KansasPop. 46,307Small cities
Is Salina a Good Place to Live? Salina, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Salina ranks #493 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #91 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.8 min, #13 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Salina by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Salina'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 Salina?
Salina'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 $959/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $180,192, 28% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Salina | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $180,192#85 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 | $992/mo#20 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $173,200#152 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $959/mo#165 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% | 18.6%#298 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.
Salina 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. Salina is in the Salina, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Salina safe?
Salina recorded 449 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 2% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #780 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #130 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Salina Police Department. Property crime runs 2,308 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Salina | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 449#780 of 1,085 | 457 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,308#801 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 Salina?
The median household in Salina earns $61,783, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Salina | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $61,783#1007 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% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Salina?
The median resident of Salina is 39.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Salina | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 39.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.7%#851 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 64.1% | 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 Salina's schools and health?
Salina's 12 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $18,954 spent per pupil. 41.4% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Salina | 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 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,954#267 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.4%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.9%#764 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. 6,499 students are enrolled in Salina's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Salina?
The average commute in Salina is 14.8 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.2% of workers take transit and 6.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Salina scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.6°F and winters 32.9°F, with 29.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Salina | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 14.8 min#57 of 1,312 | 20 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.4% | 76% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.6% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.6% | 10.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.8#355 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 | 41.4 | 20.1 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 46.3 | 23.6 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 57.3 | 33.2 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 66.9 | 42.3 | 2.7 |
| May | 76.8 | 53.4 | 5 |
| Jun | 88.1 | 64.2 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 92.8 | 69.1 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 90.1 | 67.1 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 81.9 | 58.2 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 69.1 | 44.9 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 55.1 | 32.1 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 43.2 | 22.6 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Salina Muni Airport.
| Measure | Salina | 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 | 78.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 29.7 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 Salina Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Salina?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Salina's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Saline County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Salina | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#577 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 Saline County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Saline County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0065% | 90% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0017% | 90% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 83% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0089% | 82% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0049% | 78% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 48% 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 Salina compare with similar-size cities?
Salina is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #91 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 46,307.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salina, KSPop. 46,307 | #493 | 58.2 | $61,783 | $959/mo | 449 | 14.8 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 min |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #61 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 | 18.9 min |
| Farmington, NMPop. 46,314 | #1101 | 47.9 | $68,784 | $1,037/mo | 1,045 | 19.5 min |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 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 Salina compare with the rest of Kansas?
Salina ranks #8 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 58.2 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 18% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% 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 Salina's score calculated?
Salina scores 58.2 out of 100, #493 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Salina. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Salina's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
61.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Salina. Similar-size median 52.2.
43.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Salina's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
74.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Salina's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Salina. Similar-size median 46.7.
43.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Salina. Similar-size median 44.2.
45.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Salina. Similar-size median 47.3.
50.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Salina's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
62.1 - 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 54.8.
57.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Salina'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 Salina 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 Salina
Is Salina, KS a good place to live?
Salina ranks #493 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #91 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.8 min, #13 of 208) and low living costs (85.9, #28 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Salina?
Salina'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 $959/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $180,192, 28% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Salina?
Salina recorded 449 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 2% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #780 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #130 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Salina Police Department. Property crime runs 2,308 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Salina?
The median household in Salina earns $61,783, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Salina?
Median rent in Salina is $959/mo (Census), #165 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $992/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Salina?
The typical home value in Salina is $180,192, up 4.5% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $173,200.
How are the public schools in Salina?
Salina's 12 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $18,954 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Salina?
The average commute is 14.8 minutes, #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Salina?
Salina averages 55.8°F over the year, 78.6°F in summer and 32.9°F in winter, with 29.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Salina walkable?
Salina scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Salina at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Saline County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
Who lives in Salina?
Salina has 46,307 residents. The median resident of Salina is 39.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Salina compare with the rest of Kansas?
Salina ranks #8 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 58.2 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 18% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Salina?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Salina's population of 46,307 are Wentzville, MO (#155 overall), Olive Branch, MS (#385 overall), Monroe, LA (#1305 overall), Urbandale, IA (#61 overall), and Farmington, NM (#1101 overall). Salina is #493.