c.1942 Five Bedroom Affordable Kansas Home $59,900

27 Willow Dr, Parsons, KS 67357   $59,900

• Contact Realtor: Amber Gregory
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros

• Very Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

• Cost of living runs about 25–33% below national average and roughly 20% below the Kansas state average.

• Median home value is around $59K–66K, over 70% below the U.S. median; rent averages $677–700/month

• Moderate Unemployment, But High Poverty

• Unemployment (~3.3–3.4%) is below the national average (~5–6%)

• However, poverty impacts approximately 20% of residents, well above the national norm (~14%)

• Accessible Commutes & Walkability

• Average commute is about 10–11 minutes, among the shortest seen in the region, and downtown areas are considered walkable

• Low Housing Cost with Community Stability

• Owner‑occupancy rate around 66–68%, indicating a stable residential base

• Community scores well as “family‑friendly” and secure.

• Parks, Green Spaces & Outdoor Recreation

• Parsons boasts several parks, including the Parsons Arboretum and proximity to Lake Parsons for fishing, boating, and outdoor time

• Cultural Events & Community Festivals

• Hosts the annual Katy Days Festival—a popular railroad-themed event drawing the community together each Memorial Day Weekend

Cons

• Elevated Crime Rates

• Crime levels (both violent and property) are above Kansas and national averages, placing the chance of being a victim at about 1 in 20 per year

• Low Educational Outcomes

• Public school proficiency rates are low—around 29% math and 33% reading—well below state/national standards

• Niche grades the local schools as low (C–) despite community schools earning a B overall

• Limited Job Opportunities & Low Income Levels

• Median household income ($41K–$50K) and per capita income ($24K–$28K) fall significantly below national averages

• Employment mainly in blue‑collar sectors; higher-wage or specialized jobs are scarce

• Sparse Amenities & Transit Limitations

• Retail, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural venues are limited. Many essentials require a short drive. Public transit usage is effectively zero

• Demographics & Social Climate

• Moderate diversity (e.g. ~8% Black, ~7% Hispanic/Latino), but overall the area leans conservative

• Community norms can be traditional, close-knit, and slow to integrate newcomers, according to Reddit users

• Weather Risks & Seasonal Extremes

• East Kansas experiences strong seasonal swings—hot, humid summers; cold winters; and occasional severe thunderstorms or tornado threats