Real Estate Investing in Salina, Kansas
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Salina, KS? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (75/100)
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(52/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Salina, KS?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$178,551
Avg Monthly Rent
$966
ZIP Codes
1
Market Trends — Salina, KS
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Salina, KS. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Salina, KS Updated 134 days ago
Salina is experiencing significant growth in housing, business expansion, and infrastructure development, alongside some job losses.
Opportunities
- Salina RAD Homes completed a $24 million project, creating 118 scattered affordable homes across the city. — This expands housing options for low-income, middle-market, and workforce households. Salina Post, Knight Development
- Amazon is building a 90,000 sq ft distribution facility in Salina, expected to create at least 100 new jobs. — This expands employment opportunities and strengthens Salina's logistics network. Salina Airport Authority
- Great Plains Manufacturing and Kubota opened a new construction equipment manufacturing facility after a $178 million investment. — This signifies a major employer expansion and investment in the local economy. KS Dept of Commerce, Salina EDO
- Evergy began construction on a new 57,000 sq ft Salina Service Center, improving service efficiency and outage response. — This enhances utility infrastructure and service reliability for the community. Evergy
- Phase 2 of a new apartment complex at Magnolia & I-135 was approved for 252 units, adding to Phase 1's 248 units. — This significantly increases multi-family housing options to address a local shortage.
Concerns
- Coperion K-Tron is closing its Salina manufacturing facility by the end of 2025, resulting in 98 layoffs. — This restricts employment opportunities and represents a loss of manufacturing jobs. KSAL News, Salina Post
- A proposed energy storage facility in rural Saline County faces petitions to block its construction due to visual and health concerns. — This indicates local opposition and potential unconsented costs for nearby residents. KSAL News
Bottom line: Salina is experiencing substantial economic and housing development, though it faces challenges with some employer closures and community concerns over new projects.
Local news & events in Salina, KS Updated 134 days ago
Salina has seen progress in environmental cleanup and new business openings, but faces ongoing challenges with crime, public health issues, and housing shortages.
Opportunities
- Environmental remediation efforts at the former Schilling Air Force Base are progressing, with the completion of cleanup in the Plume B Soil Source Area as of March 2026. — This reduces environmental hazards and allows for safer use of the land. Salina Airport Authority
- Several new businesses, including Magnolia Village and The Gardens at Landscape Consultants, LLC, are holding ribbon cuttings in May 2026. — These openings indicate economic growth and provide new services and employment opportunities. Salina Area Chamber of Commerce
- The Smoky Hill River Festival is returning in June 2026, celebrating 50 years of the community event. — This long-standing festival offers cultural enrichment and recreational opportunities for residents. salina-ks.gov
- The Sunflower Summer program is returning for 2026, offering free admission to educational attractions across Kansas, including Rolling Hills Zoo. — This program expands access to educational and recreational activities for Kansas families. KSAL News
Concerns
- Saline County is seeking storm damage reports from residents and businesses following a hail storm in late April/early May 2026. — This indicates unconsented costs and potential disruption for many residents and businesses. Saline County Emergency Management
- The Central Mall in Salina remains closed as of May 2026 for asbestos testing by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. — This closure limits shopping and entertainment options and may impact businesses within the mall. KSAL News
- Salina faces a high estimated cost of $500,000 to clear a massive log jam in Bill Burke Park following June 2025 flooding. — This imposes a significant unconsented cost on the city and restricts recreational use of the river. KSN TV
- Saline County continues to face higher rates of diagnosed depression, cancer (colorectal and lung), and drug poisoning compared to state averages, as noted in October 2022 and 2025 health assessments. — These health disparities indicate ongoing challenges that may restrict residents' well-being and increase healthcare costs. Salina Regional Health Center
- A Salina man was sentenced to 78 months in prison in April 2026 for sexual exploitation of a minor, following an FBI investigation. — This crime represents a severe violation of safety and well-being within the community. United States Department of Justice
Bottom line: Salina is actively addressing environmental contamination and welcoming new businesses, but residents are contending with recent storm damage, mall closure, and persistent public health and safety concerns.
Schools in Salina, KS Updated 134 days ago
Salina USD 305 is actively engaged in facility upgrades from a 2014 bond, refining graduation requirements, and addressing teacher shortages.
Opportunities
- Salina USD 305 is undertaking significant facility renovations and new constructions across multiple schools, funded by a $110.7 million bond approved in 2014. — These projects enhance safety, expand learning spaces, and improve career and technical education opportunities for students. KSAL News
- The district refinanced bonds, saving over $533,419 and cumulatively over $5.2 million in taxes since 2001, maintaining a strong 'Aa2' bond rating. — This reduces the financial burden on taxpayers while demonstrating sound fiscal management. KSAL News
- New graduation requirements, effective for the class of 2028, include a STEM elective credit and a financial literacy pass requirement. — These changes better align high school courses with future goals and enhance postsecondary success for students. Salina USD 305
- Salina Public Schools offers a 'grow-your-own' teacher program (LIFT) providing forgivable loans to encourage local students to become educators in the district. — This initiative helps address teacher shortages and provides career opportunities for Saline County residents. Salina Post
- A new teacher contract for 2025-2026 includes a $1,000 base salary increase, increased health benefits, and salary recognition for additional degrees. — These improvements aim to attract and retain quality educators within the district. KSAL News
Concerns
- The elementary school day was extended by 20 minutes in April 2024 to meet state-required instructional minutes, impacting family schedules. — This change may create logistical challenges for families due to altered pick-up and drop-off times. Salina Post
- Salina USD 305, like the broader state, faces ongoing teacher shortages, particularly in elementary and special education. — Teacher shortages can lead to larger class sizes or fewer specialized programs, potentially impacting student learning. Salina Post
Bottom line: The district is investing in facilities and staff while adapting academic standards, though teacher recruitment remains a challenge.
Civic & policy in Salina, KS Updated 134 days ago
Salina has seen significant zoning adjustments, a mail-ballot election on a pit bull ban, and a reduction in the proposed county property tax rate.
Opportunities
- The Salina Planning Commission recommended approval of a zoning change for a hospital zone to allow a surgery center/medical clinic in April 2026. — This expands healthcare options and services for residents. Salina311
- The Salina City Commission approved rezoning for Salina Family Healthcare Center in April 2026, changing an I-2 (Light Industrial) zone to C-3 (Shopping Center) district. — This allows for higher development standards and unified site planning for a healthcare facility. Salina, KS Official Website
- Saline County Commissioners voted to decrease the proposed 2026 mill levy property tax rate to 40.700, down from a proposed 41.571, in July 2025. — This reduces potential property tax burdens for county residents. Salina Post
- The EPA approved the redesignation of the Salina Area from nonattainment to attainment for the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standard in November 2025. — This improves local air quality and public health for residents. US EPA
- The City of Salina amended the Wilbur PDD in April 2026 to allow construction of a new office building on existing vacant lots. — This promotes new commercial development and potential job creation. Salina, KS Official Website
Concerns
- Salina City Commissioners set a mail-ballot election for February 24, 2026, to repeal the city's pit bull ban, following a validated petition. — The existence of a ban restricts pet ownership choices for residents. Ad Astra Radio
- A petition against possible property tax increases by both Saline County and Salina City Commissioners was started in April 2026. — This indicates public concern over potential increases in costs for residents. KSAL News
- The Salina City Commission approved a resolution in March 2026 to direct the City to complete demolition at 1616 West Crawford Street and recover costs from owners. — This imposes unconsented costs on property owners for demolition. Salina City Commission Meeting - YouTube
- The Salina City Commission approved a resolution in March 2026 to release a restrictive covenant requiring sprinklers in homes in the Overlook Estates Addition. — This removes a safety standard that could impact property values or insurance. Salina City Commission Meeting - YouTube
Bottom line: Salina is actively managing urban development and addressing public concerns, with a focus on healthcare expansion and air quality improvements.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Salina, KS
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Landlord Ground Truth
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Avg Home Value
$178,551
Avg Monthly Rent
$966
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (KS)
★★★★★
☀️
Warm Market
— Salina, KS metro
0
Days to pending
10.0%
Listings with price cuts
0.0%
Sale-to-list ratio
📅 Data as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Salina
3 Colleges
2,007 Students
213 Off-Campus Renters
ZIP Codes in Salina, KS
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Salina, KS
Should investors worry about vacancy in Salina, KS?
Salina, KS sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader KS rental market.
Are rents high in Salina, KS?
Rents in Salina, KS run near $966/mo. Compared with median home prices of $179K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What kind of tenants rent in Salina, KS?
Tenant quality in Salina, KS ranks as solid. Landlords generally report stable occupancy at market rents of $966/mo.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Salina, KS?
Typical homes in Salina, KS go for around $179K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% predictable price movement.
What approach is best for Salina, KS real estate?
The best-fit strategy in Salina, KS is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
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