AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Kansas City, MO — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Kansas City neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,100/mo
Median Rent
508,090
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Children's Mercy Hospital
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Kansas City? What Renters Need to Know

Kansas City averages about $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom, making it one of the most affordable major metros in the Midwest. Upscale areas like the Plaza and Brookside run $1,400–$1,600 while Midtown offers options under $1,000.

Quick Facts

Population 508,090
Median Rent $1,100/mo
Top Employer Children's Mercy Hospital
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,100 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Kansas City median rent is $400 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Kansas City is Children's Mercy Hospital, making the Plaza area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Plaza

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 8/10
#2

Brookside

Score: 90/100
Safety A
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 9/10
#3

Crossroads

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 6/10

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#4

Westport

Score: 79/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 75
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 6/10
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#5

Waldo

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 7/10
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#6

Midtown

Score: 74/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 71
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 5/10
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#7

River Market

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $1,350
Schools 6/10
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#8

Waldo-Brookside

Score: 86/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 65
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 8/10
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See All 8 Kansas City Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Kansas City Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Kansas City renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Kansas City.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Kansas City properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Kansas City

What is the average rent in Kansas City?

Kansas City averages about $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom, making it one of the most affordable major metros in the Midwest. Upscale areas like the Plaza and Brookside run $1,400–$1,600 while Midtown offers options under $1,000.

Is Kansas City a good place to live?

Kansas City consistently ranks among the top Midwest cities for quality of life, offering low cost of living, a thriving arts scene, world-famous BBQ, and a growing tech sector. The city has invested heavily in its streetcar and downtown revitalization.

Which neighborhoods are safest in Kansas City?

Brookside, the Country Club Plaza area, and Waldo are consistently the safest neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates. These south Kansas City neighborhoods attract families and professionals seeking a quieter suburban feel within city limits.

How is the job market in Kansas City?

Kansas City has a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, logistics, finance, and a growing tech startup scene. Major employers include Children's Mercy, Sprint, H&R Block, and Cerner, and unemployment typically runs below the national average.

Does Kansas City have good public transportation?

Kansas City's transit is car-dependent overall, but the downtown streetcar is free and heavily used. The metro bus system covers major corridors, but most residents outside downtown rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.