Deep Dive Relocation Report: Salina, Kansas (2026)

Salina: The Data Profile (2026)

Salina represents a specific tier of the American mid-sized city economy: stable, affordable, but statistically challenged regarding health outcomes and educational attainment. The city supports a population of 46,432, creating a density profile typical of a regional hub rather than a sprawling metro. The primary economic friction point for new residents is income disparity; the median household income sits at $60,624, which is 18.7% below the national median of $74,580.

The educational pipeline indicates a workforce skewed toward vocational and technical roles rather than knowledge-economy sectors. Only 28.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic for Salina in the post-remote era is the "Geo-Arbitrage Specialist"—remote workers earning national-average wages who can leverage the local cost neutrality to maximize disposable income, or logistics/manufacturing professionals integrated into the local supply chain.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the Cost of Living Index (COLI) suggests parity with the national average (100.0 across major buckets), the specific metrics reveal nuances. Electricity costs are a minor advantage at $0.1415 per kWh compared to the US average of $0.160. However, the "neutral" index of 100.0 for housing and groceries requires context: it means Salina is not cheap, but it is not inflated. For a household earning the local median income, the budget is tight.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner making the median income of $60,624 (approx. $4,050 monthly take-home), the single-person budget leaves roughly $1,795 in disposable income. For a family of four on a dual-income local median ($121,248 combined), the surplus is approximately $2,960. This liquidity is attractive, provided the household does not carry high consumer debt.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Salina is the definition of "median." It tracks almost perfectly with national averages, meaning there is no distinct pricing advantage for buyers compared to the broader US market. The Median Home Price is $225,000, statistically identical to the national baseline. The rent vs. buy calculation is neutral; the cost of capital (mortgage interest) vs. monthly outlay (rent) yields a Price-to-Rent ratio that favors neither side aggressively.

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

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Renting offers immediate cash-flow relief ($850 for 1BR), but the $135 per SqFt purchase price suggests long-term equity building is viable. Given the 0.0% deviation in the Housing Index, buying is recommended for those planning a stay of 5+ years to offset transaction costs.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Salina’s economic stability is anchored in logistics, agriculture processing, and regional healthcare. The 3.8% unemployment rate is a critical asset, sitting below the national average of 4.0%. In the post-remote landscape, Salina benefits from "Return to Office" (RTO) fatigue; workers refusing to commute 60+ minutes in major metros are eyeing cities like Salina where the average commute is 16.5 minutes.

However, the income ceiling is real. Local industry stability is high, but wage growth is capped compared to tech or finance hubs. The local economy is insulated from volatility but lacks the explosive growth potential of high-cost metros.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life data presents a dichotomy: economic stability and low unemployment contrast sharply with significant public health challenges. The Health Score of 77.4/100 is "Good," but the underlying risk factors are alarming. Obesity (41.4%) and Diabetes (12.1%) rates are significantly higher than the national average. This suggests a lifestyle profile heavily reliant on processed foods and low physical activity, likely tied to the region's culinary culture and climate.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is approximately 310 per 100k (slightly above US avg 380), while property crime is 1,850 per 100k (near US avg 1,950). It is statistically average for safety.
• Air Quality: Salina boasts exceptional air quality with an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 at 6.5 µg/m³, significantly better than the national average.
• Schools: The student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1, slightly better than the national average of 17:1.
• Weather: Today’s conditions (41°F High / 25°F Low) reflect a standard continental climate. Expect harsh winters and hot summers.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Unemployment: A rock-bottom rate of 3.8% ensures high job security.
• Air Quality: Exceptional environmental metrics (AQI 42).
• Commute: Average commute of 16.5 minutes maximizes free time.
• Rent Prices: 1BR rent is $850, nearly 30% cheaper than the US average.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity (41.4%) and Diabetes (12.1%) rates are significantly elevated.
• Income: Median income is $60,624, 18.7% below the national median.
• Housing Value: No pricing discount compared to the national market (Median Home $225,000).

Final Recommendation:
Salina is a Buy for value-focused remote workers and a Strong Hold for logistics/manufacturing professionals. It is Not Recommended for those prioritizing a health-conscious social environment or seeking rapid career advancement in high-growth sectors. The data suggests a city that is economically stable but physically stagnant.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Salina?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and discretionary spending), a salary of $65,000 is recommended. For a family of four, a combined income of $115,000 is required to maintain a standard deviation above the local median.

2. How does the value proposition compare to larger metros?
Salina offers a 0.0% deviation on the Cost of Living Index for housing compared to the US average, meaning you do not get a "discount" on housing relative to the national curve. The value comes from the availability of housing and the low unemployment rate, not from deep price discounts.

3. Are the crime rates safe?
Salina has a violent crime rate of roughly 310 incidents per 100k people and a property crime rate of 1,850 per 100k. These are statistically average to slightly better than the national average, making it a generally safe environment for urban/suburban living.

4. When is the best time to move?
Due to the continental climate, the optimal moving window is May or September. Moving in winter risks delays due to the average 25°F lows and potential snow, while July/August highs frequently exceed 90°F.