Median Income
$76,563
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$50,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
409/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.4%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
21.4%
494% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Topeka Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population28
Median Age50.0 yrs
Density200/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans22.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$76,563
Per Capita$33,579
Unemployment21.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$634M
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,000
Ownership46.2%
Zillow$88,695
Housing Units22
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent409/100K
Property3,558/100K
Health
Obesity31.4%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking12.1%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation472 ft (144 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+54.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.41
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Broadband13.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Topeka a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Topeka receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Topeka offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Topeka is $76,563, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 21.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Topeka is $50,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,558 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Topeka experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Topeka has a population of 28 with a density of 200 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 50.0 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.3% female and 60.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 22.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.0yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Topeka is $76,563, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,579 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $813, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 21.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 298 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,563 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,579 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $813 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,475 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 21.4% |
| 494% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 298 |
| County GDP | $634M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Topeka is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $88,695, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 22 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,889. 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $88,695 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.8% |
| Housing Units | 22 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.78% |
In Topeka, 31.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.6% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,576. The dentist ratio is 1:2,550. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Topeka vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,576 |
| Dentists | 1:2,550 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,505 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,740/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Topeka has a violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,558 per 100,000, 82% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Topeka receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Topeka vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 409.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,557.9/100K |
| 82% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Topeka experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.3 inches. The area receives 12.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 472 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 472 ft (144 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 200/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3304°N, 89.9306°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mason County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
716 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 755 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Topeka has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Topeka. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Topeka
What is the population of Topeka?
Topeka has a population of 28 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 200 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.3% female and 60.7% male.
Is Topeka expensive to live in?
Topeka has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,563, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,000 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Topeka safe?
The violent crime rate in Topeka is 409 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,558 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Topeka receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Topeka?
Topeka has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Topeka?
The job market in Topeka faces challenges, with unemployment at 21.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $813. There are 298 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Topeka?
The median home value in Topeka is $50,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $88,695. The homeownership rate is 46.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,889.
How are the schools in Topeka?
Schools in Topeka score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Topeka hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Topeka?
The obesity rate in Topeka is 31.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,576.
What are the demographics of Topeka?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Topeka is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 22.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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