KansasPop. 26,062Small cities
Is Derby a Good Place to Live? Derby, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Derby ranks #655 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6%, #32 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Derby by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Derby's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Derby: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Derby safe?
What is the cost of living in Derby?
Derby's cost of living index is 88.9, 11% below the US level of 100 and #162 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,136/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $286,220, 15% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Derby | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88.9#162 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $286,220#342 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,536/mo#365 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $236,900#354 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,136/mo#370 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.2%#109 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Derby housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Derby is in the Wichita, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Derby safe?
Derby Police Department reported 5 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Derby and we don't rank it on safety. Kansas as a whole records 457 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Derby?
The median household in Derby earns $84,112, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Derby | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $84,112#547 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6%#178 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Derby?
The median resident of Derby is 35.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 37.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Derby | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 37.6%#534 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 68.5% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Derby's schools and health?
Derby's 9 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 17.3 students per teacher and $11,894 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Derby | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.3#776 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,894#975 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.9%#358 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,358 students are enrolled in Derby's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Derby?
The average commute in Derby is 23 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.1% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Derby scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.3°F and winters 34.5°F, with 38.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Derby | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 84.3% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.6% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.8 | 20.7 | 0.9 |
| Feb | 48.4 | 24.6 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 58.6 | 33.9 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 68.4 | 43.7 | 3.3 |
| May | 76.8 | 55.2 | 6 |
| Jun | 87.1 | 65.2 | 6.3 |
| Jul | 91.7 | 68.9 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 90.1 | 67.1 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 83.2 | 57.9 | 3 |
| Oct | 71.5 | 44.8 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 57.4 | 33.2 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 45.7 | 24 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Haysville 3se.
| Measure | Derby | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 38.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Haysville 3se.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Derby?
Sedgwick County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sedgwick County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Derby | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#608 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sedgwick County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sedgwick County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0042% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0094% | 83% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.016% | 77% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Derby compare with similar-size cities?
Derby is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #118 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,062.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #1139 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 | 19.8 min |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #388 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 | 14.3 min |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #1149 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #479 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 | 13 min |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #885 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 | 20.3 min |
| Yukon, OKPop. 25,529 | #504 | 58.0 | $75,273 | $1,274/mo | 293 | 22.8 min |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #910 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 | 17.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Derby compare with the rest of Kansas?
Derby ranks #12 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 11% above the Kansas median. Homes are 15% above the typical Kansas home.
| City | Rank in KS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #1 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #2 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #3 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #4 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #5 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 |
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #6 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #7 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 |
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #8 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 |
| Dodge City, KSPop. 27,613 | #9 | 57.4 | $68,721 | $1,045/mo | 185 |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #10 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #11 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #12 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #13 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #14 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #15 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #16 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #17 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #18 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #19 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #20 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 |
All 20 Kansas cities we track, by overall score. Kansas statewide: median income $75,514, violent crime 457.2 per 100,000.
How is Derby's score calculated?
Derby scores 55.8 out of 100, #655 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Kansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Derby. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.8 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Derby. Similar-size median 52.2.
56.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Derby's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
54.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Derby's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
80.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Derby. Similar-size median 46.7.
65.8 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Derby. Similar-size median 44.2.
45.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Derby. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Derby's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
50.1 - SafetyNot scored
Derby's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Derby's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Derby has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Derby
Is Derby, KS a good place to live?
Derby ranks #655 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6%, #32 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Derby?
Derby's cost of living index is 88.9, 11% below the US level of 100 and #162 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,136/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $286,220, 15% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
Is Derby safe?
Derby Police Department reported 5 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Derby and we don't rank it on safety. Kansas as a whole records 457 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Derby?
The median household in Derby earns $84,112, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Derby?
Median rent in Derby is $1,136/mo (Census), #370 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,536/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Derby?
The typical home value in Derby is $286,220, up 2.9% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $236,900.
How are the public schools in Derby?
Derby's 9 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 17.3 students per teacher and $11,894 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Derby?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Derby?
Derby averages 56.7°F over the year, 78.3°F in summer and 34.5°F in winter, with 38.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Derby walkable?
Derby scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Derby at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sedgwick County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Derby?
Sedgwick County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Derby?
Derby has 26,062 residents. The median resident of Derby is 35.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 37.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Derby compare with the rest of Kansas?
Derby ranks #12 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 11% above the Kansas median. Homes are 15% above the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Derby?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Derby's population of 26,062 are Ewa Gentry, HI (#205 overall), Wheeling, WV (#1139 overall), Moscow, ID (#388 overall), Carolina Forest, SC (#1149 overall), and Norfolk, NE (#479 overall). Derby is #655.