Cost of Living in Scott County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scott County ranks #1,378 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Kansas
Scott County stays near affordability targets
Scott County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing, exceeding the Kansas average of 14.7% but remaining close to the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of $861 and household income of $67,788—the highest among peer rural counties—Scott balances moderate costs with stronger earning power.
Scott ranks solidly mid-range
Scott County holds middle ground in Kansas affordability, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio and rents 9% above the state median of $787. The county benefits from higher household incomes than most rural neighbors, easing the housing cost burden despite slightly elevated rents.
Scott balances cost and income well
Scott County's $861 median rent exceeds rural counties like Rooks and Rush, yet Scott households earn $6,000-$8,000 more annually, creating favorable affordability math. This income premium positions Scott as a comfortable middle option between purely rural and mid-sized city housing markets.
Scott households manage housing well
At a median income of $67,788, Scott residents spend roughly $10,332 annually on $861 rent, consuming 15.2% of income and preserving $57,456 for all other needs. Homeowners enjoy similar ease, with $987 monthly costs taking 17.4% of income and median home values at $170,100.
Scott offers rural stability, better incomes
Scott County appeals to rural-inclined relocators with stronger employment prospects and above-average household earnings—plan for rents near $860 or home prices around $170,000. The county's income advantage over smaller neighbors makes it a more resilient choice for families prioritizing financial security.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scott County
Affordability Verdict
Scott County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $861/month — about 15.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Scott County is $861/month, while owner costs run $987/month. Renting saves approximately $126/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,300/year. With a median household income of $67,788, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Scott County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Osage County where rent averages $810/month, Scott County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,582
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scott County
Median home value is $170,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,358 vs. your max of $1,582.
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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