Austin, Texas, and Wichita, Kansas, are both vibrant cities offering unique experiences to both residents and visitors. They each hold distinct advantages, depending on individual preferences and needs. Austin, known for its lively music scene and high-tech industries, provides a bustling city experience while Wichita, a city rooted in American craftsmanship and a strong healthcare industry, provides a smaller city experience with a strong sense of community.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Wichita, KS : 511.0 miles
Austin's population is larger by 144%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Wichita has grown by 51,415 people (14.9%) during that time.
Regarding crime and safety, Wichita has a higher overall crime rate than Austin. It's important to note that crime rates can vary significantly across different neighborhoods within each city. Austin's police force is engaged in community policing efforts and emphasizes crime prevention. Wichita is known for its friendly, tight-knit communities, which can cultivate safer neighborhood environments. Both cities provide sufficient police presence, but potential residents should research specific neighborhoods for a clearer understanding.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 1,438 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Wichita is 271 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Austin than in Wichita.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Austin is generally more expensive than Wichita. Housing, in particular, tends to be significantly pricier in Austin. Wichita, conversely, has a cost of living that is below the national average, offering more affordable options for housing and everyday expenses.
Income Tax
While Kansas has state income tax, Texas, and thereby Austin, does not impose state income tax. This could be a significant factor for those with higher incomes considering relocation.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the US, which could affect home ownership costs in Austin. Kansas property taxes are generally lower, offering a potential saving for homeowners in Wichita.
Sales Tax
Texas, including Austin, has a higher sales tax rate compared to Kansas. However, Texas does not impose a state income tax, making it more favorable for high-income earners.
Income
Type
Austin
Wichita
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$56,293
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$30,942
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
81.7
If you make $50,000 in Wichita, you will have to make $58,996 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is situated in Central Texas and characterized by its hilly terrain, lakes, and limestone karst topography. Wichita is located in the Great Plains and features a mostly flat landscape with a mix of grassland and forested areas.
Both cities have strong education systems. Austin is home to the University of Texas, one of the largest universities in the U.S., and offers renowned special education programs. Wichita has a well-regarded public school system and houses Wichita State University, known for its research and innovation in aerospace engineering.
Austin's economy is focused on technology, music, film, and higher education. The city has grown as a center for high-tech industries, attracting many tech giants. Wichita's economy is built around manufacturing, healthcare, and education. It's known as the "Air Capital of the World" due to its significant aircraft manufacturing industry.
Biggest Employers
Austin's largest employers include the State of Texas, the University of Texas, Dell, and IBM. In Wichita, the biggest employers include Spirit AeroSystems, Koch Industries, and Wichita Public Schools.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 760 building permits issued in Wichita in 2012 (351 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Wichita (Sedgwick County), 39.4% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
2020
71.7%
42.9%
26.5%
54.7%
1.8%
2.4%
2016
65.8%
36.3%
27.2%
54.4%
7.0%
9.3%
2012
60.2%
39.4%
36.2%
58.3%
3.6%
2.3%
2008
63.8%
42.5%
34.4%
55.2%
1.8%
2.3%
2004
56.1%
36.6%
42.1%
62.3%
1.8%
1.2%
2000
41.7%
38.4%
47.0%
57.5%
11.3%
4.1%
1996
52.4%
35.8%
40.0%
56.1%
7.7%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
15.0%
4.5%
5.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
5.9%
22.8%
9.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.5%
2.8%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.2%
0.7%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.5%
2.5%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
1.4%
2.1%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
0.1%
3.1%
SALVATION ARMY
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
0.4%
Weather
Austin has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. It experiences more significant rainfall throughout the year compared to Wichita. Wichita, on the other hand, has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. It's also closer to "Tornado Alley," which may lead to more severe weather events.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Wichita
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
56.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
73.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
30.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
30 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
21.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
70.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
76%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
56%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Wichita, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
Austin
Wichita
2018
76
67
N/A
N/A
4.9
7.8
26.7
28.1
25.8
N/A
8.7
6.2
0.2
1.1
2017
76
66
N/A
N/A
4.6
6.8
29.7
29.1
22.1
N/A
8.3
6.9
0.3
1.2
2016
71
65
N/A
N/A
4.2
6.8
29.5
27.6
21.5
N/A
8.2
N/A
0.2
0.6
2015
78
61
N/A
N/A
4.4
7.2
28.9
28.4
21.1
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.3
1.0
2014
74
70
N/A
N/A
5.2
7.7
28.3
30.0
23.4
N/A
8.7
N/A
0.5
1.4
2013
78
66
0.09
0.25
5.5
8.9
29.5
30.1
20.8
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.5
0.6
2012
86
91
0.13
0.26
5.5
9.9
30.1
32.2
24.1
N/A
8.6
N/A
N/A
1.2
2011
83
89
0.11
0.22
2.6
12.2
33.0
33.5
22.6
N/A
9.1
N/A
N/A
1.5
2010
77
73
0.05
0.45
3.2
8.3
29.4
32.0
20.2
N/A
8.8
N/A
N/A
0.7
2009
76
69
0.05
0.31
2.6
8.2
29.7
29.3
19.9
N/A
9.0
N/A
N/A
0.8
2008
81
66
0.12
0.36
3.2
8.9
30.7
24.0
20.9
N/A
9.7
N/A
N/A
1.7
2007
82
70
0.12
0.47
3.1
9.5
27.1
21.7
21.2
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
1.4
2006
89
82
0.14
0.46
3.8
10.0
31.3
29.7
22.3
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.2
0.4
2005
92
80
0.15
0.55
4.4
11.4
29.0
27.8
21.5
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.2
0.3
2004
74
60
0.16
0.37
3.3
9.3
26.8
27.8
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2003
85
74
0.26
0.30
4.2
10.0
28.9
29.2
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
0.1
2002
83
79
0.33
0.54
3.9
8.1
27.2
31.7
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2001
83
86
0.31
0.40
4.2
5.2
25.5
34.2
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.2
2000
86
84
0.28
0.55
4.7
5.0
27.8
30.6
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Wichita
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
202.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
922.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
16%
Transportation
Austin offers a range of public transit options, including buses and light rail, but it's also known for its traffic congestion. Wichita, in contrast, is more car-dependent, but residents typically experience shorter commute times.
Transport
Type
Austin
Wichita
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
911
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
69
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Wichita
Bicycle
0.8%
0.3%
Bus
1.5%
0.5%
Carpooled
7.9%
9.1%
Car alone
85.9%
87%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Wichita
Average
29.9 min
21.6 min
Other means
22.7 min
18.7 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Wichita
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin can be quite expensive, given its status as one of the fastest-growing cities in America. In contrast, Wichita offers more affordable housing options within a slower-paced property market.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods. In Austin, Zilker and Hyde Park are popular for their walkability and proximity to amenities. Wichita's Riverside and College Hill neighborhoods are noted for their historic charm and community feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Wichita
Houses
469,156
176,357
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1997
1974
Median year house/condo built
1988
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
156,668 (88.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
91,527 (58.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
65,141 (41.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,022
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$884
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$269,752
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$165,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$217,536
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$140,687
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$121,965
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$117,517
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$87,984
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$146,455
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$210,445
Median house age
28
47
Renting percentage
54.9%
38.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
1,299.1
House value disparities
28.4%
37.5%
Household income disparities
44.8%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$82,935
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$60,554
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
1,747 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
4,222 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
56,370 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
321 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
5,142 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Wichita
One, detached
43.1%
65.1%
One, attached
5.2%
5.6%
Two
2.4%
4.6%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.7%
5 to 9
7.2%
3.6%
10 to 19
11.0%
5.3%
20 to 49
8.9%
4.3%
50 or more
17.2%
4.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
8,733
State government workers
46,229
7,037
Unpaid family workers
102
256
Industries and Occupations
Austin, also known as "Silicon Hills," is home to a large number of tech companies and startups. Wichita, on the other hand, is known for its aircraft industry, with major employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation.
Both cities offer strong and accessible healthcare facilities. Austin boasts a number of top-rated hospitals, including the Dell Seton Medical Center. Wichita possesses a robust healthcare system with top-rated hospitals like the Wesley Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Wichita
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
While Austin is experiencing rapid growth, its infrastructure struggles to keep pace, especially within transportation. Conversely, Wichita’s infrastructure, although older, tends to be well-maintained with ongoing investments in citywide improvements.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Wichita
Hospitals
65
24
TV stations
20
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
264
138
Bank institutions located here
43
34
Main business address for public companies
44
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Wichita
1999
4,733
2,785
2000
2,950
2,308
2001
2,038
1,808
2002
1,772
1,227
2003
2,213
1,260
2004
2,458
1,320
2005
3,121
1,401
2006
3,367
1,272
2007
2,560
1,037
2008
1,747
569
2009
1,067
324
Culture and Food
Austin is known for its vibrant music scene, diverse culinary offerings, and lively festivals like SXSW. Wichita, however, offers a genuine taste of heartland culture with locals taking great pride in their array of locally brewed beers and barbeque-style dishes.
Sports Teams
Austin houses minor league teams and has a big college football culture, with the University of Texas football team drawing large crowds. Wichita doesn’t have major league teams, but they rally around Wichita State University’s athletics, particularly the basketball team, the Shockers.
Austin, TX
Wichita, KS
Austin, TX and 
Wichita, KS : 511.0 miles
