RANK #193 / 996 · POP 54,160 · KS
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.1%
Saline County, Kansas, stands out for its central location and the city of Salina, which serves as a regional hub. The county is situated in the heart of Kansas, approximately 90 miles north of Wichita and 180 miles west of Kansas City, offering a manageable commute within the area, with most destinations in Salina reachable within 10-15 minutes. The community maintains a welcoming atmosphere, with residents often encountering familiar faces at local events. Outdoor recreation opportunities include numerous city parks, hiking and biking trails, disc golf courses, and fishing at Saline State Fishing Lake. Coronado Heights, a local landmark, provides scenic views of the Smoky Hills.
Life in Saline County offers a balance of affordability and community. Many families and young professionals reside here, often owning their homes. The public school system in Saline County is considered above average, with several highly-rated elementary schools. The economy is driven by diverse sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center are significant economic contributors, supporting numerous businesses and educational institutions. Recent economic developments show continued investment in manufacturing and other private sector growth.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Mountain Peak Energy Storage Project (BESS)
Mountain Peak Energy Storage LLC (Plus Power)
|
$350M | Denied |
|
Shasta Power Solar Farm
Shasta Power
|
$150M | Proposed |
|
Amazon Last-Mile Distribution Facility
Amazon
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Southview Estates Housing Development
Undisclosed Developers
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Nex-Tech Data Center
Nex-Tech
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Saline County has a Boom Town Index score of 81/100, ranking #193 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.1% and a median household income of $59,887, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Saline County is $161,900 with median rent at $869/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3699, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.1%. Home values changed +3.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.11% of Saline County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.