Cost of Living in Stafford County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stafford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stafford County ranks #920 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stafford County, Kansas
Stafford delivers strong affordability
Stafford County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and Kansas's 14.7% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. The median household income of $63,786 combines with modest rents to create accessible housing.
Top-tier affordability across Kansas
At 11.5%, Stafford's rent-to-income ratio ranks in Kansas's best tier, falling 3.2 percentage points below the state average of 14.7%. The median rent of $613 runs $174 below the state average, underscoring Stafford's housing value.
Competitive pricing in rural Kansas
Stafford's $613 median rent edges out Smith County ($601) as the region's second-lowest, and substantially undercuts Shawnee County's $970. Owner costs at $740 monthly align with other affordable rural counties, making Stafford competitive across tenure types.
Budget-friendly across both pathways
Stafford renters spend 11.5% of income on housing, while homeowners spend roughly 13.9% on owner costs averaging $740 per month. The median home value of $96,700 remains deeply affordable on the $63,786 median household income.
Excellent value for rural relocation
Stafford County ranks among Kansas's best affordability plays: low rents, moderate ownership costs, and reasonable incomes leave healthy financial flexibility. Consider Stafford if you're relocating to rural Kansas and value maximum purchasing power.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stafford County
Affordability Verdict
Stafford County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $613/month representing approximately 11.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Stafford County pay $613/month on average, compared to $740/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 17%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,714/year. With a median household income of $63,786, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Stafford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Marshall County where rent averages $670/month, Stafford County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stafford County
Rent Burden
11.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,488
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stafford County
Median home value is $96,700. Estimated monthly cost: $772 vs. your max of $1,488.
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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