Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salina, KS
Planning a move to Salina, KS? With a friendly population of 46,481, Salina offers affordable living—median home prices are just $162,000 and average rents around $840. Enjoy quick 15-minute commutes, a sunny climate with 67% sunny days, and local higher education options. While property crime rates are above national average, the city features respected schools and major healthcare centers, making it a comfortable and accessible choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Salina, KS
Demographics - Salina, KS
Salina is home to about 46,500 residents, offering a balanced gender ratio and a median age close to 39 years. The community is predominantly White, but also includes a mix of other ethnic backgrounds and around 8% non-English speakers. Population density is moderate, making it a comfortable mid-sized city for newcomers seeking both diversity and a neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
46,481
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
3.4%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
12.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salina, KS?
Salina boasts a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rent around $840. Basic expenses such as utilities and groceries remain affordable, making the city an attractive option for families and individuals looking to maximize their budget. State taxes range from 3.1% to 5.7%, further supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,190
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
65.8
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Salina, KS a safe place to live?
Salina experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,523 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the chance of being a victim of violent crime is relatively low at 1 in 246. Most crime is non-violent, but it's wise for residents to take standard safety precautions. Despite these figures, many families find the community welcoming and manageable with proper awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
406
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,523
Crime Index:
3,929
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 246
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 28
Weather
What is the weather like in Salina, KS year-round?
Residents of Salina enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs in the low 90s and winters that can dip to 20°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 67% of the year, making outdoor activities appealing for much of the calendar. Spring and fall offer mild, pleasant temperatures ideal for enjoying the local parks and trails.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Households in Salina typically earn a median income of $56,300, with a poverty rate of 13.5% and a notably low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are short at just under 15 minutes. The community is primarily car-dependent, with very few residents relying on public transportation.
Median Income:
$34,700
Household Income:
$56,300
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,400
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$840
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
14.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
26.2%
Education
How are the schools in Salina, KS?
Salina supports quality education with well-regarded public and private schools, such as Salina South High School and Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High. The city is also home to higher education institutions like Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus and Kansas Wesleyan University, making continuing education easily accessible. Student-to-teacher ratios remain favorable, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Salina South High School
Street:
730 E Magnolia Rd
Phone:
785-309-3700
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Lakewood Middle School
Street:
1135 Lakewood Cir
Phone:
785-309-4000
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School
Street:
234 E Cloud St
Phone:
785-827-4422
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus
City:
Salina
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
700
Name:
Kansas Wesleyan University
City:
Salina
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
850
Healthcare
Salina provides solid healthcare access, anchored by major facilities like Salina Regional Health Center and Salina Surgical Hospital. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from reliable medical services and emergency care. The city's healthcare index reflects generally favorable conditions for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salina Regional Health Center
Address:
400 S. Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS 67401
Phone:
(785) 452-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Salina Surgical Hospital
Address:
401 S. Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS 67401
Phone:
(785) 452-7000
Type:
Surgical
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salina, KS?
The housing market in Salina is accessible, with a median home price of $162,000 and rents for a two-bedroom apartment averaging $830. Most residents own their homes, and housing remains stable with a low foreclosure rate and steady appreciation. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local vehicle services are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, conveniently located in Salina. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and related needs at the downtown office or through the state’s online portal. The DMV offers accessible support for both new arrivals and longtime locals.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 W. Ash, Room 210, Salina, KS 67401
Phone:
785-309-5855
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.