Cost of Living in Seward County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Seward County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Seward County, Kansas
Seward rents strain local incomes most
Seward County renters spend 17.8% of income on housing, exceeding both the Kansas state average of 14.7% and the national average of 14.6%. With median rents of $924 and household income of $62,269, Seward faces the tightest affordability margin among all peer counties surveyed.
Seward least affordable of peers
Seward County ranks as the least affordable county in this peer group, with a 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and median rents 17% above the state average of $787. This combination of above-average rents and below-average incomes creates the steepest housing burden in the region.
Seward costs most, earns less
Seward County's $924 rents exceed all rural peers except Sedgwick's metro rate, yet household income trails Scott County by $5,500 and Rooks by $1,300. This unfavorable income-cost ratio makes Seward the region's most challenging affordability case.
Seward housing consumes largest share
A household earning Seward's $62,269 median spends approximately $11,088 annually on $924 rent, consuming 17.8% of income and leaving just $51,181 for all other expenses. Homeowners see modest relief, with $883 monthly costs consuming 17.0% of income, though median home values reach $134,000.
Seward demands strong financial footing
Seward County requires careful relocation planning—budget roughly $920 for rent or $134,000 for home purchase, and prioritize dual incomes or above-median wages. The county's relatively high costs paired with lower regional incomes make it less forgiving than surrounding alternatives.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Seward County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,453
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Seward County
Median home value is $134,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,070 vs. your max of $1,453.
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.