Is Goddard Safe, Pros and cons of living in Goddard

Goddard, Kansas, offers a blend of suburban comfort and community-focused living, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter pace of life within proximity to a larger metropolitan area. As a western suburb of Wichita, Goddard has experienced significant growth, transforming from its agricultural roots into a developing residential hub. The city provides a welcoming environment with a strong sense of local identity.

The community is characterized by its growing population and a desire to maintain a high quality of life for its residents. With a strategic location in south-central Kansas, Goddard is well-positioned for continued development, attracting both new families and businesses. This growth is supported by a commitment to providing excellent educational opportunities and maintaining a safe and friendly atmosphere for all.

Is it Safe to Live in Goddard?

Goddard generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 46% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Goddard are notably lower, standing at 72% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

While the city is considered safe, specific neighborhoods can vary in their safety perceptions. Residents often consider the northeast section of Goddard to be the safest area (as reported by Crime Rate And Safe Stats In Goddard, Kansas). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Goddard can range from approximately 1 in 32 in the northwest neighborhoods to 1 in 82 in the northeast neighborhoods (as reported by Crime Rate And Safe Stats In Goddard, Kansas).

Demographics and Community

Goddard is home to a population of approximately 6,030 residents (as reported by Niche). The city’s demographics show a diverse mix, with a significant portion of the population identifying as White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for about 89.5% (as reported by Niche). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute approximately 4.67% of the population, and those identifying with two or more races make up about 3.34% (as reported by Niche).

The median age in Goddard is around 31 to 33 years old (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche), indicating a community with a substantial number of young families and professionals. This age distribution suggests a vibrant community with a blend of established residents and newcomers drawn to the area’s growth and amenities.

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Goddard is generally considered to be more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living index for the city is 84.5, which is 15.5% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by Wikipedia). Housing expenses are particularly favorable, being 21% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Housing prices in Goddard reflect this affordability. The median home value in Goddard was reported as $140,400 in 2012 (as reported by Wikipedia), with more recent estimates placing the median home value around $242,800 (as reported by Niche). The median listing price for homes was approximately $244.9K in March 2026 (as reported by Goddard, KS Housing Market & Rental trends – Home Prices, Rent, Inventory & More), and the median sale price was $276K in March 2026 (as reported by Goddard, KS Housing Market: House Prices & Trends | Redfin). The median rent is approximately $1,600 per month (as reported by Trulia and Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Goddard’s economy is supported by several key industries, with manufacturing, educational services, health care, and social assistance being prominent sectors. Retail trade also plays a significant role in the local job market (as reported by Wikipedia). Employment in Goddard has seen growth, with an increase of 9.76% from 2023 to 2024, reaching approximately 3.08k employees (as reported by Data USA).

The most common job sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Business & Financial Operations Occupations are among the most prevalent job groups within the city (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Goddard experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from an average low of 22°F in January to an average high of 93°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 35 inches, with snowfall averaging around 11 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers can be quite warm, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs around 92-93°F and lows in the low 70s (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Climate & Weather Averages in Goddard, Kansas, USA). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 20s (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

The Goddard Unified School District (USD 265) serves the city and is recognized for its strong educational offerings. The district includes several highly-rated public schools, with Apollo Elementary School, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, and Explorer Elementary School frequently ranking among the top in the state (as reported by Niche and Public Schools in Goddard, KS – Niche). Overall, Goddard’s public schools have an average testing rank of 8/10, placing them in the top 30% of Kansas public schools (as reported by Public Schools in Goddard, KS – Niche).

The district boasts a high graduation rate, with high schools achieving a 94% graduation rate over five school years (as reported by Goddard School District (2026) – Niche). Math proficiency scores in Goddard schools are around 39%, and reading proficiency scores are approximately 43%, both exceeding the Kansas public school averages (as reported by Public Schools in Goddard, KS (2026)).

Major Employers

Goddard’s economy is supported by a mix of large retail companies and local businesses. Major employers include national retailers such as Walmart and Dollar General, alongside food service establishments like McDonald’s and Taco Bell (as reported by Indeed.com). The presence of these businesses contributes significantly to the local job market and provides essential services to the community.

The city is also home to various other businesses, including hardware stores, real estate agencies, and storage facilities, indicating a diverse commercial landscape. The Goddard Industrial Park also provides space for manufacturing companies to operate and expand, further diversifying the economic base (as reported by Business Development | Our Community Chamber | Goddard, KS).

Population and Demographics

Goddard’s population has seen steady growth, with approximately 6,030 residents recorded in recent data (as reported by Niche and Data USA). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with roughly 46.5% male and 53.5% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age is around 31.3 years, with a notable percentage of residents under 18 (approximately 27.7%) and a smaller percentage aged 65 and older (around 11.5%) (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Goddard is predominantly White, accounting for about 89.34% of the population (as reported by Goddard, Kansas Population 2026). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages, including those identifying with two or more races (6.8%) and other races (1.99%) (as reported by Goddard, Kansas Population 2026). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a very high percentage of citizenship reported at 99.2% to 99.8% (as reported by Data USA).