Moving to Kansas in 2024? 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 thinking of moving to Kansas?
Relocation is a journey that can make you happy and sad at the same time. The move should be easy, and you must know everything about the new place. It will help you find the right place to live, the current status of the job market and most important thing- cost of living. You can learn about these things online, but that can be chaotic as you visit multiple websites. We have collected all the details about Kansas and compiled them here. The cost of living in Kansas is lower than the national average, and the current job market is good, with a lower unemployment rate. The state experiences four distinct seasons and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Kansas has a friendly and welcoming culture with a strong sense of community. You can explore more about Kansas in this guide-
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Quick Facts of Kansas
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Top reasons to move to Kansas
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Pros & Cons of Living in Kansas
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Best Neighborhoods in the Kansas
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Cost of living in Kansas
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Kansas job market
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Major industries in Kansas
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Top Career Options in Kansas
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Best things to do in Kansas
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Schools in Kansas
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Type of insurance required in Kansas
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Taxes in Kansas
What are the demographics of Kansas?
Kansas is a diverse state with people from different ethnicities and ages. The majority of residents of Kansas are white, and the Hispanic population is growing. According to the statistics, the median age in Kansas is 36 years.Most of the population of Kansas speaks English, and Spanish is the second most spoken language. The population density of the state is lower than that of other states. We have compiled all the related data in the next section of the guide.
Male vs Female Population of Kansas
Gender | Percentage |
---|---|
Male | 50.3% |
Female | 49.7% |
Population distribution by Ethnicity in Kansas
Ethnicity | Percentage |
---|---|
White (Non-Hispanic) | 74.2% |
White (Hispanic) | 5.53% |
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) | 5.37% |
Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) | 3.97% |
Two or More Races (Hispanic) | 3.36% |
Other | 7.57% |
What are some quick facts about Kansas?
Before moving to Kansas, let us check out some interesting and quick facts about the state-- The nickname of Kansas is the “Sunflower State” because of its vast sunflower fields.
- Three other nicknames for Kansas are- the Wheat State, the Jayhawker State, and the Free State.
- The state experiences around 50 tornadoes per year.
- Topeka is the capital of Kansas.
- Wichita, Kansas, is the birthplace of the Pizza Hut chain.
- 88% of the state land- is dedicated to farmland.
- The landscapes of Kansas are believed to have inspired the fictional Land of Oz (based on the book- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz).
- Wichita is the largest city in Kansas.
- The second-largest collection of WWI artefacts can be explored at National WWI Museum and Memorial, Missouri.
- Kansas yields numerous woolly mammoth skeletons due to past glacial activity.
What are the top reasons to move to Kansas?
Taking a huge step like moving can make you question whether it is worth it or not to move. But you need not worry, as we have listed all the reasons to plan your move to Kansas-- Cost of Living- The state has a significantly lower cost of living than the national average. Everything is cheaper, including- housing, groceries and transportation.
- Job Market- The job market of Kansas is growing, with several opportunities in different sectors. Kansas is home to major companies like Cargill and Koch.
- Education- The public education system of Kansas is good, and there are numerous recognized universities and colleges.
- Culture- The state has a rich culture and history with several museums and historical sites. Kansas celebrates various festivals throughout the year.
- Neighborhood- The state has affordable and family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools. It has a strong sense of community and thus can be a great place to raise a family.
- Recreational activities- Kansas experiences four distinct seasons that offer opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the year. You can go for hiking, fishing, biking and more.
What are the Pros and Cons of living in Kansas?
When people move, they only try to learn about the best features of the new state. But learning about the cons is equally important, as it will prepare you for any mishappening. For your convenience, we have listed all the major pros and cons of Kansas-Pros of living in Kansas | Cons of living in Kansas |
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Lower cost of living with cheaper housing, groceries and other amenities. | Limited public transportation system outside the major cities |
Good job market with lower unemployment rate than the national average | The state has flat plains that might not appeal to everyone |
Home to top colleges and universities and high-performing public schools | Options for entertainment are limited |
Boasts beautiful lakes and green spaces for hiking, biking and more | Weather can be extreme with occasional tornadoes |
Four distinct seasons offer a variety of weather to enjoy | The state weather can be harsh with strong winds and blizzards |
What are the best places to live in Kansas?
Moving to a new state means you need to find a perfect place where you can raise your family is important. You can start searching for a place to live in Kansas before moving there.In this section of the guide, we have compiled information about the best cities in the state, their population, median home value and unemployment rate in each city. Let us explore-
City | Population (Estimated) | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
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Wichita | 395,951 | $195,000 | 2.5% |
Topeka | 126,431 | $165,000 | 2.2% |
Manhattan | 54,287 | $252,200 | 1.7% |
Overland Park | 196,676 | $455,000 | 2.10% |
Lawrence | 95,103 | $260,000 | 1.8% |
What are the best neighborhoods in Kansas?
The right neighborhood is the priority when you move to a new city or state. A safe, family-friendly environment with good schools and open spaces.But finding a neighborhood requires deep research and we will help you save time as we have listed some popular neighborhoods in Kansas. You can explore these neighborhoods before moving to Kansas.
- Kansas City- This is a diverse and bustling neighborhood with several historic areas. It is a family-friendly suburb including Leawood and Overland Park.
- Wichita- It is the largest city in the state known for its aircraft industry and has various cultural attractions.
- Lawrence- This neighborhood is home to the University of Kansas and offers a vibrant college-town environment.
- Overland Park- This neighborhood is a large suburb of Kansas City that focuses on families. There are many schools.
- Manhattan- This neighborhood offers a mix of student-oriented neighborhoods and many family-friendly areas.
What is the cost of living in Kansas?
The cost of living is one major factor people consider when they move to a new state. This is the sum of multiple expenses that one bears for comfortable survival. In this section, we have provided the statistics for the cost of living in Kansas.Cost of Living by Categories in Kansas vs USA
Category | Kansas | USA |
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Overall Cost of Living Index | 87% | 100% |
Housing | 68% | 100% |
Utilities | 100% | 100% |
Transportation | 92% | 100% |
Groceries | 91% | 100% |
Healthcare | 95% | 100% |
Miscellaneous | 90% | 100% |
Median House Price in Kansas vs USA
Location | Median House Price |
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Kansas | $217,315 |
USA | $347,716 (as of February 2024) |
Median Rent Price in Kansas vs USA
Location | Median Rent Price |
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Kansas | $986 |
USA | $1,372 |
Housing Market in Kansas
According to recent statistics, the housing market of Kansas is a seller’s market. There has been a significant increase in home values and more buyers than the available houses in the state.
Average Rental Cost in Kansas
The average rental cost in Kansas is more affordable than the national average. The median rental cost may depend on the location, type and size of the property.
Median Home Value in Kansas
The statewide median home value varies depending on the property type and size, and there has been an increase in home values in recent years.
How is the job market in Kansas?
Most people move across the states to find a stable and well-paid job. If you are moving to Kansas, you can explore different aspects associated with the job market of Kansas.Median Income in Kansas vs USA
Location | Median Income |
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Kansas | $64,124 to $69,747 |
USA | $69,244 to $70,784 |
Unemployment Rate in Kansas vs USA
Location | Unemployment Rate |
---|---|
Kansas | 2.8% |
United States | 3.9% |
Major Industries in Kansas
Kansas has a diverse economy which includes some major industries like- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Logistics & Distribution
- Defense
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Healthcare
Top Career Options in Kansas
Kansas has a growing economy with diversity in its job market.As we see several industries in Kansas are contributing to the economy and simultaneously offering a great number of jobs. Here, we have listed some top career options you can pick if you are planning to switch or start your career-
Career Option | Average Salary (National) | Entry-Level Salary (Example from Job Search Website) |
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Registered Nurse | $77,400 | $62,000 (Wichita) |
Wind Energy Technician | $57,460 | $48,000 (Salina) |
Software Developer | $120,440 | $82,000 (Overland Park) |
Customer Service Representative | $41,040 | $36,000 (Topeka) |
Marketing Manager | $135,220 | $95,000 (Kansas City) |
Biggest Companies in Kansas by city and number of employees
Kansas is home to numerous companies located in various cities across the state. In this section, we have compiled information about these companies, their location, industry and approximate number of employees-
City | Company | Industry | Estimated Employees (National/State) |
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Kansas City | Garmin International | Consumer Electronics | 21,000 (Global) |
Wichita | Spirit AeroSystems | Aerospace Manufacturing | 10,000+ (US) |
Topeka | Westar Energy | Electric Utility | 6,300 (US) |
Overland Park | Paycor | Human Capital Management Software | 1,000-5,000 (US) |
What are the best things to do in Kansas?
Relocation can make you feel sad, but some fun and exploring the city or state can help you. In Kansas, you can find several opportunities to enjoy and learn about its culture. We have listed various things that you can do in Kansas-- Explore the culture of Kansas and enjoy a world-class barbeque. For this, you can visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Crown Center, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and the entertainment complex.
- Visit Boot Hill Museum to explore the Wild West and walk in the footsteps of cowboys and gunslingers.
- Take a hiking or biking trip to Flint Hills and get a chance to see a variety of wildlife.
- If you love boating, then the Kaw River is your destination. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the state while boating, fishing, canoeing or swimming.
- Take your children to the Topeka Zoo and Conservative Center to see various animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.
- For movie lovers, the OZ Museum in Wondee is the ultimate destination. This museum is dedicated to the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz”.
What are the best schools in Kansas?
Education is one major factor that people check before planning a move. Especially when you move with children of school or college age, this will be the most important thing.However, finding the right school, college or university in a new state can be challenging. So, we have listed the best education institutions in Kansas that you can research before moving-
Elementary Schools in Kansas
- Timber Creek Elementary School, Overland Park
- Oak Hill Elementary School, Overland Park
- Sunrise Point Elementary School, Spring Hill
- Sunset Ridge Elementary School, Overland Park
- Valley Park Elementary School, Overland Park
Middle Schools in Kansas
- Lakewood Middle School, Overland Park
- Wichita Collegiate School, Wichita
- Bishop Seabury Academy, Lawrence
- Prairie Star Middle School, Olathe
- Harmony Middle School, Shawnee
High Schools in Kansas
- Wichita Collegiate School, Wichita
- Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park
- Bishop Seabury Academy, Lawrence
- Summer Academy of Arts and Science, Kansas City
- Blue Valley West High School, Stillwell
Colleges and Universities in Kansas
- University of Kansas, Lawrence
- Kansas State University, Manhattan
- Wichita State University, Wichita
- Emporia State University, Emporia
- Washburn University, Topeka
Which insurance is required in Kansas?
Insurance provides mental peace and financial assistance in the worst scenarios. Most people buy moving insurance to protect their belongings at the time of the move.Similarly, you need other types of insurance to make your living easy and secure in the new state. When you move to Kansas, you have to buy some law-mandated insurance and some other insurance-
Auto Insurance- In Kansas, all drivers are required to have a minimum liability insurance which is mandated by state law. They also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Here is the breakdown of each insurance-
- Liability coverage- The state law mandates a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- This is also known as No-fault insurance. This type of insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, etc. who is at fault in the accident. The minimum PIP coverage includes $4,500 per person for medical expenses, $900/month for one year for disability/loss of income, $25/day for in-home services, $2,000 for funeral expenses, and $4,500 for rehabilitation expenses.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage- This insurance protects you and your passenger if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance. The minimum coverage for this insurance is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Homeowner’s Insurance- This insurance is not mandatory but if you purchase this then your house will be protected against fire, theft, and other covered events.
Renter’s Insurance- The renter’s insurance protects the belongings and provides liability coverage if someone gets injured on the rented property.
Health Insurance- This insurance will cover the medical expenses in the case of illness. It is not mandated by law, but one must have it to ensure financial well-being.
Life Insurance- This insurance will provide financial assistance to your family in the event of your death.
What different taxes are applicable in Kansas?
Taxes add a great number to the cost of living and each state has variation in the rates of taxes. We have listed all types of taxes that apply to individuals and businesses in Kansas.State Income Tax- Kansas has a graduated system for income tax. This means the tax rate increases with the increase in the income. The income tax rates in Kansas range from 3.1% to 5.7%.
State Sales Tax- There is a flat rate for state sales tax in Kansas- 6.5%. But some localities can add local sales and the tax rate can rise to 8.65%.
Property Tax- The property taxes are levied by the local government and for owner-occupied housing, the average tax rate is around 1.26%. The collected tax is used to fund schools and other services.
Fiduciary Tax- This tax is applied to estates and trusts.
Consumers’ Compensating Use Tax- This tax is applied to purchases made out-of-state that are used in Kansas.
Intangible Tax- This tax is levied by local authorities on the investment income.
Severance Tax- This tax is applied to the extraction of natural resources like gas and oil.
Unemployment Insurance Tax- Employers pay unemployment insurance tax to help fund unemployment benefits.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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