When Kansas has the spotlight in national rankings

This collection of stories highlights recent listings of Kansas in various national rankings. Wichita stands out as an affordable place to live and leads the nation in home price increases. Abilene secures recognition as one of America’s best historic small towns, offering attractions like the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

Kansas State University earns the title for having the friendliest students in the United States. The university also ranks highly for student happiness and quality of life.

Read the stories below.

NO. 1: WICHITA IS THIRD MOST AFFORDABLE PLACE TO LIVE IN U.S., ACCORDING TO THIS RANKING. SEE WHY.

Here’s how Wichita compared to other cities. | Published June 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lindsay Smith

NO. 2: WICHITA RANKS NO. 1 FOR HOME PRICE INCREASES, STUDY SAYS. SEE WHAT THE DATA SHOWS

One ranking named Wichita as the top U.S. metro where home sale prices have increased the most over the past year. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lindsay Smith

NO. 3: THIS KANSAS UNIVERSITY WAS NAMED #1 FOR HAVING THE FRIENDLIEST STUDENTS IN THE U.S.

It ranked #2 in several other areas. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo

NO. 4: KANSAS IS HOME TO ONE OF AMERICA’S ‘BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS,’ USA TODAY SAYS

The city has about 6,400 people and is home to rich Wild West history. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.