Wilson County's composite score of 68.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 37%, indicating strong livability compared to most U.S. counties. This advantage stems from affordable housing and controlled tax burdens.
2 / 5
Slightly above Kansas state average
At 68.3, Wilson County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the upper portion of the state's counties. The county maintains competitive livability within its regional context.
3 / 5
Low taxes and reasonable housing costs
Wilson County offers a strong tax score of 63.5 with an effective tax rate of 1.378%, among the lowest in this group, paired with a cost score of 83.9. The median home value of $93,900 and rent of $727 per month create genuine affordability for households.
4 / 5
Income is significantly below peer counties
The income score of 20.6 reflects a median household income of just $57,056, the second-lowest in this group and a major constraint on prosperity. Schools, safety, health, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting comprehensive assessment.
5 / 5
Tax haven for low-income households
Wilson County appeals to budget-conscious households and those with limited incomes seeking maximum tax relief and housing affordability. Retirees, fixed-income earners, and those prioritizing low living costs over income potential will find genuine value here.
Wilson County's composite score of 68.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 37%, indicating strong livability compared to most U.S. counties. This advantage stems from affordable housing and controlled tax burdens.
Slightly above Kansas state average
At 68.3, Wilson County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the upper portion of the state's counties. The county maintains competitive livability within its regional context.
Low taxes and reasonable housing costs
Wilson County offers a strong tax score of 63.5 with an effective tax rate of 1.378%, among the lowest in this group, paired with a cost score of 83.9. The median home value of $93,900 and rent of $727 per month create genuine affordability for households.
Income is significantly below peer counties
The income score of 20.6 reflects a median household income of just $57,056, the second-lowest in this group and a major constraint on prosperity. Schools, safety, health, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting comprehensive assessment.
Tax haven for low-income households
Wilson County appeals to budget-conscious households and those with limited incomes seeking maximum tax relief and housing affordability. Retirees, fixed-income earners, and those prioritizing low living costs over income potential will find genuine value here.
Score breakdown
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🏛63.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% exceeds national affordability standards, driven by median household income of $57,056—24% below the national median of $74,755. While rents remain modest, lower incomes stretch housing budgets tighter than typical American households.
Kansas's Most Strained Housing Market
At 15.3%, Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kansas's worst, exceeding the state average of 14.7% and indicating the tightest housing squeeze in its region. Median rent of $727/month contributes to this burden for lower-earning residents.
High Rent Burden Despite Low Costs
Wilson County's $727 rent runs higher than Wallace ($578) and Washington ($547) counties while incomes are lower, creating the region's most challenging affordability gap. Its median home value of $93,900 mirrors peer counties, but owner costs of $758/month compound the squeeze.
Housing Consumes Exceptional Share
Renters spend $727 monthly while owners commit $758 against just $57,056 median income, consuming 15% and 16% respectively. This allocation leaves Wilson County residents with less discretionary income than neighboring counties, signaling genuine affordability stress.
Consider Higher-Income Neighbors First
Wilson County's housing costs press harder on resident incomes than surrounding areas; if relocating to this region, compare carefully with neighboring Wichita, Wallace, or Wabaunsee counties where affordability ratios run lower. Higher-earning remote workers may find better overall value in adjacent counties.
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.
Wilson County's life expectancy of 73.4 years trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 2.7 years, signaling significant population health challenges. The county's 16.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15.3%, reflecting a community burdened by chronic disease.
Second-worst outcomes in Kansas
Wilson County's life expectancy of 73.4 years ranks among Kansas's lowest, falling 2 years below the state average of 75.4 years. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate places the county among the state's struggling communities, requiring urgent intervention.
Significant health disadvantage
Wilson County's 73.4-year life expectancy lags the region's leaders by 7 years, placing it second-lowest in this eight-county group. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate is among the region's highest, indicating residents face persistent health burdens.
Low uninsured rate masks deeper issues
Wilson County's uninsured rate of 10.4% is better than the state average of 11.5%, yet this coverage advantage hasn't translated to better health outcomes. With only 47 primary care providers and just 12 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county faces severe provider shortages that limit residents' ability to access needed care.
Insurance is step one—access is critical
Though Wilson County's uninsured rate of 10.4% is better than average, coverage means little without nearby providers. If uninsured, get covered at healthcare.gov, and all residents should advocate for expanded mental health and primary care capacity in the community.
At 17.97, Wilson County remains below the national average but represents the higher end of your peer group, earning a "Very Low" rating. Your county's composite risk is moderate compared to typical U.S. counties.
Mid-tier safety within Kansas
Wilson County scores 17.97 against Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it solidly in the safer half of state counties. Eastern Kansas's varied geography accounts for your slightly elevated but manageable risk profile.
Higher risk than western plains
Wilson County (17.97) faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Wallace County (1.18) or Wichita County (8.17). Your location in southeast Kansas brings increased exposure to multiple hazard types.
Tornado and wildfire your top threats
Tornado risk (51.62) is Wilson County's highest hazard exposure, making severe spring storms your primary concern. Wildfire risk (58.97) and earthquake risk (26.78) follow, with flood risk (25.73) also notable.
Comprehensive preparation essential here
Build a reinforced safe room below ground or in your home's interior and maintain emergency supplies including water, medications, and important documents. Ensure your policy explicitly covers high winds, hail, and flood damage, and practice tornado drills twice yearly.