HOUSING

-IN PRATT COUNTY, KS-

Housing in Pratt County

Housing plays a crucial role in Pratt County, impacting various aspects of community well-being, economic stability, and quality of life. In Pratt County, ensuring access to affordable housing options that meet the diverse needs of residents is crucial for fostering a thriving and resilient community. Addressing housing challenges requires collaboration among policymakers, developers, community organizations, and residents to promote equitable housing opportunities and sustainable growth.

A black and white drawing of a house with a for sale sign.

Median Gross Rent

$763

Pratt County, KS

Median Gross Rent in Kansas $975

A black and white icon of a house with a key in the door.
Homeownership Rate
70.0%

Pratt County, KS 

Homeownership Rate in Kansas 67.7%

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year 2018-2022

Key reasons why housing is important in Pratt County:


  1. Community Stability: Adequate housing promotes community stability by providing residents with a sense of security and belonging. Stable housing conditions contribute to lower rates of residential turnover, fostering stronger community ties and social cohesion.

  2. Economic Development: Housing availability and affordability are critical factors influencing economic development. In Pratt County, a sufficient housing supply supports local businesses by attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. It also encourages investment in infrastructure and amenities that enhance overall community attractiveness.

  3. Health and Well-being: Access to safe and affordable housing is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Quality housing reduces exposure to environmental hazards and stressors, contributing to improved physical and mental health outcomes for residents.

  4. Education: Housing stability positively impacts educational outcomes for children. Stable housing reduces disruptions in schooling, enhances academic performance, and promotes educational attainment, thereby supporting future economic opportunities for individuals and the community.

  5. Social Services and Support: Housing availability influences access to essential social services, such as healthcare facilities, childcare services, and community support programs. Proximity to these services improves residents' overall quality of life and facilitates timely access to necessary resources.

  6. Cultural and Community Identity: Housing choices reflect and shape the cultural and community identity of Pratt County. Preservation of historic buildings and neighborhoods contributes to maintaining local heritage and character, fostering pride among residents.

  7. Resilience and Sustainability: Sustainable housing practices contribute to environmental resilience and resource efficiency. Incorporating energy-efficient technologies and promoting sustainable building practices in housing developments can reduce environmental impact and lower living costs for residents.

Housing Occupancy & Gross Rent

The features listed here are meant for identifying potentially vulnerable populations and should not be used to stigmatize any specific trait as inherently disadvantageous. Depending on the community context, these groups might encounter distinct obstacles in accessing healthcare, engaging in physical activity, or establishing a robust social support system.

Household Income and Gross Rent

Understanding GRAPI helps gauge housing affordability and economic stability for renters in Pratt County. Higher GRAPI percentages indicate a greater financial strain on households, potentially impacting their ability to afford other necessities and save for the future. Addressing housing affordability through policies, support for affordable housing development, and economic opportunities can help mitigate rent burden and enhance overall community well-being.

Insights:

  • Distribution Across GRAPI Categories: Pratt County shows a varied distribution of rent burden among occupied rental units. A significant number of units (290) have a GRAPI of 35.0 percent or more, indicating a higher proportion of income going towards rent for these households.

  • Moderate Rent Burden: A substantial portion of units have GRAPI in the range of 25.0 to 34.9 percent, suggesting a moderate rent burden for these households.

  • Lower Rent Burden: There are also units with GRAPI below 25.0 percent, reflecting a lower rent burden for some renters in Pratt County.

  • Challenges with Data Computation: The presence of 118 units where GRAPI could not be computed highlights potential challenges in accurately assessing rent affordability or income data for these households.

Mortgage Status

The features listed here aim to help identify populations that may be vulnerable, but should not be used to stigmatize any specific characteristic as inherently negative. Depending on the community context, these groups may encounter specific obstacles in accessing healthcare, engaging in physical activities, or establishing a robust social support system. In Pratt County, English is the predominant language spoken at home, and it also boasts the largest population with ancestral ties.

Our overview highlights the distribution of monthly owner costs for housing units with mortgages in Pratt County compared to the broader context of Kansas, emphasizing affordability and economic considerations for local residents and policymakers alike.

  • Disparity in Housing Units: Pratt County, with 1,172 housing units with a mortgage, contrasts significantly with Kansas, which has 445,348 such units. This reflects the smaller scale of housing ownership in Pratt County compared to the statewide context.


  • Cost Distribution: The majority of housing units in both Kansas and Pratt County fall into the lower and middle ranges of monthly owner costs (less than $1,500), with fewer units in the higher cost brackets. This suggests a generally affordable housing market relative to income levels in these areas.


  • Affordability Challenges: While most units have manageable monthly owner costs, there are still households in Pratt County facing higher costs, especially those in the $2,000 to $2,999 and $3,000 or more categories. Efforts to promote housing affordability and financial assistance programs could benefit these households.


  • Economic Context: Understanding SMOC provides insights into the economic conditions and housing affordability landscape in Pratt County, influencing policies aimed at enhancing housing accessibility and stability for residents.

Owner Occupied Value of Homes

The value distribution of owner-occupied units in Pratt County provides insights into the housing market and economic conditions.

A black and white drawing of a house with a door.
Median Value of Homes
$111,100

Pratt County, KS

Median Value of Homes in Kansas $189,300

Insights:

  • Distribution of Value Ranges: The majority of owner-occupied units in Pratt County fall within the $50,000 to $299,999 range, reflecting a diverse housing market with a significant portion of homes valued under $200,000. This suggests a range of affordability options for homeowners in the area.

  • Absence of High-Value Properties: The absence of owner-occupied units valued at $1,000,000 or more indicates a lack of extremely high-end residential properties within Pratt County, highlighting the predominantly moderate to lower-end residential market in the region.


  • Median Value: With a median value of $111,100, Pratt County's housing market is characterized by moderate property values, potentially indicating affordability relative to local income levels and market conditions.


  • Market Implications: Understanding the distribution of owner-occupied unit values is crucial for prospective homebuyers, real estate professionals, and policymakers. It informs market trends, affordability assessments, and housing development strategies aimed at meeting diverse community needs.

Pratt County's owner-occupied housing market shows a balanced distribution of property values predominantly within the moderate price ranges. The absence of high-value properties suggests a focus on affordability and accessibility for residents, contributing to a stable and diverse housing environment in the county. Efforts to maintain affordability and support sustainable housing development could further enhance residential opportunities and community well-being in Pratt County.

Housing by Demographics

Understanding housing occupancy by race and Hispanic or Latino origin provides valuable insights into the demographic landscape and housing dynamics in Pratt County. This overview underscores the importance of inclusive housing policies and programs aimed at promoting equitable access to homeownership and rental opportunities across diverse communities within the county.

Housing Occupancy by Age

Housing occupancy in Pratt County varies significantly by age group, with younger and older householders more likely to rent, while middle-aged and pre-retirement age groups show a strong preference for homeownership. This distribution provides valuable insights for housing policy, economic planning, and community services aimed at addressing the needs of different age demographics within the county.

Housing Occupancy by Educational Attainment



  • Homeownership vs. Renting: Across all educational attainment levels, there is a strong trend towards homeownership, especially among those with higher education levels. The propensity for homeownership increases with educational attainment.


  • Economic Implications: Higher educational attainment often correlates with higher income levels, which is reflected in the greater number of owner-occupied units among those with some college education and bachelor’s degrees or higher.


  • Policy and Planning: Understanding the relationship between educational attainment and housing occupancy can guide policies aimed at increasing housing affordability and accessibility. Programs that support educational advancement may also contribute to higher rates of homeownership and economic stability in Pratt County.