Shawnee County Ranks #2 Best Community In Kansas To Raise A Family

Ranking-and-review site Niche.com recently released their latest rankings of the best communities in Kansas to raise a family, and Shawnee County came in at No. 2.

Niche ranked counties based on a variety of factors, including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. The “Best for families” list features Kansas counties that boast some of the top schools, along with fun, family friendly activities for every season.

“We are thrilled to see Shawnee County receive this recognition,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Shawnee County is an incredible place to raise a family. Our cost of living, incredible education system, access to health care, and quality of life assets make us a top choice for families looking to live their American dream.”

Johnson County ranked No. 1 in the Niche study, with Douglas County coming in at No. 3 and Sedgwick County coming in at No. 4. Niche is the market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families, featuring in-depth profiles on every school and college in America and reflecting over 140 million reviews. More than 500 million people relied on Niche in the past year for information on which communities, schools, and colleges could be best for their families.

“Topeka and Shawnee County is truly one the best communities in America to raise a family,” said Trina Goss, director of business and talent initiatives for GO Topeka and the Choose Topeka program. “Our community is leading the state in growth of young families and children under 18. The reason so many young families choose Topeka is reflected in the Niche study. As our employers compete for talent, this ranking is an exciting endorsement for why families around the country should want to build their careers and families in Shawnee County.”

“With deep roots in Kansas dating back to 1939, we're heavily invested in the well-being of families in Shawnee County,” said Katie Beach, community relationship manager for Azura Credit Union, which supports the Choose Topeka program. “We get to see firsthand the impact of affordable living on the members we serve. Families can seek stability, support, and prosperity in our community, making Shawnee County the perfect financial haven for families and empowering them to achieve their goals and dreams.”