Cost of Living in Johnson County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Johnson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Johnson County ranks #2,375 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Johnson County, Kansas
Johnson County: Kansas's premium housing market
Johnson County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, reflecting a high-income, high-cost market where median household income reaches $107,261—44% above the national average. Renters pay $1,385 monthly and homeowners $1,779, but these costs are absorbed by substantially larger incomes than most Americans earn.
Kansas's wealthiest, priciest county
Johnson County dominates Kansas economically and ranks highest for both household income ($107,261) and housing costs, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio above the state average. This is Kansas's premium market—attracting affluent professionals and established families willing to pay for suburban amenities near Kansas City.
Dramatically different from rural Kansas
Johnson County's $1,385 rent and $366,000 median home value dwarf neighbors like Haskell ($776 rent, $154,800 homes) and Jewell ($591 rent, $62,100 homes). This reflects Johnson's suburban proximity to Kansas City and concentration of corporate headquarters, medical centers, and professional services.
High earners absorb high housing costs
Renters dedicate 15.5% of their substantial $107,261 income to housing, while homeowners commit 19.9% to monthly ownership costs of $1,779. This ratio appears elevated, but the underlying income is so high that residents retain considerable disposable income despite premium housing costs.
Johnson County for high earners only
If you're relocating with a six-figure income and prioritize suburban amenities, top schools, and proximity to Kansas City job markets, Johnson County justifies its $366,000 median home values and $1,385 rents. Otherwise, compare rural and small-town alternatives across Kansas for dramatically lower costs and comparable quality of life.
Cost of Living Advisory: Johnson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Johnson County is affordable. The median rent is $1,385/month against a median household income of $107,261, putting rent at 15.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,385/month rent versus $1,779/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $394/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $55,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $76,243/year. With a median household income of $107,261, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Johnson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Johnson County is more affordable than Leavenworth County by roughly 22% ($1,385/mo vs $1,138/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Johnson County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,503
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in Johnson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $366,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,922 vs. your max of $2,503.
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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