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
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.
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
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.