Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Colony?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colony, you need to earn at least $24,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,286, which means the typical resident is $20,206 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 358

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$421	$1,403	$16,840	$-27,446
1 Bedroom	$500	$1,667	$20,000	$-24,286
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$602	$2,007	$24,080	$-20,206
3 Bedroom	$734	$2,447	$29,360	$-14,926
4 Bedroom	$903	$3,010	$36,120	$-8,166

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Colony's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,286

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$24,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,206

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Colony

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Colony's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,107

Studio

$421/mo

1 BR

$500/mo

2 BR

$602/mo

3 BR

$734/mo

4 BR

$903/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Colony.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Colony's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Colony

Colony, Kansas stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $44,286 significantly exceeds the $24,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,206 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Colony, a studio at $421/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $734/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $29,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $36,120 would position you well — though many residents in Colony manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Colony, Kansas.

With a total population of 358, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 182 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $24,080 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

182

Active civilian employees in Colony

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Colony

What salary do I need to live in Colony, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colony under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $24,080. The median household income in Colony is $44,286.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Colony on $44,286?

The affordability verdict for Colony is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.3%, meaning median earners have a $20,206 surplus.

What is the average rent in Colony compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Colony is $500/month. With a median household income of $44,286, residents spend approximately 16.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Colony?

A studio in Colony rents for approximately $421/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,840 to afford this.

Is Colony considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,206 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Colony is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $24,080 to the local median household income.

How Colony Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements