Hutchinson balances business growth with community investment
Hutchinson is the county seat of Reno County and the 11th largest city in Kansas. It was home to salt mines in the 1880s, earning the nickname “Salt City,” but today, locals call it "Hutch." Known for its outdoor assets and scenic Arkansas River location, the city also has a reputation for community engagement. “From Dillons Food Stores, founded more than 100 years ago, and our innovative Chamber of Commerce, to Dolly Parton, whose Imagination Library is one of our United Way partners, private patrons and local leaders have invested greatly in Hutch,” says Anna Crable, a Realtor and co-owner of White Oak Real Estate Group. The Hutchinson Community Foundation has given $5 million to more than 170 area organizations since 1990.
The city’s largest employers are Dillon Food Stores, Republic Group and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Siemens Gamesa, a leader in wind turbine construction, is hiring in Hutch. While job growth is positive, the population of about 40,000 has held steady after an up-and-down trend since 2015. “Growth and development is a big deal in Hutch, but so is community support,'' Crable says. "The city has invested in mental health services, homeless prevention programs and blight reduction in older neighborhoods.”
The Hutchinson Community Foundation has given $5 million to more than 170 area organizations.
Hutchinson is located along the Arkansas River.
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From cottages to countryside estates
The median sale price is $146,000, compared with the national figure of about $440,000. One- and two-story fixer-uppers from the early 1900s start around $20,000, while midcentury ranch-style homes range from about $80,000 to $200,000. Estate-style homes in northeast neighborhoods can sell for $600,000 to about $1 million.
Most homes in Hutchinson were built in the 1900s.
There are also plenty of larger estates throughout Hutchinson.
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Hutch Rec sets a new standard for collaborative parks and recs initiatives
Hutch Rec, the city’s public/private collaboration between the city, its neighborhoods and the Hutch Rec private foundation, promotes healthy living and manages 170 parks, sports complexes and athletic fields. Arkanoe, the city’s only river sport rental company, offers shuttles to two Arkansas River access points. River Banks Orchard Park is enjoying a multi-year transformation and recently opened the Winwoods Enchanted Playground.
Elmdale Park Community Center is one of many recreational hubs in Hutchinson.
River Banks Orchard Park is enjoying a multi-year transformation and recently opened the Winwoods Enchanted Playground.
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Two school districts serve Hutchinson students
While most neighborhoods are served by Hutchinson Public Schools, graded B by Niche, neighborhoods in the north and east may be served by Buhler Unified School District, which earns a B-plus grade. The Buhler High Crusaders have won 52 state sports championships. Trinity Catholic offers seventh through 12th grades and receives a B-grade from Niche.
Hutchinson Middle School 7 is a popular schooling option in central Hutchinson.
Students in Hutchinson may head to Trinity Catholic High School for a faith-based education.
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Downtown Hutchinson balances historic warehouses with modern bistros
Locals head to downtown Hutchinson for antiquing, retail shopping and dining around Main Street and North Washington Avenue. Breweries, barbecue joints and Mexican restaurants are easy to find as are bakeries and local grocers. Smith’s Market offers farm-fresh produce and old-fashioned candies. Downtown also welcomes visitors to the Historic Fox Theatre and to Third Thursday events.
Downtown Hutchinson has a plethora of local shops and boutiques.
Hutchinson is the county seat of Reno County and the 11th largest city in Kansas.
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Getting around Hutchinson
Hutchinson is 160 miles southwest of Topeka and 220 miles southwest of Kansas City. Wichita is 60 miles southeast. Major highways include U.S. Highway 50, K-61, K-96, and K-14. Hutchinson Municipal Airport is less than 2 miles from downtown. Bicycle lanes are found along the Arkansas River and Cow Creek and several city parks. Reno County Area Transport offers four fixed-route buses from Monday through Friday.
Minor risk of tornadoes and flooding, but historical events are recent
Although it is a river city, flood risks are minor, according to First Street Technologies. In May 2019, flooding from the Arkansas River closed off storm drains in the city, but significant property damage was limited. The last significant tornado near Hutchinson occurred in 1995, in Heston, about 30 miles east, causing one fatality and 60 injuries. According to FBI data, rates of reported violent crimes and property crimes since 2020 have been slightly higher than state and national rates. Rates have trended down somewhat since 2020.
The Kansas State Fair is one of the city’s largest annual events
The Kansas State Fair is held for 10 days in early September and has been held every year since 1875. More than 330,000 visitors attended the 2024 fair. Unique attractions near the fairgrounds include the Cosmosphere Space Museum, which has the most extensive collection of U.S. space artifacts west of the Smithsonian, including Apollo 13’s Odyssey space capsule. Lake Talbott Stage Area at the fairgrounds is a landscaped lake and large grass field used frequently for concerts, weddings and corporate celebrations.
The Kansas State Fair is held for 10 days in early September and has been held every year since 1875 in Hutchinson.
More than 330,000 visitors attended the 2024 fair in Hutchinson.
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Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Hutchinson, KS sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Hutchinson, KS over the last 12 months is $145,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern Retreat on 1 Acre – Unique Design & Move-In Ready! Discover this stunning custom-built 2020 home, perfectly situated on a serene 1-acre lot. Designed with an ultra-open floor plan, both the main floor and upstairs offer an airy, spacious feel, ideal for modern living. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this home blends contemporary style with the warmth of nature. Enjoy the convenience of
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This beautifully maintained 11⁄2-story home in College Grove blends thoughtful updates with timeless character and charm. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the original details that have been carefully preserved, including stunning glass door knobs, classic built-ins, and gorgeous hardwood floors throughout much of the home. The main level offers a welcoming living room, formal
Modern Retreat on 1 Acre – Unique Design & Move-In Ready! Discover this stunning custom-built 2020 home, perfectly situated on a serene 1-acre lot. Designed with an ultra-open floor plan, both the main floor and upstairs offer an airy, spacious feel, ideal for modern living. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this home blends contemporary style with the warmth of nature. Enjoy the convenience of
Welcome to this updated 4 bedroom, 2-full bath home. Where the major details have been taken care of for you. Starting with a new roof, New carpet and flooring. Vinyl windows, and HVAC system in 2019 The newly finished basement adds living space with a large family room, a full bathroom and a 4th bedroom with new egress window. Come take a look at all the new! Seller is offering a $5,000.00
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Spacious 3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow. Original finished hardwood flooring in the living and dining combo and all three bedrooms, craftsman style original woodwork, solid wood doors, and tons of natural light through wide and tall original craftsman windows protected by storm windows. The kitchen has good workspace, lots of storage including a wall pantry and nice cabinetry, tile flooring and great
Get ready to fall in love with this incredible two-story home! Step inside and discover the space you’ve been missing! As you walk in, you’ll immediately notice the beautiful wood floors that flow through the foyer, formal living room, dining room, and the enclosed sunroom just off the main living area. You'll also find elegant crown molding in the formal living room, dining room, and master
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Adorable updated home! Everything is updated in this home-- all new windows, siding, doors, cabinetry, flooring. Open floor plan between the living room and kitchen. Beautiful kitchen island with stainless appliances and overhead range hood sets this space apart from others at this price point! Great layout for entertaining. Enjoy the privacy of your fully fenced in backyard with double swinging
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This beautifully maintained 11⁄2-story home in College Grove blends thoughtful updates with timeless character and charm. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the original details that have been carefully preserved, including stunning glass door knobs, classic built-ins, and gorgeous hardwood floors throughout much of the home. The main level offers a welcoming living room, formal
INCREDIBLE TURNKEY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!!! See this large updated duplex with one furnished vacant unit and one leased unit perfect for you next investment! Each unit has two spacious bedrooms, one updated bathroom, a large open kitchen and in unit laundry access. New vinyl windows in the bedrooms and vinyl flooring throughout both units keeps maintenance a breeze for the tenants. Convenient
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