Kansas Real Estate and Livability Trends

Median home values in Kansas have been on a steady rise from $132,000 in 2015 to $189,300 in 2022, consistently outpacing the national median values. This makes the state an attractive prospect for investors and homebuyers aiming for appreciating property values. The residential energy tax credits have shown noticeable fluctuations, with a peak of $2626.82 per tax return in 2018, suggesting... potential changes in state policies or energy-saving program participation. Real estate taxes have also seen a consistent climb, reaching $5,884.03 per tax return in 2021, which could imply higher property values or shifts in local taxation. Meanwhile, the gradual decline in farm tax returns from 4.32% in 2012 to 3.78% in 2021 may point to changes in the agricultural sector, affecting rural real estate values and investment opportunities. Read more

Kansas has experienced a steady rise in average taxable income per tax return, increasing from $60,420.13 in 2013 to $83,971.49 in 2021, hinting at greater financial stability and economic growth. Concurrently, average state and local income taxes have surged from $7,627.25 in 2012 to $18,887.07 by 2021, a significant increase particularly evident post-2017, which could shape investment and relocation decisions. The average total tax liability per tax return has also trended upwards from... $10,510.55 in 2012 to $14,772.11 by 2021, likely reflecting higher incomes or tax policy adjustments crucial for investors and potential new residents to consider. Read more

Kansas' property crime landscape has had its ups and downs over the past five years. Notably, arson incidents peaked at 481 cases in 2021, and fraud reached a high of 4,575 in 2020. Vandalism nearly doubled from 388 incidents in 2018 to 2,272 by 2022. Although burglary and motor vehicle theft remained relatively steady, increasing incidents of larceny-theft and stolen property could influence property values, insurance costs, and safety perceptions, all critical factors for investors,... developers, and residents alike. Read more

Kansas showcases a nearly balanced gender distribution within its adult population. Educational attainment varies widely, with a significant portion achieving a high school diploma or some college education, while fewer attain graduate degrees. Age distribution suggests a robustly young demographic, particularly within the under-10 and 25-to-34 age brackets. The racial composition is overwhelmingly White, though there's noticeable diversity with smaller percentages of Black, Asian, and other... races. These trends hint at diverse educational needs and the potential for targeted economic policies to address demographic-specific requirements. Read more

Kansas shows a significant Republican inclination, with around 56% of the votes cast for the GOP in the 2020 Presidential Election, compared to Democrats' nearly 42%. Libertarians hold a minor foothold with about 2%. This voting landscape points to a robust, though not unshakeable, Republican stronghold that offers room for growth to other parties if they effectively rally... voters. Read more

In Kansas, the student-to-teacher ratio has climbed from about 12 to over 13 students per teacher over the last decade, still remaining below the national average of 14. For those considering relocating or investing, this could signify a more personalized education experience, possibly making the state more appealing to families seeking quality schooling. Appraisers, insurance agents, builders, and developers might find valuable insights here, as areas with highly regarded educational... environments can influence property values, insurance rates, and even drive demand for new educational facilities. Read more