What to know when moving to Kansas City, KS
Kansas City at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 57.6% of residents rent and the median household income is $38,819.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $789, making housing relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate is notably high at 28.0%.
- Commute:
- Only 3.1% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 43.2 inches of rain annually, with about 97 rainy days.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kansas City, KS, has a population of about 12,463, with a significant portion of the community being renters at 57.6%. The education level is relatively low, with only 15.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. With a median household income of $38,819, many may find the cost of living here to be manageable, especially given the median gross rent of $789.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community, as the poverty rate sits at 28.0%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $789, while the median home value is $77,300, making it an affordable option for renters.
- Only 15.3% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating lower educational attainment in the area.
- The poverty rate is 28.0%, which may impact community resources.
- 57.6% of the population are renters, reflecting a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Kansas, the property crime rate stands at 1,802.5 per 100k, which is 16.5% higher than the national average. However, there has been a decrease of 17.1% since 2022. The violent crime rate is 441.9 per 100k, which is 35.8% above the national average, but it has also decreased by 1.5% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 441.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,802.5 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Property crime down 17.1% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Kansas).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 22 postsecondary institutions in the nearby region, with 5 located in Kansas and 17 in Missouri. Notable local schools include:
- Donnelly College
- Kansas City Kansas Community College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Kansas City experiences an annual precipitation of 43.2 inches, with 97 rainy days, which means it's wise to keep an umbrella handy. The area has only about 3 snow days per year, making heavy winter weather relatively uncommon.
- Nearby parks worth checking out include:
- Loose Park (4.8 stars, 6,292 reviews)
- Penn Valley Park (4.6 stars, 3,866 reviews)
- Wyandotte County Lake Park (4.6 stars, 2,074 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Wyandotte County, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with a labor force of 83,787. There are 80,046 employed residents, indicating a stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% as of December 2025
- Labor force: 83,787
- Employed: 80,046
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.