Cost of Living in Meade County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Meade County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Meade County ranks #1,280 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Meade County, Kansas
Meade County matches national affordability standards
Meade County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, with median rent at $799 and household income at $74,868—nearly matching the national median of $74,755. This balance makes Meade an accessible option for renters and owners seeking affordability without extreme rural remoteness.
Meade County outperforms Kansas affordability average
At 12.8%, Meade County's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.7%, placing it among Kansas's more affordable counties while maintaining reasonable income levels. The county achieves this balance through moderate housing costs and solid wage standards.
Meade sits in the regional middle ground
Meade County's $799 median rent falls between the cheapest options like Marshall ($670) and pricier McPherson ($889), positioning it as a moderate-cost alternative. Income levels here match the national average, making Meade appealing for those seeking balance over extremes.
Housing takes 12.8% of Meade County earnings
A typical Meade County household earning $74,868 annually spends $799 on rent monthly, while homeowners invest $766 into properties valued at $122,000. These aligned costs—rent and mortgage nearly identical—suggest healthy housing markets serving both renters and buyers equally.
Meade County offers balanced relocation value
Seeking a Kansas county that doesn't force you to choose between affordability and income? Meade County delivers equilibrium, with costs and wages both tracking close to national norms. Test Meade against Marshall's deeper savings or McPherson's higher earning potential to match your relocation priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Meade County
Affordability Verdict
Meade County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $799/month representing approximately 12.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 20.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Meade County pay $799/month on average, compared to $766/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,829/year. With a median household income of $74,868, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Meade County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sherman County where rent averages $852/month, Meade County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Meade County
Rent Burden
12.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,747
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Meade County
Median home value is $122,000. Estimated monthly cost: $974 vs. your max of $1,747.
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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