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City Report · KS

Topeka

Pop. 125,786·17th most expensive in Kansas·Topeka rents are up 13.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,283/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.9%
Month-over-Month
+1.9%
vs US Median
-$682
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Topeka · $1,283
More affordable than 89% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
34/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% above what Topeka's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$1,283/mo
Expected by trend
$1,186/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Topeka's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$828
1 BR
$832
2 BR
$1,091
3 BR
$1,417
4 BR+
$1,498
Research median
$1,091/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$15,396/yr
At $1,283/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.9% YoY, +1.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Topeka, KS is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 29% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
125,786
Median income
$56,956
Median age
38
Renters
41%
Age distribution
22.4%
23.1%
23.6%
12.5%
18.4%
Under 1822.4%
18–3423.1%
35–5423.6%
55–6412.5%
65+18.4%
Gender
48.2%
51.8%
Male48.2%
Female51.8%
Race & ethnicity
69.3%
16.9%
White69.3%
Black8.9%
Hispanic16.9%
Asian1.7%
Other3.1%
Education (25+)
31.6%
31.1%
29%
No HS diploma8.3%
HS diploma31.6%
Some college31.1%
Bachelor's+29%
Housing tenure
59%
41%
Owner59%
Renter41%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Topeka, KS has changed in 5 years

Rent
$843 → $1,283
up 52.2%
Income
$50,870 → $56,956
up 12.0%
Population
126,802 → 125,786
down 0.8%
Renter share
41.1% → 41%
-0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
29.3% → 29%
-0.3 pts

Five years ago, renters in Topeka, KS paid around $843 a month. That figure now sits near $1,283, up 52.2% from the 2021 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $56,956 today, compared with $50,870 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Topeka rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Topeka on your salary?

At $1,283/mo, how Topeka rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Topeka rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Topeka. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Topeka

About renting in Topeka, KS

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Topeka is $1,283/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $828/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,091/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $832/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,417/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($56,956/yr), Topeka ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Topeka an affordable city for renters?

Topeka is considered affordable for renters. At $1,283/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($56,956/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Topeka falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Topeka?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $51,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,283/mo in Topeka. The local median household income is $56,956/yr, meaning the typical Topeka household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Topeka?

Rent in Topeka has increased 13.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Topeka neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Topeka are 66616 ($1,070/mo), 66604 ($1,071/mo), and 66605 ($1,132/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Topeka is $1,283/mo.

How does Topeka rent compare to other cities in Kansas?

Topeka is one of the more affordable cities in Kansas for rent, ranking #17 out of 25 tracked cities at $1,283/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Topeka?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Topeka ($1,283/mo): Emporia ($860/mo), Leavenworth ($1,269/mo).

What percentage of Topeka residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41% of Topeka households are renters, while 59% are owner-occupied. Topeka leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Topeka rent compare to the national average?

Topeka's median rent of $1,283/mo is $682 (35%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Kansas, it ranks #17 out of 25 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,283/mo, rent takes ~27% of Topeka's median household income ($56,956/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Topeka 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.1–5.7%
Run the Topeka affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Topeka, KS

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