Median Income
$63,072
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$179,500
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.9%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$960
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Wichita Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population396,488
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density2,402/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,072
Per Capita$35,958
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$41,525M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$179,500
Rent$960
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$198,074
Health
Obesity39.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
AQI39 (Good)
Rain26.9 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation1,309 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.9%
High School+88.0%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute19 min
EV Stations51
Libraries20
Is Wichita a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wichita receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Wichita stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wichita is $63,072, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wichita is $179,500, 36% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wichita enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches, including 10.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Wichita has a population of 396,488 with a density of 2,402 people per square mile. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (66.6%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 9.7% Black.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 82.4% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Spanish | 17.6% |
| 31% above US avg |
The median household income in Wichita is $63,072, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,072 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,958 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,166 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,783 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 14,427 |
| County GDP | $41,525M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,236 |
| Healthcare | 1,737 |
| Retail | 1,624 |
| Manufacturing | 494 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,510 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Wichita is $179,500, 36% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $960 (17% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,074.
Home Values
| Census Median | $179,500 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,074 |
| Median List Price | $229,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 322 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 24.7% |
| Inventory | 874 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $960 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,125 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $643 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,276 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,510 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.07% |
In Wichita, 39.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.0% report depression. 27.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Wichita vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,737 |
Crime Rates: Wichita vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 65 |
Safety Score
Wichita has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 26.9 inches. The area enjoys 312 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 26.9 inches |
| 29% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 10.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,309 ft (399 m) |
| Area | 165.1 sq mi (427.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,402/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6906°N, 97.3458°W |
| County FIPS | 20173 |