Economic Development

Quality - Growth - Development

Economic development is necessary for a healthy community, making it more affordable and adding to its character. The City of Maize is open to discussing economic opportunities to retail, commercial, and industrial entities that are looking to locate in a rapidly growing and underserved (from a retail perspective) community. Maize economic goals include attracting new businesses and assisting existing businesses to grow. The City of Maize will work hand in hand with developers and business owners to make a project successful.

"Where Community Counts."

Growth is vital to the economic survival of any community. Maize is a unique, progressive city enjoying metropolitan status with a suburban feel. We are a civic-minded community with numerous citizens who volunteer their time for an array of activities. Our city officials and city staff continue to strengthen the value of teamwork and civic loyalty, ensuring our community is a secure environment in which to live, work and play. High quality modern schools, low crime rates, and easy access to the entire metro area makes Maize a unique place to live. Maize, "Where Community Counts."

Location

The City of Maize is located on the Northwest side of the City of Wichita, the largest city in South-Central Kansas. The population within 15 miles of the Maize city center is 427,544 as of 2024. Maize is located on K-96 Highway, a modern 4-lane interstate style divided roadway that sees over 27,000 commuters passing its highway exit ramps each day. Commuters travel in and out of Wichita using K-96 to reach points across central and western Kansas. Being so conveniently located enables Maize citizens to take advantage of the wide range of employment opportunities available throughout the metro area and beyond.

Population

With a population of 6,997, Maize continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the State of Kansas. According to April 2024 data, Maize grew at a rate of 7.7% annually between 2023 and 2024. The community population has grown from 5852 at the time of the 2020 census to 6,997, an increase of 1,145 new residents. This equates to a 4.42% growth rate year over average for the past 4 years. Current Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) estimates show Maize eclipsing 10,000 residents by 2030. Spanning over 10 miles, the Maize population density has increased to 714 people per square mile. The average household income in Maize has grown to $121,200 with a poverty rate of 12.11%. The median age in Maize is 44.1 years of age.

School System

Maize boasts having some of the finest schools and teachers in the state. In partnership with our community is "Maize USD 266, which is noted for being progressive and innovative, while at the same time providing a personal, caring atmosphere. The schools stand at the heart of community life in Maize. This suburban school district, which houses more than 7,862 students in eight buildings, is the 12th largest school district in the state." The Maize school system, which serves a large geographic area that includes much of Northwest Wichita, now boasts of two high schools, two middle schools, 2 intermediate schools, and five elementary schools.

Industrial Commitment

With the modern K-96 highway and the Kansas and Oklahoma Class 3 Railroad cutting through the community, Maize is a great location for industrial facilities that require ease of access to markets across the region and the country. Commercial truck traffic has quick access to Interstate 135, US-54, and US-50 Highways. The Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad serves our growing industrial park, interchanging rail traffic with 2 major Class 1 railroads in the Wichita area. Current industrial partners include Aero-Tech Engineering, Bayer Crop Science, Cox Air Parts, Evans Building Corporation, Kyodo Yushi USA, Reiloy USA, Shuttle Aerospace and Worthington Industries. In addition, Vollrath Industries resides in the City of Maize.

In 2024, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, a native corporation of Charlotte, North Carolina that is one of the largest manufacturers of both cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings announced the construction of its 8th manufacturing facility in the United States to be constructed in the Maize Industrial Park. This location when open in early 2025 will provide additional capacity for Charlotte and be the primary provider of plastic pipe for this company in the Midwest. Charlotte chose Maize due to ample green field for building a new facility, ease of access to the highway system, and rail service for delivery of raw materials.