Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Kansas, Salina is a medium-sized city with a population of 46,706 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Salina could be considered less diverse than other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Salina offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Salina can be a great experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Kansas, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Salina, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, employment and more.
The livability score in Salina is 70 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 78th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Salina ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-) On a less positive note, Salina does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Salina, the unemployment rate stands at 2.69%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Salina can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Salina. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Salina are affordable. The median home price for Salina homes is $133,500, which is 1.3% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Salina, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 8% higher than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Salina | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.5% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.5% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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