RANK #228 / 996 · POP 178,625 · KS
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.9%
Shawnee County, Kansas, is distinguished by Lake Shawnee, a prominent recreational area drawing over a million visitors annually for activities like boating, fishing, and golf, alongside its extensive trail system and Ted Ensley Gardens. Located in northeast Kansas, with Topeka as its county seat and the state capital, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and rolling prairie landscapes. Commutes within the county are generally manageable, and public transportation options like Topeka Metro serve the area. The community maintains a balance between suburban comfort and access to larger city resources.
Life in Shawnee County offers a cost of living below the national average, with diverse housing options. The county is home to highly rated public schools across several districts, including Auburn-Washburn and Seaman, making it attractive to families. Outdoor recreation is a significant aspect of the lifestyle, with numerous parks and over 60 miles of trails. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and retail facilities, as well as multi-family housing projects, reflecting ongoing growth and efforts to address housing needs.
Well below national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.5x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Shawnee Battery/Storage
Undisclosed
|
$150M | Planned |
|
KC2 Data Center (7801 Nieman Road)
Netrality Data Centers
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Midland Rehabilitation Project
City of Shawnee
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Harmony at Clear Creek (Residential)
Material Capital Partners
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Hidden Creek Reserve Townhomes
Undisclosed
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Westbrooke Green Shopping Center Redevelopment
Westbrooke Partners LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Shawnee County has a Boom Town Index score of 77/100, ranking #228 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.8% and a median household income of $63,463, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Shawnee County is $159,900 with median rent at $942/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3969, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.8%. Home values changed -0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.22% of Shawnee County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.