Topeka, KS

Topeka KS scores 36/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 119% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 219 (100 = avg); violent crime index 240; property crime index 198. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Topeka. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Topeka is about $979/month (affordable). At $979/month for a typical unit, you need about $35,244+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $144,200.

Median household income is $56,956, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($56,956) clears the $35,244 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 66°F (highs near 75°F, lows near 57°F).

You can be outside most of the year without extreme gear. Heating and cooling costs are usually moderate compared with hotter or colder metros. If you visit, go in winter or midsummer (not only in spring) to see the extremes.

Who tends to thrive in Topeka: (1) Renters who want $979/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $35,244) (2) Households earning $35,244+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $979/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Topeka who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 36/100) (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Topeka does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $35,244 household income for $979/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Moving to Topeka requires serious research first. Safety scores 36/100 which is significantly below average. If you have a specific reason to be here that justifies the tradeoff, go in with eyes open on neighborhood selection.