Cost of Living in Ellis County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ellis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ellis County ranks #2,253 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ellis County, Kansas
Ellis County housing strains local wallets
At 18.0%, Ellis County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard and signals moderate affordability stress compared to the U.S. average. Renters here pay $899 monthly on a $59,889 median household income, eating into budgets faster than national trends suggest.
Among Kansas's pricier rental markets
Ellis County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it among the state's more expensive counties for renters. At $899/month, rents run $112 above the Kansas median, while local incomes lag the state trajectory.
Ellis County rents significantly higher
Ellis County's $899 rent exceeds nearby Ellsworth ($705) and Gove ($730) by $170-195 monthly, though it remains competitive with Finney County ($991). The median home value of $211,100 is notably elevated—over three times Elk County's $60,900 and reflective of Ellis's regional economic center status.
Rent and mortgages both above trend
Renters allocate 18.0% of income to housing, while homeowners pay $1,101 monthly—pushing the combined affordability envelope. On a $59,889 median income, Ellis County households face steeper housing costs than many Kansas peers, leaving less flexibility for other expenses.
Ellis County demands careful budget planning
If relocating to Ellis County appeals for employment or family reasons, plan for tighter housing affordability than rural Kansas alternatives like Elk County or Gove County. The higher home values ($211,100 median) and rents ($899/month) reflect regional amenities—but compare your income to local benchmarks first.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ellis County
Affordability Verdict
Ellis County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $899/month representing approximately 18.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ellis County pay $899/month on average, compared to $1,101/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 18%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,186/year. With a median household income of $59,889, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Ellis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jefferson County where rent averages $844/month, Ellis County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ellis County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,397
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.1%
of gross income
The median home in Ellis County may be a stretch
Median home value is $211,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,685 vs. your max of $1,397.
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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