Cost of Living in Valley Center, KS
Population 8,937 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Valley Center offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $214,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $73,480, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Valley Center sits roughly 10 miles north of Wichita — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than Wichita's $180,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Valley Center
The median home value in Valley Center is $214,300 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,017/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,480/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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, Valley Center has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
Valley Center is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Valley Center, KS?
Valley Center has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Valley Center, KS?
The median gross rent in Valley Center is $1,017 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Valley Center?
The median home value in Valley Center is $214,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Valley Center?
The median household income in Valley Center is $73,480 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Valley Center, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Valley Center is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Valley Center, KS affordable?
Yes, Valley Center is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
Valley Center at a Glance
- Population
- 8,937
- Median Income
- $73,480
- Home Value
- $214,300
- Median Rent
- $1,017/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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