Cost of Living in Douglas County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #2,934 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Kansas
Douglas rents reflect urban premium
Douglas County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average and the national comfort zone, despite a median household income of $68,756 that approaches the national $74,755. At $1,066 monthly, Douglas rents are the survey's highest, driven by Lawrence's status as a college town and regional hub.
Kansas's priciest rental market
Douglas's $1,066 monthly median rent nearly 35% above Kansas's $787 state average, and its 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst. This urban premium reflects Lawrence's role as Kansas's education and culture center, not local wage superiority.
Clear premium for urban amenities
Douglas's $1,066 monthly rent dwarfs all surveyed peers—Comanche ($672), Decatur ($695), Edwards ($732), Cowley ($779), and even Crawford ($837). The $265 gap versus Crawford reflects Lawrence's university presence and concentration of professional services, making it Kansas's high-cost outlier.
Homeownership demands sharp budget cuts
Douglas renters allocate 18.6% of their $68,756 income to $1,066 monthly rent, while homeowners face a staggering 24.8% bite at $1,422 monthly for homes valued at $281,600—the survey's highest. This gap warns that Douglas homeownership demands serious financial commitment beyond what renters shoulder.
Lawrence's urban premium carries weight
Douglas County's housing costs are Kansas's highest; budget-conscious families should compare against Dickinson (14.3% ratio) or Decatur ($78,500 home values) before committing. If drawn to Lawrence's culture and education, be prepared for 25%+ of income flowing toward housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Douglas County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,066/month representing approximately 18.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Douglas County pay $1,066/month on average, compared to $1,422/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 25%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,943/year. With a median household income of $68,756, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Douglas County sits 5% less expensive than Geary County ($1,119/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,604
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.8%
of gross income
The median home in Douglas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $281,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,248 vs. your max of $1,604.
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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