Cost of Living in Graham County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Graham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Graham County ranks #952 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Graham County, Kansas
Graham rents stretch paychecks
Renters in Graham County spend 16.5% of their income on housing, exceeding the national comfort zone of 12-14%. This means a typical household earning $52,909 annually allocates nearly $9,600 per year to rent alone, compared to the national average of $74,755.
Below Kansas affordability standards
Graham County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the less affordable half of Kansas counties, sitting above the state average of 14.7%. At $726 monthly rent—$61 below the state median—the real squeeze comes from lower incomes that don't align with typical state earnings.
Tighter budgets than nearby counties
Graham's $726 rent is competitive with Harper ($693) and Grant ($696) counties, but Graham residents have $19,575 less in median household income than Grant County ($72,484). Greenwood County offers similar rent ($710) with slightly higher income ($58,276), making it marginally more affordable for renters.
Renting cheaper than owning locally
Monthly rent ($726) and homeowner costs ($718) are nearly identical in Graham County, but renters win on income proportion—16.5% versus an implied higher percentage for owners. Median homes valued at $88,800 suggest affordable entry points, yet the median household income of $52,909 remains the limiting factor across both markets.
Shop around within the region
If you're weighing Graham County against neighbors, compare your income to the 16.5% rent threshold—it may favor Grant or Gray counties if your salary edges higher. Both renting and owning remain modestly priced here, but maximizing income opportunities might tip the affordability balance in your favor.
Cost of Living Advisory: Graham County
Affordability Verdict
Graham County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $726/month — about 16.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Graham County is $726/month, while owner costs run $718/month. Owning saves approximately $8/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,771/year. With a median household income of $52,909, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Graham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Graham County is more affordable than Brown County by roughly 8% ($726/mo vs $675/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Graham County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,235
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Graham County
Median home value is $88,800. Estimated monthly cost: $709 vs. your max of $1,235.
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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