Wallace County's composite score of 68.9 stands 38% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong livability by U.S. standards. This advantage is driven almost entirely by exceptional housing affordability.
2 / 5
Solid performance in Kansas rankings
At 68.9, Wallace County edges above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the better-performing half of the state's counties. The county maintains competitive livability within its regional context.
3 / 5
Housing affordability is extraordinary
Wallace County leads the group with a cost score of 87.9, featuring the lowest median home value at $94,200 and lowest rent at $578 per month. These rock-bottom housing costs make this county exceptionally accessible for those with limited budgets.
4 / 5
Income levels are notably low
The income score of 22.7 reflects a median household income of just $60,263, the lowest among these counties and a significant constraint on quality of life. Limited data on schools, safety, health, and environmental factors prevents a fuller assessment of livability.
5 / 5
Ultra-affordable frontier for minimalists
Wallace County serves those prioritizing maximum affordability and rural lifestyle over income potential and modern amenities. Retirees with fixed incomes, remote workers earning elsewhere, and those seeking minimal living costs will thrive in this county's exceptionally low-cost environment.
Wallace County's composite score of 68.9 stands 38% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong livability by U.S. standards. This advantage is driven almost entirely by exceptional housing affordability.
Solid performance in Kansas rankings
At 68.9, Wallace County edges above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the better-performing half of the state's counties. The county maintains competitive livability within its regional context.
Housing affordability is extraordinary
Wallace County leads the group with a cost score of 87.9, featuring the lowest median home value at $94,200 and lowest rent at $578 per month. These rock-bottom housing costs make this county exceptionally accessible for those with limited budgets.
Income levels are notably low
The income score of 22.7 reflects a median household income of just $60,263, the lowest among these counties and a significant constraint on quality of life. Limited data on schools, safety, health, and environmental factors prevents a fuller assessment of livability.
Ultra-affordable frontier for minimalists
Wallace County serves those prioritizing maximum affordability and rural lifestyle over income potential and modern amenities. Retirees with fixed incomes, remote workers earning elsewhere, and those seeking minimal living costs will thrive in this county's exceptionally low-cost environment.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛59
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.