countyscore
37
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.

2040608010012.723.485.923.519.844.710.68651.7Tax12.7Cost23.4Safety85.9Health23.5Schools19.8Income44.7Risk10.6Water86Weather51.737/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Wyandotte County DNA

Foverall

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

Wyandotte County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (12.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.7-39.3
Cost
23.4-24.6
Safety
85.9+30.900000000000006
Health
23.5-26.5
Schools
19.8-34.2
Income
44.7
Risk
10.6-36.4
Water
86+28
Weather
51.7
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

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,122/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,631/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Wyandotte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wyandotte County's county score?
Wyandotte County, Kansas has a composite county score of 37 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 $2,509, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Wyandotte County a tax score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wyandotte County?
The median household income in Wyandotte County, Kansas is $63,631 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wyandotte County earns an income score of 44.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wyandotte County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wyandotte County scores 37/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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