Is Great Bend Safe, Pros and cons of living in Great Bend

Great Bend, Kansas, is a city situated in the heart of the state, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities. Nestled along the Arkansas River, it serves as a commercial and cultural hub for central Kansas. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the railroad, oil, and agriculture industries, shaping its development and character.

With a population of approximately 14,733 residents as of the 2020 census, Great Bend provides a close-knit community feel. The city boasts a lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Its location offers a balance between rural landscapes and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas.

Is it Safe to Live in Great Bend?

Great Bend’s overall crime rate is reported to be 12% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 0.73 daily crimes, with a lower incidence of both violent and property crimes compared to national figures (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Great Bend are reported to be 12% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

While the overall crime rate is favorable, safety can vary by neighborhood. The chance of being a victim of crime in Great Bend is about 1 in 54 (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes occur at a rate of approximately 3 per one thousand inhabitants, and property crimes are at a rate of 16 per one thousand population (according to NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeMapping.com).

Housing Market Overview

Home Prices

The housing market in Great Bend presents an affordable opportunity for potential homeowners. The median home value in Great Bend was approximately $117,325 (according to Livability.com), and more recently, the average home value was reported at $124,919 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). This is significantly lower than the national median home value, which stands at $332,700 (according to Livability.com).

Home prices have seen some fluctuation, with the median sale price of a home being $140,000 last month, down 28.3% since the previous year (according to Redfin). The median property value was $133,900 in 2024, showing an increase of 12.8% from 2023 (according to Data USA).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Great Bend offers budget-friendly options. The median rent in Great Bend is approximately $750 per month (according to realtor.com®), with some sources indicating an average rent of $800 as of April 2026 (according to Zumper). This is considerably lower than the national average rent, which is around $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Rental inventory can fluctuate, with a recent report noting 11 rental listings available (according to realtor.com®). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $693 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $850 per month (according to Zillow).

Cost of Living and Affordability

Great Bend is recognized for its affordability, with the overall cost of living being 18% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This figure is based on various factors, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs.

Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this affordability, with Great Bend’s housing costs being approximately 40.1% less than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This makes both homeownership and renting considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country.

Beyond housing, everyday necessities in Great Bend are also priced below the national average. Essential goods and services are priced about 10.9% below the national average, further enhancing the city’s appeal for those conscious of their budget (according to AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The employment sectors in Great Bend are diverse, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Construction, and Retail Trade being the most prominent (according to Data USA). Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Construction & Extraction Occupations represent the largest job groups among residents (according to Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Great Bend stands at 4.7% (according to Point2Homes). This rate is generally considered within a stable range for job security and financial stability in the area. As of March 2023, Barton County’s unemployment rate was 3.0% (according to Great Bend Tribune).

Major Employers

Great Bend serves as a commercial hub supported by various industries, including oil, agriculture, construction, and professional services (according to Great Bend Economic Development). Key employers in the area include Central Kansas Medical Center, Walmart, and various service industries (according to Zippia and Great Bend Economic Development).

The city benefits from a strong regional labor pool, with partnerships in place to train and retain a skilled workforce. Major companies also include those in the retail and service sectors, contributing to the local economy.

Climate and Weather

Great Bend experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 92°F (33.7°C), while winter temperatures can be very cold, with January lows averaging around 21°F (-6°C) (according to Climate.net and Weather-Us.com).

Annual precipitation in Great Bend averages about 27 inches (according to Livability.com), with May typically being the wettest month. Snowfall averages around 16 inches annually (according to Livability.com), primarily occurring during the winter months.

The city enjoys a comfortable humidity level during the summer, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. The best times to visit or enjoy comfortable weather are generally from mid-April to May and again from September to October (according to Livability.com).

Schools and Education

Great Bend Unified School District serves the educational needs of the community, offering services from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that approximately 23% of students are proficient in math and 27% in reading (according to Niche).

Great Bend High School, a public institution within the district, serves students in grades 9-12. It has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 and a graduation rate of 92% (according to Homes.com). The school is rated C+ by Niche, with academic proficiency in math at 15% and reading at 16% (according to Homes.com).

Barton Community College is also located in Great Bend, providing higher education opportunities for residents. Several other Kansas universities are accessible for further studies, including Fort Hays State University and Wichita State University.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Great Bend had a population of 14,733 (according to Wikipedia). The population is projected to be around 14,113 by 2026, indicating a slight decline (according to World Population Review). The median age in Great Bend is 36.5 years (according to World Population Review).

The racial composition of Great Bend is predominantly White, making up about 70.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino at 24.9% (according to Point2Homes). Other racial groups include those of two or more races, and smaller percentages of Native American, Black or African American, and Asian populations (according to World Population Review).

The median household income in Great Bend was reported as $54,139 in 2024 (according to Data USA). The poverty rate in the city is approximately 16.91% (according to World Population Review).