What to know when moving to Leavenworth, KS
TL;DR: Leavenworth at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 36.9% of residents are renters and the median household income is $71,520.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable median gross rent of $954, which is lower than many nearby urban areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.4% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 33.6 inches of rain annually, especially during the spring months.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Leavenworth has a population of 35,551, with a significant portion of the community holding a bachelor's degree or higher at 30.7%. The median household income is $71,520, and 36.9% of the residents are renters, indicating a mix of ownership and rental opportunities. The area sees about 61 rainy days a year, so being prepared for wet weather is wise.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as only 0.4% of residents use it for their commute.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $954, which can be appealing for those looking to budget wisely.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $203,700, making homeownership more accessible compared to larger cities.
- 30.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's educational character.
- Poverty rate stands at 11.5%, indicating some economic challenges within the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Kansas indicates a mixed picture of safety in the state.
- Violent crime: 441.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 35.8% higher than the national average.
- Property crime: 1,802.5 per 100,000 residents, 16.5% higher than the national average.
- Notable trend: Property crime has decreased by 17.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Kansas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Leavenworth has access to local education options.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Nearby institution: University of Saint Mary located in Leavenworth.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Leavenworth County experiences about 33.6 inches of precipitation annually and 61 rainy days a year, with the spring season being particularly wet. Snowfall is minimal, averaging only 0.5 inches per year over 2 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Wyandotte County Lake Park (4.6 stars, 2,074 reviews)
- Weston Bend State Park (4.7 stars, 1,654 reviews)
- Leavenworth Landing Park (4.5 stars, 459 reviews)
- C. W. Parker Carousel Museum (4.7 stars, 455 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The local economy in Leavenworth County is stable with a relatively low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 3.8% as of December 2025.
- Employment count: 36,803.
- Labor force count: 38,247.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).