There’s no place like home, and Kansas may be the perfect retirement destination for you! The state has a blend of rural and urban flavors, allowing you to choose the setting that best fits your lifestyle. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 places to retire in Kansas, making it easy to find the perfect retirement destination and new home for your new life.
1. Coffeyville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.6%
Median Home Value: $52,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 6.48
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 35.10
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 120
Coffeyville is the best place to retire in Kansas thanks to its low cost of living and delightful rural atmosphere. If you’re hoping to enjoy a relaxed pace of living in a close knit community, Coffeyville is the perfect place for you. Coffeyville has a number of local museums where you can learn about your home’s history, including the Little House on the Prairie Museum.
2. Parsons
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.3%
Median Home Value: $59,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 9.42
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 361
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 197
Parsons, KS gives retirees the best of all possible worlds. This little piece of heaven serves up a comfortable community, while providing residents with easy access to two big cities- Springfield, MO and Tulsa, OK. You’ll love getting to Parsons City Arboretum to get outdoors and see beautiful blooms.
3. Fort Scott
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22.6%
Median Home Value: $69,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 5.05
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 10.09
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 136
Fort Scott is a vibrant community centered around a national historic site. The many historic buildings and the National Cemetery give retirees a chance to connect with their home. For a fun outing the Lavender Patch Farm is a beautiful bucolic escape. Gunn Park and the Rock Creek Waterfall are perfect for active adults who enjoy Mother Nature and hiking.
4. Arkansas City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.5%
Median Home Value: $71,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 5.55
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 37.04
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 75
Arkansas City is a beautiful town that sits on the confluence of two rivers. Retiring in Arkansas City means you can explore nature preserves around the Arkansas River and Walnut River. In addition to riparian entertainment, Arkansas City has a number of historic museums including the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Museum of World Treasures.
5. Independence
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%
Median Home Value: $73,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 9.89
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 46.96
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 120
Independence, KS is a vibrant town, perfect for retirees who want to enjoy all the things. A wide range of museums including the Eclectic Art Museum, the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center, and the Independence Science and Technology Center will keep you engaged and entertained. A thriving local brewery scene offers up great adult beverages and fun times.
6. Iola
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.8%
Median Home Value: $76,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.37
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 32.29
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 47
Do you want to spend your retirement enjoying a peaceful and close knit community, surrounded by beautiful scenery? If so, Iola, KS is the perfect town for you. When you retire to Iola, you can take advantage of a calm and loving town that makes every resident feel like they have always been part of the fabric of the community.
7. Wellington
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.4%
Median Home Value: $79,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 3.77
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 28.32
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 47
Wellington, KS is the perfect retirement spot for active adults who want to spend their golden years engaging with nature. Midwest scenery surrounds Wellington, highlighted in numerous local parks including, Worden Park and Century Park. The National Depression Glass Association, Chisholm Trail Museum, and the Panhandle Railroad Museum are all fun places to visit.
8. Chanute
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.2%
Median Home Value: $80,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.39
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 36.07
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 98
Chanute offers up beautiful scenery and a comfortable way of life to retirees. This charming Midwestern town surrounds residents with amazing views and great hiking opportunities. Head over to Santa Fe Lake for a lazy day on the water. You’ll love retired life in Chanute.
9. Haysville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.4%
Median Home Value: $82,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 8.16
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 18.76
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 54
Haysville is a fabulous community in Sedgwick County, KS. This thriving town has something for everyone ranging from exciting museums including the Museum of World Treasures and the Sedgwick County Zoo to lush parks . Staying active, healthy, and engaged with your new hometown is easy and fun in Haysville.
10. Pittsburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.7%
Median Home Value: $85,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1,000 People: 4.51
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1,000 People: 47.49
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 145
With more than 20,000 residents calling it home, Pittsburg is the most populous city in southeast Kansas. It is home to Pittsburg State University, giving the city a college town feel without an overwhelming population. Have grandchildren? Take them to Kiddieland Amusement Park when they come to visit!
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Kansas Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
The 10 Best Places to Retire in New Mexico in 2023