Edwards County
KS · Pop. 2,817 · Rural County
Edwards County is a rural county in Kansas, spanning 622 square miles with 2,817 residents at a density of 4.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, corn, soybeans. The median home price is $71,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.59%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 182-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.2°F and average winter lows of 19.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 26.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Edwards County Hospital is 6.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.1% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $71,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Edwards County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 6.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, corn, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 4.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.59% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Edwards County, KS is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $71k
- Property tax
- 1.59%
- Growing season
- 182 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 26.8"
- Broadband
- 81.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Edwards County Hospital, 6.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Edwards County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Edwards County?
- Edwards County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 182-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.2°F, and average winter lows of 19.8°F. The established crops are wheat, corn, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $71,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.59%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Edwards County Hospital is 6.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Kansas Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kansas
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The closest counties to Edwards 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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