Salina 72 Excellent
Salina Livability #119 ranked city in Kansas#6,253 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Salina

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Salina?

Located in the state of Kansas, Salina is a medium-sized city with a population of 47,832 inhabitants. At 86%, the majority of the Salina population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 2% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Salina. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Salina, Kansas could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Salina and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kansas and national averages.

Salina, KS receives 72/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #106 in Kansas and #5,805 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Salina ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Salina. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F), crime (F) and education (D-).

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Salina has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Salina real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Salina. Median real estate prices in Salina come in at $236,057, which is 4.3% lower than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salina, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Kansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Salina

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Salina?

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Compare Salina, KS Livability

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      Salina transportation information

      Statistic Salina Kansas National
      Average one way commute14min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.5%82.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.4%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home4.1%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Salina, KS data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.