Cost of Living in Ellsworth, KS

Population 3,098 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Ellsworth can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $144,000 against $65,357 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Ellsworth lies roughly 85 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Wichita — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Wichita's $180,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 53

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Ellsworth

The median home value in Ellsworth is $143,600 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $693/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,357/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kansas's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 8.6%. Overall, Ellsworth has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$143,600
53% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$222,611
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$693/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$625
1 BR
$695
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,158
4 BR
$1,257
Owner-occupied 75.6%
Renter-occupied 24.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$693
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,307/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
16.2 min
40% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.1%
Carpooled
9.1%
Walked
3.0%
Work from home
3.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.7%
Total Sales Tax 8.6%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.1%
Property Tax 1.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$65,357
12% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,258
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
70% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Labor Force Participation
42.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.3%
Graduate degree 4.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.5
Male median age 38.5
Female median age 46.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

84%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
636
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ellsworth, KS?

Ellsworth has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ellsworth, KS?

The median gross rent in Ellsworth is $693 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ellsworth?

The median home value in Ellsworth is $143,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ellsworth?

The median household income in Ellsworth is $65,357 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ellsworth, KS?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ellsworth is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.

Is Ellsworth, KS affordable?

Yes, Ellsworth is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

Ellsworth at a Glance

Population
3,098
Median Income
$65,357
Home Value
$143,600
Median Rent
$693/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Sales Tax
8.6%
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