Cost of Living in Parsons, KS

Population 9,482 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023

36
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Parsons a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $70,000. An unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Parsons lies roughly 90 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Tulsa. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Tulsa's $190,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 23
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in Parsons

The median home value in Parsons is $70,300 — 77% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $743/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,838/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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, Parsons has a cost of living index of 36 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$70,300
77% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$78,263
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$743/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
7.9x
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 65.2%
Renter-occupied 34.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$743
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,357/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
12.0 min
56% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.0%
Carpooled
18.8%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.8%
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
$50,838
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,801
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
65% below avg
Poverty Rate
20.7%
Labor Force Participation
60.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.1%
Graduate degree 8.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 46.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,351
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Parsons, KS?

Parsons has a cost index of 36 (100 = national average). It is 64% below the national average.

What is average rent in Parsons, KS?

The median gross rent in Parsons is $743 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Parsons?

The median home value in Parsons is $70,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Parsons?

The median household income in Parsons is $50,838 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Parsons, KS?

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

Is Parsons, KS affordable?

Yes, Parsons is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 36 — about 64% below the US national average of 100.

Parsons at a Glance

Population
9,482
Median Income
$50,838
Home Value
$70,300
Median Rent
$743/mo
Unemployment
1.7%
Sales Tax
8.6%
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