Cost of Living in Clay County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clay County ranks #1,945 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Kansas
Clay County: highest rent burden here
Clay County renters spend 17.3% of their income on housing—the highest ratio in this county group and well above the national average of 14.7%. The $911/month rent is the highest in the region, and though incomes are reasonable at $63,136, the rent burden remains significant.
Among Kansas's most challenging markets
Clay County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average, making it one of the least affordable counties examined. The $911/month rent is $124 above the state median, creating the steepest affordability challenge in this region.
Clearly the priciest option here
Clay County's $911/month rent towers over every neighbor—$198 more than Chautauqua, $153 more than Cheyenne, and $110 more than Chase County. This exceptional rent premium creates the region's toughest housing affordability challenge.
Steep rent burden despite decent income
Renters pay $911/month (17.3% of $63,136 income), while homeowners pay $867/month on the highest median home value in the region at $149,600. Clay County houses are premium-priced, and renters bear the heaviest burden relative to income.
Clay County demands careful budgeting
Clay County's significantly higher housing costs require careful financial planning—expect to spend roughly $200/month more on rent than most neighboring counties. If homeownership is your goal, the highest home values here suggest stronger property equity potential, but renting carries real affordability risk.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clay County is affordable. The median rent is $911/month against a median household income of $63,136, putting rent at 17.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $911/month rent versus $867/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $44/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,157/year. With a median household income of $63,136, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Reno County where rent averages $857/month, Clay County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,473
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clay County
Median home value is $149,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,194 vs. your max of $1,473.
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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