Cost of Living in Woodson County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Woodson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Woodson County ranks #595 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Woodson County, Kansas
Woodson County: Deepest Rural Poverty
Woodson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% approaches national affordability thresholds despite having Kansas's lowest median household income at $48,152—35% below the national median of $74,755. Ultra-low rents of $597/month barely offset severe income challenges.
Kansas's Lowest-Income County
At $48,152 median income, Woodson County ranks among Kansas's lowest-earning communities, though its 14.9% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $597/month represents genuine affordability for those who can earn stable income here.
Lowest Incomes, Lowest Rent
Woodson County's $597 rent ties with Wallace County's and beats Washington County's $547, though its median income of $48,152 dramatically trails all neighbors—by $12,111 compared to Wallace and $14,300 compared to Washington. Median home value of $77,100 represents the region's lowest entry point for homeownership.
Affordability Through Necessity
Renters spend $597 monthly while owners spend $591 against just $48,152 median income, consuming 15% and 15% respectively—the highest burden despite lowest absolute costs. The tight alignment reflects a rural community where both renters and owners stretch modest incomes to their limits.
Remote Income Essential for Relocation
Woodson County offers rock-bottom housing costs, but its severe income deficit (35% below national median) makes relocation realistic only for remote workers or retirees with stable outside income. If you can guarantee $60,000+ annual income independent of local employment, Woodson County's affordability becomes genuinely attractive.
Cost of Living Advisory: Woodson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Woodson County is affordable. The median rent is $597/month against a median household income of $48,152, putting rent at 14.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Woodson County pay $597/month on average, compared to $591/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,329/year. With a median household income of $48,152, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Woodson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Woodson County is less affordable than Neosho County by roughly 8% ($597/mo vs $650/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Woodson County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,124
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Woodson County
Median home value is $77,100. Estimated monthly cost: $616 vs. your max of $1,124.
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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