Metro areas in Kansas: income, rent and home values
Kansas has 7 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Kansas City, MO with 2.3 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Kansas City, MO ($87,503). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Wichita, KS (26.3%) and the largest in Lawrence, KS (32.8%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Joplin, MO (+14.4%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | 2,271,012 | $87,503 | $1,414 | $331,600 | 28.3% |
| Wichita, KS | 663,809 | $74,866 | $1,065 | $229,100 | 26.3% |
| Topeka, KS | 233,052 | $74,484 | $981 | $216,000 | 27.5% |
| Joplin, MO | 208,796 | $65,889 | $999 | $211,000 | 29.5% |
| Manhattan, KS | 136,122 | $69,829 | $1,166 | $279,800 | 27.8% |
| Lawrence, KS | 120,920 | $74,520 | $1,243 | $348,500 | 32.8% |
| St. Joseph, MO | 118,392 | $68,663 | $933 | $205,900 | 32.2% |
Includes 3 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Kansas at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Kansas for renters?+
Wichita, KS, where renters spend a median 26.3% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Kansas has the highest income?+
Kansas City, MO, with a median household income of $87,503 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Kansas?+
7 metropolitan statistical areas in Kansas have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.