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Area82,278 sq mi
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CapitalTopeka
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Population2,913,314
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Income$56,422
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Home Value$167,540
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Crime11,968
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Unemployment4.7%
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Education32.3%
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Medicine26
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Poverty11.6%
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Environment47
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Infrastructure1.30%
Kansas is the 15th largest state in the United States, with a land area of 81,759 sq mi (211,754 km²). Nicknamed “the Central State,” it is home to Smith county, the middle point in the U.S.’ geography. Plus, it was once the midpoint of the entire North American continent.
The topography of the area comprises plain surfaces on the western side of the map. At the other end, the eastern region is abundant with forests and hills. Also, there are several rivers and water bodies: the Missouri, Kansas, and Republican rivers in the northeastern area. On the south, the Arkansas River flows and branches into several tributaries. That serves as the drainage system for districts in that area.
The territory has been home to several American natives and European explorers. By 1854, the region experienced intense conflicts as pro-slavery settlers abolitionists often clashed. However, the antislavery party prevailed, and by January 29, 1961, Kan. was founded as the 34th state in the United States. The city of Topeka then became the capital of Kansas.
The economy of Kansas state centers around agriculture. Wheat, cattle, corn, sorghum, cotton are some of the most cultivated and exported products. Other notable highlights are its massive natural gas production (8th in the United States) and the aerospace manufacturing industry.
How We Figured Out Which Were the Best States To Live in
To develop an accurate report on the best states to live in, relevant data was collated from several appropriate authorities and reliable sources only. Some of them include the National Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and several other government departments and agencies.
After collation, the information was analyzed and arranged into ten measurable indicators: demography, education ranking, income rate, employment, etc. The states were then scored and ranked according to their performance in these metrics.
Kansas Rankings
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PopulationData: 2,913,314Kan. is sparsely populated and has a census density of 34.9 people per square mile (13.5/km²). Demographic information reveals that the region is mainly populated by the White race (86.3%). The Blacks make up 6.1% of the population, while Asians are only 3.2%.
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Income in $Data: $56,422A more significant portion of the working class earns at least $27.13 to $30.00 per hour. Meanwhile, the sales tax (6.5%), property tax (1.33%), and other state duties are pretty high. The highest paying jobs here are nursing, physicians and surgeons, marketing and engineering managers.
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Home ValueData: $167,540The cost of housing in Kan. is one of the cheapest countrywide. Though new structures are arising by the day, most home designs here are old. 66.3% of Kansans live in their own homes. The other sale houses give a median gross rent value of $508.
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UnemploymentData: 4.7%The unemployment rate here is relatively low. Nebraska, Missouri, and New Jersey also show similar figures. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that about 71,556 people are jobless out of the 1.5 million Kansans in the workforce. Kansas unemployment benefit rate is 4.25% of the individual's weekly wages
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PovertyData: 11.6%The figures are quite high compared with New Hampshire (7.2%) or even neighboring Colorado (9.6%). In total, there are about 337,700 people in Kan. living below the poverty level. Of that number, 9.5% are White, 24.6% are Black, while 19.3% are from the Hispanic race.
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EducationData: 32.3%The quality of education here is sound. There are only six universities under the authority of the Board of Regents. They include Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University. However, there are several private and community colleges. There are also 449 high schools: the government owns 393, while 56 are private-owned.
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MedicineHealth Outcomes: 26The quality of care and success of medical interventions are fair. It has similar results for other indicators like behavioral points (3 out of 5 points), social and economic factors (3 points out of 5). KS has a Primary Care Physician (PCP) ratio of 1,512 people per doctor (1,512:1). That is a little high as the ideal rate is 1,250:1.
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CrimeViolent Crime: 11,968Kan. records high volumes of criminal cases. The most prevalent offenses in the area are violent crime, aggravated assault (9,154), and motor vehicle theft (7,279). Of all the counties, Wichita is the most crime-ridden district. It records about 1,141 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. McPherson and Leawood, on the other hand, are the safest places to stay in 2021.
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EnvironmentAir: 47Though there are only a few polluted water cases, the province suffers from other environmental hazards. The amount of C4 gases present in the atmosphere is relatively high. Likewise, there were many cases of poor hazardous waste disposal (115). Nonetheless, the region contains vast plains filled with vegetation. There are also several state parks, forests, and reserved lands.
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InfrastructurePoor Roads: 1.30%As regards infrastructure, Kan. is one of the top-rated in the United States. The roads, bridges, dams, and other public facilities are generally excellent. As a result, drivers here spend less on the highway (avg. $537) compared to many other states. However, due to congestion in some areas and specific times, the average time to work is pretty long (24.60 minutes).
Kansas Facts
- Kan. has a rich and diverse cultural history. Its name means “people of the south wind.”
- The official Kansas abbreviation used for postal services is KS. However, other traditional forms exist as Kan. and Kans.
- The region’s motto is “Ad Astra per Aspera” (meaning: “To the stars through difficulties”).
- The official flag has a blue background with the state seal at its center, a sunflower at the top, and the state name written beneath the emblem.
- The official state bird is the Western Meadowlark, while the state flower is the Wild sunflower.
- Wichita is the largest city by area (166.12 sq mi) and population (391,352 people).
- Every year at Hutchinson from the Friday following Labor Day, the KS state fair takes place every year.
- To obtain a fishing license, applicants must be between ages 16 and 74. Also, they must be registered residents for at least 60 days before buying the permit.
- Joan Finney was the first female governor of Kan. and the first woman in U.S. history to defeat a sitting governor at the general elections.
- The gun laws permit individuals aged 18 and above to openly carry a firearm without a license. However, the age limit for carrying a concealed gun is 21.
- The U.S. Census Bureau annual estimates reveal that Bucyrus and Ada are the fastest growing cities in KS with a population growth of 66.84% and 60%, respectively, since 2010.
- KS Department of education’s graduation requirements mandates every high school student to earn at least 21 credits in academic subjects.
- In KE, all incorporated communities are called cities even after falling below the minimum requirement. Here, there are no towns or villages.
Kansas in Photos
FAQ Section
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Where Is Kansas?
It sits at the geographic center of the United States and is surrounded by neighboring provinces. By its north is Nebraska. Oklahoma shares its borders on the south end. Missouri lies on its Eastern side while Colorado bounds it by the West.
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What Time Zone is Kansas in?
The region’s map separates into two time zones: the Central and the Mountainous Time Zone.
The Central Time (GMT -6) is the most prevalent territory. It covers 101 counties. On the other hand, the Mountain Time Zone (GMT -7) is used in the remaining four districts: Hamilton, Wallace, Sherman, and Greeley.
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What is Kansas Known for?
KS is famously an agricultural land. It produces the most wheat in the United States. The abundance of sunflowers earned the American province its nickname, “the Sunflower State.”
Lebanon town, Smith County, is the midpoint of the country’s geography. The vast plains and landscapes beautifully covered grains plants. Also, the weather can be notoriously extreme, with winds resulting in tornadoes and cyclones.
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What To Do in KS?
The several sites give many options to tourists. History lovers, archeologists, and researchers may visit the museums and historical sites. Individuals may also visit one of the animal reserves in the territory, especially Safari Zoological park and KS City Aquarium.
For visiting families, riding on the Kan. City trolleys could be fun. They can also get some delicious Native American delicacies from the Trails Day Cafe or enjoy some playtime at Old Cowtown. Also, Massachusetts Street is the destination for all shopping needs.
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What Is Minimum Wage in Kansas?
Statewide, the minimum possible payment for labor is $7.25 per hour. Based on this rate, the weekly pay for a minimum wage earner will be $290 (for a 40-hour week). That also amounts to a salary of $15,080 per year.
Employers may pay 85% of the minimum wage rate (for a 20-hour week).
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How Many Counties In KS?
The entire map of the region is divided into 105 counties. Each of them has their unique zip code. Johnson County has the highest population, with about 591,500 people.
Sedgwick County (~513,370 residents) follows closely behind. By geography, Butler stands as the largest district in the province with a land area of 1,429.86 square miles. KS’s entire map is divided into 694 zip codes.
