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
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.
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
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.