Rush
Kansas

What stands out

Three things set Rush County apart from the other 3,142 counties: population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-3.8% a year), the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (1.1 years of income), and the median home price is in the bottom 2% of American counties ($94K). Within Kansas it ranks 3rd of 105 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Rush County, Kansas. 2,939 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 3.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -84).

Kansas stopped taxing Social Security entirely in 2024 and consolidated its brackets, and property taxes fall heavily on homeowners because agricultural land is assessed on use value. Johnson County, in the Kansas City suburbs, has the state's best-rated schools and highest home prices. The state sits squarely in Tornado Alley.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,523 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,311. Unemployment runs 2.2%, lower than 91% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Kansas takes 5.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,899 a year.

Home

The median home costs $94K, cheaper than 98% of American counties, about 1.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $704 a month. Property tax is 2.01% of home value, roughly $1,507 a year on that median home, higher than 96% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 80% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.4 years, shorter than 66% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 3.4 per 10,000 people. 10.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.05 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 66% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 65 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 72% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kansas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 55°F, highs near 69 and lows near 42, colder than 52% of American counties. About 27 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 24 out of 100, safer than 76% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 250 Mbps down, faster than 74% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.