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?
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On average, homes in Hutchinson, KS sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Hutchinson, KS over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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This charming home is nestled in a quiet neighborhood and features two bedrooms and a full bathroom on the main level. Enjoy a spacious family room and a versatile bonus room in the basement—perfect for a home office, playroom, or guest space. Recent updates include a brand-new furnace (2024), a new refrigerator (2025), a dishwasher (2023), and fresh paint throughout the main level. Conveniently
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PORTER COMMONS is located at 1415 KATIE DR HUTCHINSON, KS and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. PORTER COMMONS offers 2 to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 918 to 1044 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, BBQ/Picnic Area, Cable Ready, Carpeting, Covered Parking and more. This rental
Prairie Village Residences is a 1996 built apartment home community located in North Hutchinson, Kansas, combining quality, value, and convenience offering modern 2 & 3 bedroom apartments equipped with all the comforts of home, with shopping, and dining nearby. Every apartment home features central heat and air conditioning, a kitchen equipped with an oven/range, refrigerator dishwasher, and
Garden Grove Apartments, located north of E 30th Ave and west of N Severance St, between 30th Terrace and 31st Ave in Hutchinson, Kansas, is a 71 home apartment community offering 1 and 2 bedroom apartment home rentals, on the garden, first, and second levels. Our apartment homes are neutrally decorated, with carpet in the living spaces, and vinyl in the kitchen and bathrooms, and comes installed
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