Is Topeka Safe, Pros and cons of living in Topeka

Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and growing urban amenities. Situated in Shawnee County, it serves as a hub for state government and a diverse economic landscape. The city’s rich history is evident in its architecture and its role in pivotal moments of American history, particularly concerning education and civil rights.

As a mid-sized city, Topeka presents a unique lifestyle that balances affordability with access to cultural attractions and recreational opportunities. The community is characterized by its friendly atmosphere and a developing sense of civic engagement. Residents often find a strong connection to their local environment and a desire to contribute to the city’s ongoing growth and development.

Is it Safe to Live in Topeka?

Topeka faces challenges with its crime rates, which are significantly higher than the national average. The city recorded 1,072 violent crimes, equating to 857 per 100,000 residents, which is 138.5% above the national rate (as reported by AreaVibes). Additionally, there were 4,559 property crimes, or 3,643 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the U.S. average by 107% (as reported by AreaVibes).

The overall crime rate in Topeka stands at 4,499 per 100,000 individuals, which is 112.31% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. Your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Topeka is approximately one in 22 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically, Topeka experiences one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with 500 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). The city has been identified as one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A. (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, it is important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, and community efforts are underway to address these issues.

Demographics and Population

Topeka is home to approximately 125,786 residents, making it the fifth most populous city in Kansas (as reported by Data USA and U.S. Census Bureau). The city’s population is projected to be around 125,543 in 2026, indicating a slight decline (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The median age in Topeka is 38.0 years, aligning closely with the national median (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau and Neilsberg).

The racial composition of Topeka includes a majority White population at 65.1%, followed by Hispanic residents at 16.9%, and Black or African American residents at 8.5% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau and Neilsberg). The percentage of U.S. citizens in Topeka is high, at 96.5% (as reported by Data USA). Additionally, approximately 5.11% of residents were born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA).

The city’s gender distribution shows slightly more females than males, with a ratio of 93 males per 100 females (as reported by Neilsberg). Topeka’s population has seen a slight decrease since the 2020 Census, which recorded a population of 126,430 (as reported by Neilsberg).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

Topeka offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. Overall, the cost of living in Topeka is approximately 14% lower than the national average (as reported by RentCafe and Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly affordable, being about 26% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Payscale and RentCafe).

The median home price in Topeka is around $190,096, which has seen a slight decrease of 1.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price for a home was $180,000 in March 2026, representing a 19.9% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in Topeka is approximately $845 per month, which is 49% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Rent for a studio apartment averages around $635, a one-bedroom is about $775, and a two-bedroom averages $862 (as reported by Apartments.com). Utilities are also more affordable, being about 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs are 14% lower, and grocery prices are 4% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Topeka is supported by a diverse range of industries, with major employers contributing significantly to its workforce. Key sectors include healthcare and social assistance, public administration, and manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). The average hourly wage in the Topeka Metropolitan Statistical Area was $28.10 in May 2024, compared to the national average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Higher-paying occupations in Topeka include management, healthcare practitioners and technical roles, and computer and mathematical fields (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Conversely, lower-paying jobs are found in food preparation and serving, personal care, and healthcare support (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Major employers in the Topeka area include the State of Kansas, Stormont-Vail HealthCare, Topeka Public Schools USD 501, BNSF Railway, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (as reported by Townfolio.co). Other significant employers include Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Washburn University (as reported by Choose Topeka and Go Topeka).

Climate

Topeka experiences distinct seasons, with hot, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 22°F to 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 6°F or exceeding 99°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 70°F.

Winter brings very cold temperatures, with January being the coldest month, averaging lows of 22°F and highs of 41°F. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. June is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 4.7 inches, while January receives the least rain, averaging 0.4 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

The amount of cloud cover also varies seasonally. The clearest part of the year generally runs from early June to early November, with September being the clearest month. The cloudier season typically begins in early November and lasts until mid-June, with February being the cloudiest month (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education

Topeka Public Schools is a public school district serving a large student population with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Academically, 19% of students are proficient in math and 21% in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).

The district is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the most diverse school districts in Kansas and Shawnee County (as reported by Niche). Several elementary schools within the district, such as McClure and Northern Hills, receive a “B” overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche).

For higher education, Washburn University is a prominent institution in Topeka, offering a range of academic programs. Other educational institutions include Washburn Institute of Technology and Rasmussen University-Kansas (as reported by Data USA).