Cost of Living in Garnett, KS

Population 3,200 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Garnett's median household income of $46,875 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (6% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Garnett is about 45 miles southwest of Olathe, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Olathe's $341,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 69

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

About the Cost of Living in Garnett

The median home value in Garnett is $137,800 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $909/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,875/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above 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, Garnett has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$137,800
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$366,994
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$909/mo
31% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.6x
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 68.6%
Renter-occupied 31.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$909
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,523/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
26.8 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
0

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.1%
Carpooled
9.1%
Walked
2.8%

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
$46,875
37% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,612
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
50% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
Labor Force Participation
59.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.2%
Graduate degree 12.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.9
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 34.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,006
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Garnett, KS?

Garnett has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Garnett, KS?

The median gross rent in Garnett is $909 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Garnett?

The median home value in Garnett is $137,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Garnett?

The median household income in Garnett is $46,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Garnett, KS?

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

Is Garnett, KS affordable?

Yes, Garnett is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

Garnett at a Glance

Population
3,200
Median Income
$46,875
Home Value
$137,800
Median Rent
$909/mo
Unemployment
7.2%
Sales Tax
8.6%
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