countyscore
50
County Score
Disaster Risk 82.1Cost of Living 71.9Lawn Care 65

County Report Card

About Wilson County, Kansas

Wilson County Meets National Medians

With a composite score of 50.5, Wilson County aligns almost perfectly with the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard American quality of life profile.

A Reliable Kansas Average

Wilson County's score of 50.5 is just one point above the Kansas average of 49.5. It represents the typical experience of living in the Sunflower State.

Low Environmental Risk and Housing Costs

The county's strongest suit is its Risk Score of 82.1, meaning few natural disasters. Housing remains very affordable with a Cost Score of 70.6 and home values under $94,000.

Water Quality and Income Levels

The Water Score is very low at 9.8, and the Income Score of 30.5 reflects a median household income of $57,056. These factors suggest limited economic growth and infrastructure needs.

Suits Those Seeking Low-Cost Stability

This county is best for individuals who prioritize low housing costs and environmental safety. It is a practical choice for those with modest incomes or retirees on a fixed budget.

2040608010011.671.964.448.944.835.682.19.854.2Tax11.6Cost71.9Safety64.4Health48.9Schools44.8Income35.6Risk82.1Water9.8Weather54.250/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Wilson County DNA

Foverall

How Wilson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wilson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (82.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.6-40.4
Cost
71.9+23.900000000000006
Safety
64.4+9.400000000000006
Health
48.9
Schools
44.8-9.200000000000003
Income
35.6-15.399999999999999
Risk
82.1+35.099999999999994
Water
9.8-48.2
Weather
54.2
Sponsored

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Many homeowners in Wilson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$93,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$736/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$93,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,677/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Woodson County
Kansas
58.8
Elk County
Kansas
50.3
Montgomery County
Kansas
33
Neosho County
Kansas
43.7
Allen County
Kansas
40.2
Greenwood County
Kansas
50.4
Labette County
Kansas
39.8
Chautauqua County
Kansas
54.1

Deep Dives

Wilson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wilson County

via TaxByCounty

Wilson County offers tax-friendly rates

At 1.378%, Wilson County's effective tax rate is well below the national median of 1.55%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,294 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Below Kansas average on all measures

Wilson County's 1.378% effective rate is below Kansas's 1.549% state average, and its median tax of $1,294 is significantly lower than the statewide median of $1,943. On both counts, Wilson County offers a tax advantage statewide.

Lower-taxed than most in the region

Wilson County's 1.378% rate is lower than six of the seven other counties in this analysis, beaten only by Wabaunsee (1.274%). It's among the most tax-efficient options in the comparison set.

Among the lowest tax bills statewide

The median home in Wilson County is valued at $93,900, with annual property taxes of just $1,294. At approximately $108 per month, Wilson County has the lowest absolute tax burden of all eight counties analyzed.

Protect your lowest-tax status

Wilson County's position as one of Kansas's lowest-tax counties makes it especially important to monitor your assessment. An appeal could ensure your already-favorable rate isn't inflated by an overvalued property assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilson County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilson County Faces Economic Headwinds

Wilson County's median household income of $57,056 falls roughly $17,700 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom quarter nationally. This income gap reflects the broader economic challenges facing southeastern Kansas.

Below State Average, Needs Support

At $57,056, Wilson County's median income is about 11% below Kansas's state average of $64,428, ranking it among the lower-earning counties statewide. The per capita income of $32,771 is also notably below the state average, suggesting limited opportunity for broad wealth-building.

Struggling in Southeast Kansas

Wilson County significantly trails most neighboring counties, with incomes well below the state average and lagging Woodson ($48,152) only narrowly. The county faces real economic headwinds compared to more prosperous regions.

Housing Costs Strain Limited Budgets

At 15.3%, Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in the state, meaning housing consumes nearly one-sixth of household income—well above comfort levels. The median home value of $93,900 remains challenging to afford on median incomes.

Focus on Income Growth First

Wilson County families facing tight budgets should prioritize skill-building and job training that boost earning potential before aggressive wealth-building strategies. Local workforce development programs and community colleges offer pathways to better-paying opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilson County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilson County's Strong Safety Record

Wilson County earns a strong 98.7 safety score, indicating a very safe community by national standards. Its crime rate of 830.7 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Wilson to Kansas Averages

The county outperforms the Kansas average safety score of 98.0 and stays well below the state average crime rate of 1,282.2. Three reporting agencies contribute to this robust and reliable data set.

Safe Living in Southeast Kansas

Wilson County’s crime rate of 830.7 is higher than Woodson County's 606.2 but remains much lower than Wabaunsee County's 1,935.9. It strikes an excellent balance between regional activity and residential quiet.

Low Risk of Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is remarkably low at 92.3 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 738.4. Residents face a much lower risk of serious crime here than in most other parts of the country.

Community-Driven Security Efforts

Low crime rates are a point of pride for Wilson County homeowners. You can support these trends by using smart doorbells and keeping outdoor areas well-lit at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilson County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical warmth in Wilson County

Wilson County’s 56.8°F average temperature is higher than the national median, characterizing a humid climate. Its 42.5 inches of annual precipitation is well above the national average for the United States.

Warmest and wettest in the region

This is one of the warmest and wettest counties in Kansas, exceeding the state average temperature by 2 degrees. It also exceeds the precipitation average by over 12 inches and sees very little snow.

Humid conditions in southeast Kansas

Wilson is warmer and wetter than Woodson County to its north, receiving slightly more rain and less snow. It is drastically more humid and wet than the arid counties in western Kansas.

Mild winters and humid summers

Summers are long and warm with 54 days of heat above 90°F and a July average of 79.9°F. Winters are mild compared to the rest of the state, with only 6.5 inches of snow and a 35.0°F average.

Managing humidity and high rainfall

Humidity control and heavy-duty rain gutters are essential for managing the 42.5 inches of annual rainfall. Residents can opt for lighter winter gear as snowfall is minimal at just 6.5 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles of Southeast Kansas

Wilson County features an average soil pH of 6.24, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.80. While taxonomic classification data is not currently available, this acidity level is common in the eastern part of the state. It is a great environment for berries and other plants that prefer slightly sour soil.

High Silt and Clay Content

The soil is composed of 53.3% silt and 26.7% clay, with only 20.0% sand. This dense mixture provides a firm foundation that is excellent at holding onto essential plant nutrients. However, the high clay content can make the soil feel heavy and sticky when wet.

Rich Organic Matter Reserves

The county boasts a high organic matter content of 2.69%, significantly beating the Kansas average of 2.22%. With an available water capacity of 0.183 in/in, the soil is well-equipped to support lush growth. These factors contribute to a healthy soil score of 62.7.

Local Moisture Management

Data for drainage class and hydrologic group are not provided for this specific area. Gardeners should be mindful that high-silt and clay soils often drain slower than sandier regions. It is important to ensure your garden has proper grading to prevent water from sitting on the surface.

Vibrant Growing in Zone 7a

Wilson County is in the warmer hardiness zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Kansas. This climate, paired with rich organic matter, is perfect for tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and flowering perennials. Your garden can stay green well into the autumn months.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilson County

via LawnByCounty

Wilson County’s Warm-Season Lawn Advantage

A score of 65.0 indicates that lawns are significantly easier to maintain here than in most of the country. As a hardiness zone 7a region, it enjoys a milder climate that supports a wider variety of grass species.

Abundant Rainfall and Long Growing Seasons

With 42.5 inches of annual rain, Wilson County receives nearly double the water of its western neighbors. The high 4,353 growing degree days signal a very active growing season for both warm and cool-season turfs.

Optimal pH and High Clay Retention

The soil pH of 6.24 is ideal for grass health and disease resistance. While specific texture data is limited, the 26.7% clay content is great for holding onto the county's plentiful rainwater.

Monitoring Dry Surface Conditions

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, despite only 15 weeks of drought in the past year. Since the heat can be intense, focus on morning watering to minimize evaporation and keep the soil temperature stable.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 7a

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in this warmer zone, providing a thick, carpet-like lawn. You can start your lawn earlier than most, as the last spring frost typically occurs by April 12th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilson County's county score?
Wilson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 50 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 Wilson County rank among counties in Kansas?
Wilson County ranks #57 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 Wilson County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Wilson County is $1,387, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Wilson County a tax score of 11.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilson County?
The median household income in Wilson County, Kansas is $60,677 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilson County earns an income score of 35.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wilson County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Wilson 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 Wilson County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.