Kansas Property Tax

Kansas Property Tax Overview

Keywords: Kansas property tax, property tax in Kansas, Kansas property tax rate

Key Statistics (2026)

*The effective tax rate is the median annual tax divided by the median home value, expressed as a percentage.

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

Sample Property‑Tax Calculations

*Calculated using the statewide effective tax rate of 1.30 %. Actual bills can be higher or lower depending on the county, local levies, and assessment practices.

Comparison to the National Average

• Kansas’s effective property tax rate of 1.30 % is 34.28 % above the national average of 0.97 %.
• In a ranking of all U.S. states and territories, Kansas falls at #39, indicating a relatively higher burden compared with most jurisdictions.

Variation by County

Property‑tax rates in Kansas are not uniform across the state. Each of the 105 counties sets its own levy rates to fund schools, roads, public safety, and other services. As a result:

• County‑level rates can differ by several tenths of a percent.
• Some counties may apply additional special assessments (e.g., for fire districts or libraries) that increase the overall tax bill.
• Local appraisal districts determine the assessed value of each property, which may be a percentage of market value (often 11 % for residential real estate).

Prospective homeowners should consult the specific county assessor’s office or the Kansas Department of Revenue for precise rates.

Implications for Retirees

• Tax‑relief programs: Kansas offers a senior citizen homestead exemption and a property tax freeze for eligible owners aged 65 or older with limited income. Eligibility is determined at the county level.
• Income‑tax considerations: Kansas imposes a state income tax, but a portion of Social Security benefits may be exempt depending on filing status and total income.
• Overall cost: Because the effective property tax rate is above the national average, retirees who own homes in Kansas may face higher property‑tax expenses than in many other states, unless they qualify for the aforementioned exemptions.

Implications for Landlords

• Revenue vs. expense: The higher effective tax rate can increase operating costs for rental properties, especially for higher‑valued units.
• Assessment of rental properties: Kansas assesses residential real estate (including rental units) at the same residential rate (typically 11 % of market value). Landlords should factor the 1.30 % effective tax rate into cash‑flow analyses.
• Tax deductions: Property taxes are deductible for federal income‑tax purposes when the property is used in a trade or business (i.e., rented). This can partially offset the higher tax burden.

Summary

Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Kansas’s median home value is $203,400 and the statewide effective property tax rate is 1.30 %, yielding a median annual tax bill of $2,643. The rate exceeds the national average by roughly a third, placing Kansas near the higher end of the national spectrum. County‑level differences and available exemptions mean actual tax liabilities can vary significantly across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How is the Kansas property tax rate calculated?
Kansas property taxes are based on the assessed value of the property (generally 11 % of market value for residential real estate) multiplied by the combined levy rate set by the county, city, school district, and any special districts. The effective tax rate is the median annual tax divided by the median home value.

2. Can I reduce my property tax bill as a senior homeowner?
Yes. Kansas provides a senior citizen homestead exemption and a property‑tax freeze for qualifying owners 65 years or older with limited income. The exemption amount and eligibility criteria are administered by each county.

3. Do landlords receive any tax advantages for property taxes in Kansas?
Property taxes paid on rental real estate are deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense on federal tax returns. This deduction can lessen the net cost of the higher Kansas property tax rate for landlords.

All figures reflect the 2023 5‑year ACS data and are presented for informational purposes only.