Pros and Cons of Living in McPherson

McPherson's core trade-off pairs a genuinely stable industrial anchor and small-college presence against housing costs closer to national benchmarks and an elevated relative crime rate.

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Pro: a genuinely major, stable industrial anchor

The CHS McPherson Refinery has operated continuously since 1931, now running approximately 100,000 barrels per day under CHS Inc., a real, stable employer base for the city.

Pro: a real small-college presence

McPherson College, chartered 1887, gives the city a real, distinctive higher-education identity, notable nationally for its automotive-restoration program.

Con: housing runs closer to national benchmarks

Zillow's average home value ran approximately $220,766 (May 2026), with a real, disclosed spread up to $264,000 -- notably higher than several other Kansas Tier B markets, without the same clear affordability edge.

Con: a real, elevated relative crime rate and gradual population decline

McPherson's crime rate runs higher than approximately 79% of Kansas communities per NeighborhoodScout, and its population has declined modestly since the 2020 census peak -- both real, disclosed trade-offs this record does not soften.

Key takeaways

Pro: a genuinely major, stable industrial anchor in the CHS McPherson Refinery (~100,000 bbl/day since 1931).
Pro: a real small-college presence at McPherson College, notable for its automotive-restoration program.
Con: housing (~$220,766-$264,000) runs closer to national benchmarks than several other Kansas Tier B markets.
Con: an elevated relative crime rate (higher than 79% of Kansas cities) and a real, modest population decline.

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.