Quality of Life / Economic Development for the City of Parsons

From longtime, multi-generational families to newcomers looking to make a home, Parsons, Kansas, brings together the best of midwestern life providing the type of amenities and events that attract new residents, as well as visitors from around the state and country.

Established in 1871, Parsons is named after Levi Parsons, president of the Missouri-Kansas Railroad…or as the locals called it, The Katy. Though no longer a bustling railroad hub, Parsons continues to honor its iron horse past and looks forward to a future full of promise.

Cost of Living

One of the attractions of making a home in Parsons is the cost of living, which is over 40% lower than the U.S. average. (Salary.com)

The median sale price of a home in Parsons is $69,954, while the average Kansas home is $194,100 and the national average of $338,100. Apartment dwellings are also less expensive with a 2-bedroom unit running $700 per month in Parsons and the state average is $970 and the national average is $1,430.

Housing Costs

$70K

Parsons Homes Median Sale Price

Average home prices in Kansas average $194,100

$700/mo

Average Monthly Rental Price

Compared to $970/mo state average

Cost of Living

Compared to the national average, Parsons comes in lower in most other expense categories, including groceries, energy, healthcare, and transportation (Salary.com).

Energy: 14.3% Lower

Food: 25.1% Lower

Healthcare: 29.3% lower

Housing: 40.4% Lower

Transportation: 17.6% Lower

Education

For grades K-12, Parsons USD 503 serves most of the city of Parsons, while Labette County USD 506 serves the southern and western parts of the city. Parsons is also home to St. Patrick Catholic school (PreK-8). For post-secondary education close to home, students can enroll at Labette Community College, which offers the Welding Training Program in addition to other regional community colleges, four-year universities include Pittsburg State University, Newman University and Ozark Christian College.

Health

In Parsons, Labette Health is an award-winning, 99-bed medical facility providing acute intensive and inpatient rehabilitation services. Other nearby facilities include Girard Medical Center (Girard, KS), Wilson Medical Center (Neodesha, KS), Mercy Specialty Hospital Southeast Kansas (Galena, KS) and Mercy Hospital Joplin (Joplin, MO).

Parsons State Hospital and Training Center is a residential treatment, training and care facility operated by the State of Kansas to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities.

An Active Lifestyle

Parsons provides diverse recreational and active lifestyle opportunities with multiple parks and facilities for hiking, camping, boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking. Other sports and fun activities include football, tennis, pickleball, baseball and softball. The area also has community centers, equine trails for riding, a nine-hole golf course, a splash pad and dog park. For a complete list of facilities: https://www.parsonsks.com/facilities-and-parks

Lake Life

Parsons is fortunate to have two scenic and popular lakes in the region that include Big Hill Lake and Lake Parsons. Both lakes provide a vast array of activities from fishing and hiking to swimming and picnicking. There are also many places to pitch a tent for the night.

Arts & Culture

Enriching the lives of our community are museums, galleries, concerts and family friendly activities.

Parsons Historical Society & Museum Complex features the main historical museum, the Iron Horse Museum, a rail yard and the Katy/UP Lookout Park.
Carnegie Arts Center (Fine Arts)
Hendershot Gallery (Labette Community College)
LLC Art Collection (Labette Community College)
The Parsons Arboretum
Curious Minds Discovery Zone
PK Bowl (Family Entertainment Center)

Eventful Times

To celebrate its proud railroad heritage and town history, Parsons holds its annual Katy Days Festival. The railroad themed festival is held on Memorial Day Weekend to mark the arrival of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad back in 1870 to the town that would become Parsons. A full slate of activities include a parade, games and crafts, along with food, fun and entertainment.

Music fills the air each spring and summer as Music in the Park, a free concert series, brings the community together in song Thursday evenings in the Seaton Family Pavilion in Forest Park.

You’ll find the luck of the Irish in Parsons every March as the only St. Patrick’s Day Parade in southeast Kansas marches through town, along with a celebration that includes a best-dressed contest for lads and lassies, food, fun and toe-tapping music.

Shopping Experience

Stroll along our historic downtown as you shop specialty stores along Main Street, enjoy classic architecture & discover vintage heirlooms, women’s wear, treasured gifts and locally made tasty treats.

Dining Delights

Anyone with an appetite for good food will want to grab a bite in Parsons. There is something to tempt every taste bud, from hometown favorites to fine dining for date night or that special occasion.