Cost of Living in Ford County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ford County ranks #2,962 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ford County, Kansas
Ford County housing remains fairly affordable
At 16.3%, Ford County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the Kansas state average of 14.7%, indicating manageable affordability stress. With $960 monthly rents and a $70,495 median household income, residents maintain a reasonable housing-to-income balance compared to national benchmarks.
Ford County near Kansas state average
Ford County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio tracks just above the Kansas mean of 14.7%, placing it in the middle tier for state affordability. Rents of $960/month exceed the state median by $173, though a solid $70,495 household income provides economic stability.
Ford County pricing balanced in region
Ford County's $960 rent falls between Finney County's $991 and Franklin County's $949, making it a moderate option in southwest Kansas. Home values of $132,700 rank lower than Finney ($191,100) and Ellis ($211,100), offering better entry-point pricing for homebuyers.
Homeownership offers better value than renting
Renters spend 16.3% of income on rent ($960/month), while homeowners pay just $836 monthly—a $124 monthly advantage. This gap makes Ford County particularly attractive for first-time buyers seeking both affordability and long-term wealth-building.
Ford County appeals to homebuyers
If you're considering the move to southwest Kansas, Ford County offers cheaper homeownership than renting—a rare advantage. Compare median home values ($132,700) and owner costs ($836/month) to pricier Finney County before deciding where to plant roots.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ford County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Ford County is affordable. The median rent is $960/month against a median household income of $70,495, putting rent at 16.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ford County is $960/month, while owner costs run $836/month. Owning saves approximately $124/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,829/year. With a median household income of $70,495, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Ford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ford County sits 5% less expensive than Pottawatomie County ($1,011/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ford County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,645
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ford County
Median home value is $132,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,059 vs. your max of $1,645.
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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