RentData

Average Rent in Ellis County, KS Rents falling 3.5% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 28,870

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

Market Overview

Ellis County, KS has rental prices ranging from $627/month to $1,535/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $697/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $59,889/year, spending $697/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Ellis County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $914/month, Ellis County ranks #20 most expensive of the 96 cities tracked in Kansas — more affordable than 66% of all US cities in our data.

The Ellis County Rental Market

The Ellis County, KS area has a population of about 28,870 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Ellis County, KS have fallen by $33/month (3.5%) over the past year, from $947 to $914. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Ellis County, KS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $27,880. The local median household income of $59,889 exceeds that threshold by $32,009, making Ellis County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Ellis County, KS has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 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
$627
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$697
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$914
3.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,273
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,535
Average
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Is Ellis 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
$36,560/year
Local median income: $59,889
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $914/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 Ellis County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Ellis County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$914/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: $914/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Ellis County

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Ellis County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Ellis County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KS

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⚖️Compare Ellis County

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📋KS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections