Cost of Living in Rice County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rice County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rice County ranks #1,123 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rice County, Kansas
Rice balances incomes and affordability well
Rice County residents spend 13.4% of their $63,947 median household income on rent, below Kansas's state average of 14.7% and comfortably under the national 30% affordability threshold. Though incomes trail the national median by 14%, Rice delivers better-than-average housing affordability.
Above-average affordability in Kansas
Rice County ranks among the more affordable counties in Kansas, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 1.3 percentage points. Its $717 monthly rent sits below the state median of $787, signaling strong housing value.
Low-cost alternative to regional peers
Rice County's $717 rent undercuts most neighbors, from Pawnee ($806) to Reno ($857), and ties with Republic County's affordability. Owner costs of $742 are moderate, positioning Rice as a solid value for both renters and homebuyers.
Balanced rental and ownership costs
Rice County renters spend $717 monthly while homeowners pay $742, a modest difference reflecting balanced housing options for both cohorts. With a median home value of $105,500, both pathways consume roughly 13-14% of household income.
Rice offers solid middle-ground value
Rice County delivers above-average affordability with moderate incomes, making it an excellent choice for families earning around $64,000 who want housing costs below the state average. It's more affordable than Pawnee or Pratt, yet slightly pricier than Republic.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rice County
Affordability Verdict
Rice County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $717/month representing approximately 13.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 17.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Rice County pay $717/month on average, compared to $742/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,800/year. With a median household income of $63,947, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Rice County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Rice County is less affordable than Clark County by roughly 7% ($717/mo vs $771/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rice County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,492
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rice County
Median home value is $105,500. Estimated monthly cost: $842 vs. your max of $1,492.
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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