Cost of Living in Stevens County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stevens County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stevens County ranks #1,330 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stevens County, Kansas
Stevens's rents squeeze budgets hardest
Stevens County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks highest among these eight counties and exceeds both the national average and Kansas's 14.7% state average. The combination of $930 monthly rent and a $61,909 median household income creates the region's tightest housing burden.
Among Kansas's least affordable counties
At 18.0%, Stevens's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the state average of 14.7%, placing it among Kansas's least affordable counties. The median rent of $930 runs $143 above the state average, reflecting higher regional housing costs.
Rents rival Shawnee's expensive market
Stevens's $930 median rent trails only Shawnee County's $970, making it the second-priciest rental market in this eight-county cluster. Combined with Stevens's lower median income of $61,909, renters here face steeper affordability challenges than most peers.
Housing costs consume largest share
Stevens residents spend 18% of their $61,909 median household income on rent alone—well above the recommended 30% threshold when combined with other housing expenses. Owner costs of $776 and a median home value of $124,500 create comparable burdens for homebuyers.
Consider more affordable alternatives
Stevens County's high rent-to-income ratio makes housing less accessible than nearby alternatives like Stanton, Stafford, or Smith counties. If affordability drives your relocation, explore neighboring counties where rents run $200–$300 lower monthly.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stevens County
Affordability Verdict
Stevens County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $930/month representing approximately 18.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Stevens County is $930/month, while owner costs run $776/month. Owning saves approximately $154/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,257/year. With a median household income of $61,909, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Stevens County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Stevens County sits 5% less expensive than Butler County ($984/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stevens County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,445
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stevens County
Median home value is $124,500. Estimated monthly cost: $994 vs. your max of $1,445.
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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