RentData

Average Rent in Seward County, KS↓ Rents falling 6.5% YoY🔺 13th priciest in KS

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 21,640

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

Market Overview

Seward County, KS has rental prices ranging from $701/month to $1,447/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $745/month — 47% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,269/year, spending $745/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Seward County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $978/month, Seward County ranks #13 most expensive of the 96 cities tracked in Kansas — pricier than 61% of all US cities in our data.

The Seward County Rental Market

The Seward County, KS area has a population of about 21,640 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Seward County, KS have fallen by $68/month (6.5%) over the past year, from $1,046 to $978. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Seward County, KS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,800. The local median household income of $62,269 exceeds that threshold by $32,469, making Seward County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Seward County, KS has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2 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
$701
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$745
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$978
↓6.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,208
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,447
Affordable
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Is Seward 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
$39,120/year
Local median income: $62,269
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $978/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 Seward County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Seward County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$978/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $978/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Seward 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 Seward County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Seward County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KS

See how Seward County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Seward County

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

📋KS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections