Largest cities in Kansas

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Kansas, known for its vast prairies and pioneering spirit, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 2.9 million, it ranks as the 35th most populated state in the U.S. Kansas has experienced stable population growth, driven by its appealing living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west, Kansas offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 600 cities and towns.

Living in Kansas provides residents with numerous advantages, including a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a strong job market. The state's low population density allows for spacious living and a slower pace of life, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and community engagement. Kansas's economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. The state's stable population growth supports a balanced and sustainable development path. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Kansas, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Kansas cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Wichita Population: 398,457 Livability Score: 68

Area Size: 416 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,481 Med. Household Income: $78,935

Wichita, KS, known as 'The Air Capital of the World,' offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and urban amenities. Located in southern Kansas, Wichita is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Hutchinson and Derby enhance its status as a central point in the region. Wichita's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Overland Park Population: 197,888 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 195 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,634 Med. Household Income: $132,282

Overland Park, KS, known as "The Heart of Johnson County," is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant community. Located in northeastern Kansas, Overland Park is approximately 12 miles southwest of Kansas City, MO, and 180 miles northeast of Wichita. This medium-sized city offers a blend of suburban charm and urban amenities, making it an attractive place to reside.

Kansas City Population: 156,337 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 323 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,253 Med. Household Income: $67,939

Kansas City, KS, known as "The Heart of America," is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and a high quality of life. Located in northeastern Kansas, Kansas City is approximately 5 miles west of Kansas City, MO, and 50 miles east of Topeka. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its beautiful parks, historic sites, and thriving arts scene.

Olathe Population: 143,626 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 158 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,357 Med. Household Income: $141,999

Olathe, KS, known as 'The City Beautiful,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Johnson County, Olathe is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Kansas City (20 miles) and Overland Park (10 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Olathe's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Topeka Population: 129,727 Livability Score: 69

Area Size: 159 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,114 Med. Household Income: $75,128

Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, offers a blend of historical significance and modern amenities. Located along the Kansas River, Topeka is known for its rich history, including its role in the civil rights movement with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. The city's historic sites, cultural attractions, and strong sense of community make living in Topeka an appealing experience.

Lawrence Population: 99,660 Livability Score: 88

Area Size: 88 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,918 Med. Household Income: $81,282

Lawrence, KS, known for its 'Small-Town Feel,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Douglas County, Lawrence is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Kansas City (41 miles) and Topeka (25 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Lawrence's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Shawnee Population: 67,767 Livability Score: 88

Area Size: 108 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,618 Med. Household Income: $132,406

Manhattan Population: 57,133 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 50 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,960 Med. Household Income: $77,118

Lenexa Population: 56,388 Livability Score: 86

Area Size: 88 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,656 Med. Household Income: $135,269

Salina Population: 47,832 Livability Score: 72

Area Size: 67 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,862 Med. Household Income: $74,280

Full list of the largest cities in Kansas

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Wichita	398,457	416	$78,935	68
2	Overland Park	197,888	195	$132,282	79
3	Kansas City	156,337	323	$67,939	75
4	Olathe	143,626	158	$141,999	78
5	Topeka	129,727	159	$75,128	69
6	Lawrence	99,660	88	$81,282	88
7	Shawnee	67,767	108	$132,406	88
8	Manhattan	57,133	50	$77,118	81
9	Lenexa	56,388	88	$135,269	86
10	Salina	47,832	67	$74,280	72
11	Hutchinson	42,073	64	$72,429	67
12	Leavenworth	37,243	63	$91,551	73
13	Leawood	35,495	39	$233,909	74
14	Dodge City	27,746	38	$76,981	74
15	Garden City	27,354	28	$82,519	69
16	Emporia	25,435	31	$65,669	74
17	Derby	25,251	27	$113,156	66
18	Junction City	23,460	29	$77,109	63
19	Gardner	22,733	26	$115,354	75
20	Prairie Village	22,725	16	$133,028	82
21	Hays	21,398	22	$76,733	78
22	Pittsburg	20,781	34	$51,406	65
23	Liberal	19,510	30	$71,782	71
24	Newton	19,319	37	$84,440	64
25	Great Bend	15,685	27	$69,571	68
26	Andover	14,032	26	$148,563	70
27	McPherson	13,501	19	$86,632	78
28	El Dorado	13,405	24	$62,638	68
29	Ottawa	12,572	26	$71,334	69
30	Lansing	12,363	31	$130,906	74
31	Winfield	12,321	29	$72,022	71
32	Arkansas City	12,228	24	$69,601	68
33	Merriam	11,587	11	$95,064	75
34	Haysville	11,544	12	$80,826	73
35	Atchison	10,863	21	$72,556	63
36	Parsons	9,975	27	$61,720	72
37	Mission	9,936	7	$96,061	79
38	Coffeyville	9,687	24	$50,747	59
39	Augusta	9,678	11	$76,687	59
40	Chanute	9,251	18	$67,947	63
41	Fort Riley	8,950	13	$63,891	55
42	Independence	8,817	20	$57,664	68
43	Bel Aire	8,281	18	$128,360	70
44	Bonner Springs	8,077	40	$102,144	59
45	Valley Center	8,060	18	$97,192	71
46	Wellington	7,909	19	$72,676	66
47	Fort Scott	7,902	14	$55,320	65
48	Park City	7,834	25	$99,770	62
49	Spring Hill	7,207	23	$128,357	73
50	Roeland Park	6,901	4	$109,308	84

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Kansas, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.