Cost of Living in Wabaunsee County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wabaunsee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wabaunsee County ranks #1,369 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wabaunsee County, Kansas
Wabaunsee: Solid National Standing
Wabaunsee County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% sits comfortably below national affordability thresholds, supported by median household income of $70,536. Though income runs slightly below the national median of $74,755, housing costs remain manageable.
Middle Ground in Kansas Affordability
At 13.1%, Wabaunsee County's rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, landing it in the state's more affordable half. Median rent of $771/month nearly aligns with the state average of $787.
Higher Home Values, Moderate Rent
Wabaunsee County's $771 rent matches regional levels, but its median home value of $178,200 exceeds nearby Thomas ($165,900) and Trego ($115,400), reflecting stronger property demand. Homeowners here pay $957/month, the region's highest owner cost.
Homeownership Requires Larger Share
Renters spend $771 monthly while owners commit $957 against the $70,536 median income, creating a 13% renter burden and 16% owner burden. The gap signals Wabaunsee's appeal as a rental market, though homeownership remains achievable for stable earners.
Family Homebuyers' Central Kansas Choice
Wabaunsee County offers higher-value homes than surrounding counties while maintaining reasonable affordability, making it attractive for families upgrading to larger properties. Compare its owner costs and home values against neighboring counties to find your fit in central Kansas.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wabaunsee County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Wabaunsee County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $771/month in gross rent, with 20.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $771/month rent versus $957/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $186/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,014/year. With a median household income of $70,536, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Wabaunsee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Wabaunsee County sits 6% less expensive than Rawlins County ($823/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wabaunsee County
Rent Burden
13.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,646
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wabaunsee County
Median home value is $178,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,423 vs. your max of $1,646.
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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