City Comparison
Jenks vs Shawnee
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Jenks scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Jenks
Shawnee
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Shawnee is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Jenks.
| Metric | Jenks | Shawnee | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $1,450 | +3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $115 | +13% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $240 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,465 | $2,400 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Jenks is estimated at
$55,000 vs $58,000 in Shawnee.
| Metric | Jenks | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,388 idx | 79,592 idx |
| Household Income | $98,500 | $95,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Jenks runs warmer on average — a 5.2°F difference year-round.
Winter severity differs too — Shawnee sees 10.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Jenks | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 62.10°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 87.90°F | 86.30°F |
| Winter Low | 30.70°F | 22.10°F |
| Rainfall | 52.00 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 7.60 in | 17.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 274 | 266 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Shawnee scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Shawnee leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Jenks | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 38.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shawnee is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Jenks.
From a growth perspective, Jenks is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Jenks | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,000 | 67,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Jenks
Advantages
Jenks Public Schools consistently rank among the top-performing school districts in the state of Oklahoma.
Crime rates remain significantly below national and state averages, ensuring a safe community environment.
Proximity to the Arkansas River provides scenic parks, walking trails, and popular attractions like the Oklahoma Aquarium.
The historic downtown district offers unique boutique shopping, local dining, and frequent community events.
Robust median household incomes reflect a thriving local economy with strong career opportunities.
Drawbacks
Housing and rental costs are higher than the Oklahoma state average due to high suburban demand.
High car dependency limits practical alternative transportation options like public transit or walking for daily errands.
Traffic congestion can increase during peak commuting hours along main arteries leading into Tulsa.
Property taxes reflect the premium value placed on local infrastructure and school funding.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options within city limits compared to downtown Tulsa.
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Jenks
#19Oklahoma, USA
73.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
38.0/100
Sunny Days
274/yr
Avg Temp
62.10°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
82
Business
72
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
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