Living in Topeka, KS
Topeka is the 232nd-largest city in the US, home to about 126,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Kansas. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well below the national average (88.8 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 125,795-0.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $144,2002.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $979/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $56,956median, per year
- Price level
- 88.8US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 40° / 90°lows 20° / 69°
- Average commute
- 17 min11% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.58%top rate, graduated
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County: Shawnee County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 945 ft
Metro area: Topeka, KS
Cost of living in Topeka
The median home in Topeka is worth $144,200 and the median household earns $56,956 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $979 a month, about 21% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Topeka, KS metro area at 88.8, with housing at 65.0 and goods at 94.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $66,600 here. Kansas taxes wages at a top rate of 5.58%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Kansas is 8.71%.
What would my salary be worth in Topeka?
Topeka weather
Average highs run from 40°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 20°F. It gets 36 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 17 inches of snow. Expect about 50 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 114 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Topeka
People and work
The median resident is 38.0 years old, and 29% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 59% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 17 minutes; 11% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 38.0367th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 29%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 59%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,03261.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 15.7%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1967median year
Who moves to Topeka, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Wichita (Sedgwick County), Reno County, KS and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Wichita (Sedgwick County), Fort Worth (Tarrant County) and Saline County, KS. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Shawnee County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, ice storm, tornado, lightning.
Home prices
+5.6% in a year
Up 48% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Topeka, KS area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
64% good days
5 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Topeka, KS area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Topeka
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Kansas 24 miles
- Washburn University in Topeka
- Baker University 32 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Topeka
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Regional Airport MHK | 53 mi | 85,901 |
| Kansas City International Airport MCI | 55 mi | 5,915,078 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Topeka
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | 24 mi | 21,217 | $20,004 | 70% |
| Washburn University | in town | 4,562 | $11,023 | 52% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Pros and cons of living in Topeka
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.5 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 17 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Topeka report card from locals
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Topeka through locals' eyes
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Cities near Topeka
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 24 mi | 96,367 | $292,700 | 90.2 | Compare |
| Olathe, KS | 48 mi | 150,025 | $364,700 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Overland Park, KS | 53 mi | 203,677 | $413,600 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, KS | 54 mi | 157,805 | $167,400 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, MO | 60 mi | 521,220 | $242,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Independence, MO | 69 mi | 121,675 | $172,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Topeka with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Topeka a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Topeka side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Topeka?
The Census Bureau estimates Topeka had 125,795 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 126,609 in April 2020 (-0.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Topeka?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $66,600 in the Topeka area. The median household here earns $56,956.
When is the best time to visit Topeka?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 40°F for daytime highs.
What county is Topeka in?
Topeka is in Shawnee County, Kansas. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Topeka in?
Topeka is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Topeka?
About 945 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Kansas have a state income tax?
Yes. Kansas has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.58% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Topeka. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Topeka, KS metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Topeka Municipal Airport, KS station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.