AcreScore โ€” What's this?
58/ 100

Wallace County, KS

Wallace County offers building opportunities in Northwest, though some factors need consideration.

๐Ÿ“Š58/100AcreScore
๐Ÿ’ฐ$1KLand $/acre
๐Ÿ $50KHome Value
๐Ÿ‘ฅ1,500Population
๐Ÿ“ˆ+-4.5%Growth (10yr)
๐ŸŒŠ2%Flood RiskLow
๐ŸŒก๏ธCold DryClimateZone 5B

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Can You Build Here?

Kansas has no state building code โ€” regulations are county-level. Wallace County has no formal zoning ordinance, meaning most rural land can be used for residential construction including barndominiums without special permits beyond standard building codes.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
UnzonedNoneโœ… Yes

Wallace County has no formal zoning ordinance. Standard building permits still required. Contact the county building department for specifics.

๐Ÿ“‹ What Permits Do You Need?

Most states allow owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Check Kansas requirements โ€” licensed subs are typically needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Required Permits

  • โ€ข Building permit (residential)
  • โ€ข Septic permit (if no public sewer)
  • โ€ข Electrical permit
  • โ€ข Plumbing permit

Permit Office

Wallace County Building Department Sharon Springs, KS Contact county clerk for current hours and requirements

๐ŸŒŠ What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Very low flood risk. Only 2% of Wallace County land falls within FEMA-designated flood zones โ€” well below the national average.

2%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey

๐Ÿ’ฐ What Does It Cost?

Extremely affordable. Median land prices around $650 per acre make Wallace County one of the most budget-friendly options in Kansas.

$1K
Median $/acre
$50K
Median Home Value
$120โ€“200
Build Cost $/sqft
1.08%
Property Tax Rate

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Wallace County Assessor

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Why People Love Living Here

Wallace County sits in the heart of Northwest. Hays is 140 min away. Kansas has a state income tax โ€” factor that into your cost-of-living calculations.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

Affordable Land

Median land at $650/acre means you can buy more, build bigger, and still stay under budget.

๐Ÿ”จ

Build Freedom

No formal zoning means you can build your barndominium, shop, or homestead without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

At a Glance

Population1,500
10-Year Growth-4.5%
County SeatSharon Springs
State Income TaxYes
ClimateCold Dry (Zone 5B)

How Close Is Everything?

Hays140 min
HYS145 min
Austinvaries

๐Ÿ’ง Utilities & Infrastructure

Most rural Wallace County land uses well water and septic systems. Municipal utilities are available near Sharon Springs. Check with local utility providers for your specific parcel.

Electric ProviderLocal Co-op / TXU
WaterWell or Municipal
SewerSeptic (most rural)
InternetVaries by location
Cell CoverageVariable
Natural GasPropane common in rural areas

๐Ÿฆ Financing & Incentives

Wallace County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans โ€” zero-down-payment financing for eligible buyers in most areas.

โœ… USDA Eligible
Zero down payment
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
1.08%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address โ†’

๐Ÿ“ Nearby Counties

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โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium in Wallace County?
Yes. Wallace County has no formal zoning ordinance. You'll still need standard building permits, but barndominiums are generally permitted on rural land. Check with the county building department for specific requirements.
How much does land cost in Wallace County?
Median price is approximately $650 per acre, though prices vary by location, road access, and improvements. USDA Rural Development loans may be available for eligible buyers.
Is Wallace County eligible for USDA Rural Development loans?
Yes โ€” most of Wallace County qualifies for USDA Rural Development programs, including zero-down-payment home loans for eligible buyers.
What is the property tax rate in Wallace County?
The effective property tax rate is approximately 1.08%. Check with the county assessor for the most current rates and any available homestead exemptions.
Do I need a licensed contractor to build in Wallace County?
Most states allow owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences, though requirements vary by state and county. In Kansas, check local building codes for specific licensing requirements. You'll typically need licensed professionals for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.