Topeka Homes Guide

Economy

From its very beginning Topeka has been a trade and commerce center due to its position on the Kansas River, its central location, its agricultural production, and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. The entrepreneur spirit and strong work ethic of the early settlers is still instilled in the people of Topeka. Today the Topeka and Shawnee County area is an important workplace that attracts employees from all over. The exceptional state government and both the many public and private employers have worked together to provide a strong and stable employment environment. The Topeka civilian labor work force employs over 124,000 people, which is at least 2,000 more than their population. In fact, there are more than 17,000 people who work in Topeka that do not live in the city. Some of the main employers in Topeka include the State of Kansas (8,728 employees), Stormont-Vail Health Care (3,056 employees), and Topeka USD (2,300 employees). Others are Blue-Cross Blue-Shield, St. Francis Health Center, United States government, Washburn University, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, all of which have over 1,000 employees. In the Topeka region there are several big manufacturers and a very large amount of farming, but the employment in the area is undoubtedly dominated by government, service, and health care industries.

Distribution centers are beginning to make their rise in the Topeka economy. In fact, Target is planning to make Topeka the site for its new manufacturing and distribution center. Payless Shoe Source and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company both have their manufacturing and distribution centers located in Topeka, and both have over 1,500 people employed.

Economy in Topeka has come a long way. While Topeka always was a trade and commercial center due to its location, the things it produces have come from corn and agriculture to the major manufacturing and business center it is today.