RentData

Average Rent in Barber County, KS↓ Rents falling 1.1% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in KS

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 4,153

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Barber County, KS has rental prices ranging from $625/month to $1,464/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $767/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $57,615/year, spending $767/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Barber County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $872/month, Barber County ranks #95 most expensive of the 96 cities tracked in Kansas — more affordable than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Barber County Rental Market

The Barber County, KS area has a population of about 4,153 and 19% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Barber County, KS have fallen by $10/month (1.1%) over the past year, from $882 to $872. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Barber County, KS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,680. The local median household income of $57,615 exceeds that threshold by $26,935, making Barber County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Barber County, KS has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.7 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$625
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$767
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$872
↓1.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,158
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,464
Average
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Is Barber County, KS Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$34,880/year
Local median income: $57,615
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $872/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in KSlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Kansas City$1,074$1,183$1,346$1,756—
Wichita$690$760$995$1,305—
Topeka$747$752$985$1,280—
Geary County$753$758$994$1,393—
Manhattan$808$813$995$1,359—
St. Joseph$710$789$1,035$1,315—

Rent or Buy in Barber County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Barber County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$872/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $872/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Barber County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Barber County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Barber County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KS

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⚖️Compare Barber County

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📋KS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections