Cost of Living in Rooks County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rooks County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rooks County ranks #1,195 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rooks County, Kansas
Rooks offers rare housing relief
Rooks County renters spend just 13.2% of income on housing, beating both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of only $679 per month and household income of $61,596, Rooks stands out as an affordable rural haven.
Kansas's affordability sweet spot
Rooks County ranks among Kansas's most affordable counties for renters, with a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio and median rents 14% below the state average of $787. This combination of low costs and stable incomes creates genuine housing accessibility for working families.
Rooks leads the affordability race
Rooks County's $679 median rent is the lowest among its peers—undercut only by Rush County's $700 and substantially cheaper than Riley County's $1,065. For renters, Rooks delivers exceptional value without the income penalties of less affordable neighbors.
Rooks: maximum income, minimum strain
At a median household income of $61,596, Rooks residents can comfortably afford $679 monthly rents, leaving $51,700 annually for other needs. Homebuyers benefit similarly, with median owner costs of $695 monthly (13.5% of income) and median home values of just $90,000—among Kansas's lowest.
Rooks calls remote workers home
If affordability is your priority and you can work from anywhere, Rooks County delivers exceptional value: rents under $700 and homes under $100,000. You'll trade big-city amenities for genuine financial breathing room and a close-knit rural community.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rooks County
Affordability Verdict
Rooks County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $679/month — about 13.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $679/month rent versus $695/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $16/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,786/year. With a median household income of $61,596, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Rooks County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Rooks County sits 7% less expensive than Gove County ($730/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rooks County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,437
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rooks County
Median home value is $90,000. Estimated monthly cost: $719 vs. your max of $1,437.
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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