With a population of more than 24,000, Emporia is known as the “Front Porch of the Flint Hills,” serving as both a gateway to one of the last tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world and a center of Kansas agribusiness. The city’s economy is rooted in agriculture, education, and manufacturing, with family farms, cattle ranches, and grain production shaping both the landscape and community. Emporia State University adds a college-town dynamic, while affordable housing and access to outdoor recreation draw residents.
Emporia's primary industry revolves around cattle farming and agriculture.
AgChoice is a grain mill located in Emporia Kansas.
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Victorian-style homes downtown and ranch-style homes in The Timbers
Emporia’s housing market is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $176,900. Homes in the $150,000 to $350,000 range continue to sell, according to Brandi Criss-Engler, broker and owner of Superior Real Estate and Land Groups, LLC. Downtown Emporia features Victorian-style homes with large porches and decorative woodwork. West Ridge and The Timbers offer ranch-style homes with more space and modern layouts.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Emporia’s crime rates generally align with state averages. Property crime rates are higher than the national average, while violent crime rates are lower than those in larger Kansas cities.
Ranch-styled dwellings make up much of the Emporia housing market.
There are a few victorian-era homes throughout Emporia as well.
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Emporia State University leads local education
Emporia State University plays a significant role in the city, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, business, education and more. The university is home to the nationally recognized Teachers College and the William Allen White School of Journalism, named after the city’s famed journalist and political figure. For vocational training, Flint Hills Technical College provides technical programs that support local industries, including manufacturing and agriculture.
Emporia Public Schools USD 253 has a B grade on Niche and serves students across the city. Families also have private education options, including Sacred Heart Catholic School and Emporia Christian School, both of which offer Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on faith-based learning.
Emporia State University plays a significant role in the city.
Emporia Christian School is one of a few different private school options in Emporia.
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Cyclists flock to the Unbound Gravel Race
Emporia's parks, trails, and open spaces showcase the Flint Hills region. Peter Pan Park, one of the city’s largest, has sports fields, playgrounds, and a walking trail. C of E Park and Hammond Park offer more recreational space, while the David Traylor Zoo exhibits local wildlife such as bison, river otters, and red-tailed hawks. The city’s humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters, makes it well-suited for year-round outdoor activities.
Emporia is also known for its extensive biking trails, which have earned It a reputation as a hotspot for gravel cycling enthusiasts. The annual Unbound Gravel Race, one of the world’s premier endurance cycling events, attracts thousands of athletes to the city each year.
The David Traylor Zoo is a popular attraction in Emporia.
Kids can climb on the playground at Peter Pan Park in Emporia.
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Emporia recognized as the “Founding City of Veterans Day”
A growing sector of Emporia’s economy is tourism, which attracts visitors to its historic downtown, and the Emporia Arts Center, which hosts performances and exhibits year-round. The city is also officially recognized as the “Founding City of Veterans Day” and holds annual celebrations in November.
Emporia’s dining scene includes locally owned restaurants and national chains. Radius Brewing Company is a local favorite, serving craft beer and wood-fired pizzas. Fans of classic diners will enjoy Do-B’s Burgers & Brews, known for its hearty comfort food. Shopping centers, boutique stores and antique shops line downtown’s Commercial Street.
Emporia is recognized as the founding city of Veteran's Day.
Catch up with Friends at Town Royal in Emporia.
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I-35 connects Emporia to Topeka and Wichita
Located along Interstate 35, Emporia is accessible to larger metro areas, with Topeka 63 miles to the northeast and Wichita 87 miles to the southwest. U.S. Highway 50 and Kansas Highway 99 are also popular routes. While Emporia is primarily car-dependent, Downtown Emporia is pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained streets and walkable neighborhoods. The nearest major airport for commercial flights is Manhattan Regional Airport, 57 miles from Emporia.
Agribusiness is an economic mainstay
Agribusiness is central to Emporia’s economy. The surrounding area features family farms, cattle ranches, and grain production facilities, all contributing to the local workforce and culture. “There’s a lot of jobs here,” says Criss-Engler. “Factory jobs, college positions, and opportunities in the farming community just outside the city.”
In addition to agriculture, Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College support the education sector, while companies like Tyson Foods and Hopkins Manufacturing are key employers. The city’s primary hospital is Newman Regional Health, 2 miles from downtown.
Tyson Foods is a key employer of Emporia.
Emporia is centered around college and agriculture.
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Written By
Lauren Seifert
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patrick Dixon,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Emporia, KS sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Emporia, KS over the last 12 months is $359,900, up 56% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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We are excited to announce that Riverview Condos are now move-in ready in a peaceful and attractive neighborhood! Enjoy the quiet surroundings of this wonderful area, with an excellent school district and Logan Elementary School just within walking distance.Our newly updated and spacious floor plans offer a variety of options to suit your needs. We are conveniently located near Simmons
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