Cowley County
KS · Pop. 34,487 · Suburban County
Cowley County is a suburban county in Kansas, spanning 1,126 square miles with 34,487 residents at a density of 30.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $112,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.68%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 183-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.6°F and average winter lows of 21.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 40.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. William Newton Memorial Hospital is 8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $112,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- William Newton Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.68% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Cowley County, KS is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 50/100
- Median home price
- $112k
- Property tax
- 1.68%
- Growing season
- 183 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 40.2"
- Broadband
- 98.7%
- Nearest hospital
- William Newton Memorial Hospital, 8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cowley County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cowley County?
- Cowley County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 183-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.6°F, and average winter lows of 21.9°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $112,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.68%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- William Newton Memorial Hospital is 8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Kansas Resources
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More counties in Kansas
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The closest counties to Cowley County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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