Kansas (KS)

Nicknamed the "Sunflower State," Kansas is known for its vast prairies, rich agricultural history, and friendly, small-town charm. As the birthplace of aviation pioneers and the setting of "The Wizard of Oz," the state blends history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether exploring the rolling Flint Hills or experiencing its vibrant city life, Kansas offers something for everyone.

• Population: ~2.9 million
• Weather: Hot summers (85-100°F); cold winters (15-40°F); tornado season in spring.
• Famous Sites: Monument Rocks, Botanica Wichita, Boot Hill Museum, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Kansas Cosmosphere.
• Top Activities: Hiking, historical tours, college sports, farming festivals, exploring nature reserves, aviation museums.

Kansas has a diverse job market with thriving industries such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. These sectors provide stable careers with good salaries. Here are the top five jobs in Kansas based on demand and income. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Kansas is home to vibrant cities that offer robust educational communities and welcoming environments for students. The state's largest cities host prominent colleges, drawing thousands of students every year. Below is a table detailing the top 10 largest cities in Kansas, with approximate populations and college student enrollments.

Kansas is home to top public and private universities, offering strong programs in engineering, agriculture, healthcare, business, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Kansas

• University of Kansas (KU) – The state's flagship university, known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and healthcare, including a top-ranked medical center.
• Kansas State University (K-State) – A leading agricultural and engineering school with strong programs in veterinary medicine and architecture.
• Wichita State University (WSU) – A research university known for engineering, aerospace, and business programs, with strong industry connections.
• Emporia State University – Offers excellent education and business programs, known for preparing students for teaching and leadership roles.
• Pittsburg State University (PSU) – Known for outstanding technology and industrial programs, as well as a strong business school.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Kansas

• Benedictine College – A highly regarded liberal arts college with strong programs in theology, education, and business.
• Friends University – Offers excellent business, education, and fine arts programs in a small, private setting.
• Baker University – The oldest university in Kansas, with strong nursing, business, and education programs.
• Newman University – A Catholic university known for healthcare, business, and liberal arts programs.
• McPherson College – Recognized for its unique automotive restoration program along with strong liberal arts offerings.

Kansas offers a variety of outstanding public and private high schools recognized for their academic excellence, extracurricular programs, and college preparation. These schools provide students with a strong foundation for future success.

Top Public High Schools in Kansas

• Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park – Known for its strong academics, AP courses, and college readiness programs.
• Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village – Offers a well-rounded education with a focus on college prep and extracurricular activities.
• Blue Valley High School, Stilwell – Recognized for excellence in academics, arts, and athletics.
• Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe – Provides competitive STEM programs and advanced placement courses.
• Maize High School, Maize – Offers strong academic programs, career-focused education, and extracurricular opportunities.

Top Private High Schools in Kansas

• The Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City – A top-tier private school known for small class sizes and excellent college prep programs.
• Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park – A private Catholic school with a history of academic success and strong athletic programs.
• Kansas City Christian School, Prairie Village – Provides a faith-based education with high academic standards.
• Trinity Academy, Wichita – Offers an excellent curriculum with a focus on STEM and leadership development.
• Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Wichita – Known for high academic performance and college scholarship opportunities.

Kansas does not have a team in the "big four" professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), but sports play a big role in the state's culture. College athletics dominate, with strong fan bases supporting the Kansas Jayhawks (University of Kansas) and Kansas State Wildcats (Kansas State University). Basketball, in particular, has deep roots in Kansas, as the state is home to one of the most storied programs in the country, the Kansas Jayhawks.

Although Kansas lacks major league teams, it has several minor league and semi-pro teams in baseball, soccer, and hockey that keep sports fans engaged.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Kansas

Baseball 🏟️

• Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A – Minnesota Twins affiliate) – Wichita’s top baseball team, playing in the Texas League.

Soccer ⚽

• Kansas City Comets (MASL – Major Arena Soccer League) – An indoor soccer team based in the Kansas City metro area.

Hockey 🏒

• Wichita Thunder (ECHL – Minor league affiliate of the San Jose Sharks) – A popular hockey team with a dedicated fan base.

1. The Sunflower State 🌻 – Kansas is known as "The Sunflower State" because of its vast fields of wild sunflowers that bloom throughout the state.
2. The Geographic Center of the U.S. 📍 – The exact geographic center of the contiguous United States is in Lebanon, Kansas.
3. The Wizard of Oz Connection 🌪️ – Kansas is famous for being the setting of The Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy famously says, "There's no place like home."
4. Pizza Hut Was Born Here 🍕 – The first-ever Pizza Hut restaurant was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1958.
5. Home to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine 🧶 – Cawker City, Kansas, hosts the world’s largest ball of twine, a quirky roadside attraction that continues to grow.
6. Aviation History Took Flight Here ✈️ – Wichita is known as the "Air Capital of the World" since major aircraft companies, including Boeing and Cessna, were founded here.
7. The State with the Windiest City 💨 – Dodge City, Kansas, is often ranked as the windiest city in the United States, even windier than Chicago!
8. The Largest Wheat Producer in the U.S. 🌾 – Kansas is known as "America’s Breadbasket" because it produces more wheat than any other state.
9. Home of the First Ever Helicopter 🚁 – The first practical helicopter in the United States was invented by William Purvis and Charles Wilson in Goodland, Kansas.
10. The State’s Name Means "People of the South Wind" 🍃 – The name "Kansas" comes from the Kansa Native American tribe, whose name means "People of the South Wind."