countyscore
58.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.3Schools 88.3Cost of Living 85.3

County Report Card

About Woodson County, Kansas

Strong National Standing for Livability

Woodson County earns a composite score of 60.0, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score highlights its effectiveness in providing essential services affordably.

Beating the Kansas State Benchmark

At 60.0, the county ranks significantly higher than the Kansas average of 49.5. It is one of the more surprisingly high-performing rural counties in the region.

Top-Tier Schools and Low Costs

The county boasts an excellent School Score of 88.3 and a Cost Score of 90.6. With median home values of just $77,100, it is one of the most affordable places to live in the state.

Taxes, Income, and Water Infrastructure

Woodson faces significant hurdles with a Tax Score of 5.0 and an Income Score of 11.3. Additionally, the Water Score of 2.1 indicates a major need for infrastructure investment.

A Haven for Affordable Family Living

This county is a prime choice for families who want great schools without high housing prices. It suits those who can navigate a low-income local economy or bring their own remote employment.

204060801003.485.374.446.888.312.392.32.156.3Tax3.4Cost85.3Safety74.4Health46.8Schools88.3Income12.3Risk92.3Water2.1Weather56.358.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Woodson County DNA

Foverall

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

Woodson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.4-48.6
Cost
85.3+37.3
Safety
74.4+19.400000000000006
Health
46.8
Schools
88.3+34.3
Income
12.3-38.7
Risk
92.3+45.3
Water
2.1-55.9
Weather
56.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Woodson County?

Many homeowners in Woodson 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

$81,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$618/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$81,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,326/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
Compare Woodson County with Bradford County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Bradford County
Florida
Median income: $63,050
58.8
Queen Anne's County
Maryland
Median income: $112,826
58.8
Dickinson County
Michigan
Median income: $65,156
58.8
Cass County
Minnesota
Median income: $68,874
58.8
Amherst County
Virginia
Median income: $68,724
58.8
Weston County
Wyoming
Median income: $89,509
58.8
Washington County
Idaho
Median income: $54,000
58.7
Greene County
Iowa
Median income: $63,409
58.7

Nearby counties

Wilson County
Kansas
50
Coffey County
Kansas
61.6
Allen County
Kansas
40.2
Greenwood County
Kansas
50.4
Neosho County
Kansas
43.7
Anderson County
Kansas
54.6
Elk County
Kansas
50.3
Lyon County
Kansas
40

Deep Dives

Woodson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Woodson County

via CrimeByCounty

Woodson County Ranks Among the Safest

Woodson County is extremely safe, boasting a safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 606.2 per 100,000 is approximately 75% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Woodson Exceeds Kansas Safety Norms

Woodson surpasses the Kansas average safety score of 98.0 and reports a crime rate less than half the state average of 1,282.2. Two reporting agencies provide a consistent picture of local safety.

Quiet Living Compared to Neighbors

The county's crime rate of 606.2 is lower than neighboring Wilson County at 830.7 and Trego County at 607.5. It is one of the safest rural jurisdictions in the southeastern part of the state.

Minimal Property and Violent Crime

The local property crime rate is just 478.6 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 127.6. These figures demonstrate a community where serious incidents are infrequent events.

Shared Responsibility for Safety

Community safety is a shared responsibility in Woodson County. Using simple home security tech like window sensors can help maintain this exceptionally high safety score for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Woodson County

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant rainfall in Woodson County

Woodson County averages 55.9°F, placing it above the national median in a humid transition zone. The county is exceptionally wet, receiving 41.8 inches of annual precipitation compared to national norms.

Exceeding the state precipitation average

Woodson is significantly wetter than the Kansas average of 30.3 inches, collecting over 11 extra inches of rain. Its 55.9°F annual temperature also runs higher than the state average of 54.8°F.

Consistent moisture in the southeast

It shares a similar high-precipitation profile with Wilson County to its south, though it is slightly cooler. It experiences far fewer extreme heat days than western counties like Trego.

Temperate winters and warm Julys

The county averages 41 days of extreme heat over 90°F, paired with a warm July average of 78.8°F. Winters are relatively mild, seeing only 9.0 inches of snow and a 34.0°F average temperature.

Waterproofing for a wet climate

Due to the 41.8 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper basement waterproofing and roof maintenance. Moderate winter temperatures make heavy-duty snow equipment less of a priority than in western Kansas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Woodson County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH for Eastern Varieties

Woodson County's soil maintains an average pH of 6.24, making it slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Although specific taxonomic data is limited, this pH level supports a diverse range of crops and native trees. It is particularly well-suited for the tallgrass prairie ecosystem found in this region.

Dense and Nutrient-Rich Silt

The soil profile consists of 54.9% silt and 27.1% clay, providing a very fine-textured ground. With only 18.0% sand, the soil is excellent at retaining nutrients and water for long-term plant health. This density makes it a stable environment for permanent structures and perennial plantings.

Top-Tier Organic Content

A standout feature is the 2.68% organic matter, which is much higher than the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity also exceeds the state norm at 0.183 in/in. These combined factors result in a solid soil score of 62.8, indicating very fertile land.

Navigating Slower Water Movement

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this area. Given the high percentage of clay and silt, water likely infiltrates more slowly than in western sandier soils. Careful planning of flower beds can help manage any potential surface runoff during heavy storms.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 6b

Woodson County falls into hardiness zone 6b, providing a reliable window for a variety of vegetables and fruits. The high organic matter ensures your garden will be naturally productive with minimal extra work. Try planting a mix of native wildflowers and summer vegetables to make the most of this rich soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Woodson County

via LawnByCounty

Woodson County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a high score of 74.0, Woodson County provides some of the most favorable lawn conditions in Kansas. This rating is nearly 25 points higher than the national median, reflecting the advantages of hardiness zone 6b.

Plentiful Rain and Moderate Summers

Lawns benefit from 41.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average. Combined with 4,175 growing degree days and only 41 extreme heat days, turf stays green longer with less effort.

Rich Soils Tailored for Turf

The soil pH of 6.24 provides a perfect chemical environment for roots to thrive and absorb fertilizer. A clay content of 27.1% helps the soil act as a reservoir, holding onto moisture through the warmer summer months.

Resilient Against Short Dry Spells

The county only faced four weeks of drought in the last year, though 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep root development now to maintain the county's natural growth advantage.

Maximizing the Woodson Season

Tall Fescue is a regional favorite for zone 6b, offering a lush green look most of the year. With a long window between the April 10th frost and October 28th freeze, you have plenty of time for a successful project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woodson County's county score?
Woodson County, Kansas has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Woodson County rank among counties in Kansas?
Woodson County ranks #18 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 Woodson County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Woodson County is $1,569, with an effective tax rate of 1.93%. This earns Woodson County a tax score of 3.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Woodson County?
The median household income in Woodson County, Kansas is $50,326 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Woodson County earns an income score of 12.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Woodson County, Kansas a good place to live?
Woodson County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Woodson 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 Woodson 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.