Best Cities for Families in Kansas

Kansas lands in the middle of the pack for families at #22 out of 50 states. The state has genuine strengths — affordability scores excellent at 82/100 — but also areas that may give parents pause. A high school graduation rate of 88% is encouraging, and the median home price of $279,000 keeps homeownership within reach.

Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Kansas shows mixed results on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 88%, roughly in line with national norms. School quality has been a consistent strength, reflected in an education score of 69/100. Childcare runs $10,192 annually for infants — a meaningful expense but in line with national norms.

Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Kansas performs reasonably well, with a violent crime rate below the national average at 360 incidents per 100,000 residents. The low cost of living (index: 90) means family budgets stretch further here than in most states, leaving more room for savings, activities, and college funds.