Cost of Living in Douglas County, Kansas

$1,066/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$281,600

Median Home Value

35% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,066/mo

35% above state average

Median Home Value

$281,600

0% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Douglas County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Douglas County$1,066/mo

Kansas Average$787/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,066/mo

Median Gross Rent

$281,600

Median Home Value

$1,422/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio18.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Douglas County, Kansas?

Douglas County, Kansas has a median monthly rent of $1,066/mo and a median home value of $281,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Douglas County?

The median gross rent in Douglas County is $1,066/mo. This is 35% above state average for Kansas.

Is Douglas County affordable?

Douglas County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Douglas County's rent compare to the state average?

Douglas County's median rent of $1,066/mo is 35% above state average of $787/mo for Kansas.

What is the median home value in Douglas County?

The median home value in Douglas County, Kansas is $281,600. This is 0% below the national median home value of $281,900.