Doniphan County
KS · Pop. 7,492 · Rural County
Doniphan County, Kansas covers 393 square miles with a population of 7,492 and a density of 19.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $121,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.16% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.2°F and average winter lows of 19.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Atchison Hospital is 17.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $121,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 19.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 9.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Atchison Hospital, is 17.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Doniphan County, KS is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 52/100
- Median home price
- $121k
- Property tax
- 1.16%
- Growing season
- 179 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.2"
- Broadband
- 89.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Atchison Hospital, 17.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Doniphan County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Doniphan County?
- Doniphan County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.2°F, and average winter lows of 19.1°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $121,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.16%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Atchison Hospital is 17.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Kansas Resources
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More counties in Kansas
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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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