People are leaving Topeka, Kansas, for a variety of reasons, many of which reflect broader trends in smaller cities and rural areas, as well as some specific local challenges. Based on available insights, here’s a breakdown of the key factors driving this exodus:
One major reason is the lack of economic opportunity. Topeka has struggled to keep pace with job growth compared to larger nearby cities like Kansas City or Lawrence. While the state government and a few industries like education and healthcare provide some stability, the city has lost significant employers over the years—such as Forbes Air Force Base in the 1970s, which triggered a loss of over 10,000 residents. Young people, in particular, often feel there aren’t enough dynamic career prospects or industries to keep them rooted, prompting them to seek opportunities elsewhere, often out of state.
Another factor is the quality of life perception. Topeka has faced issues like high crime rates—both violent and property crimes exceed national averages—which can deter families and professionals from staying long-term. Residents have also pointed to visible signs of decline, such as empty downtown buildings, poor road conditions, and a large homeless population, which create an impression of neglect. For some, the city doesn’t feel vibrant or welcoming enough, especially when compared to thriving neighbors with more cultural attractions or better infrastructure.
Housing and cost of living play a dual role. While Topeka boasts affordability—with home prices well below the national average—this perk doesn’t always outweigh other drawbacks. High property taxes, a byproduct of decades of government spending outpacing population growth, have frustrated residents. Kansas as a whole lost nearly $295 million in adjusted gross income in 2020 alone due to outbound migration, with Topeka’s Shawnee County seeing consistent losses, suggesting people are taking their money to states with lower tax burdens or better amenities.
Social and cultural stagnation also contributes. Reviews from residents highlight a lack of entertainment options for younger demographics, with some describing Topeka as a place that’s lost its spark—fewer activities, shuttered businesses, and a sense that “nothing happens here.” This sentiment is echoed by students like TaTy’Terria Gary, who, in a 2016 New York Times piece, expressed that Topeka isn’t a place for people with big dreams, reflecting a broader feeling of limited horizons.
Finally, broader regional trends amplify the issue. Rural Kansas, including areas around Topeka, has seen population declines as people move to urban centers. Surveys from the Kansas Sampler Foundation point to shortages in childcare, reliable internet, and affordable housing options as motivators for leaving rural areas—challenges that spill over into Topeka’s sphere despite its status as the capital.
In short, people are leaving Topeka due to stagnant job prospects, a perceived decline in livability, economic pressures like high taxes, and a lack of cultural or social draw—pushing them toward bigger cities or states that feel more promising. The city’s population dropped from 127,473 in 2010 to 126,587 in 2020, with estimates suggesting it’s now closer to 125,000, a slow bleed that underscores these ongoing struggles.
