Is Atchison Safe, Pros and cons of living in Atchison
Atchison, Kansas, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern living, nestled along the Missouri River. Known as the “Home of Amelia Earhart,” the city boasts a rich past that is evident in its architecture and local attractions. For those considering a move, understanding the various facets of life in Atchison is crucial for making an informed decision.
This guide delves into the safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and demographics of Atchison, providing a comprehensive overview for potential residents. By examining these key areas, individuals can gain a clearer picture of what it’s like to call Atchison home.
Is it Safe to Live in Atchison?
Atchison’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average. One source indicates that Atchison’s total crime rate is 30% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Another report states that the overall crime rate is 42% below the national average, with a crime safety grade of B+ (as reported by DoorProfit).
Violent crime rates in Atchison are also noted to be lower than the national average. There were 16 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 151 per 100,000 individuals, which is 58% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 362 per year, which is 27% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
While the overall crime rate is favorable, some sources suggest a mixed picture depending on the specific area within the city. One analysis indicates that the crime rate is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America, although not among the very highest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is approximately 1 in 77 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The Cost of Living in Atchison
Atchison presents a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average. The cost of living in Atchison, Kansas, is 16% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Another source states that living costs in Atchison are 3% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing expenses are a major contributor to Atchison’s affordability. Housing costs in Atchison are reported to be 41.8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Atchison County is $175,000, with a median rental price of $1,300 per month (as reported by Home.com).
Daily expenses such as food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities are also more affordable in Atchison. Food costs are more affordable than the U.S. average, as are transportation and healthcare costs (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Overall, Atchison is considered one of America’s least expensive cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Job Market and Major Employers
The economy of Atchison employs approximately 7.8k people, with the largest industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). In recent years, employment has seen a slight decline, but the city remains a hub for various sectors.
Key employers in Atchison include MGP Ingredients, a producer of distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, and Wal-Mart in the retail sector. The Atchison County government and Blish-Mize Co., a hardware wholesaler, are also significant employers in the area (as reported by Townfolio.co). Benedictine College and Atchison Hospital are also major local employers, contributing significantly to the community’s economic landscape.
The average salary in Atchison is around $57,293 per year or $28 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Other sources cite the median wage at $47,300 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with an average annual salary for an average job being $47,000 or $22.60 per hour (as reported by Zippia).
Climate and Weather in Atchison
Atchison experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot, muggy, and wet, while winters are cold, with freezing temperatures, snow, and wind (as reported by Weather and Climate). Over the course of the year, temperatures generally range from 18°F to 88°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The average annual precipitation in Atchison is around 36 to 37 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livability.com). The wettest month is typically May, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation, while January is the driest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages about 17 to 18 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livability.com).
The city experiences about 128 days of comfortable weather per year, with the best times to visit being mid-April to June and September to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 88°F, and the coldest month is January, with average lows around 18°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Atchison
Atchison is served by Atchison Public Schools, which operates four public schools for approximately 1,476 students (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). The district has an average testing ranking of 2 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of Kansas public schools (as reported by Public School Review).
The average math proficiency score in Atchison public schools is 22%, and the reading proficiency score is 24% (as reported by Public School Review). Atchison Elementary School and Atchison High School are among the public schools serving the city (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Atchison public schools is 27% of the student body, which is less than the Kansas public school average (as reported by Public School Review).
Higher education options are available nearby, with Benedictine College being a significant institution in Atchison, awarding 100% of degrees in the area (as reported by Data USA). The most popular majors at Benedictine College include General Business Administration & Management, Theological Studies, and General Finance (as reported by Data USA).
Demographics of Atchison
Atchison has a population of approximately 10,785 residents, with a projected population of 10,861 for 2026 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The city’s population is currently declining at a rate of approximately -0.12% annually (as reported by Atchison, Kansas Population 2026).
The racial makeup of Atchison is predominantly White, accounting for about 84.1% of the population. Other racial groups include Black or African American (around 5.4%), Two or More Races (about 9.5%), and smaller percentages of Asian and Native American residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 5.02% of the population (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Atchison is approximately 29.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (53%) compared to males (47%) (as reported by Point2Homes and Atchison, Kansas Population 2026). The median household income in Atchison is $54,474, with about 8.2% of families living in poverty (as reported by Point2Homes).
Housing Market and Rental Costs
The housing market in Atchison offers considerable affordability compared to national averages. The median home value in Atchison, KS, is approximately $166,546, showing an increase of 8.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price in Atchison County is $175,000 (as reported by Home.com).
Rental costs in Atchison are also notably lower than the national average. The average rent in Atchison, KS, is around $541 per month, which is 67% lower than the national average rent (as reported by Apartments.com). Other sources indicate the average rent price was $593 last month, with a month-over-month increase of $27 (as reported by Redfin).
For those seeking rental properties, a studio apartment averages around $428 per month, a one-bedroom apartment is about $541 per month, and two-bedroom apartments are approximately $1,167 per month (as reported by Apartments.com and Zumper). These figures suggest that renting in Atchison is a financially accessible option for many.