Memphis, Tennessee, and Wichita, Kansas, are two unique cities with their own distinct characteristics. From cuisine to weather to local industry, both cities vary greatly. Each city has fascinating cultural, economic, and societal aspects that could appeal to potential residents and tourists alike.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Wichita, KS : 446.3 miles
Memphis's population is larger by 59%. Its population has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) since 2000. The population of Wichita has grown by 51,415 people (14.9%) during that time.
The overall crime rate in Memphis is higher than the national average and significantly higher than in Wichita. While Wichita also has a crime rate above the national average, it is lower than Memphis. Both cities have been investing in crime prevention and public safety initiatives, but prospective residents and visitors should stay informed about the areas where they plan to stay, as crime rates can vary by neighborhood.
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 2,629 registered sex offenders living in Memphis and 1,438 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Memphis is 248 to 1; the ratio in Wichita is 271 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Memphis is near to than in Wichita.
Cost of Living
Wichita, Kansas, has a lower cost of living compared to Memphis, Tennessee. Housing, in particular, is quite affordable in Wichita with costs well below the national average. In contrast, while still lower than many other major cities, Memphis's cost of living and housing costs are higher than Wichita's. However, Memphis offers a higher average salary, which can offset some of these higher living costs.
Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents in Memphis are not subject to it. However, Kansas, including Wichita residents, has a state income tax with rates ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%, depending on income levels.
Property Tax
Memphis has a higher average property tax rate compared to Wichita. In Memphis, the average property tax rate is approximately 1.73%, while in Wichita, the average property tax rate is approximately 1.40%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Memphis, Tennessee, is higher than in Wichita, Kansas. In Memphis, the combined state and local sales tax rate is 9.25%, while in Wichita, the combined state and local sales tax rate is 7.5%.
Income
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$56,293
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$30,942
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
81.7
If you make $50,000 in Wichita, you will have to make $52,326 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Memphis, located along the Mississippi River, boasts several parks and outdoor spaces. On the other hand, Wichita, located on the Arkansas River, is flatter in composition with its landscape dominated by plains.
In terms of education, both cities have a fair share of public and private schools, as well as opportunities for higher education. Memphis is home to the University of Memphis and Rhodes College, among others, and Wichita houses Wichita State University. Educational attainment rates in both cities are below the national average, but efforts are ongoing to improve outcomes.
Memphis has a stronger economy than Wichita, driven by various industries such as healthcare, education, and freight and shipping, courtesy of having the world's second-busiest cargo airport. In comparison, Wichita's economy relies on industries like aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, and oil and gas exploration. Both cities offer a range of job opportunities, but the economic vibrancy differs.
Biggest Employers
In Memphis, some of the biggest employers include FedEx, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and AutoZone. Meanwhile, in Wichita, top employers include Spirit AeroSystems, Koch Industries, and Via Christi Health.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% 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
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
2020
64.8%
42.9%
34.2%
54.7%
1.1%
2.4%
2016
62.3%
36.3%
34.7%
54.4%
3.1%
9.3%
2012
62.9%
39.4%
36.7%
58.3%
0.4%
2.3%
2008
63.8%
42.5%
36.2%
55.2%
0.0%
2.3%
2004
57.7%
36.6%
42.0%
62.3%
0.3%
1.2%
2000
56.8%
38.4%
42.3%
57.5%
0.9%
4.1%
1996
78.9%
35.8%
19.6%
56.1%
1.5%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
5.9%
15.1%
9.9%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
15.0%
2.7%
5.9%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
1.8%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.2%
0.8%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
1.4%
1.0%
1.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
0.6%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
0.9%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
3.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.5%
0.4%
1.6%
SALVATION ARMY
0.0%
0.4%
0.2%
0.4%
Weather
Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, including hot and humid summers and mild to chilly winters. In contrast, Wichita experiences a humid continental climate with hotter, drier summers and colder winters. Both cities are subject to severe weather conditions like thunderstorms and tornadoes, though these are more frequent in Wichita due to its location in Tornado Alley.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
56.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
73.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
30.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
30 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
21.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
70.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
76%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
56%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Wichita, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
Memphis
Wichita
2018
81
67
0.24
N/A
10.4
7.8
27.1
28.1
19.0
25.8
8.1
6.2
0.4
1.1
2017
74
66
0.24
N/A
10.2
6.8
28.1
29.1
17.5
22.1
7.9
6.9
0.3
1.2
2016
76
65
0.24
N/A
10.2
6.8
28.8
27.6
19.6
21.5
8.5
N/A
0.9
0.6
2015
77
61
0.26
N/A
11.1
7.2
26.9
28.4
N/A
21.1
9.2
N/A
1.0
1.0
2014
75
70
0.27
N/A
10.1
7.7
26.5
30.0
N/A
23.4
9.9
N/A
1.3
1.4
2013
74
66
0.31
0.25
8.3
8.9
26.6
30.1
N/A
20.8
10.2
N/A
1.0
0.6
2012
94
91
0.32
0.26
9.3
9.9
29.7
32.2
N/A
24.1
10.7
N/A
0.6
1.2
2011
93
89
0.34
0.22
10.0
12.2
29.0
33.5
N/A
22.6
11.1
N/A
0.5
1.5
2010
95
73
0.43
0.45
10.3
8.3
27.9
32.0
N/A
20.2
12.9
N/A
N/A
0.7
2009
86
69
0.35
0.31
8.7
8.2
24.9
29.3
N/A
19.9
11.8
N/A
N/A
0.8
2008
94
66
0.36
0.36
10.3
8.9
26.3
24.0
N/A
20.9
13.2
N/A
N/A
1.7
2007
106
70
0.47
0.47
11.2
9.5
26.7
21.7
N/A
21.2
14.8
N/A
5.6
1.4
2006
108
82
0.43
0.46
13.0
10.0
26.8
29.7
N/A
22.3
14.7
N/A
6.3
0.4
2005
110
80
0.46
0.55
10.1
11.4
26.9
27.8
N/A
21.5
17.9
N/A
4.9
0.3
2004
98
60
0.51
0.37
N/A
9.3
24.9
27.8
N/A
20.2
14.5
N/A
5.9
0.1
2003
110
74
0.57
0.30
20.1
10.0
25.3
29.2
N/A
21.8
15.0
N/A
5.8
0.1
2002
110
79
0.58
0.54
20.4
8.1
25.1
31.7
15.6
22.4
N/A
N/A
4.5
0.1
2001
111
86
0.66
0.40
24.7
5.2
26.0
34.2
22.7
23.7
N/A
N/A
6.1
0.2
2000
103
84
0.63
0.55
25.2
5.0
26.2
30.6
24.9
22.8
N/A
N/A
6.4
0.3
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
202.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
922.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
16%
Transportation
Although both cities have public transportation systems, they're widely regarded as car-dependent cities. Both have bus services, with Wichita Transit operating in Wichita and Memphis Area Transit Authority in Memphis. Memphis also has a trolley system for downtown areas.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
1
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
69
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Bicycle
0%
0.3%
Bus
0.4%
0.5%
Carpooled
7.5%
9.1%
Car alone
88.8%
87%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Average
27 min
21.6 min
Other means
22.5 min
18.7 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.9%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Memphis's real estate market is more robust than Wichita's, with higher average home prices and rents, but it also offers a higher diversity in terms of housing types. Meanwhile, Wichita's housing market is more affordable but less diverse.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods. In Memphis, Midtown is known for its residential nature and cultural institutions, while East Memphis is recognized for its commercial establishments. In Wichita, neighborhoods like College Hill are popular for their historic homes, whereas Delano is notable for its arts and entertainment scene.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Houses
288,491
176,357
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1972
1974
Median year house/condo built
1967
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
156,668 (88.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
91,527 (58.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
65,141 (41.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$1,022
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$884
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$269,752
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$165,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
7
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$217,536
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$140,687
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$121,965
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$117,517
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$87,984
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$39,582
$100,474
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$146,455
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$210,445
Median house age
52
47
Renting percentage
48.1%
38.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
1,299.1
House value disparities
44.1%
37.5%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$82,935
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$60,554
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
1,747 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
4,222 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
56,370 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
321 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
5,142 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Wichita
One, detached
61.0%
65.1%
One, attached
5.8%
5.6%
Two
2.1%
4.6%
3 or 4
7.4%
4.7%
5 to 9
9.1%
3.6%
10 to 19
5.6%
5.3%
20 to 49
1.8%
4.3%
50 or more
6.2%
4.6%
Mobile homes
0.8%
2.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,111
8,733
State government workers
7,650
7,037
Unpaid family workers
668
256
Industries and Occupations
Memphis has a diversified economy with strong sectors in logistics, music production, manufacturing, and health. It's also a major hub for the shipping and transportation industry. Wichita, known as "Air Capital of the World", has a strong presence of aviation and manufacturing industries.
The health care sector in Memphis is extensive, with renowned hospitals like Methodist Hospitals of Memphis and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In Wichita, health care facilities are adequate with the notable Via Christi Health and Wesley Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Wichita
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have invested in growing their infrastructure. Memphis’s music, gastronomy, and riverfront parks are prominent features, while in Wichita, the downtown river area with its parks and museums is notable. Both cities are served by international airports - Memphis International Airport and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Wichita
Hospitals
35
24
TV stations
14
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
160
138
Bank institutions located here
33
34
Main business address for public companies
17
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Wichita
1999
2,195
2,785
2000
2,406
2,308
2001
1,775
1,808
2002
1,444
1,227
2003
2,116
1,260
2004
3,266
1,320
2005
4,730
1,401
2006
5,833
1,272
2007
3,559
1,037
2008
1,174
569
2009
345
324
Culture and Food
Memphis is known for its rich music history with an emphasis on blues, as well as its famous barbeque. Wichita, while smaller, still houses a number of excellent museums, theatres, and is celebrated for its unique Kansas-style barbeque.
Sports Teams
Memphis is home to the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and the Memphis Redbirds, a minor league baseball team. Wichita doesn't have any major league teams, but supports the Wichita Thunder ice hockey team and the Wichita Wind Surge, a minor league baseball team.
Memphis, TN
Wichita, KS
Memphis, TN and 
Wichita, KS : 446.3 miles
