Cost of Living in Sedgwick County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sedgwick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sedgwick County ranks #3,061 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sedgwick County, Kansas
Sedgwick rents climb in metro setting
Sedgwick County renters spend 17.3% of income on housing, exceeding both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and the national average of 14.6%. As home to Wichita, Kansas's largest metro, Sedgwick's $977 median rent reflects urban demand, though household income of $67,675 provides some buffer.
Sedgwick strained by metro growth
Sedgwick County ranks below average for Kansas affordability, with a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio and rents 24% above the state median of $787. The metro premium reflects Wichita's role as the region's job and services hub, driving costs upward faster than rural counties.
Sedgwick costs more than all peers
Sedgwick County's $977 median rent exceeds every rural county peer, substantially surpassing Rooks ($679), Rush ($700), and even mid-sized Saline ($915). Yet Sedgwick offers metro amenities, diverse employment, and a larger economic base than smaller alternatives.
Sedgwick metro strain on budgets
Households earning Sedgwick's $67,675 median spend approximately $11,724 annually on $977 rent, allocating 17.3% of income and leaving $55,951 for other needs. Homeowners face steeper burden, with $1,099 monthly costs consuming 19.5% of income and median home values at $190,700.
Sedgwick rewards metro job-seekers
Sedgwick County suits relocators seeking metro job markets and urban services willing to pay a premium—budget roughly $980 for rent or $191,000 for home purchase. Wichita's diverse employers and regional centrality justify housing costs, making Sedgwick ideal for career growth over pure affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sedgwick County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sedgwick County is affordable. The median rent is $977/month against a median household income of $67,675, putting rent at 17.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Sedgwick County pay $977/month on average, compared to $1,099/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,100/year. With a median household income of $67,675, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Sedgwick County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Seward County where rent averages $924/month, Sedgwick County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sedgwick County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,579
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sedgwick County
Median home value is $190,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,522 vs. your max of $1,579.
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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