Cost of Living in Chautauqua County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chautauqua County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chautauqua County ranks #1,246 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chautauqua County, Kansas
Chautauqua County: slightly better affordability
Renters here spend 15.7% of their $54,592 income on housing, which is above the national average but one of the better performers among rural Kansas counties. At $713/month, Chautauqua County offers some of the lowest rents in its region.
Below-average burden for Kansas
Chautauqua County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below the Kansas state average of 14.7%—though the lower income levels in this rural county make it appear more affordable than it is. The county ranks as one of the more housing-affordable places in Kansas.
The most affordable rent around
At $713/month, Chautauqua County offers the lowest rent among its neighboring counties, significantly cheaper than Chase ($758), Cherokee ($801), and Cheyenne ($703). This affordability advantage is key to its lower overall rent-to-income ratio.
Balanced housing costs, modest income
Renters pay $713/month (15.7% of income), while homeowners pay $596/month on a median home value of just $63,300—the lowest in the region. Both rental and ownership options are relatively affordable, making this county accessible to lower-income households.
Chautauqua offers rural affordability
If budget is your biggest concern, Chautauqua County delivers some of Kansas's lowest housing costs without sacrificing much in quality. Compare these prices to nearby Chase and Cherokee counties to see how much you could save.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chautauqua County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Chautauqua County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $713/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Chautauqua County pay $713/month on average, compared to $596/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,543/year. With a median household income of $54,592, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Chautauqua County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Chautauqua County is less affordable than Clark County by roughly 8% ($713/mo vs $771/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chautauqua County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,274
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Chautauqua County
Median home value is $63,300. Estimated monthly cost: $505 vs. your max of $1,274.
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
What is the cost of living in Chautauqua County, Kansas?
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How does Chautauqua County's rent compare to the state average?
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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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