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Best places to raise a family in Kansas
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Kansas using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
#25. Lansing
- Population: 11,900
- Median home value: $173,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,213
- Top public schools: Lansing Middle School (B+), Lansing High School (B+), Lansing Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 996 Pebble Beach Dr, Lansing ($430,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $173,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $89,213
- Top public schools: Lansing Middle School (B+), Lansing High School (B+), Lansing Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 996 Pebble Beach Dr, Lansing ($430,000, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Derby
- Population: 24,067
- Median home value: $165,200 (71% own)
- Median rent: $951 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $73,322
- Top public schools: Park Hill Elementary School (B+), Derby High School (B+), Derby North Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Parish Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1133 E Waters Edge Ct, Derby ($845,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,200 (71% own)
- Median rent: $951 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $73,322
- Top public schools: Park Hill Elementary School (B+), Derby High School (B+), Derby North Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Parish Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1133 E Waters Edge Ct, Derby ($845,000, 6 bedrooms)
#23. Baldwin City
- Population: 4,670
- Median home value: $171,900 (72% own)
- Median rent: $870 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $72,757
- Top public schools: Baldwin Elementary Primary Center (A), Baldwin Junior High School (A-), Baldwin High School (B+)
- Pictured: 220 Santa Fe Dr, Baldwin City ($329,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $171,900 (72% own)
- Median rent: $870 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $72,757
- Top public schools: Baldwin Elementary Primary Center (A), Baldwin Junior High School (A-), Baldwin High School (B+)
- Pictured: 220 Santa Fe Dr, Baldwin City ($329,900, 3 bedrooms)
#22. Eudora
- Population: 6,602
- Median home value: $169,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $87,692
- Top public schools: Eudora High School (A-), Eudora Middle School (B+), Eudora Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 1419 Tamarisk Ct, Eudora ($374,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $169,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,117 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $87,692
- Top public schools: Eudora High School (A-), Eudora Middle School (B+), Eudora Elementary School (B)
- Pictured: 1419 Tamarisk Ct, Eudora ($374,900, 4 bedrooms)
#21. Bel Aire
- Population: 7,858
- Median home value: $161,000 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,103 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $90,795
- Top public schools: Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Middle School (A), Northeast Magnet High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sunrise Christian Academy (B)
- Pictured: 5239 N Hampton St, Bel Aire ($424,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $161,000 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,103 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $90,795
- Top public schools: Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Middle School (A), Northeast Magnet High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sunrise Christian Academy (B)
- Pictured: 5239 N Hampton St, Bel Aire ($424,900, 5 bedrooms)
#20. Gardner
- Population: 21,528
- Median home value: $189,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $78,180
- Top public schools: Sunflower Elementary School (A), Gardner Elementary School (A-), Pioneer Ridge Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Children's Lighthouse - Gardner (unavailable)
- Pictured: 30943 W 215th St, Gardner ($850,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $189,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,066 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $78,180
- Top public schools: Sunflower Elementary School (A), Gardner Elementary School (A-), Pioneer Ridge Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Children's Lighthouse - Gardner (unavailable)
- Pictured: 30943 W 215th St, Gardner ($850,000, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Sabetha
- Population: 2,552
- Median home value: $108,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $643 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $54,810
- Top public schools: Sabetha Middle School (A-), Sabetha Elementary School (A-), Sabetha High School (A-)
- Pictured: 1050 N 14th St, Sabetha ($79,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $108,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $643 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $54,810
- Top public schools: Sabetha Middle School (A-), Sabetha Elementary School (A-), Sabetha High School (A-)
- Pictured: 1050 N 14th St, Sabetha ($79,000, 3 bedrooms)
#18. Lindsborg
- Population: 3,301
- Median home value: $154,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $668 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,813
- Top public schools: Soderstrom Elementary School (B+), Smoky Valley High School (B+), Smoky Valley Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 225 W Lincoln Ave, Lindsborg ($199,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $154,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $668 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,813
- Top public schools: Soderstrom Elementary School (B+), Smoky Valley High School (B+), Smoky Valley Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 225 W Lincoln Ave, Lindsborg ($199,000, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Maize
- Population: 4,579
- Median home value: $165,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $855 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $65,481
- Top public schools: Maize Elementary School (A), Maize South Elementary School (A), Maize Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 4118 N Fiddlers Cove St, Maize ($634,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $855 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $65,481
- Top public schools: Maize Elementary School (A), Maize South Elementary School (A), Maize Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 4118 N Fiddlers Cove St, Maize ($634,000, 6 bedrooms)
#16. Mission
- Population: 9,523
- Median home value: $179,700 (47% own)
- Median rent: $984 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $61,144
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6409 Milhaven Dr, Mission ($449,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $179,700 (47% own)
- Median rent: $984 (53% rent)
- Median household income: $61,144
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6409 Milhaven Dr, Mission ($449,000, 3 bedrooms)
#15. Andover
- Population: 13,062
- Median home value: $201,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,304 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $89,302
- Top public schools: Andover Central High School (A), Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Central Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Andover KinderCare - Kansas (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1501 E Bluesage Ct, Andover ($986,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $201,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,304 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $89,302
- Top public schools: Andover Central High School (A), Wheatland Elementary School (A), Andover Central Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Andover KinderCare - Kansas (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1501 E Bluesage Ct, Andover ($986,000, 4 bedrooms)
#14. De Soto
- Population: 6,254
- Median home value: $227,800 (66% own)
- Median rent: $763 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $60,625
- Top public schools: De Soto High School (A), Lexington Trails Middle School (A), Mize Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 28585 W 85th Ter, De Soto ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $227,800 (66% own)
- Median rent: $763 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $60,625
- Top public schools: De Soto High School (A), Lexington Trails Middle School (A), Mize Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 28585 W 85th Ter, De Soto ($650,000, 3 bedrooms)
#13. Manhattan
- Population: 55,290
- Median home value: $209,700 (39% own)
- Median rent: $910 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $50,537
- Top public schools: Manhattan High School (A), Susan B. Anthony Middle School (A), Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Manhattan Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7300 Anderson Ave, Manhattan ($899,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $209,700 (39% own)
- Median rent: $910 (61% rent)
- Median household income: $50,537
- Top public schools: Manhattan High School (A), Susan B. Anthony Middle School (A), Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Manhattan Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7300 Anderson Ave, Manhattan ($899,900, 5 bedrooms)
#12. Roeland Park
- Population: 6,769
- Median home value: $172,900 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,182 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $75,965
- Top public schools: Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Miege High School (A), St. Agnes Elementary School (unavailable), Horizon Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4314 W 54th Ter, Roeland Park ($424,950, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $172,900 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,182 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $75,965
- Top public schools: Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Miege High School (A), St. Agnes Elementary School (unavailable), Horizon Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4314 W 54th Ter, Roeland Park ($424,950, 3 bedrooms)
#11. Shawnee
- Population: 65,540
- Median home value: $237,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,008 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $87,120
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A), Mill Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Maranatha Academy (A), Midland Adventist Academy (B+), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19343 W 63rd Ter S, Shawnee ($950,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $237,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,008 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $87,120
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A), Mill Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Maranatha Academy (A), Midland Adventist Academy (B+), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19343 W 63rd Ter S, Shawnee ($950,000, 5 bedrooms)
#10. Lawrence
- Population: 96,369
- Median home value: $195,500 (45% own)
- Median rent: $924 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $53,639
- Top public schools: Lawrence Free State High School (A), Southwest Middle School (A), Langston Hughes Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Seabury Academy (A+), Veritas Christian School (A-), St. John Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 100 Fall Creek Rd, Lawrence ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $195,500 (45% own)
- Median rent: $924 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $53,639
- Top public schools: Lawrence Free State High School (A), Southwest Middle School (A), Langston Hughes Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bishop Seabury Academy (A+), Veritas Christian School (A-), St. John Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 100 Fall Creek Rd, Lawrence ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
#9. Olathe
- Population: 137,618
- Median home value: $238,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,019 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $90,435
- Top public schools: Blue Valley West High School (A+), Morse Elementary School (A+), Pleasant Ridge Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian Academy (A-), Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14500 S Quivira Rd, Olathe ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $238,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,019 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $90,435
- Top public schools: Blue Valley West High School (A+), Morse Elementary School (A+), Pleasant Ridge Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian Academy (A-), Prince of Peace Catholic School (unavailable), St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14500 S Quivira Rd, Olathe ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#8. Lenexa
- Population: 54,011
- Median home value: $260,900 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $87,102
- Top public schools: Aubry Bend Middle School (A+), Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. James Academy (A), Christ Preparatory Academy (B+), Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9337 Cottonwood Canyon Dr, Lenexa ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $260,900 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $87,102
- Top public schools: Aubry Bend Middle School (A+), Shawnee Mission Northwest High School (A), Olathe Northwest High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. James Academy (A), Christ Preparatory Academy (B+), Holy Trinity Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9337 Cottonwood Canyon Dr, Lenexa ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#7. Hesston
- Population: 3,803
- Median home value: $138,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $648 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $60,286
- Top public schools: Hesston Middle School (A-), Hesston Elementary School (A-), Hesston High School (A-)
- Pictured: 210 Kingsway, Hesston ($299,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $138,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $648 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $60,286
- Top public schools: Hesston Middle School (A-), Hesston Elementary School (A-), Hesston High School (A-)
- Pictured: 210 Kingsway, Hesston ($299,900, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Westwood
- Population: 1,657
- Median home value: $250,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,652 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $79,955
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Westwood View Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Shawnee Mission Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 2926 W 50th Ter, Westwood ($425,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $250,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,652 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $79,955
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Westwood View Elementary School (A), Indian Hills Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Shawnee Mission Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 2926 W 50th Ter, Westwood ($425,000, 3 bedrooms)
#5. Mission Hills
- Population: 3,574
- Median home value: $963,600 (99% own)
- Median rent: No data available (1% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Highlands Elementary School (A), Westwood View Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 2340 Guilford Ln, Mission Hills ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $963,600 (99% own)
- Median rent: No data available (1% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Highlands Elementary School (A), Westwood View Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 2340 Guilford Ln, Mission Hills ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#4. Overland Park
- Population: 191,011
- Median home value: $276,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $86,487
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Blue Valley West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (A), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (A), Overland Christian Schools (B+)
- Pictured: 17205 Goddard St, Overland Park ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $276,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $86,487
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Blue Valley West High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (A), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (A), Overland Christian Schools (B+)
- Pictured: 17205 Goddard St, Overland Park ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#3. Prairie Village
- Population: 22,170
- Median home value: $290,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,337 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,136
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Briarwood Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kansas City Christian School (A), St. Ann School (unavailable), Highlawn Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 58 Le Mans Ct, Prairie Village ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $290,600 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,337 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $91,136
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Briarwood Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Kansas City Christian School (A), St. Ann School (unavailable), Highlawn Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 58 Le Mans Ct, Prairie Village ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#2. Fairway
- Population: 3,960
- Median home value: $376,700 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,363 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $111,995
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6016 Windsor Dr, Fairway ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $376,700 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,363 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $111,995
- Top public schools: Shawnee Mission East High School (A+), Roesland Elementary School (A), Highlands Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6016 Windsor Dr, Fairway ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
#1. Leawood
- Population: 34,670
- Median home value: $463,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,619 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $157,515
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Overland Trail Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael the Archangel School (unavailable), Nativity Parish School (unavailable), The Phoenix Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2716 W 116th St, Leawood ($3.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $463,200 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,619 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $157,515
- Top public schools: Blue Valley North High School (A+), Blue Valley High School (A+), Overland Trail Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Michael the Archangel School (unavailable), Nativity Parish School (unavailable), The Phoenix Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2716 W 116th St, Leawood ($3.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
