Scott County
KS · Pop. 5,071 · Rural County
Scott County sits in Kansas across 718 square miles, home to 5,071 people at 7.1 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, sorghum, corn. The median home price is $170,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.53%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.5°F and average winter lows of 16.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 20.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Scott County Hospital is 1.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.9% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $170,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Scott County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, sorghum, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 7.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 162-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 20.2 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.53% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Scott County, KS is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 51/100
- Median home price
- $170k
- Property tax
- 1.53%
- Growing season
- 162 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 20.2"
- Broadband
- 85.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Scott County Hospital, 1.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Scott County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Scott County?
- Scott County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 162-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.5°F, and average winter lows of 16.9°F. The established crops are wheat, sorghum, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $170,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.53%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Scott County Hospital is 1.1 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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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kansas
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The closest counties to Scott 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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