Cost of Living in Wilson County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wilson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wilson County ranks #1,545 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wilson County, Kansas
Wilson County: Affordability Challenged
Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% exceeds national affordability standards, driven by median household income of $57,056—24% below the national median of $74,755. While rents remain modest, lower incomes stretch housing budgets tighter than typical American households.
Kansas's Most Strained Housing Market
At 15.3%, Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kansas's worst, exceeding the state average of 14.7% and indicating the tightest housing squeeze in its region. Median rent of $727/month contributes to this burden for lower-earning residents.
High Rent Burden Despite Low Costs
Wilson County's $727 rent runs higher than Wallace ($578) and Washington ($547) counties while incomes are lower, creating the region's most challenging affordability gap. Its median home value of $93,900 mirrors peer counties, but owner costs of $758/month compound the squeeze.
Housing Consumes Exceptional Share
Renters spend $727 monthly while owners commit $758 against just $57,056 median income, consuming 15% and 16% respectively. This allocation leaves Wilson County residents with less discretionary income than neighboring counties, signaling genuine affordability stress.
Consider Higher-Income Neighbors First
Wilson County's housing costs press harder on resident incomes than surrounding areas; if relocating to this region, compare carefully with neighboring Wichita, Wallace, or Wabaunsee counties where affordability ratios run lower. Higher-earning remote workers may find better overall value in adjacent counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wilson County
Affordability Verdict
Wilson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $727/month — about 15.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wilson County pay $727/month on average, compared to $758/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,486/year. With a median household income of $57,056, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Wilson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Wilson County is less affordable than Hamilton County by roughly 7% ($727/mo vs $778/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wilson County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,331
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wilson County
Median home value is $93,900. Estimated monthly cost: $750 vs. your max of $1,331.
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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