Cost of Living in Sumner County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sumner County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sumner County ranks #2,717 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sumner County, Kansas
Sumner's rents strain household budgets
Sumner County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kansas's 14.7% state average and ranks above the national norm, indicating elevated housing burden. The median household income of $60,348 ranks lowest in this cluster, making the $829 median rent harder to absorb.
Above-average burden for Kansas
At 16.5%, Sumner's rent-to-income ratio runs 1.8 percentage points above the state average of 14.7%, placing it in the less-affordable tier of Kansas counties. The median rent of $829 exceeds the state average by $42, contributing to the higher burden.
Mid-range rents, lower incomes
Sumner's $829 median rent falls between Stevens ($930) and Sherman ($852), but the county's $60,348 median household income—lowest in this cluster—makes housing costs feel heavier. Compared to affordable neighbors like Stafford ($613) or Smith ($601), Sumner renters pay significantly more.
Housing absorbs substantial income share
Sumner residents spend 16.5% of their $60,348 median household income on rent, while owner costs of $889 push homebuyers even higher. The median home value of $118,700 strains the county's lower-income profile, leaving less financial flexibility for other needs.
Explore lower-cost Kansas alternatives
Sumner County's housing burden ranks among the region's highest relative to incomes; renters and buyers here face tighter budgets than neighbors. Consider relocating to Stafford, Smith, or Stanton counties, where lower rents and comparable incomes offer substantially better affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sumner County
Affordability Verdict
Sumner County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $829/month — about 16.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sumner County is $829/month, while owner costs run $889/month. Renting saves approximately $60/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,100/year. With a median household income of $60,348, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Sumner County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sumner County sits 7% more expensive than Hamilton County ($778/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sumner County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,408
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sumner County
Median home value is $118,700. Estimated monthly cost: $948 vs. your max of $1,408.
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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