Kansas City, Missouri sits at 310 meters (1,017 ft) above sea level at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. The city's terrain is hilly, with dramatic bluffs along both rivers and rolling ridgelines throughout the metro.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Lowest point (Missouri River) | 215 m |
|---|---|
| Highest point | 380 m |
| Coordinates | 39.0997° N, 94.5786° W |
| Country / Region | Missouri, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown / River Market | 215–260 m |
| Country Club Plaza | 295–325 m |
| Westport | 280–310 m |
| Brookside / Waldo | 300–330 m |
| Overland Park (KS side) | 315–360 m |
| North Kansas City | 230–270 m |
Compare: Kansas City and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | 141 m |
| Omaha, NE | 330 m |
| Wichita, KS | 402 m |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 368 m |
Interesting Facts About Kansas City's Elevation
- Kansas City sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, historically making it a critical hub for westward expansion.
- The city is famous for its barbecue, jazz heritage, and its unique position straddling two states (Missouri and Kansas).
- Swope Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, rises to 330 m on KC's south side.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Kansas City
What is the elevation of Kansas City?
Kansas City sits at approximately 310 metres (1,017 feet) above sea level. River-level areas near the Missouri River are around 215 m.
Is Kansas City hilly?
Yes, Kansas City is surprisingly hilly for a Midwestern city. River bluffs, kettle lakes, and rolling ridgelines give Kansas City more topographic variety than most Great Plains cities.
Which Kansas City is bigger – Missouri or Kansas?
Kansas City, Missouri is larger with about 500,000 residents in the city proper. The name can be confusing as both a Missouri city and a Kansas city (Kansas City, KS) share the name.