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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barber County ranks #1,591 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barber County
Affordability Verdict
Barber County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $743/month — about 15.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Barber County is $743/month, while owner costs run $700/month. Owning saves approximately $43/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,000/year. With a median household income of $57,615, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Barber County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Barber County is more affordable than Stanton County by roughly 8% ($743/mo vs $691/mo).
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
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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