Rooks County, Kansas
Income Data
At a Glance
How Rooks County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Rooks County, Kansas
Rooks County Undershoots National Median Income
Rooks County's median household income of $61,596 trails the national median of $74,755 by $13,159, placing it below the 50th percentile of U.S. counties. This rural agricultural county reflects patterns common across Great Plains communities where commodity-dependent economies face income headwinds. However, Rooks County's per capita income of $34,675 nearly matches the national pattern, suggesting moderate income concentration.
Below Kansas Average but Stable
Rooks County ranks below Kansas's median household income of $64,428, though the $2,832 gap is relatively modest in state terms. The county's agricultural and small-business economy mirrors dozens of other rural Kansas counties, creating a middle-tier position statewide. This positioning reflects Rooks County's role as a stable but not economically booming region.
Strongest Housing Affordability in Region
Rooks County's median home value of just $90,000 is the lowest among comparison counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of only 13.2%—the best affordability in this cohort. Neighboring Rush County ($79,300 median home) and Russell County ($106,400) offer similarly affordable housing, making this region attractive for cost-conscious families. The trade-off: lower home values reflect limited job growth and population decline common to rural Kansas.
Affordability Makes Budgets More Workable
With housing consuming just 13.2% of income, Rooks County households enjoy one of the region's best rent-to-income ratios, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $90,000 remains genuinely accessible to first-time buyers earning $61,596, requiring a manageable down payment and mortgage. This affordability advantage means more discretionary income for savings, childcare, and other essentials.
Leverage Housing Affordability for Wealth Building
Rooks County's exceptional housing affordability creates an opportunity: homebuyers here can build equity faster than national peers while keeping monthly payments under 25% of income. Direct savings from low housing costs into diversified investments (index funds, bonds) compounds significantly over 20-30 years. Agricultural workers and small-business owners should explore retirement plan options and crop insurance strategies to stabilize income volatility.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.