10 Largest Cities in Kansas (2024)
- Wichita
- Overland Park
- Kansas City
- Olathe
- Topeka
- Lawrence
- Shawnee
- Lenexa
- Manhattan
- Salina
Wichita (Population: 397,532)
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and the 49th largest in the United States, with a population of 397,532. The entire Wichita metro area is home to just under 650,000 people, and the city features a population density of 2432.4 residents per square mile. Known as “The Air Capital of the World,” Wichita is a major production hub for the aviation industry. It’s also home to the third largest college in the state, Wichita State University, which enrolls over 17,000 students. As a result, Wichita is a great place to live for students, families, and young professionals seeking a vibrant city full of opportunity.
Overland Park (Population: 197,238)
The second largest city in Kansas is Overland Park, which has a population of 197,238. Located in Johnson County in the northeastern corner of the state, Overland Park is one of the largest cities in the Kansas City metro area, which is home to a total of 2.1 million residents. It’s also the largest suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and features a population density of 2,628.6, making it more densely populated than the city itself. Often ranked among the best places to live in the United States, Overland Park is a walkable city with friendly residents that offers a good place to raise a family.
Kansas City (Population: 156,607)
Kansas City is the third largest city in Kansas, with a population of 156,607. Often abbreviated as KCK, Kansas City, Kansas, is a suburb of the Missouri city of the same name, which is actually older and home to more residents. Along with Overland Park, it’s one of the four cities in the Kansas City metro area. KCK is a very diverse community, and the racial and ethnic breakdown is 35% White, 33% Latino or Hispanic, 20% Black, 4% Asian, and 5% two or more races. After multiple decades of population decline, the number of KCK residents increased by 7.4% between 2010 and 2020.
Olathe (Population: 141,290)
With a population of 141,290, Olathe is the fourth-largest city in the state of Kansas. It’s the seat of Johnson County and the fourth largest city in the Kansas City metro after Overland Park, KCK, and Independence, Missouri. Olathe is home to several top companies, including Husqvarna, ALDI, and Farmers Insurance Group, and features a median household income of $100,972, which is more than 50% higher than the state. It’s also a fast-growing suburb, and the population increased by 12.2% between 2010 and 2020.
Topeka (Population: 126,587)
Topeka is the capital city of Kansas, and it is also one of the biggest cities in the state, with a population of 126,587. It’s the main city in Topeka, which covers Shawnee, Jackson, Osage, and Wabaunsee and features a total population of 231,783 residents. With a stable economy and good schools, Topeka is a great place to raise a family.
Lawrence (Population: 94,934)
The 6th largest city in Kansas is Lawrence, which has a population of 94,934 residents. Lawrence is primarily a college town and home to both the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. As a result, it’s full of students and young professionals; 30% of residents are in their 20s, and the median age is 28.7. Plus, the population also increased by 8.3% between 2010 and 2020.
Shawnee (Population: 67,311)
The 7th largest city in Kansas is Shawnee, which has a population of 67,311 residents. Located in Johnson County, Shawnee is the 7th largest city in the Kansas City metro area. The population of Shawnee has grown rapidly since 1950, when it was home to just 845 residents, and increased by 8.2% between 2010 and 2020. Shawnee features plenty of public parks, great restaurants, and easy access to attractions, making it a good place to live for residents of all different backgrounds.
Lenexa (Population: 57,434)
South of Shawnee is Lenexa, the 8th largest city in Kansas and the 9th largest city in the Kansas City metro area. Lenexa is a fast-growing community that is home to many parks and a bustling downtown area. The population has exploded since the 1950s and increased by nearly 20% between 2010 and 2020. It’s also an affluent suburb with a median household income of $101,074.
Manhattan (Population: 54,100)
Manhattan is the 9th largest city in Kansas, with a population of 54,100. Home to Kansas State University, Manhattan is a college town with a young and vibrant energy. About 34% of residents are in their 20s, and the median age is 24.7 years old. Nicknamed “the Little Apple,” Manhattan, KS, is a great place to live for students and young professionals, with plenty of great parks, bars, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Salina (Population: 46,889)
The 10th largest city in Kansas is Salinas, which is home to 46,889 residents. It’s the seat of Saline County and also a major regional trade center for North Kansas. It’s the principal city in the Saline micropolitan area, which covers Saline and Ottawa Counties and features a total population of about 50,000 residents. Salina offers a robust economy with a low crime rate and a small-town atmosphere, making it a great place to raise a family.