KansasPop. 37,195Small cities
Is Leavenworth a Good Place to Live? Leavenworth, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Leavenworth ranks #820 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #141 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($193,000, #51 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182) and high unemployment (4.5%, #143 of 184).
Leavenworth by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth?
Leavenworth's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,229/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $264,534, 6% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Leavenworth | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $264,534#280 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 | $1,210/mo#104 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $193,000#205 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,229/mo#470 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.2%#480 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.
Leavenworth 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. Leavenworth is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Leavenworth safe?
Leavenworth recorded 455 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% above the US rate of 328 and 1% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #789 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #132 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Leavenworth Police Department. Property crime runs 1,693 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Leavenworth | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 455#789 of 1,085 | 457 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,693#573 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Leavenworth?
The median household in Leavenworth earns $72,987, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Leavenworth | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $72,987#756 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 Leavenworth?
The median resident of Leavenworth is 35.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Leavenworth | 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% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 52.1% | 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 Leavenworth's schools and health?
Leavenworth's 7 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $13,771 spent per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Leavenworth | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,771#732 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.7%#622 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. 3,434 students are enrolled in Leavenworth's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Leavenworth?
The average commute in Leavenworth is 19.6 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.2% of workers take transit and 7.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Leavenworth scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.9°F and winters 32.8°F, with 41.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Leavenworth | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.6 min#311 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.9% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.3% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.5% | 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 | 39.3 | 20.7 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 44.8 | 24.3 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 33.5 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 67 | 44.2 | 4.1 |
| May | 76.9 | 55.3 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 86.2 | 64.6 | 5.5 |
| Jul | 90.5 | 69.2 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 88.7 | 68 | 5.3 |
| Sep | 80.5 | 58.3 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 68 | 46.4 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 54.1 | 34.2 | 2 |
| Dec | 42.9 | 24.9 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Leavenworth.
| Measure | Leavenworth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.3 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 Leavenworth.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Leavenworth County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Leavenworth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#334 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 Leavenworth County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Leavenworth County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.019% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.009% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 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 Leavenworth compare with similar-size cities?
Leavenworth is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #141 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 37,195.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #820 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 | 19.6 min |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 min |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #268 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 | 22.2 min |
| South Valley, NMPop. 37,120 | #1229 | 43.7 | $58,224 | $954/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #678 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 | 23 min |
| Winchester, NVPop. 37,081 | #1285 | 39.0 | $50,120 | $1,220/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #531 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro | 22.8 min |
| Muskogee, OKPop. 36,758 | #1279 | 39.6 | $50,213 | $858/mo | 846 | 19.3 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 Leavenworth compare with the rest of Kansas?
Leavenworth ranks #16 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 53 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 3% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 Leavenworth's score calculated?
Leavenworth scores 53 out of 100, #820 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 Leavenworth. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Leavenworth's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
65.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Leavenworth. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Leavenworth's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
51.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Leavenworth's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
79.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Leavenworth. Similar-size median 46.7.
50.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Leavenworth. Similar-size median 44.2.
33.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Leavenworth. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Leavenworth's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
75.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Is Leavenworth, KS a good place to live?
Leavenworth ranks #820 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #141 of 208 small cities and #16 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($193,000, #51 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182) and high unemployment (4.5%, #143 of 184).
What is the cost of living in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth's cost of living index is 92.5, 7% below the US level of 100 and #337 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,229/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $264,534, 6% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth recorded 455 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% above the US rate of 328 and 1% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #789 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #132 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Leavenworth Police Department. Property crime runs 1,693 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Leavenworth?
The median household in Leavenworth earns $72,987, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Leavenworth?
Median rent in Leavenworth is $1,229/mo (Census), #470 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,210/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Leavenworth?
The typical home value in Leavenworth is $264,534, up 4.5% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $193,000.
How are the public schools in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth's 7 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $13,771 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Leavenworth?
The average commute is 19.6 minutes, #311 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 Leavenworth?
Leavenworth averages 55.8°F over the year, 77.9°F in summer and 32.8°F in winter, with 41.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Leavenworth walkable?
Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Leavenworth County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth has 37,195 residents. The median resident of Leavenworth is 35.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Leavenworth compare with the rest of Kansas?
Leavenworth ranks #16 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 53 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 3% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Leavenworth?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Leavenworth's population of 37,195 are Oregon City, OR (#519 overall), Kaneohe, HI (#284 overall), Greenfield, WI (#268 overall), South Valley, NM (#1229 overall), and Richmond, KY (#678 overall). Leavenworth is #820.