Cost of Living in Brown County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brown County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brown County ranks #1,555 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brown County, Kansas
Brown County ranks among nation's most affordable
Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% stands among America's lowest, nearly matching Bourbon's benchmark and sitting well below national affordability stress levels. At just $675 monthly rent against $58,886 household income, Brown delivers genuine housing accessibility.
Brown County affordability tops Kansas
Brown County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio edges out Bourbon's 13.9%, ranking it the state's most affordable county in this analysis. The median rent of $675 represents the lowest in any county examined, undercutting the Kansas average of $787 by $112 monthly.
Brown County stands out regionally
Brown's $675 rent dramatically undercuts regional peers like Atchison ($756) and Anderson ($792), offering $81 to $117 monthly savings. Combined with its 13.8% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest statewide—Brown emerges as the region's affordability leader.
Brown County's lean housing budget
Brown households earning $58,886 spend just $675 for rent (13.8% of income) or $668 for mortgages, among the most conservative ratios analyzed. Median home values of $111,100 remain modest, making both rental and ownership pathways genuinely accessible for typical earners.
Brown County delivers unmatched affordability
For renters and homebuyers prioritizing maximum affordability, Brown County stands undefeated—lowest rents ($675), lowest rent-to-income ratios (13.8%), and modest home values all align. Relocate to Brown if housing cost relief and financial flexibility matter most to your family's future.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brown County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Brown County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $675/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $675/month rent versus $668/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $7/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,629/year. With a median household income of $58,886, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Brown County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Brown County is less affordable than Graham County by roughly 7% ($675/mo vs $726/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brown County
Rent Burden
13.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,374
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brown County
Median home value is $111,100. Estimated monthly cost: $887 vs. your max of $1,374.
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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