Cost of Living in Jewell County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jewell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jewell County ranks #399 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jewell County, Kansas
Jewell's ultra-low rents hide income gap
Jewell County boasts an exceptional 13.6% rent-to-income ratio with rock-bottom rents of just $591 monthly, but the reality is more complex. The county's median household income of only $52,344—significantly below the national average of $74,755—means residents have fewer dollars to stretch, even when housing costs are minimal.
Lowest incomes, lowest rents in Kansas
Jewell County ranks among Kansas's most affordable for housing costs, with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio near the state average of 14.7%. However, this affordability comes from depressed rents ($591) rather than robust incomes, reflecting economic challenges common in rural north-central Kansas.
Cheapest housing, but limited income
Jewell's $591 monthly rent is the lowest among all comparison counties and less than half of Kearny County's $1,137, with homes valued at just $62,100. However, the $52,344 median income is also the lowest in the region, underscoring limited economic opportunity beyond affordable housing.
Affordability through economic constraint
Jewell renters spend 13.6% of their limited income on housing, and homeowners just 12.8%, but the underlying issue is flat wages rather than genuine prosperity. Both housing types remain accessible, yet the low-income foundation means residents have limited resources for savings, healthcare, and other necessities.
Affordable but economically limited
Jewell County offers unbeatable housing costs ($591 rent, $62,100 home values) for remote workers or retirees with secure outside income, but job seekers should research economic conditions carefully. Compare employment opportunities with neighbors before committing, as low rents reflect limited local economic dynamism.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jewell County
Affordability Verdict
Jewell County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $591/month — about 13.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $591/month rent versus $557/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $34/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,871/year. With a median household income of $52,344, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Jewell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Jewell County is less affordable than Norton County by roughly 8% ($591/mo vs $642/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jewell County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,221
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jewell County
Median home value is $62,100. Estimated monthly cost: $496 vs. your max of $1,221.
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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