Cost of Living in Allen County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Allen County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Allen County ranks #2,478 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Allen County, Kansas
Allen County rents stay below national strain
Allen County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits comfortably below the national threshold where housing becomes unaffordable. Renters here spend roughly the same share of income on housing as Americans nationwide, despite earning $17,137 less than the national median income of $74,755.
Kansas affordability leader
Among Kansas counties, Allen stands out with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio—0.4 percentage points better than the state average of 14.7%. This ranks Allen among the more affordable counties statewide, where median rents average $787 compared to the county's $685.
Cheapest rents in the region
Allen County's median rent of $685 undercuts nearby Anderson County ($792) and Atchison County ($756) by $107 and $71 monthly. Despite lower incomes than these neighbors, Allen renters enjoy the region's most affordable housing market.
How Allen County budgets housing
A typical Allen household earning $57,618 annually pays $685 for rent or $706 for a mortgage, leaving substantial income for other expenses. Homebuyers here face median values of $100,400, making purchase-to-income ratios remarkably accessible compared to state benchmarks.
Consider Allen for affordable living
If you're weighing Kansas counties for a fresh start, Allen offers rare affordability: low rents, sub-$100k home values, and minimal housing-cost burden. Compare this stability to higher-cost neighbors like Butler County before making your decision.
Cost of Living Advisory: Allen County
Affordability Verdict
Allen County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $685/month — about 14.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Allen County is $685/month, while owner costs run $706/month. Renting saves approximately $21/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,257/year. With a median household income of $57,618, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Allen County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Allen County sits 7% less expensive than Ottawa County ($738/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Allen County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,344
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Allen County
Median home value is $100,400. Estimated monthly cost: $802 vs. your max of $1,344.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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