Cost of Living in Thomas County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Thomas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Thomas County ranks #1,745 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Thomas County, Kansas
Thomas County: Below National Averages
Renters in Thomas County spend 12.3% of income on housing, well below the national standard of affordability. With median household income at $73,575—nearly matching the national median of $74,755—Thomas County offers competitive shelter costs compared to the broader U.S. market.
Among Kansas's Most Affordable
Thomas County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, positioning it in the upper tier of affordability across the state. At $753/month, median rent runs slightly below Kansas's state average of $787.
Competitive with Northwest Kansas
Compared to neighboring Trego County, Thomas County rents run $59 higher monthly, though both counties maintain healthy affordability ratios below 13%. Thomas County's median home value of $165,900 exceeds nearby Trego County's $115,400, reflecting stronger property appreciation.
Balanced Housing Costs
Renters allocate $753 monthly while homeowners pay $898—a manageable gap against the $73,575 median household income. Together, these costs consume roughly 13% of household income for renters and 15% for owners, leaving substantial income for other needs.
Reliable Affordability for Remote Workers
If you're relocating to rural Kansas, Thomas County delivers stable housing costs with incomes that stretch further than national averages. Compare its 12.3% rent-to-income ratio against other Great Plains counties to confirm your relocation savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Thomas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Thomas County is affordable. The median rent is $753/month against a median household income of $73,575, putting rent at 12.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Thomas County pay $753/month on average, compared to $898/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,486/year. With a median household income of $73,575, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Thomas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Thomas County sits 7% less expensive than Pawnee County ($806/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Thomas County
Rent Burden
12.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,717
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Thomas County
Median home value is $165,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,324 vs. your max of $1,717.
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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