Kansas, in the Midwest of the United States, is noted for its wide plains and Great Plains landscapes. Despite being a landlocked state, Kansas has many key rivers that have helped it grow and prosper over the previous two centuries, notably the Missouri River.
Kansas is America’s 34th most populous state and the 13th largest in terms of total area. Despite this, Kansas has several distinct cities that define the state’s cultural and historical identity while also influencing its future direction. Discover Kansas’ five largest cities, which are a crucial part of painting a complete image of the Sunflower State.
Kansas’s largest cities by population
One of the most essential considerations for assessing a city’s size is its population. Kansas is not a particularly populated state, ranking 36th among the U.S. states. Despite this, the Sunflower State has at least five significant cities with populations of more than 100,000 people. According to World Population Review, the following are Kansas’ five largest cities in terms of population size.
Wichita
Wichita is Kansas’ largest city and the 49th largest in the United States, with a population of 392,878. According to the 2020 census, the Wichita metro region had a total population of over 645,000. Wichita is located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, the sixth-largest river in the United States.
Despite its tiny population, Wichita is evolving as city governments and local groups work to renovate the downtown area and revitalize older districts. Wichita is home to various diverse neighborhoods, including downtown/Old Town and residential sections such as Riverside and College Hills.
According to the most recent data available, the city’s population density in 2023 was approximately 2,400 residents per square mile, representing a 0.36% reduction from the 2020 census. Wichita also rated 79th out of 125 cities in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report study of the “Best Places to Live.”
Overland Park
Overland Park is Kansas’ second largest city, with an estimated population of 196,147 in 2023. Overland Park is located in the state’s Osage Plains and has a border with Kansas City, Kansas, to the north and Kansas City, Missouri, to the south. Despite a modest 0.24% decrease in population from the 2020 census, Overland Park remains one of Kansas’ most densely populated communities, with approximately 2,609 people per square mile in 2023. Overland Park is part of the broader Kansas City metro region.
Kansas City
Kansas City, the state’s third largest city, will have a population of 151,208 in 2023. Kansas City is located along the Missouri River and has a border with the state of Missouri. Kansas City has had the most drastic loss in population density among the five largest cities by population in recent years, falling 1.08% below the 2020 census total. According to the 2020 census, Kansas City has a population density of around 1,211 persons per square mile.
Olathe
Olathe is Kansas’ fourth largest city, with a population of 146,297 in 2023. Olathe, a quintessential Midwestern hamlet, was a favorite Oregon Trail destination. Olathe is named after the Shawnee word for “beautiful,” and its proximity to Kansas City and Overland Park makes it an attractive area to live.
Olathe is the only one of Kansas’ top five largest cities to have experienced a positive population increase (1.14%) since the 2020 Census. Olathe’s population density is roughly 2,373 persons per square mile.
Topeka
Topeka is Kansas’ capital and fifth largest city, with an estimated population of 125,353 in 2023. Topeka is a Kansa-Osage name that approximately translates as “a good place to dig potatoes.” It is located in central-northeast Kansas along the Kansas River. Topeka is regarded as a college town, with a historic downtown district that includes the State Capital.
The Kansas capital, like many of the state’s main cities, suffered a slight (0.24%) population loss since the 2020 census. Topeka’s population density is roughly 2,040 inhabitants per square mile.
Conclusion
Kansas, with its vast prairies and important rivers, is home to diverse cities shaping the state’s cultural identity. The five largest cities—Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, and Topeka—capture the essence of Kansas, each with distinct features and histories, contributing to the state’s uniqueness and reflecting its Midwestern charm.