Osage County
KS · Pop. 15,780 · Rural County
Osage County, Kansas covers 706 square miles with a population of 15,780 and a density of 22.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, hay, corn. A median home price of $143,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.6% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.3°F and average winter lows of 21.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 40 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Coffey County Hospital is 31 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 80.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 193-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $143,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, hay, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 22.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.6% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Coffey County Hospital, is 31 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Osage County, KS is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 29/100
- Median home price
- $143k
- Property tax
- 1.6%
- Growing season
- 193 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 40"
- Broadband
- 80.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Coffey County Hospital, 31 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Osage County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Osage County?
- Osage County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.3°F, and average winter lows of 21.2°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $143,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.6%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Coffey County Hospital is 31 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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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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