Kearny County, Kansas

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

+15% vs. Kansas average

$74,135

Median Household Income

$31,556

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$74,135

+15% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$31,556

-20% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

48.6%

income as % of home value

Rank in Kansas

#13 / 105

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Kearny County Compares

Kearny County$74,135

Kansas Average$64,428

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$74,135

Median Household Income

$31,556

Per Capita Income

$152,500

Median Home Value

48.6%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Kearny County

Income Verdict

Kearny County has a median household income of $74,135 and per capita income of $31,556 — a gap of $42,579, indicating a strong family-earning economy with multiple earners per household.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,137/month and a median household income of $74,135, rent consumes approximately 18.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $74,135 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $31,556 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Kearny County earns approximately 15.1% above the Kansas state median household income of $64,428, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Kearny County, Kansas

Kearny Nearly Matches National Average

Kearny County's median household income of $74,135 sits just 0.8% below the national median of $74,755, placing it essentially at parity with the U.S. average. This near-perfect alignment with national norms is notable for a rural Kansas county, reflecting balanced economic opportunity. Kearny ranks in the 45th-50th percentile nationally—solidly middle-income.

Above-Average Kansas Performance

At $74,135, Kearny County exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 15.1%, ranking in the upper-middle tier statewide. This strong regional standing reflects agricultural productivity and diversified local employment relative to many rural Kansas peers. Kearny performs above typical for its region.

Competitive With Strongest Peers

Kearny County's $74,135 median income approaches Jackson County ($72,703) and nearly matches Jefferson County ($77,393), exceeding Haskell ($69,138), Hodgeman ($63,125), Kingman ($59,819), and Jewell ($52,344). This strong regional position reflects Kearny's agricultural base and stable employment. Kearny ranks second in the peer group, trailing only Jefferson County.

Housing Affordability Pressured by Rent

Kearny's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the peer group, approaching burden territory and suggesting rental costs consume substantial household income. A median home value of $152,500 remains affordable, but renters face material affordability stress relative to homeowners. Rent inflation outpaces wage growth, creating vulnerability for lower-wage households.

Homeownership as Wealth Strategy

Kearny households should prioritize transitioning from renting to homeownership given elevated rent-to-income ratios; a $152,500 median home value is achievable and builds equity instead of paying rent. Once stable in homeownership, systematic investment in retirement accounts compounds wealth substantially. Home equity plus retirement savings create dual wealth engines.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median household income in Kearny County, Kansas is $74,135, 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 Kearny County?

The per capita income in Kearny County is $31,556, 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 $74,135.

How does Kearny County compare to the Kansas average?

Kearny County's median household income of $74,135 is higher than the Kansas state average of $64,428. The per capita income is $31,556, compared to the state average of $34,748.

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

The per capita income in Kearny County, Kansas is $31,556, 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.

Why is Kearny County income higher than the Kansas average?

Kearny County's median household income of $74,135 is higher than the Kansas average of $64,428. This difference of $9,707 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.

How does Kearny County rank for income in Kansas?

Kearny County ranks #13 out of 105 counties in Kansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $74,135 and per capita income of $31,556, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.