Moving to Kansas in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Kansas.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Kansas

Are you considering moving to Kansas?

This guide contains all the key information you'll need to know about the Sunflower State before making up your mind about moving.

If you've ever thought about living in the Midwest, in a state with a stable job market, affordable housing, and a low cost of living, moving to Kansas could be a great idea.

Kansas' booming industries like aerospace, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and bioscience amongst several others makes it one of the most coveted places to live in the midwest.

Famous for being the breadbasket of the nation, moving to Kansas means you'll always have a long list of food to choose from.

More so, you'll get the chance to visit tons of museums, watch the Jayhawkers play, and if you aren't sca#fff of tornadoes, moving to Kansas could be perfect for you.

We have all the information you need to know for moving to Kansas

Here's a quick summary of what we're going to cover in this Kansas state guide:

Demographics

Kansas Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Kansas.

Male vs Female Population of Kansas 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Kansas 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Kansas 2021

moving to kansas

Top 10 Reasons for Moving to Kansas

Here's a summary of why moving to Kansas could be a great idea

Affordable Housing

If you've always wanted to be a homeowner, moving to Kansas is one of the easiest ways to get your own house. Homes are very affordable in the state and more than 70% of Kansas residents are homeowners.

Assorted Foods

The Midwest state has some of the most assorted foods in the country. Kansas is the largest producer of wheat in the country.

The state also produces a lot of corn and several other foods. Moving to Kansas means the chance to eat as many different foods as you want.

Low Cost of Living

Living in Kansas won't put a hole in your pocket. The Sunflower State is known for its low cost of living including healthcare, utilities, transportation, and food.

In fact, Kansas cost of living is ranked lower than the national average. This is one more reason why moving to Kansas is a great idea.

Good Job Market

How soon can you get a job after moving to Kansas? It's easy to assume that everyone in Kansas is in the agriculture industry. That's not true. There are several other thriving industries across the state.

From healthcare to aerospace and advanced manufacturing, Kansas offers more job opportunities than many people realize. The state's unemployment rate is 3.8.

Make Your Pick of Farmers' Market

Have you ever visited a farmer's market? Whether you've visited one or not, moving to Kansas gives you the chance to visit as many farmers markets as you want.

There are plenty of them across the state on mid-week and weekends you just have to make your pick.

World-class Museums

If you like history and art collections, you'll find tons of museums in Kansas. Collections range from American Indian, ancient, American contemporary, to Asian and Modern. Moving to Kansas gives you the chance to learn a lot about history and arts.

Experience All Four Seasons in Kansas

How would you like to always experience all four seasons? Moving to Kansas gives you that perfect chance for that. From warm summers to lush and #fbfbfb springs, to perfect falls and unp#fffictable winters, Kansas has everything that makes up a climate.

Less Commuting Time in Most Places

So, how long are you likely to be in transit if you move to Kansas? The state's average commute time of 19.2 minutes is less than the national average of 26.4 minutes, according to Best Places.

You'll have to deal with long distances though. For example, if you live in a rural part of the state, you may drive for about 30 to 60 minutes just to get to the next town.

Tip: When you�ve got a home to move in Kansas, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Enjoy Some of The World's Best Barbecue

If you love delicious barbecue and you'd like to taste some of the world's best barbecue, then moving to Kansas should be a great idea. The state's barbecue is some of the best anywhere across the world.

Once you move to Kansas, never miss the chance to visit Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn Avenue. Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton have all visited this historic spot.

Enjoy the Local Country Club Culture

There's no better way to taste the Midwest's beer, liquor, and whiskey except you join the local country club in Kansas. Some of these clubs boast of hund#fffs of years of history and moving to Kansas gives you the chance to enjoy everything they are offering.

kansas pros and cons

The Pros and Cons of Living in Kansas

This will help you make a thoughtful checklist as part of what you'll consider if moving to Kansas is right for you or not?

The Pros The Cons
Kansas is known for its low cost of living (about 21% below the United States average).Kansas is rated second across the U.S. in average number of tornadoes annually (60). The state also ranks third in number of tornadoes per 1000 square miles.
Buying a home in Kansas is relatively cheaper.Kansas is ranked 14th-highest state for taxes with two income tax brackets
You don't have to bother about getting stuck in traffic in Kansas.Moving to Kansas means you'll have to deal with high income taxes
You'll experience all 4 seasons every year.You'll have to pay excise taxes too (for example, you'll pay this tax for buying or bringing your vehicle to Kansas when you move)
Get the chance to visit as many museums as you want in KansasYou'll likely travel for about 2 - 3 hours just to get an expert service or even attend an event (except you're living close to Wichita or Kansas City).
Enjoy great tasty foods in KansasKansas has very limited air travel options. Residents often go to Tulsa, Denver, or Missouri just to take a flight to anywhere they want.
place in kansas

What are the Best Places To Live In Kansas?

Do you really know Kansas inside out?

To help you make the right choice about where in Kansas to move, here's a breakdown of the 10 best places to live in the state (listed in no particular order). We crunched data from Area Vibes, Livability, and HomeSnacks:

1. Leawood

Population: 34,570
Median Home Value: $447,100 (1st best)
Unemployment Rate: 2.4% (6th best)

Leawood is rated as one of the best places for families in Kansas. The city is located in Johnson County and is well known for its low crime rate, transportation, and utilities. Leawood could be the best place for you if you decide to move to Kansas.

If you're moving to Kansas, living in Leawood could be the best place for you.

Here's a breakdown of key metrics about living in Leawood:

  • Leawood has a Livability Score of 84 out of 100
  • Leawood crime rates are 47% below the state of Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Leawood is 47% above the state of Kansas average
  • Leawood real estate costs are 207% above the state of Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Leawood are 59% above the state of Kansas average

2. Bel Aire

Population: 7,671
Median Home Value: $157,900
Unemployment Rate: 0.8%

Bel Aire is one of the cities in Sedgwick County, just northeast of Wichita. The city is well known for its top-rated median home price to income ratio. More so, Bel Aire's low cost of living and low crime rate makes it one of the most sought-after places in Kansas.

Bel Aire could be the right city for you if you're moving to Kansas.

Here's a simple breakdown of the key metrics of living in Bel Aire:

  • LBel Aire has a Livability Score of 64 out of 100
  • Bel Aire crime rates are 34% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Bel Aire is 7% above Kansas average
  • Bel Aire real estate prices are 5% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Bel Aire are 25% above Kansas average

3. Derby

Population: 23,768
Median Home Value: $159,200
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%

Derby is one of the biggest suburbs in Wichita. The cost of living in Derby is slightly higher than the state of Kansas average.

However, the city's low crime rate, available amenities, and high median household income makes it one of the best places in Kansas. Living in Derby could be the right place for you if you're moving to Kansas.

Here are key performance indicators of how Derby compare to the rest places in Kansas:

  • Derby has a Livability Score of 73 out of 100
  • Derby crime rates are 26% below the Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Derby is 8% above Kansas average
  • Derby real estate prices are 16% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Derby are 14% above Kansas average

4. Overland Park

Population: 188,687
Median Home Value: $261,200 (2nd best)
Unemployment Rate:3.4% (20th best)

Overland Park, in Johnson County is not only rated as one of the best places in Kansas, it is also rated as one of such in the entire United States. Overland Park is also one of the biggest cities in the state.

The city's crime rate is rated below the state and national average making it a perfect spot for many families. Overland Park could be the best place for you if you're movinto Kansas.

Here's a breakdown of how Overland Park compare to other cities in Kansas:

  • Overland Park has a Livability Score of 82 out of 100
  • Overland Park crime rates are 30% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Overland Park is 21% above Kansas average
  • Overland Park real estate prices are 75% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Overland Park are 34% above Kansas average

5. Lenexa

Population: 53,051
Median Home Value: $248,800
Unemployment Rate:2.7%

If you're interested in living in one of the safest places in Kansas, you'd like Lenexa. Lenexa is one of the cities in Johnson County and is fast becoming a hotspot in Kansas.

The city's high median household income, great job market, and shorter commute times makes it one of the state's favorites. If you're moving to Kansas, living in Lenexa could be the best place for you.

Here are key metrics of how Lenexa compares to other parts of the state:

  • Lenexa has a Livability Score of 80 out of 100
  • Lenexa crime rates are 43% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Lenexa is 20% above Kansas average
  • Lenexa real estate prices are 72% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Lenexa are 29% above Kansas average

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6. McPherson

Population: 13,041
Median Home Value: $140,400
Unemployment Rate:2.6%

McPherson is the county seat of McPherson County and is one of the state's most centrally located spots. McPherson's amazing crime rate is almost unbelievable - rated 89% below the state's average.

McPherson is also rated as one of the best places to retire in Kansas. Living in McPherson could be the right place for you if you're moving to Kansas.

Here's breakdown of key metrics of how McPherson compare to the rest of the state:

  • McPherson has a Livability Score of 74 out of 100
  • McPherson crime rates are 89% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in McPherson is 5% above Kansas average
  • McPherson real estate prices are equal to Kansas average
  • Rental costs in McPherson are 12% below Kansas average

7. Olathe

Population: 135,986
Median Home Value: $224,000
Unemployment Rate:3.1%

Olathe is the county seat of Johnson County and is ranked as the 4th most populous city in Kansas City metro. More so, Olathe is also ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.

With a low crime rate and a good job market coupled with a high median income, Olathe could be the best place for you if you're moving to Kansas.

Here's how Olathe compare to other cities in the state:

  • Olathe has a Livability Score of 85 out of 100
  • Olathe crime rates are 47% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Olathe is 16% above Kansas average
  • Olathe real estate prices are 49% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Olathe are 19% above Kansas average

8. Valley Center

Population: 6,747
Median Home Value: $139,300
Unemployment Rate:1.5%

Valley Center is a relatively small city in San Diego County. However, its livability score, education and jobs makes it one of the best places to live in the state.

Valley Center's extremely low unemployment rate is rated the second best in the entire state. This city could be the right place for you if you're moving to Kansas.

Here's how Valley City compare to other places in the state:

  • Valley Center has a Livability Score of 71 out of 100
  • Valley Center crime rates are 61% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Valley Center is 4% above Kansas average
  • Valley Center real estate prices are 2% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Valley Center are 3% above Kansas average

9. Gardner

Population:21,351
Median Home Value: $178,700
Unemployment Rate:3.6%

Gardner is one of the cities in Johnson County and is known for having the youngest population (age 32) in Kansas.

Gardner is also rated as one of the best places for singles in the state. More so, the city boasts of one of the highest high school graduation rates. If you're moving to Kansas, Gardner could be the right place for you.

Here's a simple breakdown of how Gardner compare to other cities in Kansas:

  • Gardner has a Livability Score of 75 out of 100
  • Gardner crime rates are 46% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Gardner is 11% above Kansas average
  • Gardner real estate prices are 21% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Gardner are 22% above Kansas average

Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

10. Mission

Population:9,437
Median Home Value: $169,500
Unemployment Rate:2.0%

Mission city located in Johnson County is one of the suburbs of Kansas City and one of the safest cities in Kansas.

Mission's unemployment rate is extremely low, median home prices are relatively low too, as well as crime rates. This city could be the best place for you if you're moving to Kansas.

Here's how Mission compare to other cities in Kansas:

  • Mission has a Livability Score of 81 out of 100
  • Mission crime rates are 26% below Kansas average
  • Cost of Living in Mission is 9% above Kansas average
  • Mission real estate prices are 14% above Kansas average
  • Rental prices in Mission are 12% below Kansas average
kansas moving cost

What will it cost to move to Kansas?

The average cost of moving to Kansas depends on the distance you're moving from, the size of your move, and how long it will take to complete the move.

To help you come up with an estimate of the cost of moving to Kansas, we've compiled a summary of various moving and truck rental costs.

Average Cost of Local Moves in Kansas

You'll have to hire a full-service moving company if you want the most convenient moving option in Kansas. It's the most expensive though.

The valued hourly rate for hiring a local moving company in Kansas ranges anywhere within $25 to $50. For anyone moving within the state, the estimated cost is often $800 and upward for moving a 4-bedroom home.

Truck Rental Cost for A One-Way Local Move in Kansas

Hiring a moving truck for a one-way move means you aren't requi#fff to drop off the truck in the same spot you got it. The typical cost for this is anywhere within $150 to $2000.

The Average Cost of Moving To Kansas from Other states

The estimated cost of moving out of state in Kansas is typically based on the range of $12 to $16 per square foot and the total cost could be up to $4000 or more.

If you're moving to Kansas from other states, the total cost of your move will be based on your precise location

If you're moving from a Midwest state like Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, etc. your moving cost will be less, compa#fff to moving from a southern state like South Carolina or Virginia.

The average estimated moving cost to Kansas over a distance of 1,225 miles is $4,300. You may end up paying more or less, based on the exact place you're moving from.

The Average Truck Rental Cost in Kansas

Your truck rental cost will be based on the number of bedrooms you're moving, the size of the truck you want, and the distance your move will cover. The typical truck rental cost is anywhere within $20 - $100 per day.

The Cost of Renting A Moving Truck Per Day in Kansas

If you intend to rent a moving truck for a day in Kansas, the average cost for that ranges from $20- $35 for a small moving truck size. If you choose a mid-size moving truck, (with the capacity to accommodate a 2 to 3-bedroom apartment) you'll have to pay $40 to $80 and that's for a day.

But if you prefer a truck size that can contain all the belongings in a 3 to 5-bedroom apartment, you'll most likely pay $80 - $100 per day.

Nonetheless, you'll have to pay more than the daily rental rates of the truck. Other fees that are added to the standard daily truck rental rates parking permit (if needed), include, mileage fee, taxes, truck coverage, insurance, and fuel cost etc.

cost of living in kansas

Cost of Living in Kansas

The cost of living in Kansas is 83.1.

Kansas cost of living is calculated using a United States average of 100. Any score less than 100 shows that the cost of living in Kansas is less expensive than the United States average. Figures above 100 means the state is more expensive than the national average.

Median House Price in Kansas vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Kansas vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Kansas vs USA 2021

Kansas Rental Market

If you'll be looking at the rental market after moving to Kansas, we've compiled the key metrics you need to make a quick decision.

Here's a simple summary of the state of Kansas rental market:

  • Kansas has an estimated number of 29.5% of people living in the state as renters. The US average is 31.8%
  • Up to 2.5% of houses and apartments in Kansas are open for rent
  • The median rent price in the state of Kansas is $1,050. U.S. average is 1,470

    • Here's a quick summary of the average costs of rent by number of bedrooms in Kansas compa#fff to the national average:

  • Kansas Studio Apartment is $562. The U.S. average is $821
  • Kansas 1 Bedroom is $645. The U.S. average is $930
  • Kansas 2 Bedroom is $821. The U.S. average is $1,148
  • Kansas 3 Bedroom is $1,106. The U.S. average is $1,537
  • Kansas 4 Bedroom is $1,285. The U.S. average is $1791

Kansas Housing Market

Chances are you'll be interested in the housing market if you're mulling over moving to Kansas. We've compiled the key data you'll need to make the right decision.

Here are significant metrics by Zillow about Kansas real estate market:

  • The state of Kansas median home value is $153,853
  • Home values in Kansas has increased by 4.0% in the past year
  • More than 70% of Kansas residents are homeowners
  • Kansas median list price per square foot is $120
  • Kansas median price of homes presently listed is $180,000
  • Kansas delinquent mortgage rate is 0.9%. The national average is 1.1%
jobs in kansas

How's the Kansas Job Market?

Getting a job after moving to Kansas is relatively easy considering the state's unemployment rate.

The following is a significant summary of the state of Kansas job market using data from Best Places:

  • Kansas unemployment rate is 3.8%. The national average is 3.7%
  • Over the last year, the Kansas job market has grown by 0.5%
  • Kansas future job growth over the next 10 years is projected to hit 25.7%. The national average is 33.5%

Average Income and Salaries of Kansas Residents

Will you be earning more or less if you move to Kansas? We've compiled relevant data to help you find out.

  • The average income of a person living in Kansas is $27, 367 per year. The national average is $28,555 for the same period
  • Kansas median household income is Median Household Income: $57,422 (U.S. Census Bureau). U.S. Median Household Income is $ 60,293 a year
  • Kansas future job growth over the next 10 years is projected to hit 25.7%. The national average is 33.5%
  • The state of Kansas Per Capita Income is $30,757
  • Kansas Average Household Income: $77,509
  • Kansas has a poverty rate of 12.88% according to Data USA

Top Industries in Kansas

Moving to Kansas probably means getting a new job, a change of career, or an opportunity for a new business. The top industries in the state will give you a clear idea of where you're more likely to get a job or even invest after moving to Kansas.

Below are the top industries in Kansas:

  • Agriculture
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Animal health
  • Food processing
  • Biosciences
  • Alternative energy
  • Logistics and distribution

These are the 10 biggest employees in Kansas according to Zippia:

  • Koch Industries
  • Butler Transport
  • Dillons Supermarkets
  • Synergy Group
  • Sprint
  • NPC International
  • YRC Freight
  • The University of Kansas
  • AMC Theatres
  • YRC Regional Transportation

Top Career Options in Kansas

These are the 10 highest paying jobs in Kansas:

  • Anesthesiologists
  • Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
  • Family Medicine Physicians
  • Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Dentists, General
  • Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
  • Physicists
  • Chief Executives
  • Pediatricians, General
  • Marketing Managers

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Kansas.

taxes in kansas

What are Taxes like in Kansas?

Will you end up paying higher tax rates or lower if you move to Kansas? Smart Asset has some relevant data. We've crunched the numbers for you!

  • Kansas Income tax is 3.10% - 5.70%
  • Kansas Sales tax is 6.50% - 10.50%, in addition to county and local rates
  • The average effective rate of property taxes in Kansas is 1.40%. The 15th highest across the country.
  • Kansas gas tax is 26.03 cents per gallon of diesel and 24.03 cents per gallon of gasoline.
  • Long and short-term capital gains in Kansas are taxed as normal income. The highest of such was 5.70 in 2019
  • Kansas does not have an estate tax. Inheritances are excluded from all state income tax.
kansas

What Is Kansas Most Known For?

Kansas is known for many reasons from Sunflowers to Aerospace. Here we've listed the key things Kansas is mostly known for

Agriculture

Just how big is agriculture in Kansas? The state is ranked 7th for total agricultural production in the US. Even more, farmlands stretch across more than 88 percent of the entire land in Kansas.

The state's top 5 agricultural exports are hogs, livestock, soybeans, wheat, and corn for grain. Wheat is the state's largest crop making Kansas the highest wheat producer in America.

Tornadoes

Have you ever witnessed tornadoes? Kansas is rated second across the United States for the average number of tornadoes (60) in a year. The state is also rated third in tornadoes (44) per 1000 square miles.

Meteorites

Kansas has seen more meteorites than any other state located west of the Mississippi river aside Texas.

Sunflowers

If you love sunflowers, you'll see a whole lot of them here. Kansas is called the Sunflower State for a reason. Sunflower is the official Floral Emblem of Kansas. Sunflowers grow everywhere in Kansas.

Midway, U.S.A

Kansas is the geographic midpoint of the continental U.S. giving the state one of its famous nicknames known as �Midway U.S.A.

The Wizard of OZ

Chances are when you meet someone from Kansas you'd probably ask if they knew where Dorothy lives. The Wizard of OZ is one of the many things Kansas is known for.

Kansas is Flatter Than Pancake

You've probably heard this once or twice before. As funny as it seems, scientists have proven that the state is actually flatter than a pancake. They had to compare the states topography with that of a pancake from IHOP.

The Tallest Waterslide in The World

Kansas is home to the tallest waterslide in the world (taller than the Niagara Falls). This waterslide is located at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City.

Kansas Is Home to The Windiest City!

The windiest city in the entire United States is Dodge City in Kansas. The city boasts of an average wind speed of 14 mph.

The Helicopter Was Invented in Kansas

Chopper was invented in 1909 by Williams Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland, Kansas.

schools in kansas

How's the school system of Kansas?

Below is a simple summary of the best schools in Kansas as ranked by Great Schools, School Digger, Best Colleges from elementary to universities and colleges.

Best Elementary Schools in Kansas

  • Bradley Elementary School
    Ft Leavenworth School District,Public, PK-6 | 510 students

  • Eisenhower Elementary School
    Ft Leavenworth School District, Public, PK-6 | 535 students

  • Macarthur Elementary School
    Ft Leavenworth School District, Public, PK-6 | 565 students

  • Edgerton Elementary School
    Gardner Edgerton School District,Public, PK-4 | 181 students

  • Riley County Grade School
    Riley County School District, Public, PK-8 | 471 student

Best Middle Schools in Kansas

  • Patton Junior High School
    Ft Leavenworth School District, Public, 7-9 | 303 students

  • Hamilton High School
    Hamilton School District, Public, 7-12 | 36 students

  • Sumner Academy of Arts & Science
    Kansas City School District, Public, 8-12 | 1000 students

  • Riley County Grade School
    Riley County School District, Public, PK-8 | 471 students

  • Shawnee Mission East High School
    Shawnee Mission Public School, Public, 7-12 | 1805 students

Best High Schools in Kansas

  • Maize Virtual Preparatory School

  • Olathe Northwest High School

  • Kiowa County High School

  • Shawnee Mission East High

  • Sumner Academy of Arts & Science

Best colleges in Kansas

  • Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS

  • University of Kansas - Lawrence, KS

  • Newman University - Wichita, KS

  • Cleveland University-Kansas City - Overland Park, KS

  • Pittsburg State University - Pittsburg, KS

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