Cost of Living in Lane County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lane County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lane County ranks #689 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lane County, Kansas
Lane County offers exceptional affordability
Lane County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.2%, among the lowest in the nation for housing affordability. With median rent at only $497 per month and household income at $53,042, Lane residents spend less than half the national average on rents relative to earnings.
Kansas's most affordable county
Lane County dominates Kansas affordability rankings with an 11.2% rent-to-income ratio, far outpacing the state average of 14.7%. At just $497 monthly rent—$290 below the state median—Lane stands as a rare pocket of true affordability in Kansas.
Lane leads region on price
Lane County's $497 rent is dramatically lower than every neighboring county—roughly $200 to $300 less than Kiowa ($728), Logan ($796), or Lyon ($796). This pricing advantage, combined with Lane's modest $119,000 median home value, makes it the region's most budget-friendly option.
Lane's ultra-low housing costs
Renters in Lane spend just $497 monthly while homeowners pay $583, the lowest combined housing costs in the region with a median home value of $119,000. At 11.2% of income, Lane residents dedicate less than one-ninth of their earnings to housing—freeing up resources for other priorities.
Lane County: the affordability outlier
If cost of living is your primary concern, Lane County is hard to beat with rents 37% below the state median and a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.2%. Weigh this exceptional affordability against job availability and quality of life factors to see if rural Kansas living is the right fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lane County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lane County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $497/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lane County pay $497/month on average, compared to $583/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $19,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,986/year. With a median household income of $53,042, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Lane County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Lane County is less affordable than Wallace County by roughly 14% ($497/mo vs $578/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lane County
Rent Burden
11.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,238
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lane County
Median home value is $119,000. Estimated monthly cost: $950 vs. your max of $1,238.
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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