A recent study tracking health conditions in every U.S. county has found that the living wage in and around Kansas City is far higher than previously calculated, and much higher than the area’s current minimum wage.
The University of Wisconsin conducted the study, entitled County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. The project defines a living wage as “The hourly wage needed to cover basic household expenses plus all relevant taxes for a household of one adult and two children.”
The study asserts that wages are inextricably tied to community health outcomes due to their impacts on housing, food insecurity, access to healthcare and more.
Johnson County has the highest living wage in the state of Kansas, as well as in the Kansas City area, at $41.07 an hour. Wyandotte County is not far behind, coming in fourth with a living wage of $38.75 an hour. Between them are Douglas and Leavenworth Counties
In Missouri, Saint Louis County takes the top spot with a living wage of $42.28, but the counties that make up Kansas City aren’t far behind.
Jackson County ranks 4th, with a living wage of $36.80. Platte County and Clay county are tied for tenth place, both with a living wage of $35.44.
There is no one definition of a living wage, but many consider it to be the hourly rate a resident must make in order to pay for the basic necessities of life. The cost of food, shelter and medical care are often included. Other expenses like clothing, toiletries, transportation, leisure activities,...
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