Winfield Reports Lower Cost of Living Than Regional Peers

WINFIELD, Kan. — Winfield residents enjoy lower household costs than those in comparable cities across the region, according to a recent cost of living analysis released by the city.

The comparison examined typical household expenses including utilities and property taxes. Officials say the city's municipal ownership of electric and natural gas utilities drives much of the affordability advantage.

Because Winfield operates its own utilities rather than relying on private providers, residents pay consistently lower rates for electricity and natural gas. The analysis accounted for costs from Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when an extreme cold snap strained energy systems across the central United States.

"Local control allows the City to prioritize reliability, long-term stability, and affordability for customers rather than profit," according to a city statement.

Beyond utility savings, Winfield maintains the lowest property tax burden among cities in the comparison, with the exception of Wichita, which benefits from a much larger tax base.

City officials said the approach reflects deliberate budget management aimed at limiting reliance on property taxes while maintaining essential services and infrastructure.

"Keeping Winfield affordable is a deliberate and ongoing priority," city officials said. "By operating our own utilities and carefully managing property taxes, we are able to reduce the financial burden on residents while continuing to invest in the community."

The findings reinforce Winfield's positioning as a community offering high-quality municipal services at a lower cost for families and businesses.

The city did not specify which communities were included in the comparison or provide detailed cost figures.