Best Cities for Veterans in Kansas 2025: Jobs, Housing & Quality of Life

Kansas offers veterans an exceptional combination: low cost of living (13-17% below national average), strong military communities, excellent VA healthcare access, and no state tax on military retirement. Choosing the right Kansas city can maximize these advantages while providing job opportunities and quality of life.

This guide evaluates Kansas cities specifically for veterans, considering property taxes, VA healthcare access, job opportunities, housing costs, and veteran community strength.

Bottom Line Up Front

Best overall for veterans: Manhattan/Junction City (Fort Riley area - massive military community, VA clinic, Kansas State University, affordable housing, jobs)

Best for aviation/defense careers: Wichita (McConnell AFB, Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, largest city, VA medical center, moderate cost)

Best for affordability: Topeka (state capital, state jobs with veteran preference, VA medical center, lowest housing costs)

Best for Kansas City metro access: Olathe/Overland Park (Johnson County - excellent schools, high incomes, but higher housing costs, near Kansas City opportunities)

Best for education: Lawrence (University of Kansas, excellent GI Bill benefits, college town, veteran support)

Best combination of everything: Manhattan (Fort Riley proximity, K-State, VA clinic, military community, affordable, college town amenities)

Understanding Kansas's Unique Advantages for Veterans

Before evaluating specific cities, understand what makes Kansas exceptional:

Tax Benefits Apply Statewide

All Kansas cities benefit from:

• 100% exemption of military retirement income (no state tax)
• Social Security fully exempt (since 2024)
• Property tax relief for 50%+ disabled veterans (up to $700 refund)
• Free disabled veteran license plates (50%+)
• Free hunting/fishing licenses (30%+ disabled)

This means: Every Kansas city starts with strong financial advantages for veterans.

Low Cost of Living Changes Everything

Kansas cost of living: 86.5 index (13.5% below national average)

• Housing: 72.6 index (27% below national average)
• Median home price: $262,900 statewide
• Average rent: $1,100/month (vs. $1,373 nationally)

Comparison: National median home price is $419,000 - Kansas is 38% cheaper.

Strong VA Healthcare Network

• 3 VA medical centers (Topeka, Leavenworth, Wichita)
• Multiple community clinics
• Vet Centers in Wichita and Manhattan

Most Kansas veterans live within 60 minutes of VA care.

Rating Criteria

Each city is evaluated on:

• Cost of Living (housing, property taxes, overall expenses)
• VA Healthcare Access (distance to VA medical center or clinic)
• Job Market (veteran-friendly employers, military installations, opportunities)
• Veteran Community (population, support services, military culture)
• Quality of Life (schools, safety, amenities, activities)

Tier 1: Best Overall Cities for Veterans

1. Manhattan / Junction City (Fort Riley Area)

Combined veteran population: 15,000+ (one of the highest concentrations in Kansas) Median home price: Manhattan $220,000 / Junction City $180,000 Property tax rate: ~1.30% Annual property tax (median home): $2,860 (Manhattan) / $2,340 (JC) Annual property tax (50%+ disabled veteran with relief): $2,160 / $1,640

VA Healthcare:

• Manhattan VA Clinic (411 Sarber Lane) - primary care, mental health
• Manhattan Vet Center (205 S. 4th Street) - counseling services
• Topeka VA Medical Center (60 miles)

Major employers:

• Fort Riley (15,000+ active duty, 5,500+ civilians) - largest employer
• Kansas State University (6,500+ employees)
• Geary Community Hospital (Junction City)
• Manhattan school district
• Defense contractors supporting Fort Riley
• Retail and services catering to military community

Manhattan specific:

• Home of Kansas State University (23,000+ students)
• K-State Office of Veteran Affairs: (785) 532-7061
• College town amenities
• Aggieville entertainment district
• Strong K-State football/basketball culture

Junction City specific:

• Immediately adjacent to Fort Riley gates (5-minute commute)
• More affordable housing than Manhattan
• More military-focused community
• On-post privileges closer

Pros:

• Massive military community - highest veteran concentration in Kansas
• Fort Riley civilian jobs with federal benefits
• VA clinic and Vet Center in Manhattan
• Kansas State University for free education (GI Bill)
• Extremely affordable housing ($180K-220K median)
• Strong support network for transitioning veterans
• Military-friendly businesses and culture
• On-post access to commissary, PX, medical
• Low crime rates
• Good schools in Manhattan
• College town atmosphere in Manhattan
• Central Kansas location

Cons:

• Junction City has limited attractions beyond military
• No full VA medical center (Topeka 60 miles)
• Smaller job market outside Fort Riley/K-State
• Cold winters (average January temp: 28°F)
• Rural setting may not appeal to everyone
• Limited fine dining and entertainment vs. larger cities
• Manhattan housing becoming more expensive due to K-State growth

Best for: Transitioning Fort Riley soldiers, veterans seeking military community, those pursuing K-State education, federal civilian careers, veterans wanting small-town feel with strong support network

Veteran rating: 10/10 (Best in Kansas for military community and support)

2. Wichita (Largest City)

Veteran population: 28,000+ (largest in Kansas) Median home price: $200,000-260,000 Property tax rate: ~1.31% Annual property tax (median $230K home): $3,013 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $2,313

VA Healthcare:

• Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (5500 E. Kellogg Drive) - full medical center
• Wichita Vet Center (251 N. Water Street) - counseling

Major employers:

• McConnell Air Force Base (2,900 military, 1,000+ civilians)
• Spirit AeroSystems (10,000+ employees) - largest employer, Boeing supplier
• Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft - 5,000+) - business/military aircraft
• Koch Industries (5,000+ in Wichita) - diversified manufacturing
• Via Christi Health / Ascension (major healthcare system)
• Wesley Healthcare
• Kansas state government offices
• Numerous aviation/defense contractors

Pros:

• Full VA medical center (Robert J. Dole VA) - no need to travel for specialty care
• Aviation industry capital - excellent defense/aerospace jobs
• McConnell AFB proximity for military-connected jobs
• Largest city in Kansas (population 400,000+) - most opportunities
• Very affordable housing ($200K-260K median)
• Cost of living 49% lower than Kansas average, 7% below national
• Extensive dining, entertainment, cultural amenities
• Old Town entertainment district
• Riverfront development and parks
• Multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Good schools in suburban districts (Andover, Maize, Derby)
• Commercial air service (Eisenhower National Airport)
• Large veteran community (28,000+)

Cons:

• Higher crime rate than smaller Kansas cities (property crime)
• Some neighborhoods have higher poverty
• Flat terrain, less scenic than other areas
• Hot summers (100°F+ common)
• Cold winters
• Smaller metro feel than Kansas City
• Property taxes moderate but not the lowest

Best for: Aviation/aerospace careers, veterans needing full VA medical center, those wanting city amenities with affordable cost, McConnell AFB transitioning airmen, veterans prioritizing job market

Veteran rating: 9/10

3. Topeka (State Capital)

Veteran population: 12,000+ Median home price: $150,000-170,000 Property tax rate: ~1.39% Annual property tax (median $160K home): $2,224 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $1,524

VA Healthcare:

• Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center (2200 SW Gage Blvd) - full medical center, 213 beds
• Part of VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System

Major employers:

• State of Kansas (15,000+ employees statewide, headquarters in Topeka) - veteran hiring preference
• Stormont Vail Health (4,500+ employees) - largest private employer
• Hill's Pet Nutrition (1,000+ employees)
• Goodyear Tire
• Kansas state prisons (veteran hiring preference for correctional officers)
• Washburn University
• Topeka school district

Pros:

• Full VA medical center (Colmery-O'Neil) - excellent care, teaching hospital
• Most affordable housing in Kansas ($150K-170K median) - lowest on this list
• State government jobs with veteran hiring preference
• Very low cost of living (25% below national average)
• Capital city amenities
• Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
• Kansas Museum of History
• Good parks system (Gage Park, Lake Shawnee)
• Central I-70 corridor location (60 min to Kansas City, Manhattan)
• Low traffic congestion
• Property tax relief valuable for disabled veterans

Cons:

• Smaller job market outside state government
• Higher unemployment than state average (6-7%)
• Some high-crime neighborhoods (east side)
• Population decline in recent decades
• Fewer entertainment options than Wichita or KC
• Aging infrastructure in some areas
• Cold winters, hot summers
• Less vibrant downtown compared to other capitals

Best for: Veterans seeking state government careers, most affordable housing, full VA medical center access, central Kansas location, veterans on fixed income prioritizing low cost

Veteran rating: 8.5/10

4. Lawrence (University of Kansas)

Veteran population: 8,000+ Median home price: $280,000 Property tax rate: ~1.35% Annual property tax (median home): $3,780 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $3,080

VA Healthcare:

• Lawrence VA Clinic (2200 Harvard Road) - primary care, mental health
• Kansas City VA Medical Center (45 minutes)
• Leavenworth VA Medical Center (45 minutes)

Major employers:

• University of Kansas (8,000+ employees)
• Lawrence Memorial Hospital (1,600+ employees)
• Lawrence school district (2,000+ employees)
• Local government
• Tech startups and companies
• Retail and service sector

Pros:

• University of Kansas - excellent for veterans using GI Bill
• KU Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC): (785) 864-3304
• Ranked #5 nationally for veterans (Military Times 2019)
• VetSuccess on Campus program (full-time VA counselor)
• College town atmosphere - culture, sports, entertainment
• Massachusetts Street - vibrant downtown with restaurants, bars, shops
• Strong education job market
• Progressive, educated community
• Good schools
• Beautiful campus
• 40 minutes from Kansas City metro
• VA clinic in town for routine care
• Low crime rate (for a city)

Cons:

• More expensive than most Kansas cities ($280K median home)
• No full VA medical center (must travel to KC or Leavenworth)
• Higher property taxes without relief
• Smaller job market outside university
• College town may not appeal to all veterans
• Liberal political environment (may not suit all)
• Parking challenges downtown
• Competitive housing market (KU students)

Best for: Veterans pursuing degree at University of Kansas, education careers, college town lifestyle, proximity to Kansas City metro, veterans with families prioritizing schools

Veteran rating: 8.5/10 (10/10 if pursuing degree at KU)

Tier 2: Excellent for Specific Situations

5. Olathe / Overland Park (Johnson County - Kansas City Suburbs)

Combined veteran population: 25,000+ (Johnson County) Median home price: Olathe $330,000 / Overland Park $385,000 Property tax rate: ~1.45% Annual property tax (Olathe median): $4,785 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $4,085

VA Healthcare:

• Lawrence VA Clinic (30 minutes)
• Kansas City VA Medical Center (20-30 minutes, Missouri side)
• Leavenworth VA Medical Center (30 minutes)

Major employers:

• Garmin (2,500+ employees, Olathe headquarters) - GPS, aviation electronics
• Sprint/T-Mobile (major campus, Overland Park)
• Cerner/Oracle Health (healthcare IT)
• Johnson County government
• Multiple corporate headquarters
• Logistics companies (Amazon, others)
• Healthcare systems
• Excellent school districts

Pros:

• Excellent schools (Blue Valley, Olathe districts among best in Kansas)
• High median household incomes ($85K-100K+)
• Very safe communities (low crime)
• Kansas City metro amenities (Chiefs, Royals, entertainment, dining)
• Strong job market (corporate, tech, healthcare)
• Modern infrastructure
• Shopping and dining options
• Family-friendly suburbs
• Good parks and recreation
• Commercial air service (KCI airport 30-40 min)
• Multiple VA healthcare options nearby

Cons:

• Expensive for Kansas ($330K-385K median homes)
• High property taxes ($4,000-5,000+ annually without relief)
• Higher cost of living than most Kansas
• Suburban sprawl
• Traffic congestion during rush hour
• Less military community feel
• Competitive job market
• May feel too upscale/corporate for some veterans

Best for: Veterans with high-paying careers (tech, corporate, healthcare), veterans prioritizing top schools for children, dual-income families, veterans wanting Kansas City metro access with Kansas benefits

Veteran rating: 7.5/10 (excellent if income supports housing costs)

6. Leavenworth

Veteran population: 6,000+ Median home price: $200,000 Property tax rate: ~1.40% Annual property tax (median home): $2,800 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $2,100

VA Healthcare:

• Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center (4101 4th Street Trafficway) - full medical center

Major employers:

• Fort Leavenworth (Army - limited civilian positions)
• Leavenworth VA Medical Center (healthcare jobs)
• Federal prison system (U.S. Penitentiary - correctional jobs)
• Kansas state prison
• Local government
• School district

Pros:

• Full VA medical center (Eisenhower VA) - historic facility, excellent care
• Near Fort Leavenworth (Command and General Staff College)
• Affordable housing ($200K median)
• Historic downtown
• 30 minutes from Kansas City
• Low cost of living
• Riverfront location (Missouri River)
• Small-town feel with city access

Cons:

• Limited civilian job market
• Fort Leavenworth has fewer civilian positions than Fort Riley
• Small city (population 36,000)
• Prison town atmosphere
• Fewer entertainment/dining options
• Older housing stock in many areas
• High crime rate for size of city
• Limited growth prospects

Best for: VA healthcare employees, federal prison/correctional officers, veterans prioritizing VA medical center access, retirees on fixed income, veterans wanting small-town Kansas City access

Veteran rating: 7/10

7. Salina (North-Central Kansas)

Veteran population: 4,000+ Median home price: $165,000 Property tax rate: ~1.35% Annual property tax (median home): $2,228 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $1,528

VA Healthcare:

• Salina VA Clinic (1715 E. Iron Avenue) - primary care, mental health
• Topeka VA Medical Center (90 miles)

Major employers:

• Schwan's Company (food manufacturing, 1,000+ employees)
• Salina Regional Health Center (1,400+ employees)
• Kansas Wesleyan University
• Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus (aviation programs)
• School district
• Manufacturing companies

Pros:

• Very affordable housing ($165K median)
• Low cost of living
• VA clinic in town
• Central Kansas location (I-70 and I-135 junction)
• K-State Polytechnic campus (aviation degree programs)
• Regional medical center
• Small-city amenities without big-city problems
• Low traffic
• Good parks (Indian Rock Park)
• Relatively low crime for size

Cons:

• Small job market (population 46,000)
• No full VA medical center (Topeka 90 miles)
• Limited entertainment and dining
• Rural feel may not suit everyone
• Cold winters, hot summers
• Declining population
• Few career advancement opportunities

Best for: Veterans seeking affordable small-town living, aviation career interest (K-State Polytechnic), retirees, veterans on fixed income, central Kansas location

Veteran rating: 6.5/10

8. Hutchinson (South-Central Kansas)

Veteran population: 3,500+ Median home price: $155,000 Property tax rate: ~1.38% Annual property tax (median home): $2,139 Annual property tax (50%+ disabled with relief): $1,439

VA Healthcare:

• No VA clinic in city
• Wichita VA Medical Center (50 miles)

Major employers:

• Kansas State Fair (seasonal)
• Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
• Hutchinson Community College
• Salt mines and manufacturing
• Aerospace companies (some)

Pros:

• Very affordable housing ($155K median)
• Low cost of living
• Kansas Underground Salt Museum (unique attraction)
• Kansas Cosmosphere (space museum - world-class)
• Hutchinson Community College
• 50 minutes to Wichita
• Small-town quality of life
• Low traffic
• Good parks

Cons:

• No VA clinic in city (major drawback - must drive to Wichita)
• Small job market (population 41,000)
• Limited career opportunities
• Few entertainment options
• Population decline
• Distance to VA care is significant

Best for: Veterans wanting very affordable housing, willing to travel to Wichita for VA care, retirees, small-town preference, access to Wichita without living there

Veteran rating: 6/10 (lack of VA clinic is significant disadvantage)

Tier 3: Consider with Caveats

9. Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County)

Veteran population: 10,000+ (Wyandotte County) Median home price: $155,000-180,000 (varies significantly by neighborhood) Property tax rate: ~1.45%

VA Healthcare:

• Kansas City VA Medical Center (4801 Linwood Blvd, KCMO side - 15-30 min)
• Leavenworth VA Medical Center (20-30 min)

Major employers:

• Kansas Speedway and entertainment complex
• University of Kansas Medical Center
• General Motors Fairfax plant
• Federal agencies
• Healthcare systems
• Logistics and warehousing

Pros:

• Kansas City metro amenities (sports, entertainment, culture)
• Two VA medical centers within 30 minutes
• More affordable than Johnson County suburbs
• Job market access (entire KC metro)
• Legends shopping/entertainment district
• KU Medical Center (healthcare jobs)
• Schlitterbahn water park
• Commercial air service (KCI airport)
• Diverse community

Cons:

• High crime rate (significantly above national average)
• Economic challenges
• School quality varies significantly by area
• Some neighborhoods in decline
• Property conditions vary widely
• Must carefully research neighborhoods
• Infrastructure issues in some areas
• Reputation issues compared to Missouri side

Best for: Veterans working in Kansas City metro, wanting affordable KC access, healthcare industry jobs (KU Med), federal jobs, veterans comfortable with urban challenges

Veteran rating: 6/10 (crime and school quality are significant concerns)

10. Garden City (Southwest Kansas)

Veteran population: 2,000+ Median home price: $180,000 Property tax rate: ~1.30%

VA Healthcare:

• No VA clinic in city
• Wichita VA Medical Center (200 miles)

Major employers:

• Tyson Foods (meatpacking - 4,000+ employees)
• National Beef
• Dairy farming and agriculture
• Garden City Community College

Pros:

• Affordable housing ($180K median)
• Strong Hispanic culture and community
• Jobs available in meatpacking/agriculture
• Garden City Community College
• Low cost of living
• Close-knit community

Cons:

• No VA clinic (Wichita 200 miles - major problem)
• Remote location (far from everything)
• Limited healthcare overall
• Meatpacking jobs are hard, low-paying
• Very small job market outside agriculture
• Extreme isolation for emergency VA care
• Limited entertainment/cultural options
• Difficult for families used to city amenities

Best for: Very limited - only for veterans with specific agricultural interests, no significant healthcare needs, strong preference for rural isolation

Veteran rating: 4/10 (distance to VA care is disqualifying for most)

Special Considerations by Veteran Type

Transitioning Active Duty

Best cities:

1. Manhattan/Junction City (Fort Riley transition support, strong military community)
2. Wichita (McConnell AFB transition, largest job market)
3. Topeka (state jobs, affordable)

Resources: Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) at Fort Riley: (785) 239-3501

Pursuing Education (GI Bill)

Best cities:

1. Lawrence (University of Kansas - ranked #5 for veterans)
2. Manhattan (Kansas State University - excellent support)
3. Wichita (Wichita State University)

GI Bill BAH rates:

• Lawrence/Manhattan: $1,735/month
• Wichita: $1,572/month
• Topeka: $1,429/month

Value: Free in-state tuition + BAH = excellent deal

Disabled Veterans Needing VA Care

Best cities (full VA medical centers):

1. Topeka (Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center)
2. Wichita (Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center)
3. Leavenworth (Eisenhower VA Medical Center)

Also good (VA clinics for routine care):

• Manhattan (Fort Riley area)
• Lawrence
• Salina

Avoid: Garden City, Hutchinson, small towns without VA access

Retirees on Fixed Income

Best cities (low cost + VA access):

1. Topeka ($150K-170K homes, VA medical center)
2. Salina ($165K homes, VA clinic)
3. Manhattan ($220K homes, VA clinic, military community)

Financial advantage: Military retirement tax-free + property tax relief + low housing costs = high purchasing power

Aviation/Aerospace Careers

Best cities:

1. Wichita (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, McConnell AFB - dominant)
2. Salina (K-State Polytechnic aviation programs)

Jobs: Engineering, manufacturing, quality, program management, flight operations

Cost of Living Comparison Table

City	Median Home	Annual Property Tax	After $700 Relief	Rent (avg)	COL Index
Topeka	$160,000	$2,224	$1,524	$950	75
Hutchinson	$155,000	$2,139	$1,439	$850	76
Salina	$165,000	$2,228	$1,528	$900	78
Junction City	$180,000	$2,340	$1,640	$950	80
Leavenworth	$200,000	$2,800	$2,100	$1,000	82
Manhattan	$220,000	$2,860	$2,160	$1,100	85
Wichita	$230,000	$3,013	$2,313	$942	86
Lawrence	$280,000	$3,780	$3,080	$1,200	92
Olathe	$330,000	$4,785	$4,085	$1,350	95
Overland Park	$385,000	$5,583	$4,883	$1,500	98

Note: National average COL index = 100. Kansas cities are ALL below national average.

Job Market Comparison

City	Unemployment	Major Industries	Federal Jobs	Veteran Employers
Manhattan/JC	3.5%	Military, Education, Ag	Fort Riley (5,500 civ)	Excellent
Wichita	4.2%	Aviation, Healthcare	McConnell AFB	Excellent
Topeka	6.8%	Government, Healthcare	Limited	Good (state pref)
Lawrence	3.2%	Education, Healthcare	None	Good (university)
Olathe/OP	3.0%	Tech, Corporate, Healthcare	Limited	Good
Leavenworth	5.5%	Prisons, VA, Military	Some	Fair
Salina	4.5%	Manufacturing, Healthcare	None	Fair

Final Recommendations by Priority

Priority: Military Community

Winner: Manhattan/Junction City (Fort Riley area)

• 15,000+ veterans, massive support network, VA clinic, military culture

Priority: Job Market

Winner: Wichita

• Largest city, aviation/aerospace industry, McConnell AFB, most diverse opportunities

Priority: Affordability

Winner: Topeka

• $150K-170K median homes, VA medical center, state jobs

Priority: Education (GI Bill)

Winner: Lawrence (University of Kansas) or Manhattan (Kansas State)

• Both excellent, ranked highly for veterans, free tuition + BAH

Priority: VA Healthcare

Winner: Topeka, Wichita, or Leavenworth (full VA medical centers)

• Manhattan also strong (VA clinic + Vet Center)

Priority: Family/Schools

Winner: Olathe/Overland Park (Johnson County)

• Top schools, safest areas, highest incomes (if you can afford housing)

Priority: Balance of Everything

Winner: Manhattan

• Affordable, VA clinic, Fort Riley jobs, K-State education, military community, college town amenities, safe, strong schools

Key Takeaways

1. Manhattan/Junction City is the veteran capital of Kansas - highest concentration, best support, Fort Riley jobs, K-State education, VA clinic

2. Wichita offers the best job market - aviation/aerospace careers, largest city, full VA medical center, affordable

3. Topeka delivers best affordability with full VA care - cheapest housing, state jobs with veteran preference, Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center

4. All Kansas cities benefit from: 100% military retirement tax exemption, low cost of living, property tax relief for disabled veterans

5. Avoid cities without VA access if you have significant healthcare needs (Garden City, Hutchinson)

Resources

• Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs: 1-866-844-5387 | kcva.ks.gov
• Fort Riley Transition Office: (785) 239-3501
• Manhattan VA Clinic: (785) 587-0266
• Wichita VA Medical Center: (316) 685-2221
• Topeka VA Medical Center: (785) 350-4111
• KANSASWORKS (Jobs): 1-888-296-9675
• Kansas Housing Resources: kshousingcorp.org

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Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and job markets fluctuate. Verify current conditions before relocating.