Income Needed to Buy a Home in Kansas (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $84,710/year (#40 least affordable of 51 US states)
Kansas ranks #40 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $244,761 requires a household income of about $84,710. That's $9,196 more than the median household actually earns ($75,514) — a shortfall of 12% of typical income.
Kansas's affordability ratio of 1.12 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 12.2% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 29.4% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 1.19% adds $243 per month — and homeowners insurance is a real burden here at $4,444/year ($370/month), well above what most states pay. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $1,977.
Kansas monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $244,761 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $220,285 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,364 |
| Monthly property tax (1.19% rate) | $243 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $370 |
| Total monthly PITI | $1,977 |
| Required household income | $84,710 |
| Median household income | $75,514 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Kansas compares
- Michigan — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $81,170)
- North Dakota — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $87,273)
- Arkansas — similar affordability (ratio 1.11, requires $68,956)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Kansas in 2026?
About $84,710 per year to afford the median-priced home of $244,761, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Kansas household earns $75,514.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Kansas?
Roughly $1,977 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Kansas affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $9,196 (12%), ranking Kansas #40 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.