Cost of Living in Cowley County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cowley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cowley County ranks #2,727 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cowley County, Kansas
Cowley renters squeeze budgets tighter
Cowley County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% exceeds the national ideal, reflecting a median household income of $58,263—far below the national $74,755. Renters here pay $779 monthly, putting housing affordability under strain despite modest absolute costs.
Middle of the Kansas pack
Cowley's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio slightly outpaces Kansas's 14.7% state average, and its $779 median rent nearly matches the state average of $787. This positioning suggests Cowley mirrors statewide affordability challenges: modest rents paired with modest incomes.
Pricier rents, higher home values
Cowley's $779 monthly rent exceeds Comanche ($672) and Decatur ($695) but trails Crawford's pricier $837 median. Its $111,600 median home value positions Cowley between the rural counties (Comanche, Decatur) and more expensive markets like Crawford ($122,400).
Homeownership carries sharper monthly burden
Cowley renters allocate 16.0% of their $58,263 income to $779 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $899—consuming 18.5% of household income. This gap suggests that Cowley's homeownership market demands more aggressive budget commitment than renting.
Mid-range option for growing families
Cowley offers moderate home values ($111,600) and rents that balance affordability against lifestyle expectations. Compare against Comanche for lower costs or Crawford for more housing amenities at higher price points.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cowley County
Affordability Verdict
Cowley County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $779/month — about 16.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cowley County is $779/month, while owner costs run $899/month. Renting saves approximately $120/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,529/year. With a median household income of $58,263, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Cowley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kiowa County where rent averages $728/month, Cowley County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cowley County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,359
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cowley County
Median home value is $111,600. Estimated monthly cost: $891 vs. your max of $1,359.
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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