KansasPop. 397,945Big cities
Is Wichita a Good Place to Live? Wichita, Kansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wichita ranks #1135 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 53 big cities and #19 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.9, #2 of 53) and short commutes (18.4 min, #2 of 53), and trails on high violent crime (1,209 per 100,000, #47 of 50).
Wichita by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wichita'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 Wichita?
Wichita's cost of living index is 88.9, 11% below the US level of 100 and #162 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $207,080, 17% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
| Measure | Wichita | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 88.9#162 of 1,308 | 90.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $207,080#131 of 1,187 | $249,603 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,158/mo#77 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $190,800#198 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $975/mo#183 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 18.1%#257 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Wichita 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. Wichita is in the Wichita, KS metro.
Kansas housing market →Is Wichita safe?
Wichita recorded 1,209 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Kansas's 457. That ranks #1058 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wichita Police Department. Property crime runs 4,645 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wichita | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,209#1058 of 1,085 | 457 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 4,645#1071 of 1,085 | 1,797 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Wichita?
The median household in Wichita earns $64,620, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wichita | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $64,620#934 of 1,312 | $75,514 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 15.9%#919 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Wichita?
The median resident of Wichita is 35.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 31.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #751 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wichita | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 31.1%#751 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 58.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Wichita's schools and health?
Wichita's 95 public schools graduate 84.8% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $15,148 spent per pupil. 39.5% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Wichita | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 84.8%#729 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $15,148#572 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 39.5%#1083 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Kansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 50,350 students are enrolled in Wichita's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wichita?
The average commute in Wichita is 18.4 minutes (Kansas 20); 0.7% of workers take transit and 7.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wichita scores 11.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.7°F and winters 35°F, with 34.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wichita | KansasKS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 18.4 min#215 of 1,312 | 20 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 4% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 78.5% | 76% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 0.9% | 2.3% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 7.7% | 10.3% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.5#535 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 43.6 | 22.2 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 48.5 | 25.7 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 59 | 35.2 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 68.2 | 44.7 | 3 |
| May | 77.3 | 54.5 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 87.5 | 64.7 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 92.1 | 69.5 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 67.5 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 82.8 | 58.9 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 70.3 | 46.5 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 57 | 34 | 1.6 |
| Dec | 45 | 25.1 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wichita Wx.
| Measure | Wichita | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 57.1°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 78.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 35°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 34.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wichita Wx.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wichita?
Sedgwick County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sedgwick County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Wichita | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#608 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sedgwick County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sedgwick County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0042% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0094% | 83% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.016% | 77% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% 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 Wichita compare with similar-size cities?
Wichita is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #45 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 397,945.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #1124 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 | 23.6 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 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 Wichita compare with the rest of Kansas?
Wichita ranks #19 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 47.1 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 14% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Wichita's score calculated?
Wichita scores 47.1 out of 100, #1135 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Wichita. Similar-size median 53.8.
47.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wichita's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
9.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wichita. Similar-size median 54.8.
43.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wichita's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
59.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wichita's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
84.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wichita. Similar-size median 47.2.
39.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wichita. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wichita. Similar-size median 53.7.
46.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wichita's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
55.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
50.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wichita's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Wichita 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 Wichita
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live?
Wichita ranks #1135 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 53 big cities and #19 of 20 in Kansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.9, #2 of 53) and short commutes (18.4 min, #2 of 53), and trails on high violent crime (1,209 per 100,000, #47 of 50).
What is the cost of living in Wichita?
Wichita's cost of living index is 88.9, 11% below the US level of 100 and #162 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $207,080, 17% below the typical Kansas home ($249,603).
What is the crime rate in Wichita?
Wichita recorded 1,209 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Kansas's 457. That ranks #1058 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wichita Police Department. Property crime runs 4,645 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wichita?
The median household in Wichita earns $64,620, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Kansas ($75,514). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wichita?
Median rent in Wichita is $975/mo (Census), #183 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,158/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wichita?
The typical home value in Wichita is $207,080, up 2.7% in a year, against $249,603 for Kansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $190,800.
How are the public schools in Wichita?
Wichita's 95 public schools graduate 84.8% of students in four years (Kansas 89.1%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $15,148 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wichita?
The average commute is 18.4 minutes, #215 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20 minutes across Kansas. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wichita?
Wichita averages 57.1°F over the year, 78.7°F in summer and 35°F in winter, with 34.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wichita walkable?
Wichita scores 11.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #535 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 Wichita at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sedgwick County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Wichita?
Sedgwick County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Wichita?
Wichita has 397,945 residents. The median resident of Wichita is 35.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 31.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #751 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wichita compare with the rest of Kansas?
Wichita ranks #19 of the 20 Kansas cities we track, with a score of 47.1 against Kansas's statewide 55.1. Its households earn 14% below the Kansas median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Kansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Wichita?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wichita's population of 397,945 are Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall), Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), Bakersfield, CA (#1124 overall), Tampa, FL (#649 overall), and Arlington, TX (#930 overall). Wichita is #1135.