Cost of Living in Franklin County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Franklin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Franklin County ranks #2,529 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Franklin County, Kansas
Franklin County housing moderately affordable
At 15.8%, Franklin County's rent-to-income ratio sits above the Kansas state average of 14.7% but remains reasonable in national context. Renters pay $949 monthly while earning a $72,142 median household income—slightly above regional peers and providing a modest affordability cushion.
Franklin County slightly above state average
Franklin County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the Kansas average of 14.7%, placing it among the state's moderately priced rental markets. At $949/month, rents run $162 above the Kansas median, though local incomes of $72,142 help offset the pressure.
Franklin County rents middle of pack
Franklin County's $949 rent ranks midway among regional peers—below Finney ($991) and Ford ($960) but above Ellis ($899) and Ellsworth ($705). Home values of $187,400 align with Finney County ($191,100), signaling comparable real estate markets in the region.
Homeowner costs stretch budgets tighter
Renters allocate 15.8% of income to housing, but homeowners face $1,206 monthly payments—the highest among regional peers. On a $72,142 income, Franklin County homebuyers commit significant resources to mortgages, leaving less flexibility for discretionary spending.
Franklin County for renters over buyers
Franklin County offers reasonable rental affordability, but homeowner costs are among the region's highest at $1,206 monthly. If considering a move here, weighing renting versus buying is critical—compare Franklin's homeownership burden to Ford County's more affordable $836 monthly alternative.
Cost of Living Advisory: Franklin County
Affordability Verdict
Franklin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $949/month — about 15.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Franklin County pay $949/month on average, compared to $1,206/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,686/year. With a median household income of $72,142, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Franklin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Franklin County sits 7% more expensive than Harvey County ($891/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Franklin County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,683
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Franklin County
Median home value is $187,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,496 vs. your max of $1,683.
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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