Dickinson County
KS · Pop. 18,423 · Rural County
Dickinson County is a rural county in Kansas, spanning 847 square miles with 18,423 residents at a density of 21.8 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 $149,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.43%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.8°F and average winter lows of 22.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 34.1 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Memorial Hospital is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 190-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $149,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.1% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.7 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.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.43% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Dickinson County, KS is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 61/100
- Median home price
- $149k
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- Growing season
- 190 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 34.1"
- Broadband
- 96.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Memorial Hospital, 4.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Dickinson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Dickinson County?
- Dickinson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.8°F, and average winter lows of 22.9°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $149,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.43%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.1% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Memorial Hospital is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Kansas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Kansas
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The closest counties to Dickinson 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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