Cost of Living in Saline County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saline County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saline County ranks #2,660 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saline County, Kansas
Saline rents climb above state norm
Saline County renters spend 17.3% of income on housing, exceeding the Kansas average of 14.7% and outpacing the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of $915 and household income of $63,316, Saline reflects a regional pattern of rising housing costs in Kansas's mid-sized cities.
Saline moderately strained statewide
Saline County ranks in the middle tier of Kansas affordability, with rents 16% above the state median of $787 and a rent-to-income ratio 2.6 percentage points above average. As the home of Salina, the county's regional hub status drives higher costs than purely rural neighbors.
Urban premium over rural counties
Saline County's $915 median rent significantly exceeds rural counties like Rooks ($679) and Rush ($700), reflecting Salina's position as a regional center with more diverse employment and services. Yet Saline rents remain below Riley County's $1,065, creating a middle ground between rural and college-town pricing.
Saline income handles urban costs
Households earning Saline's $63,316 median spend approximately $10,980 annually on $915 rent, allocating 17.3% of income and leaving $52,336 for other needs. Homeowners see higher burden, with $988 monthly costs consuming 18.8% of income and median home values at $171,900.
Saline balances city and affordability
Saline County suits relocators seeking small-city amenities without Riley County's premium costs—budget around $915 for rent or $172,000 for home purchase. The county's regional hospital, university, and commerce create job diversity, making it more versatile than smaller rural alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saline County
Affordability Verdict
Saline County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $915/month — about 17.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Saline County pay $915/month on average, compared to $988/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,343/year. With a median household income of $63,316, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Saline County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Saline County is more affordable than Scott County by roughly 6% ($915/mo vs $861/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saline County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,477
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saline County
Median home value is $171,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,372 vs. your max of $1,477.
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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