Cost of Living in Rawlins County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rawlins County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rawlins County ranks #777 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rawlins County, Kansas
Rawlins rents exceed state norms slightly
Rawlins County residents spend 15.2% of their $65,000 median household income on rent, matching Pawnee County and exceeding Kansas's state average of 14.7%. Though household incomes lag the national median of $74,755, rental costs remain within reasonable affordability limits.
Slightly above-average affordability strain
Rawlins County ranks in the less-affordable tier of Kansas counties, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by half a percentage point. Its $823 monthly rent is among the highest in the state's rural markets.
Highest rent in the comparison set
Rawlins County's $823 rent tops all neighboring counties, from Pawnee ($806) to Pottawatomie ($1,011), making it the priciest rural option in this region. However, its owner costs of $680 are among the most affordable, signaling a renter-heavy market.
Renting costs more than homeownership
Rawlins County renters pay $823 monthly while homeowners invest just $680, a notable $143 gap that favors ownership with median home values of $99,400. This gap suggests that building equity through homeownership offers better value than renting.
Homebuyers find Rawlins more attractive
If you're considering Rawlins County, prioritize homeownership over renting to maximize affordability and build equity at $680 monthly costs. Renters may find better value in neighboring Phillips or Pawnee counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rawlins County
Affordability Verdict
Rawlins County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $823/month — about 15.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Rawlins County is $823/month, while owner costs run $680/month. Owning saves approximately $143/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,143/year. With a median household income of $65,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Rawlins County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clark County where rent averages $771/month, Rawlins County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rawlins County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,517
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rawlins County
Median home value is $99,400. Estimated monthly cost: $794 vs. your max of $1,517.
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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