Is Salina Safe, Pros and cons of living in Salina
Salina, Kansas, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and practical living, making it a potential destination for those seeking a change of scenery. This city, nestled in the heart of the state, provides a glimpse into a community that balances its agricultural roots with evolving economic opportunities. Understanding the various facets of life in Salina is key for anyone considering a move to this central Kansas locale.
The city’s appeal often lies in its community-focused atmosphere and the accessibility of its amenities. From its historical significance as a stop on the Smoky Hill Trail to its modern role as a regional trade center, Salina presents a dynamic yet grounded environment. Exploring its safety, cost of living, job market, and educational landscape will offer a comprehensive picture for potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Salina?
Salina’s overall crime rate is reported to be 40% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Salina are 37% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to other neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes).
The crime rate in Salina is approximately 39.08 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Salina varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 13 in the north neighborhoods to 1 in 36 in the southeast (as reported by AreaVibes). The total projected cost of crime in Salina for 2025 is estimated at $25,665,776, translating to about $520 per resident (according to AreaVibes).
The Cost of Living in Salina
Housing Expenses
The cost of living in Salina is generally lower than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. The average listing price for a home in Salina is approximately $355,200, which is 33.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Similarly, the median home sale price in Saline County was $207,850 in March 2026, showing a significant year-over-year increase (according to SalinaLiving.com).
Renting in Salina is also more affordable, with the average rent being around $907 per month, which is 45% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a studio apartment averages $534 per month, while a one-bedroom is approximately $907, and a two-bedroom can cost around $1,051 (as reported by Apartments.com). For homeowners, the cost of living is also lower, with housing expenses being 35% less than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, Salina offers cost savings in other areas as well. Groceries in Salina are approximately 4.2% lower than the U.S. average (according to Apartments.com). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are about 10% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Utilities in Salina are slightly higher than the national average, by about 0.1% (as reported by Apartments.com). Overall, the cost of living in Salina is estimated to be 18.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Salina’s Job Market and Economy
Employment Opportunities
The average annual salary in Salina is approximately $48,149, equating to about $23.15 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a slightly different average, with one reporting $57,328 annually or $28 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert), and another suggesting $51,731 per year (as reported by ReadySetHire). The majority of salaries in Salina fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles, ranging from approximately $32,970 to $59,850 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Saline County was 2.8% in November, showing a downward trend (as reported by Salina Post). As of March, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Kansas was 3.9% (as reported by USAFacts). The labor force participation rate for Kansas was 67.6% in March (as reported by Salina Post).
Major Employers
Salina’s economy is supported by a variety of major employers across different sectors. Key companies include Tony’s Pizza, Exide Battery, Great Plains Manufacturing, and Asurion (as reported by Wikipedia). Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. is a significant employer, specializing in agricultural implements (as reported by Zippia).
Salina Regional Health Center is another substantial employer, providing comprehensive medical care and specialty services (as reported by Zippia). Other notable employers include Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and Dollar General, contributing to the diverse employment landscape (as reported by Indeed.com).
Climate and Weather in Salina
Temperatures and Seasons
Salina experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit, and July being the hottest month with highs around 94°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark). Winters are cold and snowy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 51°F, and January being the coldest month with lows around 22°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The overall temperature variation throughout the year ranges from approximately 22°F to 94°F, rarely dipping below 6°F or exceeding 104°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city enjoys around 3002 hours of sunshine annually, with July and August being the sunniest months (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Humidity
The city receives a moderate amount of annual precipitation, averaging about 31 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 3.8 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall is light, averaging around 15 inches annually, primarily occurring in January and December (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Humidity levels in Salina vary seasonally. While summers can be hot, humidity remains comfortable to slightly humid without extreme mugginess (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The rainless period generally spans from mid-December to early February (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education in Salina
School District Performance
Salina Unified School District serves the city’s student population. The district has an overall Niche grade of B and is ranked among the top school districts in Kansas (as reported by Niche). Public schools in Salina have an average ranking of 4/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Kansas public schools (as reported by Niche).
Student proficiency in math is around 29%, and in reading, it is 28%, compared to state averages of 31% and 33%, respectively (as reported by Niche). Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School is recognized as a top-performing elementary school in Kansas (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Higher Education
Salina is home to several higher education institutions that contribute to its educational landscape. Kansas Wesleyan University and KSU College of Technology and Aviation are located in the city (as reported by Wikipedia). Salina Area Technical College also plays a role in providing vocational and technical training, with graduates often having high success rates (as reported by Salina Kansas EDO).
These institutions offer a range of programs, catering to students seeking bachelor’s degrees, technical certifications, and specialized training. The presence of these schools supports a skilled local workforce, particularly in manufacturing and technical fields (as reported by Salina Kansas EDO).
Demographics of Salina
Population and Diversity
Salina has a population of approximately 46,307 residents, with a slight majority being female (50.3%) (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population is currently declining at a rate of about -0.4% annually (as reported by World Population Review). As of 2024, 5% of Salina residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
The racial makeup of Salina is predominantly White, with 81% identifying as Caucasian, followed by 4.1% African American and 1.9% Asian (as reported by Point2Homes). White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest ethnic group, making up 35.3k people in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Salina is 39.3 years, with a relatively balanced distribution across age groups (as reported by World Population Review). Approximately 18.3% of the population are children under 15, and 18.5% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 make up a significant portion of the population, indicating a strong working-age demographic (as reported by Point2Homes).
Salina has around 19,474 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of these households, 56.7%, are families, while the remaining 43.3% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).