City Profile
Shawnee, Kansas
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Shawnee, Kansas is a vibrant and rapidly growing suburban city located in Johnson County, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Founded in 1856 and rich in pioneer history as a major stop along the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails, the city has evolved into a premier residential and commercial hub. It offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern suburban amenities, featuring extensive parks, historic downtown spaces, and master-planned residential communities.
People frequently move to Shawnee for its top-tier public school districts, low crime rates, and strong sense of community. The city balances scenic natural spaces, such as the expansive Shawnee Mission Park, with convenient proximity to downtown Kansas City's employment and cultural centers. Its continuous infrastructure investments and active community engagement make it one of the most desirable places to live in the Midwest.
Kansas, known as the "Sunflower State," offers a blend of rural charm and urban development, characterized by friendly communities and a relaxed pace of life. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including agriculture (a leading producer of wheat, corn, and sorghum), aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Living in Kansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living approximately 10-15% lower than the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences four distinct seasons with warm to hot summers, mild to cold winters, and moderate humidity, though it is prone to severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially in spring and early summer.
How this 72/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 85 / 100 | 85.0 | 30% | 25.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 | 46.3 | 25% | 11.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $95,400 Income needed to live here: $58,000 Unemployment rate: 2.8% | 95.0 | 20% | 19.0 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: 2% | 56.3 | 15% | 8.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 74 / 100 | 74.0 | 10% | 7.4 |
| Overall score | 71.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Shawnee is generally slightly below or near the national average, making it an attractive option for families and professionals looking to stretch their purchasing power. Housing costs, while rising due to high demand in Johnson County, remain competitive compared to coastal metropolitan markets, with a healthy mix of suburban single-family homes and modern multi-family complexes.
Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to align closely with or sit slightly under national benchmarks. Property taxes in Kansas are managed at the county level, and while Johnson County property taxes support exceptional local infrastructure and schools, they are an important factor for prospective homeowners to weigh when evaluating overall living costs.
Income
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Shawnee benefits from a robust and diversified local economy, bolstered by its strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area. Major employment sectors include healthcare, educational services, professional and technical services, retail trade, and light manufacturing. The city's proactive economic development council actively supports small business growth and corporate expansions along major corridors like I-435 and Shawnee Mission Parkway.
In addition to local employers, Shawnee serves as a prime community for remote workers and commuters who work in downtown Kansas City or the Overland Park business hubs. The local entrepreneurial ecosystem is supported by regional incubator networks and accessible commercial spaces, fostering a steady rate of new business formation.
The average salary in Shawnee is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $58,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Transportation in Shawnee is heavily automobile-oriented, with residents relying primarily on personal vehicles to navigate the city and commute across the Kansas City metro area. Major arterial roadways, including Interstate 435, K-7 highway, and Shawnee Mission Parkway, provide fast access to downtown Kansas City, Kansas International Airport, and neighboring Johnson County cities.
While public transit options are limited compared to major urban cores, RideKC operates bus routes connecting portions of Johnson County to the broader regional transit network. The city has also made significant investments in expanding its trail and sidewalk networks to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
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Senior Care in Shawnee
17 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Shawnee.
Assisted Living
The Bonavia at Veterans Park - Now Open
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Shawnee Gardens Healthcare & Rehab Center
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Reflection Living Shawnee
Shawnee, KS
Senior Care
Connect55+ Shawnee - Coming Soon
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Homestead of Shawnee
Shawnee, KS
Senior Care
Shawnee Hills Retirement Living
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Brookdale Rosehill - Assisted Living
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Brookdale Rosehill
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Our Home Senior Care
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Brookdale Shawnee
Shawnee, KS
Assisted Living
Sharon Lane Health And Rehabilitation
Shawnee, KS
Sunshine Home Health Care
Shawnee, KS
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