Military Retirement in Kansas
Complete 2026 Tax Guide for Veterans
100% Tax-Free Military Retirement
Full exemption - Home of Fort Riley & Leavenworth!
Quick Facts: Kansas for Military Retirees
Kansas Military Retirement Tax Overview
Kansas is one of the most military-friendly states in America. With major Army installations and 100% military retirement tax exemption, Kansas combines a strong military community with excellent tax benefits. The exemption is claimed on Schedule S of your Kansas tax return.
| Income Type | Tax Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military Retirement Pay | 100% Exempt | Claim on Schedule S, Form K-40 |
| VA Disability Compensation | Tax-Free | Protected by federal law |
| Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) | Tax-Free | Included in military exemption |
| Social Security | Exempt (AGI < $75K) | Exempt if federal AGI under $75,000 |
| Federal Civilian Retirement | 100% Exempt | All federal pensions exempt |
| Civilian Employment | 3.1% - 5.7% | Graduated rates |
Military Installations in Kansas
Kansas has one of the strongest military presences in the Midwest, with major Army installations and an Air Force base.
Fort Riley
Junction City / Manhattan area
- • Home of the 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One")
- • 100,000+ acres - one of largest Army posts
- • 15,000+ military personnel
- • Full base services (commissary, PX, hospital)
- • Irwin Army Community Hospital
- • Strong military community
Fort Leavenworth
Leavenworth (Kansas City area)
- • "Intellectual Center of the Army"
- • Command and General Staff College (CGSC)
- • Combined Arms Center
- • U.S. Disciplinary Barracks
- • Munson Army Health Center
- • Historic frontier post (est. 1827)
McConnell Air Force Base
Wichita
- • 22nd Air Refueling Wing
- • KC-135 Stratotanker / KC-46 Pegasus
- • 931st Air Refueling Wing (Reserve)
- • 184th Intelligence Wing (ANG)
- • Full base services
Forbes Field ANG
Topeka
- • 190th Air Refueling Wing
- • Kansas Air National Guard
- • KC-135 operations
- • Guard/Reserve opportunities
Cost of Living in Kansas
Kansas offers affordable living throughout the state, with military towns like Junction City and Manhattan providing excellent value near Fort Riley.
| Category | Kansas | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 88 (12% below) | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $200,000 | $420,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.41% | 1.07% |
| Groceries | 5% Below Average | 100 |
Best Kansas Cities for Military Retirees
Junction City / Manhattan
Adjacent to Fort Riley
- • Immediate access to Fort Riley services
- • Very strong military community
- • Kansas State University (Manhattan)
- • Affordable housing market
- • Irwin Army Community Hospital
Leavenworth / Kansas City Area
Fort Leavenworth area
- • Access to KC metro amenities
- • Historic military community
- • Kansas City VA Medical Center nearby
- • Good job market in metro area
- • Johnson County (Overland Park, Olathe) suburbs
Wichita
McConnell AFB
- • Largest city in Kansas
- • Aviation industry hub (Spirit, Textron)
- • Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center
- • Affordable housing
- • Good cultural amenities
Topeka
Forbes Field ANG, State Capital
- • State capital with government jobs
- • VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare - Topeka
- • Very affordable cost of living
- • Guard opportunities at Forbes Field
VA Healthcare in Kansas
VA Medical Centers
- Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center - Wichita (full service)
- VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System - Topeka & Leavenworth campuses
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics
- • Chanute
- • Dodge City
- • Emporia
- • Fort Scott
- • Hays
- • Holton
- • Junction City
- • Liberal
- • Paola
- • Parsons
- • Salina
Note: Fort Riley has Irwin Army Community Hospital and Fort Leavenworth has Munson Army Health Center. Retirees may access these facilities based on space-available basis.
Pros & Cons of Retiring in Kansas
Pros
- ✓ 100% military retirement tax exemption
- ✓ Federal pensions also exempt
- ✓ Major Army installations with full services
- ✓ Strong military communities
- ✓ Cost of living 12% below average
- ✓ Affordable housing ($200K median)
- ✓ Good VA healthcare coverage
- ✓ Central location for travel
Cons
- ✗ Social Security taxable if AGI > $75K
- ✗ Property taxes above average (1.41%)
- ✗ Tornado Alley - severe weather risk
- ✗ Hot summers, cold winters
- ✗ Limited major metro areas
- ✗ Rural areas have limited amenities
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kansas tax military retirement pay?
No. Kansas exempts 100% of military retirement pay from state income tax. You claim this exemption on Schedule S of Form K-40 when filing your Kansas tax return.
Is Kansas a good state for military retirees?
Yes. Kansas offers 100% military retirement exemption, major military installations (Fort Riley, Leavenworth, McConnell AFB), affordable living, and strong military communities. It's excellent for retirees who want to stay connected to military life.
Can military retirees use Fort Riley or Leavenworth facilities?
Yes. Military retirees with valid ID can use commissary, exchange, MWR facilities, and may access medical care on a space-available basis. Kansas has some of the best base access in the Midwest.
Calculate Your Kansas Military Retirement
See how much you'll save with Kansas's 100% military retirement tax exemption
Try the Free Calculator