Founded: 1868 (incorporated, 1871)
Head Official: Mayor Carlos Mayans (since 2003)
City Population
1980: 279,838
1990: 304,017
2000: 344,284
2003 estimate: 354,617
Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.2%
U.S. rank in 1980: 51st
U.S. rank in 1990: 51st (State rank: 1st)
U.S. rank in 2000: 59th (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 442,000
1990: 485,270
2000: 545,220
Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.4%
U.S. rank in 1980: 75th
U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported
U.S. rank in 2000: 77th
Area: 138.93 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 1,300 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 56.4° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 14.48 inches of rain, 15.9 inches of snow
Major Economic Sectors: Services, manufacturing, trade
Unemployment Rate: 6.3% (February 2005)
Per Capita Income: $20,647 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 24,104
Major Colleges and Universities: Wichita State University; Friends University; Newman University; University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita
Daily Newspaper: Wichita Eagle