Is McPherson, KS a good place to live? For a city of about 14,000, it makes a strong case. Size alone isn’t indicative of the quality of a community. Employment opportunities, cultural events, cost of living, and other factors should also influence how you rate places to live.  

More than 50 manufacturers operate in McPherson County. The low electrical costs in the area have attracted major facilities, including a Pfizer plant and a CHS oil refinery. Additionally, rent is well below the national average, and the typical commute is only about 11 minutes. If you're weighing a move, here's a look at the cost of living, jobs in McPherson, KS, the weather, and some honest pros and cons to help you make the best possible decision.  

Where Is McPherson, KS? 

McPherson is in central Kansas, where I-135 meets US-56. It's the county seat of McPherson County, a mostly rural county of about 30,000 people. McPherson is home to almost half of the population in the county.  

Wichita is about 55 miles south, Salina is about 35 miles north, and Hutchinson is a 35-minute drive to the southwest. McPherson College and Central Christian College are both based in town. McPherson College runs the country's only four-year degree in automotive restoration, which explains the impressive array of well-maintained vintage cars around town. Lindsborg, better known as Little Sweden, is 20 minutes up the road.

Cost of Living in McPherson, KS 

The overall cost of living in McPherson runs 10 to 20 percent below the national average depending on the index, and housing is the main reason. Median home values fall in the $185,000 to $215,000 range, well over $100,000 less than the typical American home. Renters can expect one-bedrooms to run $650 to $950, two-bedrooms between $750 and $1,200, and three-bedrooms start around $1,250.  

The city runs its own electric utility, the McPherson Board of Public Utilities, with some of the lowest power rates in Kansas, so bills stay low even in summer. Median household income is around $77,500, which stretches a long way at these prices. 

Jobs in McPherson, KS and the City's Main Industries 

Jobs in McPherson, KS lean heavily toward manufacturing. Major local manufacturers employ about 36% of the local workforce at plants run by Johns Manville, CertainTeed, Westlake Pipe & Fittings, Central Plastics, and Viega.  

Pfizer is the biggest name with a local presence. Their nearby plant makes sterile injectable medicines and employs more than 1,500 people. Outside the factories, McPherson Center for Health, the public schools, the two colleges, and local government are the main employers. Unemployment stays low, close to 2 percent. 

McPherson Weather 

McPherson gets all four seasons, with July highs in the low 90s and January lows around 20 degrees. Winters are cold but short, with only about 15 inches of snow a year, mostly between December and February.  

The town also averages about 224 sunny days a year, well above the national average of 205, so even winter brings plenty of blue sky and chances to soak up some Vitamin D. This is still central Kansas, so spring brings the risk of severe storms, with tornado season running from April into June. There is infrastructure in place to protect residents from inclement weather, including sirens and special inclement weather training for first responders.  

Things to Do in McPherson, KS 

Activities in McPherson center on Main Street, the parks, and a packed community event calendar. The McPherson Opera House, built in 1888 and fully restored, seats about 500 and hosts concerts, plays, and community theatre year-round. The blocks around it hold antique shops, a bookstore, a doughnut shop, and several historic murals.  

The McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation on East Kansas Avenue holds more than 25,000 pieces and highlights the town's claim to the first synthetic diamond, made at McPherson College in the 1920s. Lakeside Park covers 46 acres with fishing, disc golf, and summer movies. The water park next door has a 500-foot lazy river, and Turkey Creek Golf Course has 18 holes on the edge of town. The town's signature event is All Schools Day, a weeklong celebration dating back to 1914 with a carnival, a parade down Main Street that draws close to 40,000 people, and fireworks. In September, the McPherson Festival of Cultures takes over Lakeside Park with Highland games, live music, and food, a nod to its Scottish roots. 

Pros and Cons of Living in McPherson 

Every place has its trade-offs, so here's a straight look at both sides. There are plenty of reasons to consider a move to McPherson or to stay here if you’ve thought of moving elsewhere.  

Pros 

• Affordability: Housing runs well below the national average, and the city-owned power company keeps utility bills low. 
• Steady job market: Between 50-plus manufacturers, a Pfizer plant, and a refinery, work is easier to find here than in most towns this size. 
• Close to Wichita: A bigger city's airport, arena, and restaurants are about an hour south when you want them. 

Of course, there are challenges to living in a smaller town. You need to consider the drawbacks as well as the benefits.  

Cons 

• Narrow job options in some fields: Work outside manufacturing, healthcare, and education is limited, so you may be looking at remote work or a commute. 
• Limited nightlife and dining: The bar and restaurant scene is small, and seeking more variety means a trip to Wichita.  

Depending on your priorities and needs, living in a small city can be a great idea, or it may come with challenges.  

Find Your Home in McPherson 

If McPherson sounds like the right fit for you, check out Northridge Crossing Apartments and Townhomes, a pet-friendly community of 68 homes. Our community is just five minutes west of I-135 near Dillons, Walmart, and Tractor Supply.  

Choose from 2-bedroom townhomes or 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments in McPherson, KS, with central heat and air, washer and dryer connections, dishwashers, and window treatments already in place, plus an on-site playground, a barbecue/picnic area, and 24-hour emergency maintenance. Schedule a tour today and see the space for yourself.