Average Rent in Kearny County, KS↑ Rents rising 19.0% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in KS
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 3,910
Market Overview
Kearny County, KS has rental prices ranging from $931/month to $1,721/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $989/month — 29% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,135/year, spending $989/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Kearny County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,298/month, Kearny County ranks #2 most expensive of the 96 cities tracked in Kansas — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.
The Kearny County Rental Market
The Kearny County, KS area has a population of about 3,910 and 27% 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 Kearny County, KS have risen by $207/month (19.0%) over the past year, from $1,091 to $1,298. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Kearny County, KS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $39,560. The local median household income of $74,135 exceeds that threshold by $34,575, making Kearny County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Kearny County, KS has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, 0.0 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 FY2025Is Kearny County, KS Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in KSlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Kearny County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Kearny County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Kearny County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Kearny CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in KSSee how Kearny County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Kearny CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋KS Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections