Topeka

Topeka, Kansas Overview

Topeka faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (44.7/100) and ranking #19 of 20 cities in Kansas. Even so, the city scores 84/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 16/100.

Income & Employment in Topeka

Topeka’s median income of $52,417 is 25% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%.

Safety in Topeka

With a violent crime rate of 965.9 per 100,000, Topeka exceeds the Kansas average of 360. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4094.7 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Topeka

With a cost of living index of 85.9, Topeka is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $130,600. Median monthly rent is $947. Renters spend 21.7% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Topeka

The adult obesity rate in Topeka is 39.7%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.1%. Residents report an average of 16.8 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Kansas ranks #29 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Topeka

Topeka has a high school graduation rate of 87.4%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $15,117. The city has 43 public schools serving 21,697 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Topeka

Topeka enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 57.8°F. Summers average 78.4°F. Winters average 36.9°F. Annual precipitation is 35.4 inches. The average commute of 15.6 minutes is notably short.

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