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Relocators rarely weigh one place in isolation. Pick two or three MapsToIt cities and review income, housing, safety, and climate side by side against U.S. baselines.
Side-by-side: Topeka, KS vs Wichita, KS
Figures are for incorporated city limits unless noted. Crime rates are citywide and can hide neighborhood variation — see methodology.
| Metric | Topeka, KS | Wichita, KS | U.S. baseline | Context / gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,587 | 396,488 | N/A | City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $52,000 | $63,072 | $78,538 | 34% below national average |
| Median home value | $155,000 | $179,500 | $303,400 | 49% below national average · relatively affordable / lower |
| Median rent | $900 | $960 | $1,348 | 33% below national average · relatively affordable / lower |
| Housing cost index | 85 | 65 | 100 | 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 4.0% | 4.2% | County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 17 min | 19 min | 25 min | 32% below national average · relatively affordable / lower |
| Violent crime rate | 62 / 100k | 1141 / 100k | 602.7 / 100k | Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 68 / 100k | 5321.7 / 100k | 3084.9 / 100k | Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 222 days | 278 days | 266 days | 17% below national average |
| Summer high | 89°F | 91°F | 87°F | NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 19°F | 25°F | 34°F | NOAA normals · nearest station |
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