Cost of Living in Butler County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butler County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Butler County ranks #2,829 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Butler County, Kansas
Butler County commands Kansas's highest prices
Butler County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% matches national affordability benchmarks, but rents of $984 and mortgages of $1,224 run 40%+ above national medians. Higher household incomes of $80,375 support these costs, yet Butler demands significantly steeper housing investments than peer counties.
Butler County premium above state norms
At 14.7%, Butler's rent-to-income ratio exactly matches the Kansas state average, yet its $984 median rent towers 25% above the state median of $787. Butler represents Kansas's most expensive rental market, reflecting strong local incomes and likely proximity to urban El Dorado/Wichita.
Butler rents dwarf surrounding counties
Butler's $984 monthly rent and $1,224 mortgage payments exceed all peer counties by $190+ for rent and $300+ for mortgages. Median home values of $199,600 nearly double Brown County's $111,100, positioning Butler as Kansas's premium housing market in this analysis.
Butler County's premium housing economy
Butler households earning $80,375 invest $984 monthly in rent (14.7% of income) or $1,224 in mortgages (18.2% of income), the highest proportional mortgage burden analyzed. Home values averaging $199,600 reflect a fundamentally different housing market—closer to suburban Kansas City dynamics than rural Kansas norms.
Butler County suits higher earners only
Consider Butler County if your household income exceeds $80,000 and you seek Kansas's most developed urban amenities and housing stock. For renters and modest earners, Brown, Bourbon, or Allen offer superior affordability; Butler requires premium earning power to feel financially comfortable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Butler County
Affordability Verdict
Butler County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $984/month representing approximately 14.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Butler County pay $984/month on average, compared to $1,224/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,457/year. With a median household income of $80,375, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Butler County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Stevens County where rent averages $930/month, Butler County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Butler County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,875
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Butler County
Median home value is $199,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,593 vs. your max of $1,875.
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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