Wyandotte County

Kansas · KS

#105 in Kansas
56.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Wyandotte County, Kansas

Wyandotte outpaces the national median

Wyandotte County's composite score of 62.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties on overall livability. This 24% advantage over the typical American county reflects stronger-than-average affordability and tax conditions, even as other dimensions remain incomplete.

Mid-tier standing within Kansas

Wyandotte ranks in the middle tier of Kansas counties with a score of 62.2, trailing the state average of 66.0 by 3.8 points. While not among the state's top performers, the county holds its own compared to many peers across the Sunflower State.

Affordability is the real strength

Housing is remarkably accessible here: a median home value of $152,700 and median rent of $1,070/month deliver one of the county's strongest dimensions at a Cost Score of 72.9. The effective tax rate of 1.467% also keeps a reasonable lid on household expenses, though at a modest Tax Score of 61.0.

Income growth lags significantly

The county's most pressing limitation is its Income Score of just 22.9, with a median household income of $60,582—well below typical aspirations for long-term wealth building. Safety, health, school quality, environmental risk, and water quality data are not yet available, leaving important livability questions unanswered.

Best for budget-conscious families

Wyandotte suits working families and individuals who prioritize affordable housing and lower tax burdens over peak incomes and amenities. Those seeking value living and stable, modest-income stability will find real opportunity here; prospective residents should await fuller data on schools and safety before making final decisions.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61Cost72.9SafetyComing SoonHealth57.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.9Risk10.6WaterComing Soon
🏛61
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼22.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
57.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
10.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Wyandotte County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wyandotte County

via TaxByCounty

Wyandotte's taxes run below the nation

Wyandotte County's effective tax rate of 1.467% sits comfortably below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay less as a percentage of property value than most Americans. With a median tax bill of $2,240, Wyandotte residents pay about $450 less annually than the national median of $2,690—a direct result of lower home values and a leaner tax rate.

Wyandotte ranks low among Kansas counties

At 1.467%, Wyandotte's effective rate is slightly below Kansas's statewide average of 1.549%, placing it in the middle-to-lower tier of county tax burdens across the state. The county's median tax of $2,240 exceeds the state average of $1,943, reflecting Wyandotte's slightly higher median home values relative to the state.

How Wyandotte stacks up nearby

Wyandotte County's tax burden sits in the middle range for the Kansas City metro region, where nearby counties compete for affordability. Without detailed neighbor data available, residents should compare directly with Johnson, Leavenworth, and Clay counties to see where their tax dollars rank locally.

What Wyandotte homeowners actually pay

On a median home valued at $152,700, Wyandotte residents pay roughly $2,240 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.467% effective rate. For those with a mortgage, the figure climbs to $2,517 when including escrow; those without pay about $1,834, showing how the mortgage lending process affects the total tax bill.

You might be overassessed—appeal possible

Across Kansas, many homeowners discover their assessments exceed fair market value, creating an opportunity to file a tax appeal and lower their bills. If your Wyandotte home has dropped in value or you believe your assessment is too high, contacting the county assessor's office costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden.

Cost of Living in Wyandotte County

via CostByCounty

Wyandotte's rent burden exceeds national norms

Wyandotte County residents spend 21.2% of their income on rent, significantly higher than the sustainable threshold of 30% but notably above many affordable markets. The county's median household income of $60,582 trails the national average of $74,755, making housing costs feel more acute even though rents themselves remain modest at $1,070 monthly.

Kansas' least affordable county for renters

Wyandotte's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% ranks among Kansas' highest affordability challenges when compared to the state average of 14.7%. The median rent of $1,070 exceeds the Kansas average of $787 by 36%, reflecting Wyandotte's position as Kansas City's urban core with higher regional housing demand.

Pricier than surrounding rural Kansas counties

Wyandotte's $1,070 median rent reflects its role as the state's most densely populated county and gateway to Kansas City's job market. Adjacent rural counties typically feature lower rents and higher affordability ratios, though they also offer fewer employment and amenity options for urban workers.

Housing eats up one-fifth of income

Renters in Wyandotte County dedicate $1,070 monthly to rent against a median household income of $60,582, consuming 21.2% of earnings. Homeowners face similar pressures with median monthly costs of $1,054 on properties valued at $152,700, leaving both renters and owners with comparable affordability strains.

Considering Wyandotte? Compare strategically

If you're drawn to Wyandotte's urban amenities and Kansas City job market, expect housing costs 36% above rural Kansas but still below major metro areas. Weigh the higher rent-to-income ratio against local employment opportunities and services—for some, the trade-off justifies the cost.

Income & Jobs in Wyandotte County

via IncomeByCounty

Wyandotte earns below the national average

Wyandotte County's median household income of $60,582 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $14,000 annually. This gap places Wyandotte in the lower half of American counties, reflecting economic headwinds that affect many Great Plains communities. The county's income level signals both opportunity for growth and challenges in competing for higher-wage talent.

Below average for Kansas

Wyandotte ranks below Kansas's state median household income of $64,428, meaning the typical household here earns about $3,846 less per year than the Kansas average. The county also trails the state's per capita income of $34,748, with just $28,523 earned per resident. These gaps suggest Wyandotte faces steeper affordability pressures than much of the state.

How Wyandotte compares locally

Wyandotte County's $60,582 median household income positions it squarely in Kansas's mid-tier range when measured against neighboring and similar-sized counties. The county's per capita income of $28,523 reflects a working population with modest earning capacity, typical of counties with significant service and manufacturing bases. Without specific neighbor data, regional trends suggest Wyandotte's income aligns with other Kansas urban and suburban counties outside the wealthiest metros.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Wyandotte's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters can manage housing costs without severe financial strain. However, with a median home value of $152,700, homeownership remains a significant commitment—a typical mortgage would consume 20–25% of median household income before taxes and insurance. This modest cushion leaves little room for unexpected expenses or income disruption.

Building financial security takes planning

Wyandotte residents earning $60,582 annually have time and opportunity to build wealth through consistent savings and smart investing, even at modest income levels. Starting with an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses) and then directing even 10% of household income toward retirement accounts or index funds can compound significantly over decades. Consider consulting a nonprofit credit counselor or financial advisor to create a personalized plan that fits your household's unique situation.

Health in Wyandotte County

via HealthByCounty

Wyandotte's life expectancy lags nation

At 73.7 years, Wyandotte County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and nearly 1.7 years below Kansas's state average of 75.4 years. About 23.4% of the county reports being in poor or fair health, significantly higher than national trends. These gaps suggest ongoing health challenges that deserve attention and resources.

County ranks below Kansas average

Wyandotte County's life expectancy places it in the bottom tier of Kansas counties, with residents facing measurably worse health outcomes than the state norm. The 23.4% poor/fair health rate reflects a county population navigating substantial health barriers. Understanding these disparities is the first step toward targeted health improvement efforts.

Wyandotte faces steeper health challenges

While specific neighbor county comparisons are limited in available data, Wyandotte's life expectancy of 73.7 years and poor/fair health rate of 23.4% indicate health challenges that merit investigation against regional peers. The county's mental health provider density of 192 per 100,000 residents shows some capacity, though primary care at 56 per 100,000 falls below many benchmarks. Both metrics suggest potential gaps in the healthcare safety net.

Uninsured rate compounds access barriers

Wyandotte's 15.1% uninsured rate exceeds Kansas's state average of 11.5%, meaning thousands of residents face healthcare costs without coverage. With only 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access to routine preventive care is constrained, forcing many to rely on urgent care or emergency services. This combination—fewer providers and less insurance—creates a harder path to stable health.

Check your coverage options now

If you're one of the 15.1% of Wyandotte residents without health insurance, exploring your options through the Healthcare.gov marketplace or Kansas Medicaid can connect you to affordable plans. Even partial coverage protects you from catastrophic costs and opens doors to preventive care that keeps health on track. Local health departments and community health centers can also guide you through enrollment.

Disaster Risk in Wyandotte County

via RiskByCounty

Wyandotte faces above-average disaster risk

Wyandotte County's composite risk score of 89.38 places it well above the national average, signaling exposure to multiple natural hazards. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects the county's particular vulnerability to severe weather events that affect the broader region. Understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting homes and families.

Among Kansas's most at-risk counties

Wyandotte County ranks significantly higher than Kansas's state average composite risk score of 29.89, making it one of the state's most hazard-prone areas. This disparity reflects the county's location and exposure profile relative to other Kansas counties. Local preparedness efforts should reflect this elevated risk profile.

Wyandotte's risk profile stands out

Wyandotte County's composite risk score of 89.38 substantially exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, positioning it as a higher-risk area compared to most neighboring regions. The county's urban and suburban density in the Kansas City metropolitan area contributes to both hazard exposure and population vulnerability. This makes community-wide preparedness especially important.

Tornadoes and floods pose greatest threats

Tornado risk dominates Wyandotte County's hazard profile at 96.88, making severe convective storms the leading natural disaster concern. Flood risk ranks second at 84.67, reflecting the county's position near major waterways and its susceptibility to heavy rainfall events. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of the county's overall risk exposure.

Get covered against Wyandotte's top threats

Wyandotte County residents should prioritize flood insurance and review homeowners policies for tornado and severe weather coverage, given the county's elevated risks in these areas. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flood damage, making a separate flood policy essential in this high-risk county. Consider a professional home risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities specific to your property.

ByCounty Network

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