Is Fort Riley Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Riley

Is it Safe to Live in Fort Riley?

Fort Riley, Kansas, presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that vary by neighborhood and type of offense. Overall crime rates are reported as significantly below the national average, with some sources indicating they are 56% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). However, other analyses suggest that the rate of crime is much higher than the average US city, with Fort Riley ranking in the 13th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 13% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime rates are also a point of consideration, with one report stating a violent crime rate of 5.159 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the average US city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, another source indicates that the violent crime rate is 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about average for communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents often perceive the central part of Fort Riley as the safest area, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to southwest neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout).

Fort Riley’s Demographics and Community

Fort Riley, Kansas, has an estimated population of 8,606 residents as of the most recent data. The population is predominantly White, making up 49.9% of residents, followed by Hispanic at 23.4%, and Black at 19.5% (as reported by Census Dots, Point2Homes). This demographic makeup is considered more diverse than Kansas overall (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Fort Riley is 23.1 years, with a notable gender disparity, as there are 189.6 males for every 100 females (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with approximately 97.2% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather in Fort Riley

The climate in Fort Riley, Kansas, is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters, falling under a humid continental/subtropical classification (as reported by Fort Riley, KS Local Information). The average temperature in July hovers around 79 degrees Fahrenheit, while January averages about 29 degrees Fahrenheit (as reported by Fort Riley, KS Local Information).

Annual precipitation in the area averages about 34 inches, with the majority falling between April and June (as reported by Fort Riley, KS Local Information, myPerfectWeather). Severe thunderstorms are common during the warmer months and can bring hail, lightning, and tornadoes. The region experiences an average annual snowfall of approximately 14.5 inches, with most of it occurring between December and March (as reported by Fort Riley, KS Local Information, myPerfectWeather).

Cost of Living and Housing in Fort Riley

Fort Riley’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, with estimates indicating it is 9% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Livability.com, PayScale). Housing expenses, in particular, are noted to be significantly lower than the national average, with some reports stating they are 35.3% lower (as reported by Salary.com, Fort Riley, KS). This affordability extends to rent, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Fort Riley, KS, at $1,000 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper).

The median home value in Fort Riley is approximately $221,848 (as reported by Livability.com). However, other sources place the median home price at $162,900, which is lower than the Kansas average of $185,150 (as reported by Fort Riley, KS Homes for Rent). Rental prices for apartments in Fort Riley, KS, average around $795 per month for a studio, $700 for a one-bedroom, and $850 for a two-bedroom (as reported by Zumper).

Employment and Economic Landscape

Fort Riley is a significant economic driver in the Central Flint Hills Region, serving as the largest employer in the area (as reported by Fort Riley, Kansas – junction city area chamber of commerce). Major employers in the region include Fort Riley itself and Kansas State University, collectively creating a substantial number of jobs (as reported by Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership). Government agencies and Kansas State University are also key employers in the vicinity (as reported by Fort Riley, Kansas – junction city area chamber of commerce).

The most common employment sectors for residents of Fort Riley include Accommodation & Food Services, Finance & Insurance, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary for employees at 1st Infantry Division & Fort Riley is approximately $81,346 (as reported by Salary.com), while the average salary for a Soldier in Fort Riley is around $35,289 per year (as reported by Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter).

Education and Schools in Fort Riley

Fort Riley is served by the Geary County Schools district, which includes several educational institutions. Fort Riley Elementary School is highly rated, ranking in the top 20% of all schools in Kansas for overall test scores, with math and reading proficiency rates above the Kansas state average (as reported by Fort Riley Elementary School). The student-teacher ratio at Fort Riley Elementary School is 12:1, which is lower than the Kansas state level (as reported by Fort Riley Elementary School).

Fort Riley Middle School is also recognized, ranking among the top public middle schools in Kansas and earning a 4-star rating (as reported by Fort Riley, KS – Niche). However, a notable concern across schools in Fort Riley is a high chronic absenteeism rate of 19.5% (as reported by Fort Riley, KS – Niche).