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Is Shawnee a Good Place to Live? Shawnee, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Shawnee ranks #153 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #74 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.3%, #48 of 524) and low living costs (92.5, #77 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Shawnee by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Shawnee'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 Shawnee?
Shawnee'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 $1,322/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $426,972, 71% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Shawnee | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $426,972#685 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,408/mo#261 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $359,700#681 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,322/mo#559 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 14.4%#39 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Shawnee 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. Shawnee is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Shawnee safe?
Shawnee recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% below the US rate of 328 and 50% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #406 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #187 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shawnee Police Department. Property crime runs 1,378 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Shawnee | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 228#406 of 1,085 | 457 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,378#405 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Shawnee?
The median household in Shawnee earns $109,940, 32% above the US figure of $83,163 and 46% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Shawnee | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $109,940#239 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.3%#120 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Shawnee?
The median resident of Shawnee is 39 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #212 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Shawnee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 53.1%#212 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 73.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Shawnee's schools and health?
Shawnee's 17 public schools graduate 91.3% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $12,250 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Shawnee | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.3%#286 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,250#906 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.9%#130 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.2%#280 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,380 students are enrolled in Shawnee's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Shawnee?
The average commute in Shawnee is 22.3 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.1% of workers take transit and 21.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Shawnee scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.4°F and winters 30.8°F, with 40.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Shawnee | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.3 min#528 of 1,312 | 20 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.3% | 76% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 21.4% | 10.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.4#763 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 38.3 | 17.7 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 43.2 | 21.7 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 54.9 | 31.4 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 64.5 | 41.6 | 4 |
| May | 73.4 | 52.7 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 82.9 | 63.5 | 5.5 |
| Jul | 87.2 | 67.4 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 86.1 | 65.2 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 56.8 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 66.6 | 43.7 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 31.7 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 41.8 | 22 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bonner Springs.
| Measure | Shawnee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 40.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bonner Springs.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Shawnee?
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 | Shawnee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#234 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Shawnee compare with similar-size cities?
Shawnee is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #74 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 68,542.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee, KSPop. 68,542 | #153 | 66.0 | $109,940 | $1,322/mo | 228 | 22.3 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #1145 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #1215 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 | 18.2 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #1312 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 | 25.9 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 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 Shawnee compare with the rest of Kansas?
Shawnee ranks #6 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 66 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 46% above the Kansas median. Violent crime is 50% below the statewide rate. Homes are 71% 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 Shawnee's score calculated?
Shawnee scores 66 out of 100, #153 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 Shawnee. Similar-size median 55.5.
70.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Shawnee's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
82.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Shawnee. Similar-size median 58.9.
66.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Shawnee's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Shawnee's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
70.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Shawnee. Similar-size median 56.1.
78.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Shawnee. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Shawnee. Similar-size median 50.0.
56.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Shawnee's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Shawnee's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Shawnee 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 Shawnee
Is Shawnee, KS a good place to live?
Shawnee ranks #153 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #74 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.3%, #48 of 524) and low living costs (92.5, #77 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Shawnee?
Shawnee'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 $1,322/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $426,972, 71% above the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Shawnee?
Shawnee recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% below the US rate of 328 and 50% below Kansas's 457. That ranks #406 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #187 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shawnee Police Department. Property crime runs 1,378 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Shawnee?
The median household in Shawnee earns $109,940, 32% above the US figure of $83,163 and 46% above Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Shawnee?
Median rent in Shawnee is $1,322/mo (Census), #559 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,408/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Shawnee?
The typical home value in Shawnee is $426,972, up 4.7% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $359,700.
How are the public schools in Shawnee?
Shawnee's 17 public schools graduate 91.3% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $12,250 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Shawnee?
The average commute is 22.3 minutes, #528 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Shawnee?
Shawnee averages 53.6°F over the year, 75.4°F in summer and 30.8°F in winter, with 40.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Shawnee walkable?
Shawnee scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 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 Shawnee 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 Shawnee?
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 Shawnee?
Shawnee has 68,542 residents. The median resident of Shawnee is 39 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #212 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Shawnee compare with the rest of Kansas?
Shawnee ranks #6 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 66 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 46% above the Kansas median. Violent crime is 50% below the statewide rate. Homes are 71% above the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Shawnee?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Shawnee's population of 68,542 are Portland, ME (#131 overall), Schenectady, NY (#907 overall), Weston, FL (#492 overall), Spring, TX (#1145 overall), and Jackson, TN (#1215 overall). Shawnee is #153.