Cost of Living in Barber County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barber County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barber County, Kansas
Barber County rents rise above comfort zone
Barber County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability threshold by a full percentage point, straining budgets despite modest rents. Households earning $57,615 devote $743 monthly to rent—a higher burden than the national average given lower local incomes.
Least affordable county examined
At 15.5%, Barber County's rent-to-income ratio tops the Kansas state average of 14.7% by 0.8 percentage points, signaling tighter housing affordability. The county's median rent of $743 runs slightly below state norms, yet paired with lower incomes, creates outsized housing pressure.
Barber rents lower but affordability squeezed
Barber's $743 rent undercuts Barton County's $742 by just $1 but strains budgets more severely due to slightly lower median income of $57,615. Both counties show elevated rent-to-income ratios (15.5% and 15.7%) compared to state averages, marking this region as more cost-burdened.
Barber County stretches to afford housing
Households earning $57,615 spend $743 monthly on rent (15.5% of income) or $700 on mortgages—the latter representing strong homeownership affordability. Median home values of $92,700 offer genuine bargains for buyers, though renters face above-average proportional costs.
Barber County favors homebuyers over renters
If you're relocating to Barber County, purchasing a home ($92,700 median) makes stronger financial sense than renting, given the county's rental affordability squeeze. Compare Barber's buyer-friendly prices against nearby Barton or less-strained counties before committing.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barber County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,344
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Barber County
Median home value is $92,700. Estimated monthly cost: $740 vs. your max of $1,344.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Barber County, Kansas?
What is the median rent in Barber County?
Is Barber County affordable?
How does Barber County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Barber County?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Barber County, Kansas? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCounties with Similar Housing Costs
Compare Mortgage Rates in Barber County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.