Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Topeka, KS
Thinking of moving to Topeka, KS? With a population of 125,819, Topeka offers an affordable lifestyle—median home prices are just $136,000 and average rent is $910. Commutes are quick, averaging 17 minutes, and the city enjoys 63% sunny days annually. While the cost of living is low, it's important to note higher property crime rates, but you'll find convenient healthcare and a strong local university. Topeka is a friendly, budget-conscious choice for families, students, and professionals.
Demographics - Topeka, KS
Demographics - Topeka, KS
Topeka is home to 125,819 residents and features a diverse community, with nearly 70% identifying as White and significant Black and Hispanic populations. The median age is 38, suggesting a balanced mix of young families and older adults. About 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the city's cultural variety.
Population:
125,819
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.8%
Black:
10.8%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
17.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Topeka, KS?
Topeka offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $136,000 and average rent at $910. Utilities and groceries remain below the national average, making the city especially budget-friendly for both homeowners and renters. State income taxes range from 3.1% to 5.7%.
Median House Value:
$136,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
58.7
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
76.4
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
82.0
Crime
Is Topeka, KS a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of 3,207 incidents per 100,000 people, while the violent crime rate stands at 574 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 31 chance of being affected by property crime. It's wise to stay vigilant and consider neighborhood safety when choosing a place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
574
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,207
Crime Index:
3,781
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 174
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Topeka, KS year-round?
Topeka enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 19°F and warm summers peaking near 89°F. The city receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 63% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer comfortable, moderate temperatures.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Topeka's neighborhoods reflect a median household income of $54,500 and a poverty rate of 15.1%. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 17 minutes, and public transportation usage is low. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$67,400
Per Capita Income:
$30,400
Income Male:
$41,900
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
15.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.0%
Education
How are the schools in Topeka, KS?
Topeka offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Topeka High School and Landon Middle School, as well as private institutions such as Cair Paravel Latin School. The city is also home to Washburn University, which enrolls around 5,800 students. Class sizes are manageable, supporting a positive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Topeka High School
Street:
800 SW 10th Ave
Phone:
785-295-3150
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Landon Middle School
Street:
731 SW Fairlawn Rd
Phone:
785-438-4220
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Cair Paravel Latin School
Street:
635 SW Clay St
Phone:
785-232-3878
Students:
470
Colleges
Name:
Washburn University
City:
Topeka
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Topeka is served by major hospitals like Stormont Vail and the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, both offering emergency care. Healthcare access is strong, with 91.7% of residents insured and 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. The overall healthcare quality index is favorable for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stormont Vail Hospital
Address:
1500 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Phone:
(785) 354-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
Address:
1700 SW 7th St, Topeka, KS 66606
Phone:
(785) 295-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Topeka, KS?
The city's housing market is accessible, featuring a median home price of $136,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 58.5%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $910, and home values appreciated by 6.3% in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, providing stability for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$136,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Topeka's DMV services are provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles, conveniently located on SW 29th Street. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other vehicle services in person or online. For assistance, the main office can be reached at 785-296-3621.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
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.