Lenexa: The Data Profile (2026)

Lenexa, Kansas, represents the quintessential "high-equity" suburban node in the post-remote economy. With a population of 57,986, it operates with the intimacy of a small city but the economic weight of a major metro suburb. The defining characteristic of Lenexa is the divergence between income and cost. The median household income stands at $102,344, a massive +37.2% premium over the US median of $74,580. Crucially, this wealth is underpinned by a highly skilled workforce; 56.8% of residents hold a college degree, nearly double the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Lenexa is the "Hybrid Professional." These are dual-income households, likely working in tech, biotech, or advanced logistics, who prioritize square footage and school quality over urban density. With 57,986 residents, the density supports amenities without the friction of a major metropolis.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living (COL) index in Lenexa is heavily skewed by housing affordability. While the general COL index is 88.1 (meaning 11.9% cheaper than the US average), specific sectors show near-parity or slight discounts.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
The "Lenexa Advantage" is the gap between the $102,344 median income and these suppressed costs. A single earner in Lenexa retains approximately $1,800 more annually in discretionary spending compared to the national median earner in an average-cost city. For a family of four, the annual savings on housing alone compared to the national average is roughly $3,500, which acts as a direct wealth-building mechanism.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Lenexa’s housing market is the primary driver of its economic appeal. The 88.1 Housing Index indicates that real estate is significantly undervalued relative to the national curve, despite the high local income. This creates a unique "value arbitrage" scenario.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Buying in Lenexa is statistically superior to renting. With a Price-to-Rent ratio of 183 on the median home ($385,000 / ($2,100 * 12)), the market favors long-term equity building. The -24.5% discount on Price/SqFt compared to the US average allows buyers to acquire 25% more space for the same capital outlay. Given the $102,344 median income, the mortgage-to-income ratio is a healthy 22.5%, well below the recommended 30% danger zone.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Lenexa’s economy is insulated by the "Hybrid Shield." With 56.8% of the population college-educated, the workforce is heavily skewed toward knowledge workers who are largely insulated from return-to-office (RTO) mandates. However, physical infrastructure remains robust.

Commute & RTO:
Lenexa sits adjacent to the Kansas City metroplex. The average commute is 22 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. For those required to commute to downtown KC, the distance is approximately 20 miles. The local economy is anchored by the "Silicon Prairie" biotech corridor, providing stability.

Unemployment Analysis:
The unemployment rate in Lenexa is 3.8%, tracking slightly below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where skilled workers command leverage. The stability of 3.8% suggests that the local economy has fully absorbed post-pandemic shocks.

Quality of Life Audit

Lenexa scores high on health metrics, driven by a high median income and low vice rates. The "Health Score" of 83.9/100 places it in the top tier of mid-sized cities.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety:

• Violent Crime: 1.8 per 1,000 residents (National Avg: 4.0).
• Property Crime: 18.2 per 1,000 residents (National Avg: 19.5).
  Lenexa is safer than 92% of US cities.

Air Quality Analysis:
With an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels at 6.5 µg/m³, Lenexa offers air quality significantly cleaner than the national average. This is a major health differentiator for long-term respiratory health.

Schools & Weather:
Schools in Lenexa consistently rank in the top 15% of Kansas districts. Weather data indicates a current temperature of 37.0°F with sunny conditions (High 38°F, Low 19°F), typical of the region's continental climate.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost Arbitrage: Earning $102,344 while paying 88.1 on the COL index is the primary financial advantage.
• Housing Value: Acquiring homes at $185/SqFt vs the national $245/SqFt is a massive wealth accelerator.
• Safety & Health: Violent crime is 55% lower than the national average, and air quality (AQI 42) is excellent.

Cons:

• Weather: Current temperatures of 37.0°F (High 38°F) indicate a distinct winter season which may deter some.
• Cultural Density: With a population of 57,986, it lacks the amenities of a Tier-1 city (e.g., NYC, SF).

Final Recommendation:
Lenexa is a Buy. For the "Hybrid Professional" earning near the median $102,344, the combination of a -11.9% housing discount and a +37.2% income premium creates a financial runway unavailable in most US metros.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Lenexa?
For a single person, a salary of $75,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle (including rent and savings). For a family of four, the target is $115,000, which aligns closely with the median income of $102,344.

2. How does Lenexa value compare to other Midwest suburbs?
Lenexa is 11.9% cheaper than the US average, whereas comparable suburbs in Illinois or Minnesota often sit at 105-110 (5-10% above average). The $185/SqFt price point is highly competitive.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 1.8 per 1,000 and property crime at 18.2, the data supports Lenexa being safer than 92% of US communities.

4. When is the best time to move to Lenexa?
Ideally in late Spring (May) or early Fall (September). Current weather shows 37.0°F, and moving in winter can be logistically difficult due to potential snowfall. The housing market typically sees inventory increases in late Spring.