Seward County, KS Property Tax: $2,257/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Seward County is 1.68% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $134,000, that works out to about $2,251 per year, or $188 per month. Seward County is located in southwestern Kansas, and is home to approximately 21,640 residents.
About Seward County
Seward County covers approximately 639.7 square miles in Kansas. The county is home to about 21,640 residents living in roughly 8,299 housing units, of which 53.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,269, and the median home was built in 1972.
Seward County borders Haskell County, Meade County, Stevens County, Beaver County, Texas County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Kansas
Property taxes in Kansas are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Kansas offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Seward County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Seward County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seward County, KS | 1.68% | $134,000 | $2,251 |
| Kansas state average | 1.55% | — | $2,077* |
| Haskell County | 1.44% | $154,800 | $2,226 |
| Meade County | 1.52% | $122,000 | $1,858 |
| Stevens County | 1.80% | $124,500 | $2,239 |
| Beaver County | 0.76% | $117,900 | $897 |
| Texas County | 0.69% | $155,600 | $1,075 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Seward County's median home value of $134,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Seward County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Kansas?
At 1.68%, Seward County is higher than the Kansas state average of 1.55%. On a home at the county median of $134,000, that means about $2,251 per year — versus $2,077 at the state average rate, a difference of $174 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Seward County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Seward County?
For a home at the county median value of $134,000, the annual property tax in Seward County is approximately $2,251 — or about $188 per month. For a home worth $201,000, expect around $3,377 per year. For a $268,000 home, approximately $4,502 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Seward County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Seward County are handled by the Seward County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Seward County?
Kansas counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.68% shown here. Contact the Seward County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File