Cost of Living in Wallace County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wallace County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wallace County ranks #274 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wallace County, Kansas
Wallace County: Deep Rural Affordability
At 11.5% of income, Wallace County delivers exceptional rental affordability despite a median household income of $60,263—14% below the national median of $74,755. Lower incomes here pair with equally modest housing costs, creating genuine purchasing power.
Best-in-State Affordability for Lower Incomes
Wallace County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, remarkable given its below-average household income. At $578/month, median rent runs $209 below the state average, reflecting deep rural affordability.
Western Kansas's Most Budget-Friendly
Wallace County's $578 rent significantly undercuts Thomas County ($753) and rivals Trego County ($694), positioning it as western Kansas's most affordable rental market. Its median home value of $94,200 also represents entry-level homeownership for modest earners.
Maximum Affordability for Working Families
At $578 monthly rent and $679 monthly owner costs against a $60,263 income, Wallace County residents allocate only 12% to rent and 13% to ownership. This exceptional ratio allows working families to save and invest despite lower absolute wages.
Rural Retreat for Modest Budgets
If you're relocating from a high-cost area to stretch a modest income further, Wallace County delivers western Kansas's deepest affordability gains. Compare its rent and home values against your current market to quantify your potential savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wallace County
Affordability Verdict
Wallace County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $578/month — about 11.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $578/month rent versus $679/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $101/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,100/year. With a median household income of $60,263, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Wallace County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Morton County where rent averages $637/month, Wallace County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wallace County
Rent Burden
11.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,406
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wallace County
Median home value is $94,200. Estimated monthly cost: $752 vs. your max of $1,406.
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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