Cost of Living in Ness County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ness County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ness County ranks #594 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ness County, Kansas
Ness County rents favor working families
Ness County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio falls squarely in the affordable zone and beats most national benchmarks, even as median income of $66,107 runs about 12% below the national average. A $653/month median rent keeps housing costs low in absolute terms, creating real purchasing power for other necessities.
Well above Kansas affordability standards
With an 11.8% rent-to-income ratio, Ness County beats the Kansas state average of 14.7% by 2.9 percentage points, ranking among the state's most tenant-friendly markets. Median rent of $653/month undercuts the state average of $787, signaling consistent value for renters.
Ness County in the regional sweet spot
Ness County's $653 median rent trails only Morton ($637) and Osborne ($591) among peer counties, making it one of the region's bargain rental markets. For homebuyers, the $85,400 median value ranks among the lowest in the region, competing directly with Morton ($95,600) and Osborne ($84,700) for budget-conscious purchasers.
Nearly balanced across renting and buying
Renters allocate 11.8% of income to housing, while homeowners commit 12.4% ($686 monthly), creating remarkable parity between both pathways. This equilibrium means households here can choose based on lifestyle and long-term goals rather than pure affordability constraints.
Rural affordability with flexibility
Ness County appeals to families and individuals seeking low housing costs without sacrificing choice between renting and buying. Whether you're a first-time renter or a homeowner trading down for rural living, Ness County's balanced affordability and low absolute prices make it a compelling relocation destination.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ness County
Affordability Verdict
Ness County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $653/month — about 11.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $653/month rent versus $686/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $33/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,400/year. With a median household income of $66,107, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 13.0% of renter households in Ness County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ellsworth County where rent averages $705/month, Ness County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ness County
Rent Burden
11.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,542
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ness County
Median home value is $85,400. Estimated monthly cost: $682 vs. your max of $1,542.
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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