Cost of Living in Norton County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Norton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Norton County ranks #307 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Norton County, Kansas
Norton County: affordability strained by income
Norton County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds healthy affordability thresholds, driven by a median income of just $50,305—the lowest among peer counties and nearly $24,500 below the national average. While median rent of $642/month is reasonable in isolation, the thin income base makes it a pinched expense for working families.
Highest rent burden in the peer group
Norton County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it among the least affordable counties for renters in the state. The county's below-average median income compounds the challenge, leaving households with less discretionary income after housing costs.
Norton County stretches renters tightest
While Norton's $642 median rent is comparable to neighbors like Morton ($637) and Ness ($653), the county's lowest median income ($50,305) means renters here face the tightest budgets in the region. Homebuyers will find Norton's $106,300 median value moderate, but at $688/month, ownership costs remain steep relative to local earnings.
Both pathways demand tight budgeting
Renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, while homeowners commit 16.4% ($688 monthly), making neither pathway particularly comfortable for median-income households. Norton County residents need strong financial discipline or above-average earnings to avoid housing cost burdens.
Consider only with stable income
Norton County's low absolute rents and home prices attract budget shoppers, but the tight rent-to-income ratio requires relocating households to bring strong, stable earnings above the county median. If your household income exceeds $60,000, Norton becomes viable; below that threshold, consider more affordable peer counties like Morton or Osborne.
Cost of Living Advisory: Norton County
Affordability Verdict
Norton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $642/month — about 15.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $642/month rent versus $688/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $46/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,486/year. With a median household income of $50,305, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 37.0% of renter households in Norton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Harper County where rent averages $693/month, Norton County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Norton County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,174
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Norton County
Median home value is $106,300. Estimated monthly cost: $849 vs. your max of $1,174.
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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