City Profile
Salina, Kansas
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Salina, Kansas, is a city with a rich history, originally booming as a trading post for westward travelers and later experiencing growth due to its strategic importance during World War II with the establishment of the Smoky Hill Army Airfield. Today, it stands as a micropolis and a regional trade center for North Central Kansas, attracting residents with its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. People are drawn to Salina for its affordable cost of living, strong sense of community, and its position as a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Kansas, known as the "Sunflower State," offers a blend of rural charm and urban development, characterized by friendly communities and a relaxed pace of life. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including agriculture (a leading producer of wheat, corn, and sorghum), aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Living in Kansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living approximately 10-15% lower than the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences four distinct seasons with warm to hot summers, mild to cold winters, and moderate humidity, though it is prone to severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially in spring and early summer.
How this 66/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 55 / 100 | 55.0 | 30% | 16.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 82.0 | 66.3 | 25% | 16.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $61,783 Income needed to live here: $36,792 Unemployment rate: 3.9% | 88.1 | 20% | 17.6 |
| Growth | No usable reading — dataset average used | 56.4 | 15% | 8.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 66.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=98 ✓ perfect), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
Salina offers a refreshingly affordable lifestyle, with its cost of living significantly below the national average. The median home value is a comfortable $180,192 as of August 2026, a stark contrast to national figures. This affordability allows residents to enjoy a higher quality of life, with housing costs being approximately 35.4% less expensive than the national average. Other expenses, such as groceries, utilities, and transportation, also tend to be lower than the national average, making Salina an attractive option for those seeking financial ease.
Income
Salary Insights
The economy of Salina is diverse and robust, with key industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace/aviation, healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. Major employers like Tony's Pizza, Great Plains Manufacturing, and Salina Regional Health Center provide a stable employment landscape. The city is actively working to foster economic growth through strong community partnerships and a focus on attracting businesses and skilled workers. The unemployment rate in Salina was 3.90% as of August 2026, which is lower than the long-term average.
The average salary in Salina is $65,745 per year. You would need approximately $36,792 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Salina is primarily car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle. The average commute time is around 14.8 minutes, which is shorter than the national average. Public transportation options are limited, with only 0.5% of workers using public transport. The city has a walkability score of 39, indicating that most areas are not easily navigable on foot.
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Senior Care in Salina
7 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Salina.
Saline County Health Department
Salina, KS
Accessible Home Care, LLC
Salina, KS
Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center
Salina, KS
Hospice Of Salina
Salina, KS
Brookdale Home Health Kansas
Salina, KS
Heart To Heart Essential Care LLC
Salina, KS
Inmyhome, A Division Of Occk, Inc
Salina, KS
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