Cost of Living in Labette County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Labette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Labette County ranks #2,511 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Labette County, Kansas
Labette rents cost more than average
Labette County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% pushes above the national average, reflecting lower household incomes ($55,439) relative to rent costs. At $729 per month for median rent, Labette residents spend a larger share of their earnings on housing than typical Americans.
Above-average housing burden statewide
Labette ranks among Kansas counties with higher rent-to-income ratios at 15.8%, exceeding the state average of 14.7% by about 1.1 points. The county's lower median income of $55,439—well below the state and national norms—stretches housing affordability.
Labette rents competitive locally
Labette's $729 monthly rent closely matches Kiowa County ($728) but runs slightly below Logan County ($796) and Lyon County ($796). However, Labette's lower household income means renters here feel the burden more acutely than in neighboring, higher-earning counties.
Tight budgets in Labette homes
Renters pay $729 monthly while homeowners average $686, giving Labette some of the lowest owner costs in the region at a median home value of $92,100. Yet with median household income at $55,439, housing still consumes about 16% of resident budgets—leaving less for savings and other needs.
Labette: affordable but income-dependent
If you're relocating to Labette, be realistic about the rent-to-income ratio of 15.8%—it's sustainable only with a solid local income or remote work. Home values are genuinely low here ($92,100 median), but renters should compare offers with higher-income counties like Leavenworth where paychecks stretch further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Labette County
Affordability Verdict
Labette County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $729/month — about 15.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Labette County pay $729/month on average, compared to $686/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,400/year. With a median household income of $55,439, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Labette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Brown County where rent averages $675/month, Labette County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Labette County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,294
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Labette County
Median home value is $92,100. Estimated monthly cost: $735 vs. your max of $1,294.
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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