Kansas is the 33rd most populated state in the U.S. It has a population of 2,882,946 and only a few large cities. Kansas is known for a few things — it’s the setting of The Wizard of Oz, nicknamed The Sunflower State, and it produces quite a bit of the nation’s beef. Even though Kansas has a small population, some cities are more populated than others. We’ll look at the largest city in Kansas and find out which city may take the title in 2050.
What Is the Largest City in Kansas?
The largest city in Kansas is Wichita, with a population of 397,532. To compare Wichita to other major U.S. cities, it has a similar population to New Orleans, Louisiana, and Aurora, Colorado. It’s the 50th-largest city in the United States overall.
Wichita is in south-central Kansas, and it takes up a total area of 166.5 square miles. It’s the county seat of Sedgwick County and it’s home to a lot of history.
This bustling city is beloved by its residents, and its population has grown every census since it was incorporated.
©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Wichita Statistics and Economics
The school district in Wichita ranks number 1 in the state, making it a great choice for families. However, the crime rate is also much higher than average, which is often the case in larger cities. Most people in Wichita are employed in the educational services, health care, and social assistance industries (22.89%), followed closely by the manufacturing industry (18.03%).
What Attracts People to Wichita?
People are attracted to Wichita for many reasons, but one big one is that housing prices are relatively low. The median rent is $915 and the median mortgage payment is $1,410, both much lower than in other parts of the state and country.
Another big attraction is Wichita’s education system. Families can rest assured knowing that their children are getting the best education in the state. Beyond K-12 education, many people are drawn to the city for Wichita State University and the KU School of Medicine. Medical students who do their residencies in the city often end up staying because of the friendly community and vibrant atmosphere.
WSU’s large campus size and great programs attract many college students to the city.
©Jacob Boomsma/iStock via Getty Images
What Will Be the Largest City in Kansas in 30 Years?
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, its population doubles that of Overland Park (the second-largest city). Wichita will likely continue to be the largest city in Kansas in 2050. Wichita’s population has also grown at every census, which is quite uncommon to see!
Top 5 Largest Cities in Kansas: A Comparison
| Ranking | City | Population | Median Gross Rent | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wichita | 396,192 | $915 | $60,712 |
| #2 | Overland Park | 197,726 | $1,378 | $100,876 |
| #3 | Kansas City | 153,345 | $1,044 | $56,120 |
| #4 | Olathe | 145,616 | $1,229 | $108,077 |
| #5 | Topeka | 125,449 | $926 | $54,052 |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © DenisTangneyJr from Getty Images Signature/ via Canva.com
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