Topeka
RANK #784 / 996 NAT · #10 / 10 KS · POP 178,625
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
Shawnee County, Kansas, is distinguished by Lake Shawnee, a prominent recreational area drawing over a million visitors annually for activities like boating, fishing, and golf, alongside its extensive trail system and Ted Ensley Gardens. Located in northeast Kansas, with Topeka as its county seat and the state capital, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and rolling prairie landscapes. Commutes within the county are generally manageable, and public transportation options like Topeka Metro serve the area. The community maintains a balance between suburban comfort and access to larger city resources.
Life in Shawnee County offers a cost of living below the national average, with diverse housing options. The county is home to highly rated public schools across several districts, including Auburn-Washburn and Seaman, making it attractive to families. Outdoor recreation is a significant aspect of the lifestyle, with numerous parks and over 60 miles of trails. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and retail facilities, as well as multi-family housing projects, reflecting ongoing growth and efforts to address housing needs.
Well below national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.5x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Shawnee Battery/Storage
Undisclosed
|
$150M | Planned |
|
KC2 Data Center (7801 Nieman Road)
Netrality Data Centers
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Midland Rehabilitation Project
City of Shawnee
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Harmony at Clear Creek (Residential)
Material Capital Partners
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Hidden Creek Reserve Townhomes
Undisclosed
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Westbrooke Green Shopping Center Redevelopment
Westbrooke Partners LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 21/100, Shawnee County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $63,463 combined with job growth of -0.8% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
By national standards, Shawnee County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $159,900, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.40 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $942/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Shawnee County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs -0.8%. Home values shifted -0.6% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.22% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Shawnee County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.