Wichita, KSBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located in the heart of Kansas, Wichita is known for its affordability, welcoming community, and arts and culture scene. Residents have access to diverse opportunities, from a robust job market to a lively city center, embodying the true Midwestern experience.
Wichita, KS, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Wichita, KS, has been an important outpost in the center of the country for a long time. As it has evolved from cattle drives and agriculture to an aviation and tech hub, the city has become one of the best places to live in the U.S. Wichita leaders undertook a long-term plan in 2010 to make the state’s biggest city a place that draws and retains talent. The result is a vibrant downtown with a rich live music scene — at bars, performance venues, the opera and symphony.
With traditional neighborhoods and more urban housing in repurposed buildings, plus a low cost of living, Wichita ranks high in the housing category. And startups, tech jobs and other ongoing economic growth mean great salaries and opportunities for residents. Of course, there are still signs of Wichita’s western past in the revitalized buildings downtown and a connection to horseback riding in and around the city, but the combination of city and country is exactly what makes this town so appealing.
The great restaurants and commitment to the arts give the city a cosmopolitan appeal, while nearby access to boating, fishing and other outdoor activities keep the area just a little dusty. But, of course, locals love that they get to do both.
Wichita, KS Quality of Life LivScore
Wichita, KS Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Environment
Wichita ranks highest for housing, transportation and environment.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Wichita, KS
Life on the Great Plains means thunderstorms and rain showers throughout the year and a climate that can be influenced by the Gulf of Mexico or Canada. The average highs and lows are 91°F and 68°F (summer) and 44°F and 23°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Wichita is around 15 inches, and the snowfall season typically runs from November through March.
The average annual rainfall in Wichita is 34 inches per year, with the wettest months being May and June.
Wichita averages 225 sunny days a year.
Tap into the city’s cowboy roots and take horseback riding lessons at Wichita Riding Academy. Or, for a completely different kind of throwback, load up the car with friends and take in a movie under the stars at the Starlite Drive-In.
Wichita Weather
225 days
Average Annual Sun
34 inches
Average Annual Rain
15 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Wichita, KS
In addition to amazing exhibits inside the Great Plains Nature Center, there are 282 acres of Chisholm Creek Park with 2.5 miles of paved trails. For more urban-free fun, stroll Gallery Alley to check out all the fantastic artwork.
The Arcade is chock-full of vintage video games, all set to free play, so once you pay admission – just $8 for kids and $10 for adults — you can play to your heart’s content. For outdoor fun, head to O.J. Watson Park for mini golf, pony rides, paddle boats, kayaking, train rides and more.
For an intimate meal, impress your date with the great service, an extensive wine list and mouthwatering food at Lola’s Bistro. For a more laid-back night out, find a spot on Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria’s patio to have some drinks and wood-fired pizza.
Thanks to a history of airplane building, Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World. There’s no better place to celebrate that than the large patio overlooking the nearby landing strip at Stearman Airfield Bar and Grill. Happy hour all day on Monday and Wednesday and from 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. until close every other day? You might never leave.
The Local and State Economy in Wichita, KS
Wichita has a diverse economy with several major industries, including aerospace, manufacturing and education. In addition, Wichita is the headquarters of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world, and Fidelity Bank, among others.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Wichita is 7.5%.
Yes, Kansas has a state income tax.
Wichita residents are in good health thanks to providers like Ascension Via Christi Hospital and AMG Specialty Hospital-Wichita.
There are several colleges and universities in Wichita, KS, but the most notable is Wichita State University.
Quick Facts About Wichita, KS
- Median Household Income
- $58,556
- Median Home Value
- $170,578
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,355
- Total Population
- 398,209
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $697
- Average Commute
- 17.18 minutes
Wichita is one of the best places to live in the U.S. for its solid performance in the housing, cost of living and transportation categories. Learn more about living in Wichita, or consider other great places where the arts are thriving in Kansas. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
