Smith County, Kansas

Income Data

-11% vs. Kansas average
$57,024
Median Household Income
$35,983
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,024
-11% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,983
-9% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
62.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kansas
#83 / 105
by median household income

How Smith County Compares

Smith County$57,024
Kansas Average$64,428
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,024
Median Household Income
$35,983
Per Capita Income
$91,000
Median Home Value
62.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Smith County, Kansas

Smith County's income lags far behind

Smith County's median household income of $57,024 falls nearly $18,000 below the national median of $74,755, ranking in the bottom tier of U.S. counties. The county's per capita income of $35,983 nearly matches the Kansas state average of $34,748, indicating limited earning potential across the board.

Lowest income in Kansas's sample

Smith County ranks among the lowest-income counties in Kansas, with a median household income of $57,024 trailing the state average of $64,428 by $7,404. This gap reflects economic challenges in rural northwest Kansas, where population and employment options remain limited.

Struggling most among peer counties

Smith County's $57,024 median household income ranks lowest among the eight-county group, significantly trailing Sheridan ($70,000), Stanton ($70,361), and Shawnee ($66,043). Only Sumner County ($60,348) comes close, leaving Smith facing substantial economic headwinds.

Housing remains accessible despite low incomes

Smith County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% is surprisingly favorable, with median home values of just $91,000—the lowest in the region. This affordability is essential for Smith County households earning $57,024 annually, as housing costs represent the primary financial obligation.

Build financial resilience in Smith County

Smith County households face tight budgets with incomes averaging $57,024, making emergency savings a critical priority before investing. Explore low-cost financial literacy programs, employer benefits, and community credit unions to establish sustainable paths toward homeownership and retirement security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Smith County, Kansas?
The median household income in Smith County, Kansas is $57,024, 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 Smith County?
The per capita income in Smith County is $35,983, 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 $57,024.
How does Smith County compare to the Kansas average?
Smith County's median household income of $57,024 is lower than the Kansas state average of $64,428. The per capita income is $35,983, compared to the state average of $34,748.
What is the per capita income in Smith County, Kansas?
The per capita income in Smith County, Kansas is $35,983, 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 Smith County a low-income area in Kansas?
Smith County's median household income of $57,024 is below the Kansas average of $64,428. The per capita income of $35,983 is also comparable to 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 Smith County rank for income in Kansas?
Smith County ranks #83 out of 105 counties in Kansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,024 and per capita income of $35,983, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Smith County

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Your income is above the Smith County median

County median: $57,024 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-11%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Smith County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kansas Average11% below
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,752) vs. median rent ($601/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.