Cost of Living in Barton County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barton County ranks #2,352 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barton County, Kansas
Barton County faces highest rent burden
Barton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% ranks among the most strained in this analysis, exceeding national affordability limits by 1.6 percentage points. Despite rents of $742—slightly below national averages—lower household incomes of $56,733 create disproportionate housing burden.
Barton struggles most in Kansas
At 15.7%, Barton County's rent-to-income ratio peaks above the Kansas average of 14.7% by a full percentage point, marking it as the state's most affordability-challenged county examined. The median rent of $742 mirrors state averages, but paired with the lowest incomes analyzed, generates severe budget strain.
Barton and Barber compete for affordability
Barton's $742 rent virtually matches Barber County's $743, yet Barton renters face marginally worse affordability (15.7% vs. 15.5%) due to $782 lower incomes. Both counties represent the region's most cost-burdened rental markets despite low absolute rents.
Barton County's tight housing budget
Barton households earning $56,733 allocate $742 for rent (15.7% of income) or $771 for mortgages, consuming more proportional income than most Kansas peers. Median home values of $117,200 offer moderate purchase paths but remain challenging relative to local wage levels.
Barton requires careful affordability planning
Consider Barton County cautiously—rents consume more of your paycheck here than in most Kansas alternatives, and mortgage ratios demand careful savings. Explore higher-income opportunities locally or weigh relocation to less-strained counties like Bourbon or Brown before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barton County
Affordability Verdict
Barton County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $742/month representing approximately 15.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Barton County pay $742/month on average, compared to $771/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,043/year. With a median household income of $56,733, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Barton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Barton County sits 7% more expensive than Stanton County ($691/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barton County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,324
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Barton County
Median home value is $117,200. Estimated monthly cost: $936 vs. your max of $1,324.
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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