Cost of Living in Kearny County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kearny County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kearny County, Kansas
Kearny's rents strain household budgets
Kearny County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all comparison counties and well above the national comfort zone, signaling real affordability pressure. Despite a median household income of $74,135 near the national average, residents pay $1,137 monthly rent—a disproportionately high burden.
Kansas's most expensive rental market
Kearny County ranks as Kansas's least affordable for renters, with an 18.4% rent-to-income ratio far exceeding the state average of 14.7%. The $1,137 monthly rent is the highest among rural Kansas counties, creating significant budget strain despite moderate household income levels.
Rental outlier in western Kansas
Kearny's $1,137 monthly rent towers over Haskell ($776), Hodgeman ($900), and Jewell ($591), making it the priciest rental market in the rural comparison set. Homeownership costs ($901) are more reasonable, and home values ($152,500) suggest the rental premium reflects local market dynamics rather than overall prosperity.
Renters bear disproportionate cost
Renters in Kearny dedicate 18.4% of their income to housing—well above the 15% affordability threshold—while homeowners spend a more manageable 14.6% on ownership costs. This split suggests a rental market distorted by local economic conditions, making homeownership the more sustainable housing path.
Kearny works best for homebuyers
Renters should proceed carefully in Kearny County due to its 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, but homebuyers find reasonable value at $152,500 median home prices with manageable monthly costs of $901. If you must rent here, budget aggressively and compare opportunities in neighboring Haskell and Hodgeman counties.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kearny County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,730
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Kearny County
Median home value is $152,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,217 vs. your max of $1,730.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.