countyscore
37.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 85.9Lawn Care 77.8

County Report Card

About Wyandotte County, Kansas

Wyandotte County trails the national composite median

With a composite score of 37.4, Wyandotte County sits notably below the national median score of 50.0. This placement reflects significant developmental and economic hurdles compared to the typical American county.

Falling short of the Kansas state average

The county's overall score of 37.4 lags behind the Kansas state average of 49.5. As an urbanized area, it faces higher costs and risks that differentiate it from the state's more rural jurisdictions.

Strong performance in safety and water quality

Wyandotte County achieves its highest marks in water quality with a score of 86.0 and safety at 85.9. These scores indicate that the county manages its essential utilities and public security much more effectively than other dimensions.

High tax burdens and environmental risks

The county struggles with a low risk score of 10.6 and a tax score of 14.5, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.467%. Low scores in schools (19.8) and health (23.5) also present persistent challenges for local quality of life.

An affordable urban option with significant trade-offs

Wyandotte County is best suited for residents seeking affordable housing, with a median home value of $152,700 and strong safety ratings. However, families must balance these benefits against high property taxes and lower-performing school systems.

Score breakdown

Tax14.5Cost24.9Safety85.9Health23.5Schools19.8Income40.9Risk10.6Water86Weather51.7
🏛14.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wyandotte County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Wyandotte County with Arkansas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Arkansas County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,831
37.4
Cowley County
Kansas
Median income: $58,263
37.4
Scotland County
North Carolina
Median income: $43,500
37.4
Clatsop County
Oregon
Median income: $68,705
37.4
Montgomery County
Tennessee
Median income: $72,365
37.4
Hood County
Texas
Median income: $86,802
37.4
Adams County
Washington
Median income: $65,042
37.4
Pinal County
Arizona
Median income: $77,588
37.5

Nearby counties

Leavenworth County
Kansas
39.9
Johnson County
Kansas
42
Platte County
Missouri
45.2
Clay County
Missouri
45.5
Jackson County
Missouri
35.7
Douglas County
Kansas
33.7
Clinton County
Missouri
47.7
Jefferson County
Kansas
52

Deep Dives

Wyandotte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wyandotte County

via CrimeByCounty

Wyandotte County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Wyandotte County reports a total crime rate of 320.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low incidence of reported crime earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.5 out of 100.

A Leader in Kansas Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.5, Wyandotte County sits well above the Kansas state average of 98.0. The county's total crime rate of 320.9 per 100,000 residents remains far below the statewide average of 1,282.2.

Regional Comparison Shows Low Crime Trends

Wyandotte County maintains a crime rate that is nearly four times lower than the average Kansas community. While neighboring urban areas often face higher incident rates, the eight local reporting agencies track just 320.9 total crimes per 100,000 people.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 254.2 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains low at just 66.7. Both figures fall sharply below national levels, where violent crime averages 369.8 and property crime exceeds 2,015.

Staying Vigilant in a Safe Community

Even with a high safety score of 99.5, maintaining home security helps keep property crime rates low. Simple measures like smart lighting and modern locks provide an extra layer of protection against the county's property crime rate of 254.2.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wyandotte County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban Education Infrastructure

Wyandotte County supports a robust network of 62 public schools serving 30,967 students across five distinct school districts. The landscape includes 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 12 high schools that provide a foundation for the region's youth. This concentrated infrastructure reflects the county's role as a major population center in Kansas.

Evaluating Performance and Investment Gaps

The county's 72.6% graduation rate currently trails both the Kansas average of 88.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,958, which is significantly lower than the state average of $9,009 and the national average of $13,000. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 44.3, highlighting opportunities for future investment and growth.

Kansas City Schools Lead the County

Kansas City is the county's largest district, managing 43 schools and 22,013 students. Other significant districts include Turner-Kansas City with 3,880 students and Bonner Springs with 2,427 students. Traditional public education remains the standard here, as charter schools represent 0% of the 62 total schools in the county.

Urban Environments and Large Campus Sizes

With 55 of the 62 schools located in city settings, the educational experience is predominantly urban. The average school size is 499 students, though campuses vary greatly, from the massive John Fiske Elementary with 1,908 students to smaller rural facilities. Large high schools like Wyandotte High, serving 1,832 students, define the energetic atmosphere of the county’s secondary education.

Finding Your Home in Wyandotte Schools

Relocating families often look to the distinct neighborhoods served by the Kansas City or Turner-Kansas City districts. School quality and campus proximity remain vital factors when evaluating local real estate options. Explore homes near top-enrolled schools like J C Harmon High to find the right environment for your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wyandotte County

via WeatherByCounty

Wyandotte's Balanced Temperate Climate

Wyandotte County's 53.6°F average annual temperature places it squarely in the middle of America's temperate zones. This humid continental climate experiences wider temperature swings than coastal counties, though it remains warmer than many northern Plains regions.

Cooler and Wetter Than the Kansas Average

The county ranks slightly cooler than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. However, it is one of the wettest spots in the state, receiving 10 inches more annual precipitation than the 30.3-inch state average.

Regional Climate Stability in the Kansas City Metro

Wyandotte mirrors the climate of neighboring Johnson County, benefiting from the moisture-rich air of the eastern Kansas border. With 40.5 inches of rain annually, it provides a much greener landscape than the more arid counties located in western Kansas.

Sweltering Summers and Brisk Winters

Extreme heat is a staple of the local summer, with 34 days a year hitting 90°F or higher. Winter brings a sharp contrast, delivering an average of 17.4 inches of snow and a chilly January mean of 28.0°F.

Managing Humidity and Seasonal Extremes

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency cooling to navigate the month of July, which averages a warm 77.3°F. Winter maintenance is equally vital, as the 30.8°F winter average requires reliable heating and seasonal prep for the 17.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wyandotte County

via SoilByCounty

Wyandotte’s Balanced and High-Quality Foundation

Wyandotte County features a soil pH of 6.46, nearly matching the national median of 6.5 for near-perfect acidity levels. While taxonomic data remains limited, the county earns an impressive soil score of 72.4, far outperforming the Kansas state average of 55.4. This balance provides a stable and versatile chemistry for local agriculture.

A Silty Mix Built for Workability

The local soil is defined by a high silt content of 55.5%, supported by 24.2% clay and 19.9% sand. This composition creates a smooth texture that is easier to work than heavy clay while retaining more nutrients than sandier soils. It offers a reliable medium for roots to penetrate and establish themselves.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter in the county reaches 2.72%, notably higher than the state average of 2.22% and the national 2.0% baseline. The soil also holds water effectively, with an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in compared to the Kansas average of 0.180 in/in. These rich levels signify high natural fertility and drought resilience.

Managing Moisture in Silt-Rich Soils

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable, the 24.2% clay content indicates the soil holds moisture well for crops. Gardeners and builders should account for the high silt levels, which provide good structure but can be prone to erosion if not managed correctly. Proper site planning ensures these water-retentive soils remain productive.

Diverse Potential in Hardiness Zone 6b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Wyandotte County gardeners can successfully grow everything from leafy greens to robust fruit trees. The combination of high organic matter and a neutral pH creates an elite environment for a backyard garden. With soil health scores significantly above the state average, now is the perfect time to start planting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wyandotte County

via LawnByCounty

Wyandotte's Green Advantage Stands Above the Rest

Wyandotte County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 77.8, making maintenance much easier than the Kansas average of 59.1 and the national median of 50.0. Situated in hardiness zone 6b, the region offers a favorable environment for many popular grass varieties.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Heat Drive Growth

The county receives 40.5 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the 30-50 inch range ideal for healthy turf. While residents face 34 extreme heat days per year, this is significantly lower than the Kansas state average of 58 days.

Balanced Soil Chemistry Supports Strong Roots

The local soil pH of 6.46 sits right in the optimal range for nutrient uptake, meaning homeowners rarely need aggressive chemical amendments. A composition of 24.2% clay and 19.9% sand provides a stable foundation, though residents should monitor for compaction given the lack of drainage data.

Managing Moisture Through Abnormally Dry Spells

While 100% of the county currently faces abnormally dry conditions, severe drought levels remain at zero percent despite 19 weeks of drought over the past year. To protect turf during dry spells, experts recommend watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root systems.

Start Planting Between the Frosts

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in zone 6b, especially when seeded between the last frost on April 16 and the first frost on October 22. With 3,769 growing degree days, the environment offers a robust window for establishing a resilient lawn this season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wyandotte County's county score?
Wyandotte County, Kansas has a composite county score of 37.4 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 Wyandotte County rank among counties in Kansas?
Wyandotte County ranks #92 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 Wyandotte County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Wyandotte County is $2,240, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Wyandotte County a tax score of 14.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wyandotte County?
The median household income in Wyandotte County, Kansas is $60,582 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wyandotte County earns an income score of 40.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wyandotte County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wyandotte County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Wyandotte 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 Wyandotte County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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