Cost of Living in Fort Scott, KS
Population 7,551 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Scott is a smaller Kansas community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $60,799 and housing costs ($89,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Fort Scott is about 75 miles south of Olathe, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 74% lower than Olathe's $341,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Scott
The median home value in Fort Scott is $89,400 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $796/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,799/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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, Fort Scott has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.
Fort Scott is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Scott, KS?
Fort Scott has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Scott, KS?
The median gross rent in Fort Scott is $796 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Scott?
The median home value in Fort Scott is $89,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Scott?
The median household income in Fort Scott is $60,799 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Scott, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Scott is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Fort Scott, KS affordable?
Yes, Fort Scott is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
Fort Scott at a Glance
- Population
- 7,551
- Median Income
- $60,799
- Home Value
- $89,400
- Median Rent
- $796/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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