Cost of Living in Russell, KS

Population 4,258 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Russell sits on the smaller end of the Kansas city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Russell lies roughly 115 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 39% lower than Wichita's $180,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 36
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in Russell

The median home value in Russell is $109,400 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $744/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,347/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.9%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 67.3°F and lows of 42.4°F. Overall, Russell has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$109,400
64% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$230,940
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$744/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3x
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 71.9%
Renter-occupied 28.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$744
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,358/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
13.8 min
49% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.2%
Carpooled
13.4%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
8.9%

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
$51,347
31% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,759
Unemployment Rate
0.9%
82% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
Labor Force Participation
65.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 5.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.2
Male median age 39.7
Female median age 44.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.3°F
Avg Low
42.4°F
Annual Precip
24.8"
10° 33° 55° 78° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 424657677688939082695543
Low °F 192231405262676557433021
Precip" 0.550.711.302.173.983.313.973.282.151.720.960.74

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

84%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
858
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Russell, KS?

Russell has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Russell, KS?

The median gross rent in Russell is $744 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Russell?

The median home value in Russell is $109,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Russell?

The median household income in Russell is $51,347 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Russell, KS?

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

Is Russell, KS affordable?

Yes, Russell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Russell?

Russell has average high temperatures of 67.3°F and average lows of 42.4°F. Annual precipitation is 24.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Russell at a Glance

Population
4,258
Median Income
$51,347
Home Value
$109,400
Median Rent
$744/mo
Unemployment
0.9%
Avg High Temp
67.3°F
Sales Tax
8.6%
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🗺️ County data for Kansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

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