KansasPop. 125,786Mid-size cities
Is Topeka a Good Place to Live? Topeka, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Topeka ranks #973 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #181 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.7 min, #7 of 256) and low living costs (88.8, #10 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (882 per 100,000, #218 of 235) and low household income ($56,956, #222 of 256).
Topeka by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Topeka'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 Topeka?
Topeka's cost of living index is 88.8, 11% below the US level of 100 and #159 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $979/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $198,041, 21% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Topeka | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 88.8#159 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $198,041#110 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,285/mo#155 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $144,200#75 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $979/mo#193 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.6%#523 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Topeka 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. Topeka is in the Topeka, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Topeka safe?
Topeka recorded 882 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 93% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #1027 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #218 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Topeka Police Department. Property crime runs 3,467 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Topeka | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 882#1027 of 1,085 | 457 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,467#1007 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Topeka?
The median household in Topeka earns $56,956, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Topeka | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $56,956#1110 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.7%#902 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Topeka?
The median resident of Topeka is 38 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Topeka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29%#834 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 59% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Topeka's schools and health?
Topeka's 32 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 12.9 students per teacher and $16,424 spent per pupil. 39.7% of adults are obese and 13.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Topeka | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86.6%#630 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.9#163 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,424#449 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.7%#1102 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.1%#970 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.4%#816 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,134 students are enrolled in Topeka's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Topeka?
The average commute in Topeka is 16.7 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.5% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Topeka scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.5°F and winters 32.1°F, with 37.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Topeka | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 16.7 min#123 of 1,312 | 20 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.5% | 76% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.9% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.9% | 10.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.5#410 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 39.9 | 18.7 | 0.9 |
| Feb | 45 | 22.9 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 56.2 | 32.6 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 66.5 | 43 | 3.9 |
| May | 75.7 | 54.6 | 5.3 |
| Jun | 85 | 64.3 | 5 |
| Jul | 88.5 | 68.1 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 87.4 | 65.5 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 80.3 | 56.7 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 68.8 | 44.3 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 55 | 32.2 | 2 |
| Dec | 43.3 | 22.9 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Topeka - Nws.
| Measure | Topeka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 54.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 76.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 37.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Topeka - Nws.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Topeka?
Shawnee County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shawnee County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Topeka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#641 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Shawnee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Shawnee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0011% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 74% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0029% | 58% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 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 Topeka compare with similar-size cities?
Topeka is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #181 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 125,786.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #406 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 | 27.1 min |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #728 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 | 17.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 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 Topeka compare with the rest of Kansas?
Topeka ranks #17 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 50.5 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 25% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 93% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Topeka's score calculated?
Topeka scores 50.5 out of 100, #973 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 Topeka. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Topeka's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
25.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Topeka. Similar-size median 53.8.
43.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Topeka's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Topeka's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
86.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Topeka. Similar-size median 51.2.
36.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Topeka. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Topeka. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Topeka's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
52.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Topeka's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Topeka 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 Topeka
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live?
Topeka ranks #973 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #181 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.7 min, #7 of 256) and low living costs (88.8, #10 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (882 per 100,000, #218 of 235) and low household income ($56,956, #222 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Topeka?
Topeka's cost of living index is 88.8, 11% below the US level of 100 and #159 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $979/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $198,041, 21% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Topeka?
Topeka recorded 882 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 93% above Kansas's 457. That ranks #1027 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #218 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Topeka Police Department. Property crime runs 3,467 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Topeka?
The median household in Topeka earns $56,956, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Topeka?
Median rent in Topeka is $979/mo (Census), #193 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,285/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Topeka?
The typical home value in Topeka is $198,041, down 0.1% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $144,200.
How are the public schools in Topeka?
Topeka's 32 public schools graduate 86.6% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 12.9 students per teacher and $16,424 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Topeka?
The average commute is 16.7 minutes, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Topeka?
Topeka averages 54.9°F over the year, 76.5°F in summer and 32.1°F in winter, with 37.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Topeka walkable?
Topeka scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Topeka at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shawnee County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Topeka?
Shawnee County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Topeka?
Topeka has 125,786 residents. The median resident of Topeka is 38 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Topeka compare with the rest of Kansas?
Topeka ranks #17 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 50.5 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 25% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 93% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Topeka?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Topeka's population of 125,786 are Columbia, MO (#516 overall), Athens, GA (#746 overall), Allentown, PA (#762 overall), Simi Valley, CA (#406 overall), and College Station, TX (#728 overall). Topeka is #973.