MissouriPop. 510,612Large cities
Is Kansas City a Good Place to Live? Kansas City, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kansas City ranks #985 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 37 large cities and #15 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.7 min, #3 of 37) and low living costs (92.5, #4 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (1,376 per 100,000, #34 of 36).
Kansas City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kansas City'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 Kansas City?
Kansas City'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 $1,238/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,549, 5% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Kansas City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 92.5#337 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $253,549#258 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,428/mo#283 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $242,900#372 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,238/mo#475 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 21.5%#617 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Missouri 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.
Kansas City 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. Kansas City is in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Kansas City safe?
Kansas City recorded 1,376 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 3.3 times Missouri's 418. That ranks #1074 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kansas City Police Department. Property crime runs 3,991 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kansas City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 1,376#1074 of 1,085 | 418 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,991#1044 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Missouri 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 Kansas City?
The median household in Kansas City earns $69,166, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kansas City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $69,166#831 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 14.6%#836 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kansas City?
The median resident of Kansas City is 35.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #513 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kansas City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.8 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 38.4%#513 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 55.4% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kansas City's schools and health?
Kansas City's 150 public schools graduate 88.1% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $15,983 spent per pupil. 38.5% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Kansas City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 88.1%#515 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 13.2#193 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $15,983#481 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 38.5%#1041 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10.6%#729 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 67,687 students are enrolled in Kansas City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kansas City?
The average commute in Kansas City is 21.7 minutes (Missouri 24); 1.8% of workers take transit and 17% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kansas City scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.9°F and winters 34°F, with 38.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kansas City | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 70.2% | 74.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.8% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.6% | 1.8% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 17% | 11.8% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.4#545 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Missouri 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 | 22.2 | 1 |
| Feb | 45.1 | 26.4 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 56.6 | 36.2 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 66.8 | 46.3 | 3.9 |
| May | 76.2 | 57.2 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 85.8 | 67.2 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 90.2 | 71.9 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 69.9 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 80.4 | 61 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 68.2 | 48.7 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 54.5 | 36.3 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 43.9 | 26.7 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kansas City Downtown Airport.
| Measure | Kansas City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 56.9°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 78.9°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 34°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 38.1 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kansas City Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kansas City?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 57% 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 Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Kansas City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#344 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jackson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jackson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.014% | 89% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 31% 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 Kansas City compare with similar-size cities?
Kansas City is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #24 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 510,612.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 min |
| Albuquerque, NMPop. 562,218 | #1051 | 48.8 | $68,317 | $1,145/mo | 1,024 | 22.4 min |
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | #839 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 | 25.3 min |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 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 Kansas City compare with the rest of Missouri?
Kansas City ranks #15 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 50.3 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 3% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 3.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Kansas City's score calculated?
Kansas City scores 50.3 out of 100, #985 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 Missouri'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 Kansas City. Similar-size median 50.4.
49.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kansas City's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
14.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kansas City. Similar-size median 52.4.
43.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kansas City's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
66.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kansas City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
76.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kansas City. Similar-size median 43.4.
43.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kansas City. Similar-size median 40.4.
49.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kansas City. Similar-size median 56.6.
56.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kansas City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
61.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kansas City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kansas City 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 Kansas City
Is Kansas City, MO a good place to live?
Kansas City ranks #985 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 37 large cities and #15 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.7 min, #3 of 37) and low living costs (92.5, #4 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (1,376 per 100,000, #34 of 36).
What is the cost of living in Kansas City?
Kansas City'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 $1,238/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,549, 5% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Kansas City?
Kansas City recorded 1,376 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 3.3 times Missouri's 418. That ranks #1074 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #34 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kansas City Police Department. Property crime runs 3,991 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kansas City?
The median household in Kansas City earns $69,166, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kansas City?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,238/mo (Census), #475 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,428/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kansas City?
The typical home value in Kansas City is $253,549, up 1.7% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $242,900.
How are the public schools in Kansas City?
Kansas City's 150 public schools graduate 88.1% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $15,983 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kansas City?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kansas City?
Kansas City averages 56.9°F over the year, 78.9°F in summer and 34°F in winter, with 38.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kansas City walkable?
Kansas City scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 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 Kansas City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kansas City?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kansas City?
Kansas City has 510,612 residents. The median resident of Kansas City is 35.8 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #513 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kansas City compare with the rest of Missouri?
Kansas City ranks #15 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 50.3 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 3% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 3.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Kansas City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kansas City's population of 510,612 are Milwaukee, WI (#1199 overall), Albuquerque, NM (#1051 overall), Sacramento, CA (#839 overall), Mesa, AZ (#717 overall), and Atlanta, GA (#481 overall). Kansas City is #985.