Fort Leavenworth PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & CGSC Life

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Fort Leavenworth is the Army's historic "intellectual center" in Kansas, home to 5,500 soldiers and families. Best known for Command and General Staff College (CGSC), this is a unique "school house" assignment with low deployment tempo, strong schools, and a tight-knit military town vibe.

Key Numbers:

BAH vs. Rent: Comfortable fit (BAH covers rent with buffer)
Median 3BR Rent: $1,350/month (affordable Midwest pricing)
School Quality: Good (Leavenworth USD 7-8/10, on-post DoDEA 7/10)
Deployment Tempo: Low to None (CGSC students, staff, training support - predictable schedules)
Mission: Education (CGSC), training support, historic preservation

What This Guide Covers: Kansas housing realities, CGSC lifestyle, school options, and Leavenworth local intel.

Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

Official Name: Fort Leavenworth (established 1827, oldest active Army post west of Mississippi)
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas (35 miles northwest of Kansas City)
Size: 5,600 acres (compact, historic cantonment)
Population: 5,500 active duty + 7,000 family members
Branch: Army (U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Command and General Staff College)
Major Units: CGSC (majors pursuing master's degrees), Combined Arms Center, 1st Infantry Division (headquarters), USDB (military prison - separate facility)
Climate: Continental (hot summers 90°F, cold winters 20-30°F, four distinct seasons)
Nearest Major City: Kansas City, MO/KS (35 miles southeast, 40-minute drive)

Want real-time data? This guide provides static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

BAH Rates

BAH Rates for Fort Leavenworth

Official rates from DFAS (updated annually in our database)

Select Your Rank

BAH rates are updated annually by DFAS. Actual amount depends on your rank, dependency status, and duty station. These rates are tax-free and designed to cover average housing costs in your area.

Key Insight: BAH comfortably covers rent in Leavenworth and surrounding Kansas City metro. Median 3BR is $1,350/month, leaving $400-600 buffer for most ranks. On-base housing waitlist is 6-12 months, but off-post options are excellent (good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable). Most CGSC students live off-post.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier: Best Value + Quality

1. Lansing (North)

Median 3BR Rent: $1,400/month
Commute: 10 minutes to main gate (easy, light traffic)
Schools: Lansing USD 469 (8/10) - BEST OFF-POST OPTION, excellent academics, strong community
Pros: Best schools off-post (8/10), family-friendly, safe, affordable, Walmart/Target nearby
Cons: Small town feel (pop. 11,000), limited dining/nightlife
Best For: Families prioritizing schools, CGSC students with kids

2. Leavenworth (Historic District)

Median 3BR Rent: $1,300/month
Commute: 5 minutes to main gate
Schools: Leavenworth USD 453 (7/10) - solid academics, military-friendly
Pros: Walkable historic downtown, close to post, affordable, charming Victorian homes
Cons: Older housing stock, some areas aging, limited new construction
Best For: Families wanting small-town vibe, walkability, close commute

3. Platte City, MO (South)

Median 3BR Rent: $1,500/month
Commute: 20 minutes to main gate (I-29 corridor)
Schools: Platte County R-III (7/10) - good suburban schools
Pros: Newer homes, suburban amenities, close to Kansas City Airport, Park Hill/Platte County shopping
Cons: Missouri side (state income tax), longer commute, higher rent
Best For: Families wanting newer homes, Kansas City proximity

4. Basehor (West)

Median 3BR Rent: $1,350/month
Commute: 15 minutes to main gate
Schools: Basehor-Linwood USD 458 (7/10) - solid suburban schools
Pros: Newer subdivisions, family-friendly, growing community, affordable
Cons: Limited walkability, car-dependent, fewer amenities than Lansing
Best For: Families wanting new construction, suburban feel

Solid Options

5. Tonganoxie (Northwest)

Median 3BR Rent: $1,250/month
Commute: 20 minutes to main gate
Schools: Tonganoxie USD 464 (7/10) - small-town schools, tight-knit
Pros: Affordable, quiet, safe, small-town Kansas vibe
Cons: Rural, limited shopping/dining, car-dependent
Best For: Families wanting affordability, rural lifestyle

On-Base Housing

Fort Leavenworth Family Housing (Managed by Lendlease)

Waitlist: 6-12 months (moderate demand, many CGSC students live off-post)
Quality: 7/10 (historic homes renovated, well-maintained, charming)
Rent: Free (BAH goes to Army Housing)
Pros: Historic character (some homes from 1800s), on-post DoDEA school (7/10), community support, no commute, walkable cantonment
Cons: Long waitlist, older homes (quirks), strict historic preservation rules
Best For: Families wanting military community, no commute, historic living experience

Reality Check: Many CGSC students live off-post (better schools in Lansing, more space, newer homes). On-post is charming but waitlist is long. Apply immediately upon orders, but plan to live off-post initially.

Schools

Best Public Schools (Off-Post)

Elementary:

Lansing Elementary (USD 469) (8/10) - Best off-post option, excellent academics, strong parent involvement
Leavenworth USD Schools (7/10) - Solid, military-friendly, improving
Basehor-Linwood Elementary (USD 458) (7/10) - Good suburban schools

Middle:

Lansing Middle (USD 469) (8/10) - Strong academics, well-resourced
Leavenworth Middle (7/10) - Decent, military-friendly
Basehor-Linwood Middle (7/10) - Suburban, safe

High:

Lansing High School (USD 469) (8/10) - BEST OPTION, strong AP program, good sports, college prep
Leavenworth High School (7/10) - Solid academics, military-friendly, improving facilities
Basehor-Linwood High (7/10) - Suburban, good sports

On-Post Option (DoDEA)

Patton Junior High School (DoDEA, On-Post)

Rating: 7/10 (DoDEA quality, K-8 only)
Pros: Military-connected teachers, small class sizes, strong special ed, no commute
Cons: NO high school on-post (students go to Leavenworth High or off-post schools)

School Reality: Fort Leavenworth has solid school options. Lansing USD (8/10) is the best off-post choice - excellent academics, family-friendly, affordable. Leavenworth USD (7/10) is solid and military-friendly. On-post DoDEA school is good for K-8 but NO high school on-post. Most families with high schoolers choose Lansing or Leavenworth High.

Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 5% lower than national average — Affordable Midwest pricing

Housing: 15% lower — Median 3BR $1,350, newer construction $1,500-1,700

Groceries: Equal to national average — Walmart, Hy-Vee, Price Chopper

Utilities: 10% lower — Electric $100-150/month, gas heat $80-150 (winter)

Gas: Equal to national average — Kansas/Missouri pricing, short commutes

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

Rent (3BR off-post, Lansing): $1,400
Utilities (electric, gas, water): $200 (average)
Groceries: $900 (Hy-Vee, Walmart, commissary on-post)
Childcare: $800/month (if both spouses work)
Gas: $150 (short commutes, occasional KC trips)
Internet: $70 (Spectrum/Google Fiber in KC areas)
TOTAL: $3,520/month

But BAH covers $1,400 rent + $400-600 buffer = manageable.

BAH Coverage

Comfortable: BAH ($1,800-2,000 for E5) covers $1,350-1,500 rent with $300-650 buffer

Savings Potential: Moderate - Budget carefully and save $300-500/month

Kansas Tax Benefit: Low state income tax (3.1-5.7%), property taxes reasonable

Traffic & Commute

Average Commute: 10-20 minutes (light traffic, easy drives)
Best Routes: US-73, K-7, I-29 (all low traffic)
Rush Hour: 0730-0830, 1630-1730 (light by metro standards)
Kansas City Access: 35 miles, 40 minutes (easy weekend trips)

Pro Tip: Fort Leavenworth traffic is minimal. Most neighborhoods are 10-20 minutes from post. Kansas City is 40 minutes for big shopping/entertainment.

Commissary & Shopping

Fort Leavenworth Commissary (7/10) - Standard selection, competitive prices, most families use
Fort Leavenworth PX (6/10) - Basic needs, smaller than mega-PX
Lansing - Walmart Supercenter (5 minutes from post)
Kansas City Metro (40 minutes) - Costco, Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, massive shopping options

Reality: On-post commissary + Lansing Walmart handle daily needs. Kansas City (40 min) has everything else. Legends Outlets (shopping district) is 25 minutes from post.

Healthcare

Munson Army Health Center (On-post) - Primary care, pharmacy, specialty referrals
Tricare Options: Prime (free, on-base), Select (off-base network, many options in KC)
Civilian: University of Kansas Health System (30 min, Level I Trauma Center), Saint Luke's Hospital (40 min)

Pro Tip: Munson handles routine care. Kansas City has world-class civilian hospitals (KU Health, Saint Luke's, Children's Mercy) for complex cases. Tricare network is excellent in KC metro.

Weather Reality

Summer: 85-95°F (June-August), humid, thunderstorms
Winter: 20-35°F (December-February), snow (10-15 inches/year), ice storms occasional
Spring/Fall: Mild, pleasant (60-75°F), tornado season (April-June)
Challenges: Tornado warnings (have a plan), ice storms (slick roads), humidity in summer

Survival Tips:

Tornado preparedness (basement/interior room, weather radio)
Winter car kit (ice scraper, blanket, jumper cables)
A/C essential for summer humidity
Embrace four seasons (beautiful spring/fall, manageable winter)

What's It Like to Live at Fort Leavenworth?

Fort Leavenworth is the "school house" assignment. If you're CGSC (Command and General Staff College), you're a major pursuing a master's degree for 10 months - no deployments, predictable schedule, focus on academics. If you're permanent party (Combined Arms Center, CGSC staff, 1st ID HQ), you're supporting the education mission - low OPTEMPO, stable. Either way, Fort Leavenworth is a "quality of life" assignment.

CGSC Life: CGSC students (majors) are here for 10 months (August-June). It's intense academically (master's degree compressed), but deployment-free. Families love it - kids get a stable school year, spouses can work, and you're close to Kansas City for entertainment. CGSC camaraderie is strong - everyone's in the same boat (studying, balancing family, preparing for next assignment).

Quality of Life: Excellent. Fort Leavenworth is small (5,600 acres), walkable, and historic (oldest active Army post west of Mississippi). The cantonment is charming (brick buildings, tree-lined streets, historic officer homes). Kansas City is 40 minutes (professional sports, museums, dining, shopping). Leavenworth town is small but has character (historic downtown, Victorian homes, local breweries). It's not flashy, but it's comfortable and family-friendly.

Pros: No deployments (CGSC/staff), predictable schedule, excellent schools (Lansing 8/10, Leavenworth 7/10), affordable housing (BAH buffer), close to Kansas City (40 min), historic cantonment, tight-knit community, low crime, four seasons, family-friendly, strong MWR.

Cons: Small town (limited dining/nightlife on-post), hot humid summers, cold winters with ice storms, tornado season (April-June), CGSC is intense (10-hour days studying), no major deployments = fewer career progression opportunities for some, Missouri side has state income tax (Kansas doesn't).

Family Reality: Fort Leavenworth is EXCELLENT for families. Stable schools (CGSC students get full school year), safe neighborhoods, affordable, close to Kansas City for big-city amenities. Spouses can work (KC metro has jobs, on-post NAF positions available). Kids thrive here - safe communities, good schools, outdoor recreation (Lewis and Clark historic sites, lakes, parks). Most families love Fort Leavenworth assignments.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Overall: 5% lower vs. national average — Affordable Midwest.

Housing: 15% lower — Median 3BR $1,350 (Lansing/Leavenworth), newer homes $1,500-1,700.

Groceries: Equal to national average — Walmart, Hy-Vee, Price Chopper, commissary on-post.

Utilities: 10% lower — Electric $100-150/month, gas heat $80-150 (winter), water $50.

Transportation: Equal to national average — Gas prices, short commutes (10-20 min).

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids (Off-Post, Lansing):

Rent (3BR, Lansing): $1,400
Utilities (electric, gas, water): $200
Groceries: $900 (mix of commissary + Hy-Vee/Walmart)
Childcare: $800/month (if both spouses work, KC rates)
Gas: $150 (short commutes, KC trips)
Internet/Phone: $90 (Spectrum/Google Fiber)
Car Maintenance: $100
TOTAL: $3,640/month

But BAH covers $1,400 rent + $400-600 buffer = net $3,040-3,240 out-of-pocket.

Fort Leavenworth Financial Reality:

BAH (E-5 with deps): $1,800-2,000 (covers rent with buffer)
Kansas State Income Tax: 3.1-5.7% (low, but Missouri is 1.5-5.3% if you live Missouri side)
On-Post Savings: Live on-post = pocket BAH - $1,200/month expenses = save $600-800/month

Net Result: Moderate savings potential ($300-500/month) if disciplined. Fort Leavenworth is affordable - low cost of living + BAH buffer + stable assignment = good financial situation.

Savings Tips:

Use commissary (10-15% savings over civilian grocery)
Live in Kansas (avoid Missouri state income tax if possible)
Take advantage of free MWR activities (lakes, historic sites, parks)
Shop Kansas City Costco (bulk savings, 40 min drive)
Budget for tornado shelter improvements if renting (rebate programs available)

Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Fort Leavenworth is 40 minutes from Kansas City metro (pop. 2.3 million) - EXCELLENT job market. Kansas City has diverse economy: healthcare (KU Health, Saint Luke's, Children's Mercy), tech (Cerner, Garmin), finance (Hallmark Cards corporate), education, logistics. Unemployment rate: 3-4% (strong economy).

Top Employers for Military Spouses:

Kansas City Healthcare Systems - KU Health, Saint Luke's, Children's Mercy - nurses, admin, medical ($45-75K)
Cerner / Oracle Health - Healthcare IT, tech roles ($50-80K)
Hallmark Cards - Corporate, creative, marketing (Kansas City HQ, $40-65K)
Fort Leavenworth (NAF/Contractor) - Childcare, MWR, CGSC support ($35-50K)
Leavenworth/Lansing Schools - Teachers, paraprofessionals, admin ($35-55K)
Remote Work - Tech, customer service, admin (BEST FLEXIBILITY, $45-75K)

Remote Work: Excellent option. Google Fiber available in parts of Kansas City metro, Spectrum throughout. Remote work avoids commute and pays well.

Salary Range: $35-55K for local jobs, $45-75K for Kansas City jobs, $50-80K for tech/healthcare.

Military Spouse Preference: Applies to Fort Leavenworth NAF jobs (childcare, MWR, youth services, CGSC support).

Childcare Reality: Fort Leavenworth CDC has limited slots (waitlist 6-12 months). Kansas City metro has many off-post options ($800-1,000/month). Lansing and Leavenworth have local providers ($700-900/month).

Family Support:

Army Community Service (ACS) - Excellent (CGSC family programs, newcomer orientation, spouse employment assistance)
MWR Programs - Robust (outdoor rec, lakes, Kansas City trips, CGSC family events, youth sports)
Spouses' Club - Active (CGSC spouses especially, monthly meetings, support groups, social events)

Fort Leavenworth Family Life: Excellent. CGSC families get 10 months of stability (kids in same school year, spouse can work, predictable schedule). Permanent party families also enjoy low OPTEMPO and strong community. Kansas City (40 min) provides big-city amenities (Chiefs/Royals games, museums, shopping, dining). Leavenworth and Lansing are safe, family-friendly small towns. Outdoor recreation is excellent (Lewis and Clark historic sites, Weston Bend State Park, Smithville Lake, Kansas City parks). Most families rate Fort Leavenworth as a top assignment.

Pro Tip: Spouses should target Kansas City job market (40-min commute but excellent opportunities). Remote work is also excellent option with good internet. Fort Leavenworth NAF jobs are competitive but available.

Common Questions About Fort Leavenworth

Q: Is Fort Leavenworth a good duty station?

A: YES - Fort Leavenworth is consistently rated as one of the Army's best assignments. No deployments (CGSC students/staff), predictable schedule, excellent schools (Lansing 8/10, Leavenworth 7/10), affordable housing (BAH buffer), safe communities, close to Kansas City (40 min), historic installation, family-friendly. CGSC students (majors) get 10 months focused on education with deployment-free family time. Permanent party enjoy low OPTEMPO and stable career. Only con: small town feel (limited on-post entertainment), but Kansas City compensates.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base at Fort Leavenworth?

A: Off-base for most CGSC students and families with kids. Lansing (8/10 schools, $1,400/month, 10-min commute) is the best choice. Leavenworth Historic District (7/10 schools, $1,300/month, 5-min commute) is also solid. On-base is charming (historic homes, DoDEA K-8 school, walkable cantonment) but has 6-12 month waitlist and NO high school on-post. Apply for on-base immediately, but plan to live off-post initially.

Q: What's CGSC life like?

A: Intense but rewarding. CGSC (Command and General Staff College) is a 10-month master's degree program for majors (August-June). Academics are rigorous (10-hour days studying, thesis, group projects), but deployment-free. Families love it - kids get stable school year, spouse can work, weekends free for family time. CGSC camaraderie is strong - everyone's balancing academics, family, and career prep. Housing is usually off-post (better schools, more space). It's a "quality of life" assignment - focus on education, professional development, and family stability.

Q: Are schools good at Fort Leavenworth?

A: YES - Fort Leavenworth has solid school options. Lansing USD (8/10) is the BEST off-post choice - excellent academics, strong community, family-friendly. Leavenworth USD (7/10) is solid and military-friendly. On-post DoDEA (K-8, 7/10) is good but NO high school on-post. Most families with high schoolers choose Lansing or Leavenworth High. Schools are a major Fort Leavenworth strength.

Q: Is Fort Leavenworth near Kansas City?

A: Yes - 35 miles (40 minutes). Kansas City metro (pop. 2.3 million) provides big-city amenities: Chiefs/Royals games, museums (Nelson-Atkins, National WWI Museum), Power & Light District (entertainment), Plaza (shopping), Legends Outlets, restaurants, Costco/Target. Many families drive to KC on weekends for entertainment and shopping. Fort Leavenworth is close enough to enjoy KC but far enough to avoid traffic/expense.

Q: What's the deployment tempo like?

A: LOW to NONE. CGSC students (majors) DON'T DEPLOY during 10-month program (August-June). Permanent party (Combined Arms Center staff, CGSC instructors, 1st ID HQ) have low OPTEMPO - supporting education mission, not operational deployments. Fort Leavenworth is a "school house" assignment - focus on education, professional development, and family stability. If you want deployment-free time to focus on family and education, Fort Leavenworth is ideal.

Q: Is Fort Leavenworth affordable?

A: YES - Fort Leavenworth is affordable. Median 3BR rent is $1,350/month (Lansing/Leavenworth), and BAH is $1,800-2,000 for E5 = $400-650 buffer. Cost of living is 5% BELOW national average (Midwest pricing). Kansas state income tax is low (3.1-5.7%). Groceries, utilities, and gas are reasonable. Most families save $300-500/month if budgeting carefully. Fort Leavenworth offers good financial stability.

Q: What's spouse employment like?

A: Excellent. Kansas City metro (40 min) has diverse job market: healthcare (KU Health, Saint Luke's, Children's Mercy), tech (Cerner, Garmin), finance, education, logistics. Salaries $45-75K for most roles. Remote work is also excellent (Google Fiber/Spectrum available). On-post NAF jobs ($35-50K) exist but are competitive. Unemployment rate is 3-4%. Spouse employment is a Fort Leavenworth strength - close enough to major metro for opportunities, but affordable housing keeps costs low.

Next Steps

Planning Your PCS?

Calculate Your Entitlements - PCS Copilot → generates your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and finance-office-ready documentation.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

Explore Fort Leavenworth Data - Base Navigator → (Premium) - Live housing prices, school ratings, and interactive maps
Get Your Questions Answered - Ask Military Expert → (Premium) - RAG-powered AI with 6,539 embeddings of official military regulations and real community insights
Audit Your LES - LES Auditor → (Premium) - Verify your BAH and special pays match official 2025 rates

Essential Reading

CGSC Guide - Command and General Staff College preparation and expectations
Kansas City Military Guide - Maximize KC metro for military families

Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
Fort Leavenworth Official Site - Installation information and resources
Command and General Staff College - CGSC academic information

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Fort Leavenworth PCS Guide - Kansas Housing & CGSC Life