RentData

Average Rent in Cowley County, KS

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 34,487

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

Market Overview

Cowley County, KS has rental prices ranging from $603/month to $1,325/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $671/month — 52% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,263/year, spending $671/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Cowley County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $880/month, Cowley County ranks #27 most expensive of the 96 cities tracked in Kansas — more affordable than 80% of all US cities in our data.

The Cowley County Rental Market

The Cowley County, KS area has a population of about 34,487 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Cowley County, KS have fallen by $2/month (0.2%) over the past year, from $882 to $880. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cowley County, KS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $26,840. The local median household income of $58,263 exceeds that threshold by $31,423, making Cowley County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Cowley County, KS has an unemployment rate of 5.0%, 1.1 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$603
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$671
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$880
0.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,128
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,325
Affordable
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Is Cowley 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
$35,200/year
Local median income: $58,263
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $880/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 Cowley County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Cowley County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$880/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: $880/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Cowley 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 Cowley County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Cowley County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KS

See how Cowley County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Cowley County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋KS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections