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Is Emporia a Good Place to Live? Emporia, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Emporia ranks #777 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #133 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and affordable homes ($132,700, #14 of 231), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #64 of 67) and low household income ($52,704, #207 of 234).
Emporia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Emporia's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Emporia?
Emporia's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $815/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $176,930, 29% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Emporia | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $176,930#78 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $784/mo#2 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $132,700#55 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $815/mo#31 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Emporia 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. Emporia is in the Emporia, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Emporia safe?
Emporia recorded 266 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 42% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #498 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #86 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Emporia Police Department. Property crime runs 1,863 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Emporia | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 266#498 of 1,085 | 457 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,863#651 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Emporia?
The median household in Emporia earns $52,704, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Emporia | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $52,704#1190 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.8%#1029 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Emporia?
The median resident of Emporia is 30.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Emporia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 30.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.4%#999 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 49.9% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Emporia's schools and health?
Emporia's 8 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $15,701 spent per pupil. 38.8% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Emporia | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,701#502 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.8%#1057 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 15%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,399 students are enrolled in Emporia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Emporia?
The average commute in Emporia is 12.3 minutes (Kansas 20); 0% of workers take transit and 6.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Emporia scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.5°F and winters 31.5°F, with 35.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Emporia | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.3 min#18 of 1,312 | 20 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 76.7% | 76% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.7% | 2.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.1% | 10.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 39.3 | 18.2 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 44.3 | 21.8 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 55.2 | 31 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 64.8 | 40.9 | 3.4 |
| May | 73.8 | 52.2 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 83.5 | 62.2 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 88.5 | 66.8 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 87.3 | 64.6 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 55.7 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 67.6 | 43.5 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 54 | 31.5 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 42.5 | 22.4 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Emporia 3 Nw.
| Measure | Emporia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 75.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 31.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 35.8 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Emporia 3 Nw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Emporia?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Emporia's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lyon County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, ice storm, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Emporia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#633 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lyon County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lyon County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.014% | 88% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0048% | 86% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0014% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0041% | 66% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0022% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.082% | 52% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0014% | 35% 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 Emporia compare with similar-size cities?
Emporia is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #133 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,131.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #777 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 | 12.3 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #811 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 | 17.6 min |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #487 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 | 15.1 min |
| Ponca City, OKPop. 24,326 | #1079 | 48.4 | $55,941 | $850/mo | 500 | 15.7 min |
| Fernley, NVPop. 24,225 | #970 | 50.6 | $89,517 | $1,570/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #587 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 | 12.5 min |
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #1306 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 | 20.1 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 Emporia compare with the rest of Kansas?
Emporia ranks #14 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 53.7 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 30% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 42% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below 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 Emporia's score calculated?
Emporia scores 53.7 out of 100, #777 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Emporia. Similar-size median 41.9.
36.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Emporia's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Emporia. Similar-size median 56.5.
44.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Emporia's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
65.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Emporia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
90.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Emporia. Similar-size median 50.8.
30.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Emporia. Similar-size median 35.2.
33.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Emporia. Similar-size median 48.3.
52.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Emporia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
54.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Emporia's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Emporia 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 Emporia
Is Emporia, KS a good place to live?
Emporia ranks #777 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #133 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #9 of 230) and affordable homes ($132,700, #14 of 231), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #64 of 67) and low household income ($52,704, #207 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Emporia?
Emporia's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $815/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $176,930, 29% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Emporia?
Emporia recorded 266 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 42% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #498 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #86 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Emporia Police Department. Property crime runs 1,863 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Emporia?
The median household in Emporia earns $52,704, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Emporia?
Median rent in Emporia is $815/mo (Census), #31 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $784/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Emporia?
The typical home value in Emporia is $176,930, up 3.3% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $132,700.
How are the public schools in Emporia?
Emporia's 8 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $15,701 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Emporia?
The average commute is 12.3 minutes, #18 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 3.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Emporia?
Emporia averages 53.8°F over the year, 75.5°F in summer and 31.5°F in winter, with 35.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Emporia walkable?
Emporia scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Emporia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lyon County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, ice storm, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
Who lives in Emporia?
Emporia has 24,131 residents. The median resident of Emporia is 30.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Emporia compare with the rest of Kansas?
Emporia ranks #14 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 53.7 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 30% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 42% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Emporia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Emporia's population of 24,131 are Auburn, ME (#586 overall), Ridgeland, MS (#844 overall), Mandan, ND (#811 overall), Columbus, NE (#487 overall), and Ponca City, OK (#1079 overall). Emporia is #777.