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Overall Rating: 82/100 · 172,000 veterans (6.9% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Kansas veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Kansas Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
100% exempt from state income tax - no age restrictions, no income limits, no phase-outs
1.33% average effective rate
Income-tested refund (50%+)
No value exemption — an income-tested property-tax refund for 50%+ ratings (household income ≤ ~$53.6k; VA pay excluded). Nothing below 50%.
Source ↗No sales tax exemptions for veterans - state rate 6.5%, total with local 7-10%
$52,680
VA Medical Center
2200 Southwest Gage Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66622
(785) 350-4111
Primary care, Mental health, PTSD treatment, Surgery, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Women's health, Geriatrics, Pharmacy, Physical therapy, Dialysis, Dental, Emergency care 24/7
Tax Relief
50%+ service-connected disability, household income $56,450 or less, home value under $350,000
4-year value: $2,800
Median Home
$220,000
1BR Rent
$900/mo
COL Index
85
Unemployment
3.5%
Major employers: Fort Riley (15,000+ active duty, 5,500+ civilians), Kansas State University (6,500+ employees), Geary Community Hospital
Pros: Massive military community (15,000+ veterans), Fort Riley civilian jobs, VA clinic and Vet Center, Kansas State University for GI Bill education, extremely affordable housing, strong veteran support network, military-friendly culture, on-post commissary/PX access, college town amenities
Cons: Limited attractions beyond military/university, no full VA medical center (Topeka 60 miles), smaller job market outside Fort Riley/K-State, cold winters, rural setting, limited fine dining/entertainment
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Under K.S.A. 73-201, eligible veterans (and certain spouses) applying for Kansas state government jobs are guaranteed an interview and receive preference for initial employment, first promotion, and higher retention standing in a reduction in force. Purple Heart recipients qualify as veterans.
Official source ↗Kansas-resident veterans who are honorably discharged with a service-connected disability of at least 30% qualify for a free, permanent (lifetime) combination hunting and fishing license (K.S.A. 32-934). Does not include state park vehicle permits.
Official source ↗Kansas residents entitled to VA compensation for a service-connected disability of at least 50% (or loss/loss of use of hands, feet, or eyes) receive a Disabled Veteran plate with no registration fee at issuance or renewal for the first qualifying vehicle. Apply with form TR-103 at the county treasurer's office; recertify every three years.
Official source ↗Two state-run long-term care homes. Preference for admission goes to honorably discharged wartime veterans; peacetime veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents are admitted on a space-available basis. Kansas residency is not required but residents get preference; charges are based on ability to pay and no one is denied for lack of income.
Official source ↗Unremarried surviving spouses of deceased disabled veterans who were Kansas residents, honorably discharged, and rated 50%+ permanent service-connected disability may claim a homestead property tax refund (subject to income and home-value limits).
Official source ↗Under K.S.A. 75-4364, eligible dependents and spouses of deceased or disabled military servicemembers (and POWs) may attend an eligible Kansas public postsecondary institution without paying tuition and required fees, for up to 10 semesters of undergraduate study.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Kansas Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.