Cost of Living in Bourbon County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bourbon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bourbon County ranks #2,384 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bourbon County, Kansas
Bourbon County achieves top affordability
Bourbon County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% ranks among the nation's most affordable, sitting nearly a full percentage point below national affordability thresholds. Higher household incomes of $67,555 combine with moderate rents of $784 to create sustainable housing costs.
Kansas affordability sweet spot
At 13.9%, Bourbon County's rent-to-income ratio bests the Kansas state average of 14.7% by 0.8 percentage points, placing it firmly in the state's affordability elite. The median rent of $784 runs just $3 below Kansas's state median, underscoring that Bourbon's advantage stems from strong local incomes.
Bourbon offers relief from regional strain
Bourbon's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio provides meaningful relief compared to Barber (15.5%) and Barton (15.7%), despite rents only slightly lower than those stressed counties. Higher median income of $67,555 transforms the rental equation, making Bourbon's $784 rent genuinely sustainable.
Bourbon County's balanced housing economy
Bourbon households earning $67,555 spend just $784 for rent (13.9% of income) or $759 for mortgages—both comfortably proportioned. Median home values of $107,600 align with purchase affordability, offering buyers and renters equally manageable pathways.
Bourbon County rewards relocating families
If affordability anchors your relocation decision, Bourbon County delivers—strong incomes ($67,555) paired with moderate housing costs create breathing room in family budgets. Compare Bourbon's balanced accessibility to cost-strained alternatives like Barton or premium options like Butler County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bourbon County
Affordability Verdict
Bourbon County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $784/month — about 13.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bourbon County is $784/month, while owner costs run $759/month. Owning saves approximately $25/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,529/year. With a median household income of $67,555, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Bourbon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Edwards County where rent averages $732/month, Bourbon County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bourbon County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,576
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bourbon County
Median home value is $107,600. Estimated monthly cost: $859 vs. your max of $1,576.
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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