Community Guide · Wingman Real Estate — The Shopper Team · Brokered by REAL Broker, LLC
Living in Topeka, Kansas
Topeka is the capital of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County, sitting along the Kansas River in the northeastern part of the state. Laid out in 1854 as a Free-State town and chartered in 1857 — its name comes from a Kansa-Osage word meaning “a good place to dig potatoes” — Topeka is estimated at 125,795 residents as of July 1, 2025, and offers some of the most affordable home prices in the region alongside a short average commute.
125,795
Population (2025 est.)
$56,956
Median household income
$144,200
Median home value
Figures: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Topeka city, Kansas (population estimate July 1, 2025; income, home value, homeownership, commute, and education 2020–2024).
Schools
The Topeka area is served by several public districts, including Topeka Public Schools (USD 501), Auburn-Washburn (USD 437), Seaman (USD 345), and Shawnee Heights (USD 450), depending on location. Washburn University is a major local institution. Attendance areas vary by address — we can confirm the schools for any home.
Working in Topeka
As the state capital, Topeka’s largest employer is the State of Kansas, followed by Stormont Vail Health, BNSF Railway, Frito-Lay, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and Washburn University.
Parks & Things to Do
Topeka is home to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, the Kansas State Capitol, the Kansas Museum of History, the Topeka Zoo, and Lake Shawnee.
Topeka Real Estate
Topeka’s housing is among the most affordable in the region, spanning historic in-town neighborhoods and newer subdivisions on the outskirts. Per the U.S. Census Bureau (2020–2024), the median owner-occupied home value is $144,200. Browse current listings below.
Topeka Questions People AskFrequently Asked
What is the population of Topeka, Kansas?
Topeka is the capital of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population at 125,795 as of July 1, 2025.
How much do homes cost in Topeka?
Per the U.S. Census Bureau (2020–2024), the median value of owner-occupied homes in Topeka is $144,200 — among the most affordable in the region. Search current listings for live pricing.
What school districts serve Topeka?
The Topeka area is served by several districts, including Topeka Public Schools (USD 501), Auburn-Washburn (USD 437), Seaman (USD 345), and Shawnee Heights (USD 450), depending on location.
What is Topeka known for?
Topeka is the Kansas state capital and home to the Kansas State Capitol, the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, and Washburn University.
How far is Topeka from Kansas City?
Topeka is west of the Kansas City metro along I-70. The Census Bureau reports a mean commute of about 16.7 minutes for Topeka workers.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (Topeka city, Kansas); city, county, and school-district sources. Information is deemed reliable but should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity.