Rooks County, Kansas

Income Data

-4% vs. Kansas average
$61,596
Median Household Income
$34,675
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,596
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,675
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
68.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kansas
#60 / 105
by median household income

How Rooks County Compares

Rooks County$61,596
Kansas Average$64,428
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,596
Median Household Income
$34,675
Per Capita Income
$90,000
Median Home Value
68.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Rooks County, Kansas?
The median household income in Rooks County, Kansas is $61,596, 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 Rooks County?
The per capita income in Rooks County is $34,675, 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 $61,596.
How does Rooks County compare to the Kansas average?
Rooks County's median household income of $61,596 is lower than the Kansas state average of $64,428. The per capita income is $34,675, compared to the state average of $34,748.
What is the per capita income in Rooks County, Kansas?
The per capita income in Rooks County, Kansas is $34,675, 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 Rooks County a low-income area in Kansas?
Rooks County's median household income of $61,596 is below the Kansas average of $64,428. The per capita income of $34,675 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 Rooks County rank for income in Kansas?
Rooks County ranks #60 out of 105 counties in Kansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,596 and per capita income of $34,675, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $61,596 per year

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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.