Wichita
RANK #115 / 996 NAT · #3 / 10 KS · POP 522,700
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +35%
The Keeper of the Plains, a 44-foot steel sculpture where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers meet in Wichita, stands as a prominent landmark in Sedgwick County. This south-central Kansas county, with Wichita as its largest city and county seat, is noted for its flat terrain. Commutes within the county are generally short, with an average travel time of 19.3 minutes. Public transportation, including Wichita Transit bus services and specialized options for seniors and individuals with disabilities, connects residents across the county and to neighboring communities. Outdoor recreation opportunities include the Sedgwick County Zoo, one of the nation's largest, and numerous parks with walking paths and green spaces.
Life in Sedgwick County offers a blend of urban amenities and smaller community atmospheres. The county is home to a diverse population, with many families and young professionals. Public schools in the county are generally above average, with 20 unified school districts, private institutions, and Catholic schools. The economy has historical ties to aviation, with companies like Cessna and Learjet having a presence. Recent economic developments focus on regional growth and an enhanced quality of life, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and community services.
Below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
North Junction Freeway Project (I-135, I-235, K-254, K-96)
Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Sedgwick County, City of Wichita
|
$421M | Planned |
|
Sedgwick County Solar
Undisclosed (Cleanview Pro required for developer)
|
$202M | Planned |
|
Sedgwick Battery/Storage
Undisclosed (Cleanview Pro required for developer)
|
$152M | Planned |
|
Sedgwick Solar
Undisclosed (Cleanview Pro required for developer)
|
$130M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (Park City)
Amazon
|
$100M | Completed |
|
Amazon Last-Mile Delivery Station (Bel Aire)
Amazon
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Sedgwick County ranks #115 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 88/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.3% and a median household income of $65,372 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Sedgwick County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $175,700, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $937/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Sedgwick County are hiring — job growth of +1.3% — but the population is close to flat (+0.4% YoY). Home values moved +1.6% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.16% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Sedgwick County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.