Kansas can be found in the American Midwest and is nicknamed the "Sunflower State." The highest point in Kansas is Mount Sunflower, which rises to an elevation of 1,231m. The state encompasses a landmass of more than 211,754 sq. km, making Kansas the 13th largest state by total area. Yet, with a population of 2.8 million inhabitants, it is the country's 34th most populous state. Kansas has 105 counties with 628 incorporated cities. Furthermore, Kansas is unique in that all established areas are referred to as "Cities," and it is only one of 11 states to do so. Believe it or not, there are many "fictional cities" made famous by a film that is confused for being real. These include Smallville, where superman grew up, and Jericho, popularized by the show with the same name. However, many are drawn to Kansas with some universities and sports teams for more than the Great Plains it resides on. The following article lists the largest cities in Kansas according to population:
- Wichita, Kansas
- Overland Park
- Kansas City
- Olathe
- Topeka
- Lawrence
- Shawnee
- Lenexa
- Manhattan
- Salina
1. Wichita, Kansas - 397,532 people
Found in south-central Kansas, Wichita is the state's largest and most populous city. The state's largest airport, Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, is located here, which adds to Wichita's claim of fame as the "Airplane capital of the World." It also serves as a further nod to Wichita's thriving airplane industry during World War II. The early investments from Lloyd Stearman, Clyde Cessna, and Walter Beech and their companies aided the US military with bomber plane production at the height of the war. Wichita is home to many academic facilities, among which the Wichita State University is the largest. There are a variety of professional and minor league sports teams in Wichita. These include the Wichita Thunder belonging to (minor league hockey), Wichita Force (Minor League Indoor Football), and Wichita Wind Surge (Minor League Baseball). A little-known fact is that White Castle and Pizza Hut were both founded in Wichita in terms of franchises. Additionally, the camping brand Coleman also got its start here. The Arkansas River can be found in Wichita and is 2,364 kilometers in length, being the sixth-longest river in the United States.
2. Overland Park - 197,238 people
Overland Park is Kansas's second-most populous city and borders Kansas City, Kansas to the north, and is approximately 1 km south-southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. It is found within the Osage Plains, and the Kansas River edges the northern part of the city. The city was developed to be self-sustainable with good education and transportation, appealing to being a "park-like" city. Overland Park has 72 parks that expand over an area of 7.3 square kilometers. The streetcars that extend into Kansas City (State of Missouri) from Overland Park were among the first to interconnect the cities. These yellow streetcars serve as a popular tourist attraction among visitors.
3. Kansas City - 156,607 people
Kansas City, Kansas, nicknamed “KCK” to not confuse it with Kansas City (State of Missouri). The city shares a border with Missouri state to the north and east. It is situated to the north of Overland Park along the banks of the Missouri River. Kansas City hosts NASCAR twice a year at the Kansas Speedway, which is among the area’s largest sporting attractions. It is also the home of the Major League Soccer team called Sporting Kansas City (State of Kansas). The General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant is located in Kansas City (State of Kansas) and has manufactured everything from planes during World War II to Cadillacs. A small-scale version of France’s De Triomphe called the “Rosedale Arc” can be found in the community of Rosedale and serves as a tribute to World War I soldiers.
4. Olathe - 141,290 people
Olathe is the depiction of a Midwestern town and was nicknamed “cow town” for the cowboy veered cattle drives that passed through. Once upon a time ago, Olathe served as a popular wagon stop on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails during the Great Migration on the Great Plains. The city's appearance is a mingling of the upscale architecture of the modern-day with historic buildings from its wild west past. There are many green spaces, with the Black Bob Park, named after the important figure Shawnee Chief Black Bob, being the most popular. Moreover, Olathe is the Shawnee word for “beautiful,” which is how the wildflower encrusted prairies appeared to the first settlers. The proximity to Overland Park and Kansas City (State of Kansas) makes Olathe a desirable place to live with good healthcare, education, and transportation systems in place.
5. Topeka - 126,587 people
The fifth most populous city in Kansas, Topeka also serves as the state's capital. This city can be found in the central-northwest region of Kansas. It is distinctly surrounded by the tall grasses of the Great Plains. Among the many historic buildings in its downtown is the State Capitol Building, which is one of the tallest domed buildings in the US. The building also serves as a favorite site for photos for its stunning French architecture, which was featured on the Kansas state license plate until 2007. Topeka is a college town, with six universities taking up residence, including Kansas State University and Friends University. Popular sports entertainment comes in the form of minor sports leagues. These include the Kaw Valley Soccer Team (USL League Two), Topeka Golden Giants Baseball (Mid-Plains League), and Topeka Tropics (Champion Indoor Football). It would not be a trip to Topeka without a visit to the famous Evel Knievel Museum. Here, one can explore the well-known daredevil's stunt battered apparel and memorabilia.
6. Lawrence - 94,934 people
Due to its heavy influence on the Massachusetts commonwealth, the commonly traveled thoroughfares of Lawrence that head north and south are named after the original Thirteen colonies. One may notice that the architecture is in the mirrored fashion of that seen in the early Colony of Massachusetts Bay. With historical buildings carrying notes of the Victorian, gothic, Tudor, and Romanesque architecture throughout Lawrence. More so, Lawrence has its influences as an art and music city, donning a plethora of music labels and bands from here. Some names include Mate of State, New Amsterdam, and fourth of July. When it comes to literature, Lawrence houses the Center for the Study of Science Fiction, the first of its kind. The University of Kansas calls Lawrence home. The sports teams sport the image of their mascot, known as the Jayhawk. That is also a symbol of the city for its reference to an anti-slave Jayhawk fighter that was significant in Lawrence's history. As of recent, the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team proudly wore the Jayhawk upon their jerseys when winning the 2022 NCAA Championship.
7. Shawnee - 67,311 people
Shawnee carries the name of the Shawnee Native Americans, who found refuge in Shawnee after being displaced by the Indian Removal Act. As a whole, Shawnee can be found in the Northeast of Kansas and borders Lenexa to the south, Overland Park to the southeast, and Kansas City (State of Kansas) to the north. The Kansas River that starts near Junction City in the Smoky Hills travels through Shawnee, making the city's natural border on the western and northern edges. Although part of the larger Kansas City (State of Kansas) area, Shawnee has a small-town feel with many dedicated green spaces for those to enjoy. Those who come here enjoy solitude and learn about the historical events that took place during Bleeding Kansas and the American Civil War.
8. Lenexa - 57,434 people
Lenexa is known as the "Spinach Capital of the World" for the agricultural significance of the leafy vegetable. Every September, visitors flock to Lenexa to attend the Spinach Festival, which is known for the world's largest spinach salad. It is also a city that loves barbecue, with the "Great Lenexa Barbecue Battle" held every June. Due to its proximity to Overland Park, Olathe, and Shawnee, these festivals draw in a large crowd. The GPS navigation system Garmin was founded in Lenexa. Interestingly, the National Archives and Records Administration is housed in Lenexa. This storage facility mainly keeps documents; however, it does hold trauma items from hospitals. As an example, there are artifacts from the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
9. Manhattan - 54,100 people
Manhattan is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Big Blue Rivers. Nicknamed the “Little Apple” for the world-class city with the same name, Manhattan's pace is much slower compared to the megacity. Manhattan is known for its breathtaking scenery of the Flint Hills and the Great Plains that once saw the Great Migration. To the north is the Tuttle Creek Lake which attracts summer leisure activities that include swimming, fishing, boating, and hunting. At large, Manhattan has a presence as a college city with Kansas State University. The university is also responsible for running numerous museums, including the Insect Zoo and Nature Conservancy, that are open to public visit. While visiting, one can enjoy many tap houses, wineries, and golf courses.
10. Salina - 46,889 people
Salina is a small town with a bit of everything in it. One can describe it as a community-driven college town that enjoys sports and pop culture. There are six colleges and universities that are scattered throughout the cityscape. Until 1952, Salina had a Major League Baseball Team called the Salina Blue Jays and is the birthplace of the goalie of the US Woman’s National Soccer Team, Adrianna Franch. In films, Salina was depicted several times. Although, the most notable scene comes from Hitchcock’s Vertigo when the character Judy Barton is shown on Maple Ave. Visitors can enjoy a live performance at the Salina Community Theatre or many of the events that are offered in the summer months, such as the Smoky Hills River Festival or Blues Master at the Crossroad.
| Rank | City | 2020 Census[5] |
|---|---|---|
1 | Wichita | 3,97,532 |
| 2 | Overland Park | 1,97,238 |
3 | Kansas City | 1,56,607 |
4 | 1,41,290 | |
5 | Topeka | 1,26,587 |
6 | Lawrence | 94,934 |
7 (Video) What's The Largest City in Kansas? | Shawnee | 67,311 |
8 | Lenexa | 57,434 |
9 | Manhattan | 54,100 |
10 | Salina | 46,889 |
11 | Hutchison | 40,006 |
12 | 37,351 | |
13 | Leawood | 33,902 |
14 | Garden City | 28,151 |
15 | Dodge City (Video) The 10 MOST DANGEROUS Cities in KANSAS | 27,788 |
16 | Derby | 25,625 |
17 | 24,139 | |
18 | Gardner | 23,287 |
19 | 22,957 | |
20 | 22,932 | |
21 | 21,116 | |
22 | 20,646 | |
23 | 19,825 (Video) Top 9 Largest Cities in Marshall County, Kansas! | |
24 | Newton | 18,602 |
25 | Andover | 14,892 |
26 | Great Bend | 14,733 |
27 | McPherson | 14,082 |
28 | El Dorado | 12,870 |
29 | Ottawa | 12,625 |
30 | Arkansas City | 11,974 |
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Alexis Towle June 16 2022 in Places
FAQs
What are the top 5 largest cities in Kansas? ›
- Wichita (400,564)
- Overland Park (202,012)
- Kansas City (158,771)
- Olathe (144,374)
- Topeka (126,409)
- Lawrence (96,392)
- Shawnee (68,331)
- Lenexa (59,282)
...
Looking for a list of cities, counties or zips in Kansas?
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wichita | 395,699 |
| 2 | Overland Park | 197,106 |
| 3 | Kansas City | 154,545 |
| 4 | Olathe | 143,014 |
...
| Kansas City, Missouri | |
|---|---|
| GNIS feature ID | 748198 |
| Website | kcmo.gov |
In 1854, the City of Leavenworth was founded as the very first city of Kansas.
What is Kansas known for? ›What is Kansas Known For? Kansas is known for its vast prairies, rolling hills, and natural beauty. The state has one of the most miles of river than any other state in the Great Plains and is home to the world's largest contiguous tallgrass prairie.
What is the population of Kansas in 2022? ›Kansas population in 2022 is expected to be 2.91 million, ranks 35th position by population rank. Its area is 82,278 square miles (213,100 sq km), fifteenth position by area rank.
Is Kansas City a big city? › Is Kansas City a good place to live? ›This fast-growing Midwest metro is an excellent place to live for job opportunities, top-rated universities, pro sports events, incredible arts and culture, and—of course—some of the best barbecue in America. Here are 15 things to know about living in Kansas City!
Why are there two Kansas cities? ›Because they were unable to expand the territories across the state line, both Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo., grew north-south instead of east-west. By 1961, the Missouri side had tripled in size; the Kansas side doubled.
How did Kansas get its name? ›KANSAS: Named for the Kansas or Kanza tribe of the Sioux family that lived along a river in the area and gave it the tribal name. The name translates as "south wind people," or "wind people."
Is it better to live in Kansas City, Kansas or Missouri? ›
...
Cost of Living: Missouri vs. Kansas.
| Missouri | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Health Insurance Costs Per Person | $620 | $534 |
| Grocery | 94.9% of national average | 93% of national average |
Kansas City Demographics
According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Kansas Citywas: White: 60.31% Black or African American: 27.66%
Texas is 10.8% more expensive than Kansas.
Where is the oldest house in Kansas? ›The "Rookery" is the oldest surviving building on the fort (circa 1834), and the oldest continuously occupied residence in the state of Kansas. It is said to have gotten its name from when it housed the single military men in the early 1800's.
What is oldest city in the world? ›Jericho, Palestine
A small city with a population of 20,000 people, Jericho, which is located in Palestine, is believed to be the oldest city in the world.
When Missouri was granted statehood in 1821 the area became unorganized territory and contained few if any permanent white settlers, except Fort Leavenworth. The Fort was established in 1827 by Henry Leavenworth with the 3rd U.S Infantry from St. Louis, Missouri; it is the first permanent European settlement in Kansas.
What is the fastest growing city in Kansas? ›The fastest growing city in Kansas is the Lawrence metro area. Its population grew by 10.6% from 2010 to 2020 to 122,530 residents.
What is the least populated city in Kansas? ›Freeport is an unincorporated community in Harper County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of the community was 5.
What is the climate of Kansas? ›Climate. Kansas has a temperate but continental climate, with great extremes between summer and winter temperatures but few long periods of extreme hot or cold. The annual average temperature is 55 °F (13 °C). The growing season ranges from mid-April to mid-September.
Is Kansas a good state to live? ›(WIBW) - Kansas has ranked among the top half of the best states in the U.S. to stake your claim in. With about 8.4% of Americans having moved within the last year, a historic low, personal-finance website WalletHub.com says it released its report on 2022′s Best States to Live in - and Kansas ranks in the top half.
Is Kansas hot or cold? ›
Generally, the summers are quite warm, the winters are mild, and the humidity is moderate. January is the coldest month, with average high temperatures near 31 degrees. July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures near 81 degrees. Much hotter summers and cold winters are not uncommon.
What is the most popular food in Kansas? ›Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
In Kansas, the most-iconic dish pairing is a bowl of chili with a homemade cinnamon roll. Though a seemingly unlikely combo, chili and cinnamon rolls pop up on menus throughout the state, including at public schools and local fundraising dinners.
| Persons in Family / Household | 100% Poverty Guidelines | 185% Poverty Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12,880 | $23,828 |
| 2 | $17,420 | $32,227 |
| 3 | $21,960 | $40,626 |
| 4 | $26,500 | $49,025 |
In 2020, about 11.4 percent of Kansas' population lived below the poverty line.
Why do people live in Kansas? ›With family reasons playing a large role in why people are moving to Kansas, education in the state could be a contributing factor. Kansas is home to several college towns that take great pride in their universities. Families might be looking for quality higher education institutions for their children down the road.
What food is Kansas City known for? ›But when it comes to Kansas City's famous foods, there really are four that stand out above all the others: burnt ends, our signature cut of steak, cheesy corn and chicken spiedini. These four creations are both unique to the city and pretty much ubiquitous.
Why should I move to Kansas? ›Kansas' booming industries like aerospace, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and bioscience amongst several others makes it one of the most coveted places to live in the midwest. Famous for being the breadbasket of the nation, moving to Kansas means you'll always have a long list of food to choose from.
Why are so many people moving to Kansas City? ›The low cost of living is one of the top reasons many people move to Kansas City. In fact, Kansas City prides itself on having one of the lowest costs of living in the country. There are tons of options for where to live and even different types of living spaces at various prices.
What is the coldest month in Kansas City? ›The cold season lasts for 3.0 months, from November 27 to February 26, with an average daily high temperature below 50°F. The coldest month of the year in Kansas City is January, with an average low of 24°F and high of 41°F.
How far apart are Kansas City MO and Kansas City KS? ›| Distance type | Miles | Nautical miles |
|---|---|---|
| Straight line distance | 20.18 mi | 17.54 nautical mi |
| Driving distance | 26 mi | 22.41 nautical mi |
What was Kansas City's original name? ›
Kansas City, Mo., was incorporated in 1853, eight years before Kansas became the 34th state. The Missouri city took its name from the Kansas River — which was inspired by the Kanza People, Native Americans of the Kaw Nation — and was originally called the City of Kansas. It became Kansas City in 1889.
Is Kansas considered country? ›...
| Kansas | |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Before statehood | Kansas Territory |
| Admitted to the Union | January 29, 1861 Kansas Day (34th) |
| Capital | Topeka |
Kansas. People who live in Kansas are called Kansans and Jayhawkers.
Does it snow in Kansas? ›Snowfall in Kansas can vary quite a bit, not only from location to location, but year to year. Average annual snowfall in Kansas is 19 inches. It ranges from 11 inches a year in Parsons to over 40 inches a year in Goodland.
What was invented in Kansas? ›- ICEE. Wikimedia Commons/Dwight Burdette. ...
- Helicopter. Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Coast Guard. ...
- Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. ...
- Red Light District. ...
- Helium. ...
- The Coleman Company. ...
- Mickey Mouse. ...
- Pizza Hut.
Childcare, internet access, and housing are some of the biggest motivations for people deciding not to stay in the state.
Which state has lower taxes Kansas or Missouri? ›Kansas has an average income tax rate of 3.95 percent (33rd in the nation), and Missouri has an average income tax rate of 3.75 percent (35th). The actual rates vary in both states by income level (3 to 4.9 percent in Kansas and 1.5 to 6 percent in Missouri).
What are the pros and cons of living in Kansas? ›| Pros of Living in Kansas | Cons of Living in Kansas |
|---|---|
| 1.Housing costs are among the lowest in the nation | 1. Rural life is not for everyone, and some may not like it |
| 2. The cost of living is also low in Kansas | 2. You have to have a car to get around. |
St. Louis's population is about 309,000 and KC's is 489,000.
Why is KC not in Kansas? ›City founders derived the name from the Kansas, or Kaw, River which was named for the Kansa Indians. The state of Missouri then incorporated the area as the City of Kansas in 1853 and renamed it Kansas City in 1889.
Is Kansas City expected to grow? ›
The current metro area population of Kansas City in 2022 is 1,711,000, a 0.77% increase from 2021. The metro area population of Kansas City in 2021 was 1,698,000, a 0.71% increase from 2020. The metro area population of Kansas City in 2020 was 1,686,000, a 0.66% increase from 2019.
What is the cheapest U.S. state to live in? ›Mississippi. Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in in the United States. Overall, costs in the state are 17% lower than the national average.
What state has the cheapest cost of living? ›Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the United States. With a cost of living index of 83.3, expenses are nearly 17% less than the national average. Mississippi's housing costs are the lowest in the nation.
What is the best state to live in financially? ›Alaska is the top state for fiscal stability. It's followed by South Dakota, Tennessee, Idaho and Utah to round out the top five. Half of the 10 states with the best fiscal stability also rank among the top 10 Best States overall.
What is the fastest growing city in Kansas? ›The fastest growing city in Kansas is the Lawrence metro area. Its population grew by 10.6% from 2010 to 2020 to 122,530 residents.
What is the least populated city in Kansas? ›Freeport is an unincorporated community in Harper County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of the community was 5.
What Kansas is known for? ›What is Kansas Known For? Kansas is known for its vast prairies, rolling hills, and natural beauty. The state has one of the most miles of river than any other state in the Great Plains and is home to the world's largest contiguous tallgrass prairie.
How wealthy is Kansas? ›Economic Outlook Rank
Kansas is currently ranked 28th in the United States for its economic outlook.
This fast-growing Midwest metro is an excellent place to live for job opportunities, top-rated universities, pro sports events, incredible arts and culture, and—of course—some of the best barbecue in America. Here are 15 things to know about living in Kansas City!
Are there any ghost towns in Kansas? ›If you love to visit Kansas ghost towns, head to Dubuque, in Russell County, Kansas. This tiny ghost town may not look like much, but you will certainly feel a bit spooked during your visit.
What are the top 10 smallest towns in Kansas? ›
- Smolan - population 190. Smolan, KS 67456, USA. ...
- Tyro - population 181. Tyro, KS, USA. ...
- Munjor - population 76. Munjor, KS 67601, USA. ...
- Lebanon - population 250. ...
- Schoenchen - population 196. ...
- Tipton - population 215. ...
- Hanston - population 215. ...
- Belvue - population 124.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: land values in Kansas range from $4,100/acre in the North East region to $1,175/acre in the South West region of the state. In more productive cropland and grazing land areas the value per acre is typically higher than lower producing areas with less annual rainfall.
What is the main industry in Kansas? ›Both agriculture and manufacturing contribute significantly to Kansas's economy—the former supplying many raw materials for the latter. The production of its farms and ranches has placed Kansas first among the U.S. states in wheat and first in sorghum grains; it also has ranked high in wild hay, beef, and hogs.
How many ranches are in Kansas? ›raising beef in kansas. There are more than 27,000 cattle farms and ranches in Kansas.
Is Kansas a good state to live? ›(WIBW) - Kansas has ranked among the top half of the best states in the U.S. to stake your claim in. With about 8.4% of Americans having moved within the last year, a historic low, personal-finance website WalletHub.com says it released its report on 2022′s Best States to Live in - and Kansas ranks in the top half.
What is the most popular food in Kansas? ›Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
In Kansas, the most-iconic dish pairing is a bowl of chili with a homemade cinnamon roll. Though a seemingly unlikely combo, chili and cinnamon rolls pop up on menus throughout the state, including at public schools and local fundraising dinners.
Generally, the summers are quite warm, the winters are mild, and the humidity is moderate. January is the coldest month, with average high temperatures near 31 degrees. July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures near 81 degrees. Much hotter summers and cold winters are not uncommon.