Smith County, KS Property Tax: $1,503/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Smith County is 1.65% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $91,000, that works out to about $1,502 per year, or $125 per month. Smith County is located in northern Kansas, and is home to approximately 3,579 residents.
About Smith County
Smith County covers approximately 895.5 square miles in Kansas. The county is home to about 3,579 residents living in roughly 2,023 housing units, of which 64.8% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $57,024, and the median home was built in 1954.
Smith County borders Jewell County, Osborne County, Phillips County, Rooks County, Franklin 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 Smith County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Smith County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith County, KS | 1.65% | $91,000 | $1,502 |
| Kansas state average | 1.55% | — | $1,411* |
| Jewell County | 1.97% | $62,100 | $1,222 |
| Osborne County | 1.61% | $84,700 | $1,365 |
| Phillips County | 1.70% | $94,700 | $1,607 |
| Rooks County | 1.77% | $90,000 | $1,593 |
| Franklin County | 1.13% | $99,100 | $1,123 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Smith County's median home value of $91,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Smith County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Kansas?
At 1.65%, Smith County is higher than the Kansas state average of 1.55%. On a home at the county median of $91,000, that means about $1,502 per year — versus $1,411 at the state average rate, a difference of $91 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Smith County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Smith County?
For a home at the county median value of $91,000, the annual property tax in Smith County is approximately $1,502 — or about $125 per month. For a home worth $136,500, expect around $2,252 per year. For a $182,000 home, approximately $3,003 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Smith County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Smith County are handled by the Smith 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 Smith 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 1.65% shown here. Contact the Smith 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