Is Emporia Safe, Pros and cons of living in Emporia

Is it Safe to Live in Emporia?

Emporia, Kansas, presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are higher than national averages in some aspects. The overall crime rate in Emporia is 39.74 per 1,000 residents annually (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Emporia varies by neighborhood, with a range from 1 in 19 in the southwest to 1 in 43 in the northeast (according to NeighborhoodScout).

While the overall crime rate is a concern, it’s important to note that crime rates have shown a downward trend over the past 14 years, with both violent and property crime decreasing (according to CityRating.com). Projections suggest that the crime rate in Emporia for 2026 is expected to be lower than in 2019 (according to CityRating.com). The city’s violent crime rate was 61.66% lower than the national average in 2019, and the property crime rate was 0.99% lower than the national average in the same year (according to CityRating.com).

Crime Statistics and Neighborhood Safety

Emporia’s total crime rate is 26% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This equates to approximately 1.76 daily crimes, including 0.24 violent incidents and 1.52 property-related offenses (according to AreaVibes). When comparing Emporia to cities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than the average (according to NeighborhoodScout).

However, there’s a perception among residents that the northeast part of the city is the safest (according to NeighborhoodScout). The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime varies significantly by neighborhood, with a higher risk in the southwest areas compared to the northeast (according to NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident in Emporia is $522 per year, which is slightly more than the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Emporia, Kansas, is generally lower than the national average. Overall, Emporia is 14.7% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Housing costs are a significant factor, with general housing expenses being 29.4% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

For renters, the cost of living is approximately 18.5% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). The average rent in Emporia is $619 per month, which is considerably lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). The median home value in Emporia is $88,800, which is substantially lower than both the state and national medians (according to HouseCashin).

Housing Costs

The median home price in Emporia is $88,800 (according to HouseCashin). This is significantly lower than the Kansas median of $145,400 and the national median of $204,900 (according to HouseCashin). Over the past decade, the annual home value appreciation rate in Emporia has averaged 0.06%, a slower pace than both the state (0.27%) and national (0.13%) averages (according to HouseCashin).

For those looking to rent, the median gross rent in Emporia is $671 (according to HouseCashin). This is lower than the state median of $831 and the national median of $1,023 (according to HouseCashin). Rent for apartments varies, with studios averaging around $548, one-bedroom apartments at $619, and two-bedroom apartments at approximately $693 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Grocery and Utility Expenses

Groceries in Emporia are about 4.4% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Utilities are also more affordable, costing 33.8% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Transportation costs are also lower, at 16.6% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

When considering overall household expenses, a single adult with no dependents should aim for a salary of around $61,000 before taxes to live comfortably in Emporia (according to Apartments.com). These estimates account for housing, groceries, and other goods and services, though actual costs can vary based on individual circumstances and location within the city.

Job Market and Economy

Emporia’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to its labor market. The city has a labor force of 13,995 people, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% (according to City of Emporia, KS Profile). In Lyon County, the labor force is 18,730 with an unemployment rate of 3.6% (according to Emporia Regional Development Association).

The unemployment rate in Emporia has seen some fluctuations, with recent reports indicating a rate of 5.6% in 2026 (according to Data USA). This rate has been higher than the long-term average (according to YCharts). Jobless rates in Emporia have been influenced by factors such as the closure of major employers like Tyson Fresh Meats, which began winding down operations in February (according to KVOE).

Major Employers

Several key employers form the backbone of Emporia’s job market. These include Newman Regional Health, Lyon County Government, and the City of Emporia (according to Emporia Regional Development Association). Other significant employers are Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Emporia State University, and Hostess Brands LLC (according to townfolio.co).

Additional major employers and manufacturers in the area include Hopkins Manufacturing Corp., Vektek, Inc., and Simmons Pet Food (according to Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce). These diverse industries provide a range of employment opportunities across various sectors.

Average Salary and Income

The median household income in Emporia is reported to be $53,635 per year (according to City of Emporia, KS Profile). However, other sources indicate a median individual income of $30,338 in 2024 (according to Data USA) and an average salary of $37,000 per year or $17.79 per hour (according to Zippia). A more recent estimate for May 2026 places the average salary at $19.63 an hour or $40,832 per year (according to ZipRecruiter).

To live comfortably in Emporia as a single adult with no dependents, a salary of approximately $61,000 before taxes is recommended (according to Apartments.com). This takes into account estimated costs for housing, groceries, and other essential expenses.

Climate and Weather

Emporia experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasons. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 19°F in January to a high of 90°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average of 36 inches of precipitation annually, with about 12 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Emporia are typically hot, muggy, and wet, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 90°F and a low of 69°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are very cold, snowy, and windy, with January experiencing average lows of 23°F and highs of 42°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The city has around 129 days of comfortable weather per year, typically in the spring and fall (according to myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Temperatures and Precipitation

The temperature in Emporia typically varies between 22°F and 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 100°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest recorded temperature was 116°F in July 1934 and August 1936, while the coldest was -24°F in January 1947 (according to Wikipedia).

Monthly rainfall varies significantly, with June being the wettest month, averaging 4.7 inches of precipitation. January is the driest month, with an average of only 0.4 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day is higher from April to October, with June having the most days with precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Emporia is served by the Emporia Unified School District, which educates approximately 4,399 students across 8 public schools (according to Emporia School District). The district’s overall testing ranking is 2 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Kansas (according to Emporia School District).

Public schools in the Emporia School District have an average math proficiency score of 22% and a reading proficiency score of 24%, which are below the Kansas state averages (according to Emporia School District). Minority enrollment in the district is 57%, which is higher than the Kansas average (according to Emporia School District).

School Performance

Among the elementary schools, Timmerman Elementary and Village Elementary are noted for outperforming district and state averages in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science (according to SchoolDigger.com). Timmerman Elementary has a 3-out-of-5-star rating, while Village Elementary has a 2-out-of-5-star rating (according to SchoolDigger.com).

Emporia High School, despite a lower ranking than the state average, maintains a strong 4-year graduation rate of 89.5% and a low dropout rate of 1.3% (according to SchoolDigger.com). However, disparities exist, with some schools like Riverside Elementary and W.A. White Elementary showing lower proficiency rates and higher chronic absenteeism (according to SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Emporia had a population of 24,139 (according to Wikipedia). The city’s population density was approximately 1,989.7 per square mile (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Emporia was 32.3 years in 2020 (according to Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Emporia includes a significant White population, with varying percentages reported across different sources. As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituted the largest ethnic group (according to Data USA). Hispanic or Latino individuals also represent a notable portion of the population (according to Data USA).

Population Trends and Age Distribution

Emporia’s population is currently around 24,483 as of 2026 and is growing at an annual rate of 0.27% (according to Emporia, KS Population 2026). The median age in Emporia is around 30.2 years (according to Data USA). The age distribution shows that 22.1% of residents were under 18 in 2020, while 14.6% were 65 or older (according to Wikipedia).

For every 100 females, there are approximately 93.8 males in Emporia (according to Emporia, KS Population 2026). The city’s population is considered young compared to the national average, with a median age of 29.0 years according to 2017-2021 estimates (according to Neilsberg).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

In 2020, the racial makeup of Emporia was 84% White, 3.2% African American, 3.1% Asian, and 0.8% American Indian, with 10.5% from other races or two or more races (according to Wikipedia). As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents made up the largest group, with Hispanic or Latino individuals and those of Two Races Including Other also being significant demographics (according to Data USA).

Ethnicity data from 2020 indicates that 14.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino (according to Wikipedia). More recent data suggests that 30% of Emporia’s population is Hispanic (according to Data USA). The racial distribution shows a majority White population, with other races and ethnicities forming smaller but significant portions of the community (according to Neilsberg).

Pros and Cons of Living in Emporia

Emporia offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing, in particular, is significantly less expensive than the national average, whether renting or buying (according to Apartments.com, HouseCashin). This affordability extends to groceries, utilities, and transportation, further reducing the financial burden on residents (according to Apartments.com).

The job market, while impacted by some employer closures, still provides opportunities through major employers like Newman Regional Health and Emporia State University (according to Emporia Regional Development Association, townfolio.co). The city also boasts a community college and a university, offering educational and employment avenues (according to Wikipedia).

Potential Drawbacks

One of the primary concerns for potential residents is the crime rate, which is higher than the national average in several categories (according to NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). While there are signs of improvement and variation by neighborhood, safety remains a key consideration.

The educational system in Emporia faces challenges, with the school district ranking in the bottom 50% of Kansas districts based on testing performance (according to Emporia School District). While some individual schools perform well, the overall district average proficiency scores are lower than state averages.