Cost of Living in Smith County, Kansas

$601/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$91,000
Median Home Value
24% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$601/mo
24% below state average
Median Home Value
$91,000
68% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
24.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Smith County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Smith County$601/mo
Kansas Average$787/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$601/mo
Median Gross Rent
$91,000
Median Home Value
$665/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
24.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Smith County, Kansas

Smith County leads on affordability

Smith County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and Kansas's 14.7% state average, delivering strong housing affordability. However, the median household income of $57,024 ranks lowest among these eight counties, so modest rents make all the difference.

Among Kansas's most budget-friendly

Smith County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the state average of 14.7%, placing it firmly in Kansas's affordable tier. At just $601 per month, the median rent runs $186 below the state average of $787.

Lowest rents in the region

Smith County's $601 median monthly rent stands out as the cheapest in this eight-county cluster, undercut only by Stafford County ($613). For renters prioritizing low monthly costs, Smith delivers the region's best baseline price.

Ultra-affordable housing on modest income

At $601 in rent and $665 in owner costs against a $57,024 median household income, Smith County residents spend just 12–14% of earnings on housing. The median home value of $91,000 ranks among the state's lowest, matching the county's income profile.

Rock-bottom housing costs await

Smith County offers Kansas's best housing affordability story: rock-bottom rents and ownership costs on modest incomes leave room for other priorities. Relocate here if you value maximum housing equity and minimal financial strain.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Smith County

$

Rent Burden

12.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,331

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Smith County

Median home value is $91,000. Estimated monthly cost: $726 vs. your max of $1,331.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.6%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Smith County, Kansas?
Smith County, Kansas has a median monthly rent of $601/mo and a median home value of $91,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Smith County?
The median gross rent in Smith County is $601/mo. This is 24% below state average for Kansas.
Is Smith County affordable?
Smith County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Smith County's rent compare to the state average?
Smith County's median rent of $601/mo is 24% below state average of $787/mo for Kansas.
What is the median home value in Smith County?
The median home value in Smith County, Kansas is $91,000. This is 68% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.