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Kansas City, MO

Missouri

Kansas City is a major city in Missouri with a population of 508,233. Residents earn $67,449 per year, which is 10% below the national average.

3.4 /5.0
B Good
508,233 Population 1,616/sq mi density
$67,449 Median Income $40,112 per capita
$227,000 Home Value $245,199 Zillow
$1,186 Median Rent 29.0% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 264 sunny days/yr
1,251 Violent Crime/100K 4,835 property/100K
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.9 / 5.0
$67,449 median income, 3.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$227,000 home value, $1,186/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,251 violent crimes/100K (229% above avg)
A
Education
4.0 / 5.0
37.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $67,449
10% lower than US avg
Home Value $227,000
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 1,251/100K
229% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 37.8%
12% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,186
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 10.2%
18% lower than US avg

How Kansas City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population508,233
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density1,616/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 58%
Veterans6.0%

Economy

B+
Median Income$67,449
Per Capita$40,112
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty10.2%
Commute22 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$227,000
Rent$1,186
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$245,199
Housing Units241,827
Rent Burden29.0%

Crime

F
Violent1,251/100K
Property4,835/100K
Murder16.7/100K
Assault805/100K
Burglary1,208/100K

Health

Obesity38.7%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking15.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.6%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Sunny Days264/yr
Elevation919 ft (280 m)

Education

A
Bachelor's+37.8%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+13.7%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations475

Is Kansas City a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Kansas City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Kansas City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Kansas City is $67,449, 10% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Kansas City is $227,000, 19% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,186 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

With 1,251 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,835 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 37.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Kansas City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 264 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Kansas City has a population of 508,233 with a density of 1,616 people per square mile, spread across 314.5 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (57.8%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 25.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.9% of residents, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

508,233
Total Population
1,616
People / sq mi
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
314.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.4%
Female 51.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Kansas City vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only87.9%
12% above US avg
Spanish12.1%
10% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Kansas City vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Kansas City is $67,449, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,112. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.8% of workers work from home.

Income: Kansas City vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$67,449
10% below US avg
Per Capita Income$40,112

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.2%
11% below US avg
Poverty Rate10.2%
18% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.9 min
Drive Alone72.7%
Public Transit1.9%
Work from Home14.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Kansas City is $227,000, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,199. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,186 (2% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 241,827 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$227,000
19% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$245,199
Median List Price$299,900

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$299,900
$/Sq Ft$162
Homes Sold441
Sale-to-List Ratio0.0%
Price Drops25.5%

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,186
2% above US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,418
Rent Burden29.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied54.6%
Housing Units241,827
Median Year Built1968

Property Tax

In Kansas City, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Kansas City vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity38.7%
21% above US avg
Diabetes11.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
High Blood Pressure34.7%
Asthma10.7%
COPD6.7%
Cancer6.5%
Stroke3.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking15.8%
13% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.7%
Physical Inactivity29.8%
Depression24.3%
Mental Distress18.7%
Physical Distress13.5%
Short Sleep36.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate88.3%
Uninsured10.6%
23% above US avg
Checkup Rate77.0%
Dental Visits59.4%

Food & Exercise

Kansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,251 per 100,000 residents, 229% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 804.6 per 100,000, robbery at 346.9, rape at 83.3. The murder rate is 16.7 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,835 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,783, burglary at 1,208, vehicle theft at 844 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Kansas City receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Kansas City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,251.5/100K
229% above US avg
Murder16.7/100K
164% above US avg
Rape83.3/100K
Robbery346.9/100K
Assault804.6/100K

Property Crime

Total Property4,835.0/100K
147% above US avg
Burglary1,208.1/100K
Theft2,783.2/100K
Vehicle Theft843.7/100K
Arson46.3/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Kansas City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 264 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches. The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 919 feet.

Temperature

28°F Jan (-2°C) 80°F Jul (27°C)
Annual Average55.4°F
3% above US avg
January Average28°F (-2°C)
July Average80°F (27°C)
Sunny Days264 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.7 inches
4% above US avg
Snowfall4.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation919 ft (280 m)
Area314.5 sq mi (814.6 km²)
Population Density1,616/sq mi
Coordinates39.0997°N, 94.5786°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 28°F (-2°C) 1.2 in Coldest, Driest
February 34°F (1°C) 1.3 in
March 45°F (7°C) 2.6 in
April 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
May 66°F (19°C) 5.2 in Wettest
June 75°F (24°C) 5.0 in
July 80°F (27°C) 4.1 in Warmest
August 78°F (25°C) 3.7 in
September 69°F (21°C) 4.9 in
October 58°F (14°C) 3.5 in
November 44°F (7°C) 2.6 in
December 33°F (0°C) 1.7 in

Kansas City has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F — from 28°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.2").

37.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 12% above the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 88.9% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 475 EV charging stations. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+37.8%
12% above US avg
High School+91.8%
Graduate Degree+13.7%
School Test Score5.51
A Education Grade (4.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,616/sq mi
Total Area314.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access88.9%
EV Charging Stations475
Alt Fuel Stations496

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.9 min
Drive Alone72.7%
Public Transit1.9%
Work from Home14.8%

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City

What is the population of Kansas City?

Kansas City has a population of 508,233 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,616 people per square mile, spread across 314.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.

Is Kansas City expensive to live in?

Kansas City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,449, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $227,000 (19% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,186 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Kansas City safe?

Public safety is a concern in Kansas City, with a violent crime rate of 1,251 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,835 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kansas City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Kansas City?

Kansas City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 264 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.7 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Kansas City?

Kansas City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 14.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Kansas City?

The median home value in Kansas City is $227,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,199. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,186. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Kansas City?

Schools in Kansas City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.8% of adults in Kansas City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 13.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Kansas City?

The obesity rate in Kansas City is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Kansas City?

The average commute in Kansas City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 14.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Kansas City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kansas City is 57.8% White, 25.8% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 87.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

North Kansas City, MO 4,758 pop · 2.3 mi Westwood, KS 1,851 pop · 4.6 mi Blue Summit, MO 1,145 pop · 5.1 mi Roeland Park, KS 6,800 pop · 5.4 mi Riverside, MO 4,153 pop · 5.7 mi Fairway, KS 4,177 pop · 5.9 mi Mission Hills, KS 3,556 pop · 6.3 mi Mission, KS 9,928 pop · 6.6 mi Sugar Creek, MO 3,261 pop · 7.2 mi Gladstone, MO 27,069 pop · 7.3 mi Prairie Village, KS 22,937 pop · 8.4 mi Merriam, KS 11,036 pop · 8.4 mi Claycomo, MO 1,994 pop · 8.5 mi Parkville, MO 8,022 pop · 8.6 mi
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