AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Topeka, KS — Scored by AI

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

$750/mo
Median Rent
126,587
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Stormont Vail Health
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Topeka? What Renters Need to Know

Topeka averages about $750 per month for a one-bedroom, one of the lowest rents among Midwest state capitals. Westboro and Potwin run closer to $850–$900 while Oakland and lower-income areas offer options under $700.

Quick Facts

Population 126,587
Median Rent $750/mo
Top Employer Stormont Vail Health
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$750 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Topeka median rent is $750 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Topeka is Stormont Vail Health, making the College Hill area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Topeka

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

#1

College Hill

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $800
Schools 6/10
#2

Westboro

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $850
Schools 7/10
#3

Oakland

Score: 68/100
Safety C
Walk Score 56
Avg Rent $650
Schools 4/10

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#4

Sherwood

Score: 76/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 44
Avg Rent $750
Schools 6/10
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#5

Shawnee Heights

Score: 79/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $900
Schools 7/10
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#6

Auburn

Score: 77/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 24
Avg Rent $850
Schools 7/10
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#7

Potwin

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 60
Avg Rent $900
Schools 8/10
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#8

Ward Meade

Score: 74/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 54
Avg Rent $700
Schools 5/10
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See All 8 Topeka Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Topeka Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Topeka 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 Topeka.

3

Get Your Ranked List

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

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Topeka

What is the average rent in Topeka?

Topeka averages about $750 per month for a one-bedroom, one of the lowest rents among Midwest state capitals. Westboro and Potwin run closer to $850–$900 while Oakland and lower-income areas offer options under $700.

What is Topeka famous for?

Topeka is the site of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that ended school segregation. The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is a major landmark, and the city takes pride in its civil rights history.

Is Topeka a good place to live?

Topeka is extremely affordable and offers a stable government-centered economy, but the city faces challenges with population decline and urban blight in some areas. Westboro and the state capitol area are pleasant for residents who work in government or healthcare.

What are the major employers in Topeka?

State of Kansas government is by far the largest employer, followed by Stormont Vail Health and St. Francis Medical Center in healthcare. BNSF Railway, Goodyear Tire, and Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive) provide manufacturing and logistics employment.

What are the best neighborhoods in Topeka?

Westboro and Potwin are Topeka's most desirable neighborhoods, offering well-maintained historic homes and relatively low crime. The Potwin neighborhood near Washburn University has a collegiate atmosphere and active neighborhood association.

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