Cost of Living in Decatur County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Decatur County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Decatur County ranks #1,164 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Decatur County, Kansas
Decatur delivers balanced rental affordability
Decatur County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly above Kansas's 14.7% state average but remains reasonable by national standards. With a median household income of $52,030 and $695 monthly rents, Decatur renters face manageable affordability compared to counties like Crawford.
Among Kansas's more affordable counties
Decatur's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio matches Cowley's and undercuts Crawford's 20.0%, positioning it favorably within Kansas. Its $695 median rent ranks among the lowest in the state, second only to Comanche's $672.
Budget-friendly alongside Comanche
Decatur's $695 monthly rent is just $23 higher than Comanche's $672, and its 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ties Cowley's, making it a standout for affordability-conscious renters. Its $78,500 median home value undercuts even Comanche, offering Kansas's cheapest homeownership entry point.
Homeownership stands out as attainable
Decatur renters dedicate 16.0% of their $52,030 income to $695 monthly rent, while homeowners pay just $579—a mere 13.3% of income. This favorable owner-to-renter ratio, combined with the state's lowest median home value ($78,500), makes Decatur exceptionally accessible for first-time buyers.
First-time buyers' best Kansas bet
Decatur's $78,500 median home value and $579 monthly owner costs create Kansas's easiest homeownership entry point. If building equity matters more than amenities, Decatur delivers on affordability better than any surveyed county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Decatur County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Decatur County is affordable. The median rent is $695/month against a median household income of $52,030, putting rent at 16.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $695/month rent versus $579/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $116/month cheaper — a 17% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,814/year. With a median household income of $52,030, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Decatur County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Norton County where rent averages $642/month, Decatur County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Decatur County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,214
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Decatur County
Median home value is $78,500. Estimated monthly cost: $627 vs. your max of $1,214.
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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