Cost of Living in Hiawatha, KS
Population 3,223 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hiawatha offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $113,000 — costs less than 1.7 times median household income of $65,058, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Hiawatha is about 55 miles north of Topeka, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Topeka's $131,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hiawatha
The median home value in Hiawatha is $112,500 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $683/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,058/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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, Hiawatha has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.
Hiawatha has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. 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 Hiawatha, KS?
Hiawatha has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hiawatha, KS?
The median gross rent in Hiawatha is $683 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hiawatha?
The median home value in Hiawatha is $112,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hiawatha?
The median household income in Hiawatha is $65,058 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hiawatha, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hiawatha is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Hiawatha, KS affordable?
Yes, Hiawatha is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Hiawatha at a Glance
- Population
- 3,223
- Median Income
- $65,058
- Home Value
- $112,500
- Median Rent
- $683/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs