Cost of Living in Linn County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Linn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Linn County ranks #903 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Linn County, Kansas
Linn rents stay near national average
Linn County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% sits just below the national average, reflecting moderate housing costs relative to earnings. With median rent at $682 and household income at $59,200, Linn offers reasonable affordability for Kansas.
Linn stays below state average
Linn County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas average of 14.7%, placing it slightly ahead of most state peers. Monthly rent of $682 runs $105 below the state median, contributing to Linn's favorable affordability ranking.
Linn balances cost and value
Linn's $682 rent falls between Lane County ($497) and Logan County ($796), while its $164,500 median home value ranks among the region's higher-value properties. This suggests Linn attracts buyers and renters seeking substance—more amenities and housing quality than ultra-low-cost neighbors.
Owner costs rise in Linn
Renters pay $682 monthly while homeowners average $886, reflecting Linn's higher median home value of $164,500 relative to neighboring counties. At 13.8% of income spent on rent, Linn renters maintain manageable housing expenses despite the county's modest household incomes.
Linn: quality meets affordability
Linn County strikes a balance—offering 13.8% rent-to-income affordability with higher-value homes ($164,500 median) than cheaper neighbors, suggesting better housing quality and local amenities. If you're weighing Linn against ultra-low-cost Lane County, consider what services and community features matter most to your move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Linn County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Linn County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $682/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Linn County is $682/month, while owner costs run $886/month. Renting saves approximately $204/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,971/year. With a median household income of $59,200, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Linn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ottawa County where rent averages $738/month, Linn County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Linn County
Rent Burden
13.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,381
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Linn County
Median home value is $164,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,313 vs. your max of $1,381.
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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