By Grant Glasgow, SIOR, NAI Martens The industrial real estate market across the Wichita metropolitan statistical area (MSA) closed out 2025 with stable fundamentals, a healthy pipeline of projects and strong demand for large-format logistics and manufacturing space. Despite a modest increase in overall vacancy, the market continues to reflect the region’s strategic position as a logistics and manufacturing hub with lasting appeal to both regional users and national firms. Metrics point to equilibrium As of the fourth quarter of 2025, Wichita’s multi-tenant industrial inventory totaled approximately 43.6 million square feet across more than 1,300 buildings. The overall vacancy rate stood at 9 percent, a tick higher than the mid-year figure. While this figure might suggest slack in the market, it is important to note that the rise in vacancy is primarily due to smaller-bay space turning over and the inclusion of buildings actively being marketed but not yet move-in ready, such as the Wichita Business Park redevelopment at the former Towne West Square Mall. For context, the vacancy rate for larger industrial buildings — those over 100,000 square feet — was just 2.8 percent, highlighting a persistent shortage of modern bulk space. Asking rents averaged $6.07 per square foot …
