IncomeBy County

Riley County, Kansas

Income Data

-8% vs. Kansas average
$59,560
Median Household Income
$34,583
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$59,560
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,583
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
25.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kansas
#69 / 105
by median household income

How Riley County Compares

Riley County$59,560
Kansas Average$64,428
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,560
Median Household Income
$34,583
Per Capita Income
$231,200
Median Home Value
25.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Riley County, Kansas

Riley County Lags Behind National Earnings

Riley County's median household income of $59,560 falls $15,195 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. This 20% gap reflects economic conditions that many rural and college-town communities across America share. Despite this gap, Riley County's per capita income of $34,583 closely tracks the state average of $34,748.

Middle Tier in Kansas Earnings Rankings

Riley County's median household income of $59,560 sits below Kansas's state average of $64,428, placing it in the middle ranks among the state's 105 counties. The county's economic profile reflects its position as home to Kansas State University, which supports professional and service-sector employment. This blended economy creates income diversity but doesn't match the state average.

Comparable to Regional Peer Counties

Riley County's $59,560 median income sits slightly below neighboring Saline County ($63,316) and Pottawatomie County, but comfortably ahead of Russell County ($53,902). The county's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% is notably higher than rural neighbors like Rooks County (13.2%), reflecting stronger housing demand near the university. This trade-off means renters here face tighter budgets despite similar overall household earnings.

Housing Costs Squeeze Local Budgets

At a rent-to-income ratio of 21.5%, Riley County renters dedicate more than one-fifth of gross income to housing—above the 30% affordability threshold and considerably higher than state peers. The median home value of $231,200 remains accessible to buyers with steady incomes, but combined with rental pressures, housing consumes an outsized share of household budgets. Financial planning here must prioritize housing costs and build emergency savings accordingly.

Strategic Savings Close the Wealth Gap

Riley County households earning $59,560 should prioritize debt reduction and building an emergency fund equal to 6-9 months of expenses, given tighter housing affordability. Consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts (401k, IRA) to reduce taxable income while building long-term wealth—every dollar invested compounds significantly over decades. With university presence driving professional development, investing in skills and credentials can unlock higher income tiers over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Riley County, Kansas?
The median household income in Riley County, Kansas is $59,560, 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 Riley County?
The per capita income in Riley County is $34,583, 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 $59,560.
How does Riley County compare to the Kansas average?
Riley County's median household income of $59,560 is lower than the Kansas state average of $64,428. The per capita income is $34,583, compared to the state average of $34,748.
What is the per capita income in Riley County, Kansas?
The per capita income in Riley County, Kansas is $34,583, 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 Riley County a low-income area in Kansas?
Riley County's median household income of $59,560 is below the Kansas average of $64,428. The per capita income of $34,583 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 Riley County rank for income in Kansas?
Riley County ranks #69 out of 105 counties in Kansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,560 and per capita income of $34,583, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $59,560 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Kansas Average▼ 8% below
vs. National Median▼ 20% below

Income Adequacy

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$59,556
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$59,574
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$59,586
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Menominee County
Wisconsin
$59,528
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San Jacinto County
Texas
$59,526
+0%
Bracken County
Kentucky
$59,521
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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