If you like the idea of low crime, friendly neighbors, and a cost of living that doesn’t fight you every month, Kansas deserves a look. Many of its safest retirement spots feel like classic Midwestern communities, with steady policing, well-kept streets, and hospitals or medical centers close enough that care is never far away.
This guide highlights the safest places to retire in Kansas so you can line up crime rates, weather risks, and healthcare access with the kind of retirement life you actually want.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• Lenexa for an exceptionally secure retirement in a close-knit community that boasts the state’s lowest violent crime rates and beautiful park systems.
• Overland Park for a premier, safe lifestyle where low crime meets extensive senior centers and specialized medical services like cardiology.
• Lawrence for a vibrant and protected university-town experience that offers a rich arts scene and reliable primary healthcare.
• Manhattan for a safe and energetic community that blends small-town security with diverse educational opportunities and cardiac care.
• Salina for a welcoming and secure environment known for its strong community engagement, historic sites, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Kansas?
Overland Park
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.0 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 12.5 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with potential for tornadoes and strong storms
Overland Park offers a secure environment with excellent amenities and reliable healthcare provided by
Overland Park Regional Medical Center, which includes services like cardiology, orthopedic care, rehabilitation, and emergency services.
The city experiences cold winters with average temperatures in the 20s°F and warm summers reaching the mid-80s°F. Retirees should be prepared for seasonal thunderstorms and tornado risks, particularly during the spring and early summer months.
Overland Park’s extensive parks, senior centers, and cultural activities make it an engaging and supportive place for retirees.
Lawrence
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.3 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 14.2 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with seasonal storms and tornado potential
Lawrence, known for its vibrant culture and being home to the
University of Kansas, offers a blend of safety and access to reliable healthcare through
LMH Health, which provides services such as primary care, surgery, and cancer care. You may have to travel a bit to get more specialized care.
Winters in Lawrence can be cold, with average lows in the 20s°F, while summers are warm, often reaching the mid-80s°F. Retirees should stay informed about potential severe weather during spring and summer, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.
The city’s historic downtown, arts scene, and community events create a lively atmosphere for older adults.
If a couple of Kansas towns keep rising to the top, it can help to think about how much “backup” you want built into the area. Paying attention to
senior living communities in Kansas around those towns can point you toward places that already have routines, services, and support systems geared to older adults, not just a low crime rate on a spreadsheet.
Lenexa
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.9 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 11.3 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with potential thunderstorms and tornadoes in spring and summer
Lenexa is a safe, close-knit community known for its parks and recreational activities. The city’s low crime rates, community events, and active lifestyle options make it appealing for retirees.
AdventHealth Lenexa provides quality healthcare services, including emergency care and primary care. Winters are cold with average temperatures in the 20s°F, while summers are warm in the 80s°F.
Manhattan
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 15.0 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with seasonal storms and cold winter
Manhattan, home to Kansas State University, combines small-town safety with a vibrant cultural and educational scene.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital provides reliable healthcare access, including emergency care, primary care, and specialized services like physical therapy and cardiac care.
Winters in Manhattan are typically cold, with average temperatures dipping into the 20s°F, accompanied by occasional snowfall that can impact mobility. Summers bring warm weather, with temperatures reaching the 80s°F, and the city experiences a moderate risk of severe weather, including thunderstorms and potential tornadoes during the spring and summer months.
This mix of safety, healthcare, and educational opportunities makes Manhattan a well-rounded choice for retirees.
Salina
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.8 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 16.0 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with cold winters and occasional severe storms
Salina offers a welcoming and safe environment with access to quality healthcare through
Salina Regional Health Center, which features emergency care, surgical services, and rehabilitation programs.
Residents should expect cold winters, with temperatures often dipping into the 20s°F, and warm summers that can reach the 80s°F. Prepare for potential severe storms and high winds during spring and summer.
Salina’s local events, historic sites, and strong community engagement create an enriching environment for seniors looking for safety and social connections.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in Kansas for Seniors?
- Overland Park: Overland Park Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive services including rehab and cardiology.
- Lawrence: LMH Health offers general and specialized care.
- Lenexa: AdventHealth Lenexa provides emergency and outpatient services.
- Manhattan: Ascension Via Christi Hospital ensures reliable healthcare access.
- Salina: Salina Regional Health Center supports essential medical needs.
Is Kansas Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Kansas provides an affordable and welcoming place for retirees. The cost of living is lower than the national average, especially when it comes to housing, which is great for seniors on fixed incomes and looking to stretch their retirement fund.
The state also offers tax breaks, like
retirement income exemptions and
property tax relief programs, to help stretch retirement dollars further. Kansas has a good network of hospitals and healthcare providers, with a growing focus on geriatric care to meet seniors' needs.
Communities in Kansas show strong support for older adults with senior centers, meal programs, and volunteer opportunities that help build social connections and offer assistance. The "Age-Friendly Kansas" initiative works to make towns and cities more supportive for seniors, focusing on improving community life and public health services.
That said, Kansas has some challenges.
Public transportation and building accessibility still need improvement, and rural areas often have limited access to specialized healthcare and support services. Public transport can be sparse outside major cities, so having a car is usually necessary.
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Lenexa stands out as one of the safest cities, with a violent crime rate of just 0.9 per 1,000 people. Its community feel, access to parks, and quality healthcare services make it an excellent choice for retirees seeking a peaceful and secure environment.
Ready to Explore Kansas Senior Living Options?
In Kansas, the place that feels safest might be the one where you can walk your usual route, see familiar faces, and know that a ride, a neighbor, or a nurse is never too far away when you need them.
Our
Kansas senior living directory helps you narrow in on senior living options in Kansas that offer that kind of built‑in support, so you can focus on communities in towns that feel settled, well‑watched, and easy to live in day after day.
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