Cost of Living in Morton County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Morton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Morton County ranks #2,376 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Morton County, Kansas
Morton County rents are a bargain
Renters in Morton County spend just 11.7% of their income on housing—well below the national affordability sweet spot of 12-15%. While median household income here ($65,625) trails the national average ($74,755) by about 12%, the county's low rent burden of $637/month makes it one of Kansas's most accessible rental markets.
Among Kansas's most affordable
Morton County ranks favorably within Kansas, with a rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% compared to the state average of 14.7%—a 3-percentage-point advantage that puts renters here in genuinely comfortable territory. Median rent of $637/month undercuts the Kansas state average of $787 by $150, creating real savings for working families.
Morton County vs. the region
Morton County's $637 median rent is the lowest among its peer counties, with nearby Ness County ($653) and Nemaha County ($726) running noticeably higher. Homebuyers will find Morton's median value of $95,600 competitive regionally, though neighbors like Nemaha ($196,100) and Ottawa ($164,100) command significantly steeper prices.
Renting beats buying here
Renters allocate just 11.7% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 12.8% ($698 monthly on a $65,625 income), making rental the more affordable path. With a median home value of $95,600, both pathways remain accessible, though monthly owner costs ($698) are remarkably close to rent ($637)—a rare equilibrium.
A hidden gem for budget-conscious renters
If housing affordability tops your relocation checklist, Morton County delivers: lowest rents in the region and a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state by 3 percentage points. Compare this rural haven to pricier neighbors like Osage County ($810 rent) or Ottawa County ($738 rent) and you'll see why value-seeking renters should take a closer look.
Cost of Living Advisory: Morton County
Affordability Verdict
Morton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $637/month — about 11.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Morton County pay $637/month on average, compared to $698/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,914/year. With a median household income of $65,625, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Morton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Morton County is less affordable than Cloud County by roughly 8% ($637/mo vs $689/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Morton County
Rent Burden
11.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,531
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Morton County
Median home value is $95,600. Estimated monthly cost: $763 vs. your max of $1,531.
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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