Jewell County, Kansas

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-19% vs. Kansas average

$52,344

Median Household Income

$32,993

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$52,344

-19% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$32,993

-16% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

84.3%

income as % of home value

Rank in Kansas

#100 / 105

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Jewell County Compares

Jewell County$52,344

Kansas Average$64,428

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,344

Median Household Income

$32,993

Per Capita Income

$62,100

Median Home Value

84.3%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Jewell County

Income Verdict

Jewell County has a median household income of $52,344 and per capita income of $32,993 — a gap of $19,351, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $591/month and a median household income of $52,344, rent consumes approximately 13.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $52,344, residents of Jewell County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $32,993 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Jewell County earns approximately 18.8% below the Kansas state median household income of $64,428.

Data Story

About Household Income in Jewell County, Kansas

Jewell Faces Significant Income Gap

Jewell County's median household income of $52,344 trails the national median of $74,755 by 30%, marking one of the steepest income shortfalls in the peer group. This gap reflects the county's rural character, limited employment diversification, and population decline that reduce wage scales. Jewell ranks in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties by household income.

Lowest-Income Kansas County

At $52,344, Jewell County falls 18.7% below Kansas's state average of $64,428, ranking in the lowest tier statewide. This significant underperformance reflects structural economic challenges: aging population, agricultural volatility, and limited job creation. Jewell requires targeted economic development to close gaps with stronger-performing neighbors.

Lowest Income in Region

Jewell County's $52,344 median income lags all neighbors by $7,000–25,000: Haskell ($69,138), Jackson ($72,703), Jefferson ($77,393), Hodgeman ($63,125), and Kingman ($59,819). This income disadvantage reflects population loss and limited ability to attract skilled workers or new employers. Jewell faces structural economic headwinds requiring targeted intervention.

Limited Room for Housing Costs

Jewell's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio is manageable in isolation, but the county's low median income ($52,344) leaves households with minimal discretionary income after housing costs. A median home value of $62,100 is deeply affordable, but lower-wage households struggle with rent payments and utilities. Income constraints, not housing costs, create affordability stress.

Focus on Stability, Then Growth

Jewell County households should prioritize building a robust emergency fund given income volatility in agricultural areas and limited job options. Once stabilized, even modest retirement contributions through employer plans compound meaningfully over decades. Stability first; aggressive investing follows once the foundation is secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Jewell County, Kansas?

The median household income in Jewell County, Kansas is $52,344, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Jewell County?

The per capita income in Jewell County is $32,993, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $52,344.

How does Jewell County compare to the Kansas average?

Jewell County's median household income of $52,344 is lower than the Kansas state average of $64,428. The per capita income is $32,993, compared to the state average of $34,748.

What is the per capita income in Jewell County, Kansas?

The per capita income in Jewell County, Kansas is $32,993, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Jewell County a low-income area in Kansas?

Jewell County's median household income of $52,344 is below the Kansas average of $64,428. The per capita income of $32,993 is also lower than the state average of $34,748. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Jewell County rank for income in Kansas?

Jewell County ranks #100 out of 105 counties in Kansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,344 and per capita income of $32,993, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.