Hiawatha 74 Excellent
Hiawatha Livability #90 ranked city in Kansas#4,934 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Hiawatha

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

What's it like Living in Hiawatha?

Hiawatha is a small city located in the state of Kansas. The city has a population of 3,216 people. At 95%, the majority of the Hiawatha population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Hiawatha is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Hiawatha is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Kansas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Hiawatha and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, employment and other important metrics.

The livability score in Hiawatha is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 86th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Hiawatha would be considered a very livable city! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Hiawatha ranks well for amenities (B+) and housing (A-) Hiawatha does not fare well for the following: education (D) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're living in Hiawatha, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Hiawatha an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Hiawatha, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 20.58% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Hiawatha an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Hiawatha market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha. The median home price for Hiawatha homes is $148,351, which is 39.9% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hiawatha, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 30% lower than the Kansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Hiawatha

See all the best places to live around Hiawatha

How Do You Rate The Livability In Hiawatha?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Hiawatha, KS Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Hiawatha transportation information

      Statistic Hiawatha Kansas National
      Average one way commute14min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.0%82.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.4%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.4%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home2.5%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Hiawatha, 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.