Elk County
KS · Pop. 2,464 · Rural County
Elk County, Kansas covers 644 square miles with a population of 2,464 and a density of 3.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. The median home price is $61,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.99%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.8°F and average winter lows of 22.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.4 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Sedan City Hospital is 22.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.6% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $61,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 3.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.99% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 77.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Sedan City Hospital, is 22.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Elk County, KS is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 39/100
- Median home price
- $61k
- Property tax
- 1.99%
- Growing season
- 185 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.4"
- Broadband
- 77.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Sedan City Hospital, 22.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Elk County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Elk County?
- Elk County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.8°F, and average winter lows of 22.1°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $61,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.99%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Sedan City Hospital is 22.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Kansas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kansas
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The closest counties to Elk 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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