CountyScore

Woodson County

Kansas · KS

#37 in Kansas
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Woodson County, Kansas

Woodson County reaches national threshold

Woodson County's composite score of 65.5 sits 31% above the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability despite the lowest score among these eight counties. Housing affordability carries the county past the national middle.

Slightly below Kansas state average

At 65.5, Woodson County falls just below Kansas's state average of 66.0, placing it in the middle range of the state's counties. The county's performance is solidly competitive within Kansas despite its lower ranking in this group.

Exceptional housing affordability saves the day

Woodson County achieves the highest cost score of 88.9 with a median home value of just $77,100 and rent at $597 per month. These extraordinarily low housing costs make the county exceptionally accessible for those with minimal budgets.

Income and taxes pose significant challenges

The income score of 14.8 reflects a median household income of just $48,152, the lowest in this group by a wide margin, severely constraining economic opportunity. The tax score of 51.3 represents the highest effective tax rate at 1.811%, eroding the value of already-limited incomes.

Last-resort affordability for minimalists

Woodson County serves only the most budget-constrained households and those willing to trade income potential for absolute lowest living costs. Remote workers earning elsewhere, those with substantial savings, or fixed-income retirees might find value, but limited incomes and higher taxes make this the most challenging county in the group.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax51.3Cost88.9SafetyComing SoonHealth68SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.8Risk92.3WaterComing Soon
🏛51.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Woodson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
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68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

Deep Dives

Woodson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Woodson County

via TaxByCounty

Woodson County has highest rates

At 1.811%, Woodson County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.55%, placing it well above most U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,396 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, due to lower home values.

Well above Kansas average

Woodson County's 1.811% effective rate is substantially higher than Kansas's 1.549% state average—the highest among all eight counties analyzed. Even so, the median tax of $1,396 remains below the statewide median of $1,943 because homes are valued lower.

Significantly highest rate in group

At 1.811%, Woodson County has the highest effective tax rate by far, more than 0.3 percentage points above Wallace County (1.538%), the second-highest in this eight-county set. This represents a major tax burden difference for residents.

Highest burden relative to home values

The median home in Woodson County is valued at $77,100, the lowest in this group, with annual property taxes of $1,396. At approximately $116 per month, Woodson residents pay a notably high rate despite modest home values.

Assessment appeal could provide relief

With the highest effective tax rate in the region, Woodson County residents should prioritize reviewing their assessments. An appeal challenging an overvalued property could provide meaningful relief from an already above-average tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Woodson County

via CostByCounty

Woodson County: Deepest Rural Poverty

Woodson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% approaches national affordability thresholds despite having Kansas's lowest median household income at $48,152—35% below the national median of $74,755. Ultra-low rents of $597/month barely offset severe income challenges.

Kansas's Lowest-Income County

At $48,152 median income, Woodson County ranks among Kansas's lowest-earning communities, though its 14.9% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $597/month represents genuine affordability for those who can earn stable income here.

Lowest Incomes, Lowest Rent

Woodson County's $597 rent ties with Wallace County's and beats Washington County's $547, though its median income of $48,152 dramatically trails all neighbors—by $12,111 compared to Wallace and $14,300 compared to Washington. Median home value of $77,100 represents the region's lowest entry point for homeownership.

Affordability Through Necessity

Renters spend $597 monthly while owners spend $591 against just $48,152 median income, consuming 15% and 15% respectively—the highest burden despite lowest absolute costs. The tight alignment reflects a rural community where both renters and owners stretch modest incomes to their limits.

Remote Income Essential for Relocation

Woodson County offers rock-bottom housing costs, but its severe income deficit (35% below national median) makes relocation realistic only for remote workers or retirees with stable outside income. If you can guarantee $60,000+ annual income independent of local employment, Woodson County's affordability becomes genuinely attractive.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Woodson County

via IncomeByCounty

Woodson County Faces Steepest Challenges

Woodson County's median household income of $48,152 is the lowest in this group and roughly $26,600 below the U.S. median of $74,755—placing it in the bottom 10% nationally. This income gap reflects decades of economic contraction in rural southeast Kansas.

Among Kansas's Lowest Earners

At $48,152, Woodson County's median household income is about 25% below the Kansas state average of $64,428, ranking it among the state's most economically challenged counties. Per capita income of $29,024 is also well below state average, indicating severe wealth constraints.

Trailing Even Struggling Peers

Woodson County's median income of $48,152 trails Wilson County ($57,056) by over $9,000 and falls dramatically short of better-performing eastern Kansas counties. The gap reflects unique demographic and economic pressures facing this isolated rural area.

Housing Costs Consume Critical Income

At 14.9%, Woodson County's rent-to-income ratio is among the highest statewide, meaning housing devours nearly 15% of median household income—leaving little margin for other essentials. The median home value of $77,100, while low, still challenges households earning under $50,000.

Seek Economic Development Support

Woodson County residents should connect with workforce development agencies, state economic development programs, and regional initiatives focused on rural revitalization—these offer the fastest path to higher earnings. Even modest income increases create meaningful budget relief and opportunity for saving.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Woodson County

via HealthByCounty

Woodson County faces severe health burden

Woodson County's life expectancy of 73.3 years is 2.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing it among America's lowest. The county's 17.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest among these eight counties and exceeds the national average of 15.3%, indicating profound health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in Kansas group

Woodson County's life expectancy of 73.3 years ranks among Kansas's lowest, falling more than 2 years below the state average of 75.4 years. The 17.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest in this region, signaling serious population health distress.

Health crisis in the region

Woodson County's 73.3-year life expectancy is nearly 7 years lower than top performers, placing it at the bottom of this eight-county group. The 17.5% poor/fair health rate is the region's highest, indicating a community struggling with chronic disease and health inequity.

Better coverage but minimal provider access

Woodson County's uninsured rate of 9.5% is better than the state average of 11.5%, yet primary care provider data is unavailable, suggesting critical access gaps. Mental health support is extremely limited at just 32 providers per 100,000 residents, far below regional norms, leaving many residents without specialist care despite having insurance.

Secure coverage and demand better access

With 9.5% uninsured, Woodson County's coverage rate is decent, but residents must ensure they maintain plans that cover available services. Contact healthcare.gov or Kansas Medicaid to verify coverage, and advocate locally for expanded primary and mental health provider recruitment to address the county's severe health crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Woodson County

via RiskByCounty

Woodson County enjoys low overall risk

At 7.73, Woodson County scores well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" rating for natural disasters. Your county's exposure to major hazards remains minimal compared to most U.S. regions.

Among Kansas's safer counties

Woodson County scores 7.73 against the state average of 29.89, placing it firmly in the lower-risk category statewide. Your location in east-central Kansas provides solid protection across natural hazard types.

Lower risk than county to the west

Woodson County (7.73) outperforms nearby Wilson County (17.97) in overall safety, though both remain in the very-low-risk tier. You benefit from more moderate topography than eastern-tier neighbors.

Wildfire and earthquake notable concerns

Wildfire risk (75.95) is Woodson County's dominant hazard, driven by woodland coverage and summer drought potential. Earthquake risk (25.73) and tornado risk (26.43) present secondary threats, with flood risk (13.17) minimal.

Prioritize wildfire and quake readiness

Create a defensible space by removing dead trees and brush within 100 feet of structures, and secure heavy furniture to walls for earthquake safety. Confirm your homeowners policy covers both wildfire and earthquake damage, and maintain emergency supplies including bottled water and first-aid kits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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