Wichita, KS Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Wichita, KS: What You Need to Know

Wichita boasts of a major manufacturing industry that delivers 35% of all general aviation planes built in the U.S. The city, located in south-central Kansas, is also home to Koch Industries, the country’s second-largest private company.

Job Opportunities

The aviation industry has always played an important role in Wichita, which is called the Air Capital of the World. Top aircraft companies with operations in the city include Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna Textron Aviation, Beechcraft Textron Aviation, and Bombardier Aerospace. Koch Industries, with $110 billion in annual revenues, is another major employer. The company is involved in different businesses, from chemicals and biofuels to consumer products and ranching. It employs 3,100 people in Wichita and 170,000 people in over 70 countries. 

Weather and Climate

Moving to Wichita? Kansas sits in the heart of Tornado Alley, so be prepared for twisters. On April 14, 2012, two EF3 tornadoes struck the Wichita metropolitan area, injuring 38 people and causing $500 million worth of property damage. Wichita enjoys four distinct seasons, with about 13 inches of snow per year versus the national average of 28 inches. It gets 34 inches of rain annually, close to the U.S. average of 38 inches. The city typically gets 221 sunny days per year, more than the national average of 205 sunny days.

Cost of Living

A big-city lifestyle is affordable in Wichita (population: 389,938) where the cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 12.1%, 25.1%, and 40.4% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Wichita is $789. The Sunflower State levies 3.10% to 5.70% in income tax and 6.50% to 10.50% in sales tax. Inheritances are exempt from state income tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown Wichita attracts young professionals and retirees alike for its great shops and restaurants plus a lively nightlife. About 41% of Wichita residents rent. If you’re dreaming of a laid-back suburban lifestyle, check out Andover and Goddard, both of which have excellent public schools. Goddard is known for Taganyika Wildlife Park, a family-owned zoo.

Schools and Education

Wichita is a vibrant college town with three universities: Wichita State University (15,778 students), Newman University (3,373 students), and Friends University (1,926 students). In addition, there are 29 institutions of higher learning within 100 miles of the city. Wichita’s 100 public schools serve 56,463 students. Circle Greenwich Elementary School, Wheatland Elementary School, and Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School are among the city’s highly ranked schools.