of the state's most sparsely populated western areas.

Facing challenges in graduation rates

The graduation rate in Wallace County currently stands at 75.0%, trailing both the state average and the national benchmark of 87%. However, the county allocates a robust $9,574 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Kansas state average of $9,009. The composite school score of 51.2 remains just above the national median despite the graduation gap.

Dual-district system serves the region

Wallace County Schools is the larger of the two districts, educating 186 students across two schools. The Weskan district serves the remaining 106 students in the county. Neither district features charter schools, maintaining a 100% traditional public school landscape for local families.

The epitome of small-school learning

Every campus in the county is rural, and the average school size is just 73 students. Sharon Springs Elementary is the largest facility with 128 students, while Weskan High is exceptionally intimate with only 34 students. This scale ensures that every student receives significant individual attention and knows every classmate by name.

Incredible student-to-teacher ratios

Families seeking an environment where children can't get lost in the crowd should explore Wallace County. While graduation rates are currently lower than average, the high per-pupil spending and tiny class sizes offer unique advantages. Look for homes in Sharon Springs or Weskan to take advantage of this personalized educational approach.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wallace County

via RiskByCounty

Wallace County's exceptional safety profile

At 1.18, Wallace County has the lowest composite risk score among your peer counties and ranks among the nation's safest. Your county faces minimal natural disaster exposure across all hazard types.

Second safest county in Kansas

Wallace County scores just 1.18 against Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking among the very safest in the state. This remarkably low score reflects balanced risk across all hazard categories.

Safest in the far western region

Wallace County (1.18) edges out Thomas County (9.45) as the safest county in western Kansas. Your neighbors also enjoy very low risk, making this one of America's most disaster-secure regions.

Wildfire poses modest concern

Wildfire risk (30.28) is Wallace County's highest hazard exposure, though still low in absolute terms. Tornado (15.78) and earthquake (7.89) risks remain minimal.

Preventive landscaping ensures safety

Maintain a 30-foot defensible space around structures by removing dead branches and spacing trees to prevent wildfire spread. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers your low-risk profile, but confirm wildfire coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wallace County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and cool in Wallace County

Wallace County averages 52.6°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median in a dry climate zone. The 20.3 inches of annual precipitation is significantly lower than the national average for the United States.

One of the state's driest regions

Ranking as one of the drier counties in Kansas, Wallace receives 10 inches less precipitation than the state average of 30.3 inches. Its 52.6°F annual temperature is roughly 2 degrees cooler than the state-wide average.

Comparing conditions across the western border

Wallace is slightly warmer than Thomas County to its northeast but shares a similarly high snowfall profile. It receives less precipitation than Wichita County, its neighbor to the southeast.

Extreme summer heat and heavy snow

Summer is intense with 64 extreme heat days above 90°F, despite a July average of 77.6°F. Winter brings high snowfall for Kansas, with 22.1 inches falling over a cold 31.3°F average season.

Readying for 64 days of heat

With 64 days of extreme heat, heavy-duty cooling systems are a necessity for home comfort. Residents should also invest in high-quality snow tires to handle the 22.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wallace County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands of the West

Wallace County features loamy sand from the Entisol order, reflecting its rugged, young soil profile. The average pH is 7.60, which is much higher than the national average of 6.5. This alkaline nature is typical for the drier, lime-rich environments of western Kansas.

Gritty Texture and High Porosity

With 29.1% sand and 47.9% silt, this soil is grittier than many other Kansas varieties. The 23.0% clay content provides just enough binding to help the soil maintain its shape. This texture allows for excellent aeration, making it easy for plant roots to breathe.

Consistent Water Storage Potential

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.79%, suggesting a need for compost or cover crops in home gardens. However, the available water capacity is exactly the state average of 0.180 in/in. This ensures that whatever rain does fall is stored effectively for plant use.

Efficient Drainage for Building

The soil is somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. These characteristics mean water moves quickly through the ground, significantly reducing the risk of flooding or pooling. This makes the land excellent for construction and deep-rooted agriculture.

Tough Plants for Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, focus on plants that can handle intense sun and alkaline sand. Succulents, native prairie grasses, and drought-hardy shrubs will thrive in this environment. Your garden can become a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis with the right native species.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wallace County

via LawnByCounty

High Plains Persistence in Wallace County

A score of 52.9 puts Wallace County just ahead of the national difficulty average but below the Kansas state benchmark. Residents in zone 6a navigate a climate where moisture is the primary limiting factor for a lush lawn.

Dry Air and Frequent Heat Waves

Receiving only 20.3 inches of rain annually, Wallace is one of the driest counties in the state. Combined with 64 extreme heat days, the climate dictates a very strict irrigation schedule to prevent total lawn browning.

Thirsty Loamy Sand Foundations

The soil texture is loamy sand and somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through it very quickly. With a pH of 7.60, you may need to add organic matter to improve water retention and lower the alkalinity.

Conserving Water in Arid Times

The county saw six weeks of drought this past year, requiring careful stewardship of local water resources. Using mulch-mowing techniques returns moisture to the soil, helping the turf survive the harsh High Plains sun.

Establish Your Wallace County Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Buffalo grass or Blue Grama are perfectly suited for this zone 6a environment. Aim to get seeds in the ground after April 30th to avoid late spring frosts that can stunt young growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wallace County's county score?
Wallace County, Kansas has a composite county score of 64.8 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 Wallace County rank among counties in Kansas?
Wallace County ranks #4 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 Wallace County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Wallace County is $1,449, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Wallace County a tax score of 11.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wallace County?
The median household income in Wallace County, Kansas is $60,263 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wallace County earns an income score of 39.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wallace County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wallace County scores 64.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Wallace 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 Wallace 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.