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Is Leawood a Good Place to Live? Leawood, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Leawood ranks #22 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #3 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($185,625, #3 of 208) and low poverty (3.1%, #4 of 208), and trails on high rents ($1,983/mo, #193 of 208) and expensive homes ($658,800, #190 of 208).
Leawood by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Leawood'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 Leawood?
Leawood'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 $1,983/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $797,430, 3.2 times the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Leawood | 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 | $797,430#1051 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 | $2,051/mo#736 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $658,800#1126 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,983/mo#1086 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 12.8%#15 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.
Leawood 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. Leawood is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Leawood safe?
Leawood recorded 71 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 85% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #70 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Leawood Police Department. Property crime runs 993 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Leawood | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 71#70 of 1,085 | 457 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 993#215 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 Leawood?
The median household in Leawood earns $185,625, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 2.5 times Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Leawood | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $185,625#13 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 3.1%#21 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 Leawood?
The median resident of Leawood is 48.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 73.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #26 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 91% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Leawood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 48.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 73.7%#26 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 91% | 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 Leawood's schools and health?
Leawood's 6 public schools graduate 93.4% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 14 students per teacher and $12,455 spent per pupil. 28.9% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Leawood | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.4%#159 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,455#884 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 28.9%#323 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 10.8%#6 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4%#16 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. 2,722 students are enrolled in Leawood's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Leawood?
The average commute in Leawood is 20.9 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.1% of workers take transit and 25.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Leawood scores 9.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 32.8°F, with 37.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Leawood | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.9 min#415 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 69.8% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.3% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 25.8% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.8#713 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 | 38.7 | 21.2 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 43.8 | 25.3 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 55.1 | 35.1 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 64.9 | 44.8 | 3.9 |
| May | 73.9 | 55.3 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 64.9 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 87.5 | 68.9 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.7 | 67.3 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 78.1 | 58.6 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 66.5 | 46.9 | 3 |
| Nov | 53.1 | 34.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 42.2 | 25.4 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Olathe Johnson Co Executive Airport.
| Measure | Leawood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.4°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 | 37.7 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 Olathe Johnson Co Executive Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Leawood?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Leawood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#234 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 Johnson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Johnson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0013% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0087% | 82% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% 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 Leawood compare with similar-size cities?
Leawood is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #3 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,809.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #486 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 | 13.9 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #207 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 | 30.6 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #122 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 | 22.7 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 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 Leawood compare with the rest of Kansas?
Leawood ranks #1 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 72.6 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 2.5 times the Kansas median. Violent crime is 85% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3.2 times 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 Leawood's score calculated?
Leawood scores 72.6 out of 100, #22 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Leawood. Similar-size median 52.9.
88.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Leawood's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
95.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Leawood. Similar-size median 52.2.
76.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Leawood's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Leawood's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
50.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Leawood. Similar-size median 46.7.
99.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Leawood. Similar-size median 44.2.
48.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Leawood. Similar-size median 47.3.
60.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Leawood's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
46.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
68.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Leawood'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 Leawood 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 Leawood
Is Leawood, KS a good place to live?
Leawood ranks #22 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #3 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($185,625, #3 of 208) and low poverty (3.1%, #4 of 208), and trails on high rents ($1,983/mo, #193 of 208) and expensive homes ($658,800, #190 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Leawood?
Leawood'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 $1,983/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $797,430, 3.2 times the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Leawood?
Leawood recorded 71 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 85% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #70 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #24 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Leawood Police Department. Property crime runs 993 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Leawood?
The median household in Leawood earns $185,625, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 2.5 times Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Leawood?
Median rent in Leawood is $1,983/mo (Census), #1086 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,051/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 12.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Leawood?
The typical home value in Leawood is $797,430, up 7.5% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $658,800.
How are the public schools in Leawood?
Leawood's 6 public schools graduate 93.4% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 14 students per teacher and $12,455 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Leawood?
The average commute is 20.9 minutes, #415 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Leawood?
Leawood averages 55.1°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 32.8°F in winter, with 37.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Leawood walkable?
Leawood scores 9.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #713 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 Leawood at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Johnson County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Leawood?
Johnson County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Leawood?
Leawood has 33,809 residents. The median resident of Leawood is 48.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 73.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #26 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 91% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Leawood compare with the rest of Kansas?
Leawood ranks #1 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 72.6 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 2.5 times the Kansas median. Violent crime is 85% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3.2 times the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Leawood?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Leawood's population of 33,809 are Kearney, NE (#486 overall), Meridian, MS (#1220 overall), Alabaster, AL (#207 overall), Helena, MT (#513 overall), and Chester, PA (#1204 overall). Leawood is #22.