Cost of Living in Harper County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harper County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harper County ranks #1,931 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harper County, Kansas
Harper's income pinch limits affordability
Harper County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national 12-14% comfort zone, driven by incomes of just $55,417 against the national average of $74,755. Renters here dedicate roughly $8,290 annually to housing costs.
Below-average statewide affordability
At 15.0%, Harper County's rent-to-income ratio runs above Kansas's state average of 14.7%, reflecting tight financial margins for renters. Monthly rent of $693 is the lowest in the region, yet doesn't fully offset income challenges.
Cheapest rents, lowest incomes
Harper County offers the region's most budget-friendly rents ($693), but its $55,417 median income is the lowest among western Kansas peers, resulting in a 15.0% ratio that exceeds affordable Grant ($696 rent, 11.5% ratio). Greenwood and Graham offer similar affordability structures with slightly better incomes.
Renting and owning cost nearly the same
Monthly rent ($693) and homeowner costs ($685) are virtually identical, each consuming roughly 15% of income for renters and 14.8% for owners. Homes value at just $77,300—the lowest in the region—making Harper ideal for budget-conscious buyers but offering limited wealth-building.
Lowest-cost option for ultra-tight budgets
Harper County's sub-$700 rents and $77,300 homes serve those prioritizing absolute minimum housing expenses over long-term equity gains. If household income is below $60,000 and affordability trumps all other factors, Harper delivers Kansas's flattest housing costs—but explore nearby Greenwood or Grant for marginally better income prospects.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harper County
Affordability Verdict
Harper County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $693/month — about 15.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Harper County pay $693/month on average, compared to $685/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,357/year. With a median household income of $55,417, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Harper County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Norton County where rent averages $642/month, Harper County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harper County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Harper County
Median home value is $77,300. Estimated monthly cost: $617 vs. your max of $1,293.
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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