text:
Kinsley, Kansas

Kinsley is a city in and the county seat of Edwards County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,456. It is located along Highway 50.

History
Kinsley was originally called Petersburg, and under the latter name laid out in 1873. It was later renamed Peter's City, and finally the name Kinsley was adopted honoring E.W. Kinsley, a capitalist from Boston.

The first post office in Kinsley was established under the name Peters in April 1873. The post office was renamed Kinsley in January, 1874.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.29 sqmi, all of it land.

Kinsley is approximately 35 mi east of Dodge City.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Kinsley has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Area attractions
https://www.edwardscountymuseum.com/
 * Edwards County Historical Sod House and Museum
 * Carnival Heritage Center & Museum, 200 E 6th.
 * Half Way Sign. The sign says the distances to San Francisco and New York City are identical at 1561 mi.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 1,456 people, 660 households, and 378 families in Kinsley. The population density was 1,123.5 per square mile (433.8/km$2$). There were 813 housing units at an average density of 627.3 per square mile (242.2/km$2$). The racial makeup was 83.38% (1,214) white or European American (75.96% non-Hispanic white), 0.76% (11) black or African-American, 0.41% (6) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.07% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 5.98% (87) from other races, and 9.41% (137) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 19.09% (278) of the population.

Of the 660 households, 26.5% had children under the age of 18; 42.9% were married couples living together; 29.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.3% of households consisted of individuals and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.7. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 14.5% of the population.

22.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 20.6% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 112.8 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $49,158 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,023) and the median family income was $54,656 (+/- $12,421). Males had a median income of $34,861 (+/- $8,195) versus $31,750 (+/- $9,882) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $33,047 (+/- $3,912). Approximately, 9.9% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under the age of 18 and 13.1% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,457 people, 654 households, and 384 families residing in the city. The population density was 1129.5 PD/sqmi. There were 813 housing units at an average density of 630.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.1% White, 0.8% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 3.4% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.7% of the population.

There were 654 households, of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.3% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 44.5 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 28.7% were from 45 to 64; and 20.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,658 people, 757 households, and 433 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,278.5 PD/sqmi. There were 894 housing units at an average density of 689.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.63% White, 0.48% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 3.32% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.48% of the population.

There were 757 households, out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.8% were non-families. 39.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,791, and the median income for a family was $37,961. Males had a median income of $28,063 versus $19,079 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,219. About 6.6% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Kinsley–Offerle USD 347 public school district.

Transportation
U.S. Route 50 passes through Kinsley.

Notable people

 * Madge Blake, (1899–1969), actress (Batman)
 * Kyle Burkhart, former NFL/CFL offensive lineman
 * Freedy Johnston, singer/songwriter
 * Peter Mehringer, men's freestyle wrestling gold medal at 1932 Summer Olympics.
 * Earl Winfield Spencer Jr., first commanding officer of Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, and first husband of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor

title: Kinsley, Kansas


text:
Lewis, Kansas

Lewis is a city in Edwards County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 400. It is located along Highway 50.

History
Lewis was founded about 1885. It was named for journalist M.M. Lewis.

The first post office in Lewis was established in November, 1886.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.33 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 400 people, 175 households, and 123 families in Lewis. The population density was 1,269.8 per square mile (490.3/km$2$). There were 199 housing units at an average density of 631.7 per square mile (243.9/km$2$). The racial makeup was 74.25% (297) white or European American (53.5% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 1.0% (4) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 15.75% (63) from other races, and 9.0% (36) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 43.75% (175) of the population.

Of the 175 households, 31.4% had children under the age of 18; 58.3% were married couples living together; 20.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 28.0% of households consisted of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.6. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 9.5% of the population.

23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 94.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $43,750 (with a margin of error of +/- $8,913) and the median family income was $80,341 (+/- $18,027). Males had a median income of $31,875 (+/- $9,777) versus $26,406 (+/- $7,311) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $29,432 (+/- $4,480). Approximately, 10.7% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.8% of those under the age of 18 and 17.1% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 451 people, 183 households, and 127 families residing in the city. The population density was 1366.7 PD/sqmi. There were 221 housing units at an average density of 669.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 73.4% White, 1.3% African American, 1.3% Native American, 23.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 43.7% of the population.

There were 183 households, of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.6% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 43.3 years. 23.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.1% male and 47.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 486 people, 183 households, and 133 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,523.1 PD/sqmi. There were 226 housing units at an average density of 708.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 75.72% White, 0.21% African American, 0.82% Native American, 21.19% from other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 34.16% of the population.

There were 183 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,238, and the median income for a family was $36,750. Males had a median income of $25,114 versus $18,929 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,085. About 11.1% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Lewis USD 502 public school district, and home to Lewis Elementary School.

Lewis High School was closed through school unification. The Lewis Spartans won the following Kansas State High School championships:
 * 1954 Boys Track & Field – Class B
 * 1971 Boys Basketball – Class 1A
 * 1974 Football – Class 8-Man

Media

 * KPRD

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lewis, Kansas


text:
Offerle, Kansas

Offerle is a city in Edwards County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 179. It is located along Highway 50.

History
Offerle was founded in 1876. It was named for Lawrence Offerle, one of its founders.

The first post office in Offerle was established in May, 1876.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Offerle has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 179 people, 80 households, and 54 families in Offerle. The population density was 650.9 per square mile (251.3/km$2$). There were 87 housing units at an average density of 316.4 per square mile (122.1/km$2$). The racial makeup was 79.89% (143) white or European American (77.09% non-Hispanic white), 0.56% (1) black or African-American, 1.12% (2) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 5.59% (10) from other races, and 12.85% (23) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 16.76% (30) of the population.

Of the 80 households, 28.7% had children under the age of 18; 60.0% were married couples living together; 12.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 30.0% of households consisted of individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 26.3% of the population.

24.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 103.0 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $56,250 (with a margin of error of +/- $15,915) and the median family income was $62,917 (+/- $32,748). Males had a median income of $47,679 (+/- $23,623) versus $22,083 (+/- $6,013) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,324 (+/- $4,366). Approximately, 1.2% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under the age of 18 and 3.9% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 199 people, 83 households, and 58 families residing in the city. The population density was 765.4 PD/sqmi. There were 92 housing units at an average density of 353.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% White, 3.0% Native American, and 5.5% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.6% of the population.

There were 83 households, of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.1% were married couples living together, 1.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 43.4 years. 23.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.5% were from 25 to 44; 30.5% were from 45 to 64; and 17.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.2% male and 54.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 220 people, 86 households, and 65 families residing in the city. The population density was 818.2 PD/sqmi. There were 90 housing units at an average density of 334.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.09% White, 0.45% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.27% of the population.

There were 86 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.6% were married couples living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,208, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $30,313 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,549. About 3.6% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 9.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
Offerle is served by USD 347 Kinsley-Offerle Public Schools.

Offerle High School was closed through school unification. The Offerle High School mascot was Indians.

title: Offerle, Kansas


text:
Elk Falls, Kansas

Elk Falls is a city in Elk County, Kansas, United States, along the Elk River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 113.

History
The first European-American house was built at Elk Falls in 1870, and a post office was opened that same year. Elk Falls was named for a waterfall on the Elk River, near where the town developed. Two early settlers in the rural community were the widow Prudence Crandall (who took back her maiden name after her husband died), an educator from Connecticut who had established the Canterbury Female Boarding School in the 1830s for African-American girls and young women; and her brother Hezekiah. They both died here and were buried in the town cemetery.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.87 sqmi, of which, 0.86 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 113 people, 54 households, and 34 families in Elk Falls. The population density was 155.4 per square mile (60.0/km$2$). There were 55 housing units at an average density of 75.7 per square mile (29.2/km$2$). The racial makeup was 89.38% (101) white or European American (88.5% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.88% (1) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.88% (1) from other races, and 8.85% (10) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.31% (6) of the population.

Of the 54 households, 20.4% had children under the age of 18; 46.3% were married couples living together; 13.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 27.8% of households consisted of individuals and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.8 and the average family size was 2.5. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 30.1% of the population.

26.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 1.8% from 18 to 24, 12.4% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 29.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 76.6 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $26,667 (with a margin of error of +/- $21,261) and the median family income was $58,750 (+/- $31,140). Approximately, 0.0% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 107 people, 54 households, and 33 families residing in the city. The population density was 124.4 PD/sqmi. There were 68 housing units at an average density of 79.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.5% White, 1.9% Native American, 0.9% Asian, and 4.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 54 households, of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.52.

The median age in the city was 52.9 years. 16.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 9.3% were from 25 to 44; 42.9% were from 45 to 64; and 28% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.8% male and 54.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 112 people, 51 households, and 32 families residing in the city. The population density was 128.5 PD/sqmi. There were 74 housing units at an average density of 84.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.86% White, 0.89% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 0.89% from other races, and 4.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.57% of the population.

There were 51 households, out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 2.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.6% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 18.8% from 25 to 44, 37.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $20,893, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $20,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,817. There were 6.7% of families and 2.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The community is served by West Elk USD 282 public school district. West Elk High School is located in Howard. The West Elk High School mascot is Patriots.

title: Elk Falls, Kansas


text:
Grenola, Kansas

Grenola is a city in Elk County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 151.

History
Grenola had its start in the year 1879 by the building of the railroad through that territory. At that time, the two rival cities of Green Field and Canola, which were three miles apart, relocated to the site of the railroad and merged. The name Grenola is a portmanteau of the names of the two former towns.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.48 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Grenola has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 151 people, 76 households, and 39 families in Grenola. The population density was 324.7 per square mile (125.4/km$2$). There were 112 housing units at an average density of 240.9 per square mile (93.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 93.38% (141) white or European American (93.38% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.66% (1) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.66% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.66% (1) from other races, and 4.64% (7) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.32% (2) of the population.

Of the 76 households, 18.4% had children under the age of 18; 42.1% were married couples living together; 25.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 44.7% of households consisted of individuals and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.7. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 17.2% of the population.

21.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 2.6% from 18 to 24, 15.2% from 25 to 44, 31.1% from 45 to 64, and 29.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 107.0 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $44,167 (with a margin of error of +/- $12,418) and the median family income was $60,938 (+/- $8,652). Males had a median income of $22,708 (+/- $17,356). The median income for those above 16 years old was $16,528 (+/- $9,774). Approximately, 10.9% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.7% of those under the age of 18 and 3.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 216 people, 92 households, and 64 families residing in the city. The population density was 450.0 PD/sqmi. There were 128 housing units at an average density of 266.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 1.9% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races.

There were 92 households, of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.4% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 47.4 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.5% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 26.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 231 people, 102 households, and 68 families residing in the city. The population density was 486.6 PD/sqmi. There were 128 housing units at an average density of 269.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.24% White, 0.43% Native American, 0.43% Pacific Islander, 2.60% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.60% of the population.

There were 102 households, out of which 20.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $23,000, and the median income for a family was $30,417. Males had a median income of $20,313 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,068. About 7.2% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 19.6% of those 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Central USD 462 public school district. The Central High School mascot is Central Raiders.

Notable people

 * Trixie Friganza (1870-1955), American actress, Touring Theatre (1889-1917), Vaudeville (1906–1932), Film (1923-1940), born Delia O'Callaghan in Grenola
 * Jake L. Hamon Sr. (1873–1920), attorney, oil millionaire, railway owner, political figure, born in Grenola.

title: Grenola, Kansas


text:
Howard, Kansas

Howard is a city in and the county seat of Elk County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 570.

History
Howard was founded in 1870, and it was incorporated as a city in 1877. Howard was named after Oliver O. Howard, a Union Army general during the Civil War and founder of Howard University. The first post office in Howard was established in February, 1870. As of 1901, Howard was a sundown town where African Americans were not allowed to live.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.70 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Howard has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 570 people, 268 households, and 148 families in Howard. The population density was 808.5 per square mile (312.2/km$2$). There were 347 housing units at an average density of 492.2 per square mile (190.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 90.88% (518) white or European American (89.12% non-Hispanic white), 0.35% (2) black or African-American, 1.23% (7) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.18% (1) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.05% (6) from other races, and 6.32% (36) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 4.56% (26) of the population.

Of the 268 households, 20.1% had children under the age of 18; 44.8% were married couples living together; 35.8% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 39.9% of households consisted of individuals and 28.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.8. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 21.2% of the population.

23.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 17.7% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 29.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 123.1 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $39,750 (with a margin of error of +/- $14,890) and the median family income was $61,167 (+/- $6,692). Males had a median income of $38,750 (+/- $13,936) versus $13,500 (+/- $9,870) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,944 (+/- $7,633). Approximately, 11.4% of families and 23.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.8% of those under the age of 18 and 14.4% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 687 people, 318 households, and 176 families residing in the city. The population density was 981.4 PD/sqmi. There were 415 housing units at an average density of 592.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.1% of the population.

There were 318 households, of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.7% were non-families. 41.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.74.

The median age in the city was 49.6 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.6% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 28.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 808 people, 350 households, and 215 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,154.6 PD/sqmi. There were 452 housing units at an average density of 645.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.93% White, 0.25% African American, 1.24% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.62% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.

There were 350 households, out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 19.2% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 30.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,822, and the median income for a family was $28,365. Males had a median income of $24,886 versus $16,354 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,441. About 11.9% of families and 14.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.2% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by West Elk USD 282 public school district. School unification consolidated Moline, Howard and Severy schools forming USD 282. West Elk High School is located in Howard. The West Elk High School mascot is Patriots.

Prior to school unification, the Howard High School mascot was Pirates.

title: Howard, Kansas


text:
Longton, Kansas

Longton is a city in Elk County, Kansas, United States, along the Elk River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 288.

History
Longton was founded in 1870. It was named after Longton, England.

The first post office in Longton was established in August, 1870.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.16 sqmi, of which, 1.15 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Longton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 288 people, 113 households, and 61 families in Longton. The population density was 245.1 per square mile (94.6/km$2$). There were 172 housing units at an average density of 146.4 per square mile (56.5/km$2$). The racial makeup was 94.44% (272) white or European American (93.75% non-Hispanic white), 0.35% (1) black or African-American, 2.08% (6) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.35% (1) from other races, and 2.78% (8) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.08% (6) of the population.

Of the 113 households, 25.7% had children under the age of 18; 42.5% were married couples living together; 27.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.1% of households consisted of individuals and 23.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.9. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 13.9% of the population.

24.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 111.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $38,672 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,813) and the median family income was $44,271 (+/- $12,789). Males had a median income of $26,786 (+/- $6,358) versus $18,661 (+/- $2,752) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $23,750 (+/- $2,898). Approximately, 3.7% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under the age of 18 and 12.2% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 348 people, 147 households, and 97 families residing in the city. The population density was 302.6 PD/sqmi. There were 189 housing units at an average density of 164.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.3% White, 1.4% Native American, 1.4% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.0% of the population.

There were 147 households, of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 38.3 years. 29.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 17.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 394 people, 163 households, and 98 families residing in the city. The population density was 342.6 PD/sqmi. There were 193 housing units at an average density of 167.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.67% White, 2.28% Native American, 0.25% Pacific Islander, 0.76% from other races, and 2.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.30% of the population.

There were 163 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.0% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $20,469, and the median income for a family was $29,625. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $16,477 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,802. About 13.9% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under age 18 and 23.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Elk Valley USD 283 public school district.

title: Longton, Kansas


text:
Moline, Kansas

Moline is a city in Elk County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 345. Moline is located in south central Elk County at the intersection of U.S. Highway 160 and K-99.

Moline is known for being the home of Kansas' oldest swinging (suspension-type) bridge, built in 1904. The bridge spans over a lower portion of a local stream, Wildcat Creek. Immediately to the west of the famous Swinging Bridge, a limestone water fall formation flows with water through much of the rainy season in late winter and early spring.

History
Moline is located on a slightly elevated plateau in the valley of Wildcat Creek, named so by the indigenous Native Americans because of the prominent number of wildcats (Bobcats) that lived along the stream. In early 1879 as the Santa Fe Railway extended westward from Independence, Missouri, towns sprung up vigorously along the line. The Land and Town Company chartered the land for the city on July 21, 1879 and laid out the town. The name Moline was decided upon at the suggestion of Mr. J.F. Chapman, of the original town company, who came from the area of Moline, Illinois, and because the farmers in the area largely used the Moline plow.

The first post office in Moline was established in September, 1879.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.35 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 345 people, 146 households, and 89 families in Moline. The population density was 1,029.9 per square mile (397.6/km$2$). There were 188 housing units at an average density of 561.2 per square mile (216.7/km$2$). The racial makeup was 90.43% (312) white or European American (85.51% non-Hispanic white), 0.58% (2) black or African-American, 2.03% (7) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.74% (6) from other races, and 5.22% (18) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 7.83% (27) of the population.

Of the 146 households, 24.7% had children under the age of 18; 44.5% were married couples living together; 29.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 31.5% of households consisted of individuals and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.6. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 6.7% of the population.

24.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 17.1% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 25.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 105.6 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $35,000 (with a margin of error of +/- $10,521) and the median family income was $35,893 (+/- $17,958). Males had a median income of $20,625 (+/- $9,327) versus $18,750 (+/- $7,831) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $20,333 (+/- $4,080). Approximately, 30.3% of families and 32.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.2% of those under the age of 18 and 17.7% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 371 people, 177 households, and 95 families residing in the city. The population density was 1060.0 PD/sqmi. There were 229 housing units at an average density of 654.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.9% White, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.1% of the population.

There were 177 households, of which 20.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.3% were non-families. 40.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 48.8 years. 18.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 25.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 457 people, 211 households, and 116 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,318.6 PD/sqmi. There were 255 housing units at an average density of 735.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.65% White, 0.44% African American, 0.66% Native American, 3.06% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.94% of the population.

There were 211 households, out of which 17.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.0% were non-families. 42.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.7% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 17.7% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 37.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,143, and the median income for a family was $31,667. Males had a median income of $27,750 versus $14,792 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,076. About 16.7% of families and 28.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 55.6% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by West Elk USD 282 public school district. School unification consolidated Moline, Howard and Severy schools forming USD 282. West Elk High School is located in Howard. The West Elk High School mascot is Patriots.

Moline High School closed through school unification. The Moline High School mascot was Hornets.

Shaffer House Museum and Art Center
Moline is home to the historic Shaffer House Museum and Art Center. It is located at the corner of 2nd and Plum Streets, and is a three-story building which was originally a rooming house, it was later converted to a doctor's office and hospital run by Dr. C.E. Shaffer. The Shaffer Museum is operated by a group of local volunteer citizens and is open May through August from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Admission to the facility is free of charge. The Shaffer Museum features historical exhibits of an early 1900s kitchen and bedroom, a 1917 photographer's studio, 20th century medical equipment, many local antique farming tools, and mementos from the Ames Chevrolet dealership, which was located in Moline, KS and before closing due to fire was considered the oldest continuously operating family owned Chevrolet dealership in the United States. The museum also contains historically significant items from local schools including Moline High School which is no longer in operation. In addition, the museum features artifacts including articles and photographs of one of the United States' great World War II aviation heroes, General Leon Johnson, who spent most of his childhood in Moline.

Moline Crazy Days
Crazy Days, as it's referred to locally, is a Moline festival event open completely to the public and is always held the during the last full weekend of June at the Griffin City Park. The event starts off Friday evening with a "bean feed" consisting of ham and beans, cornbread, and all the fixings. After the bean feed, a baked-goods benefit auction is held at the same location with the proceeds used to make improvements and repairs to the local Moline infrastructure. Saturday morning the day kicks off with a community parade which usually consists of local law enforcement, ambulances, fire fighters, cowboys and cowgirls on their horses, farmers on their tractors, children in wagons and on bicycles, teens on ATV's, and a variety of unique floats created by local organizations and businesses, all of whom throw candy to youngsters lined up on each side of the main street. After the parade, there are many events at the Griffin Park. Local talents provide music for the crowd, and hamburgers are served by the local chapter of the Elk County Cattlewoman's Association. The festival commences with music and games until the evening when the sun goes down. Once it's dark, a fireworks display is put on in the field adjacent to Griffin Park and the event is concluded.

Elk County Rodeo
Among the most popular events held in Moline each year is the annual Elk County Rodeo, held on July 3 and 4 at the Elk County Rodeo Grounds, located at the Junction of US-160 and K-99. The rodeo begins each night with a patriotic local tradition displaying a flag that is carried around the arena by a local cowboy as Johnny Cash's "Ragged Old Flag" is played in remembrance of the fight for America's independence and freedom. The first event is mutton busting for the youth, and then is followed by the usual array of rodeo events including calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, and the most popular, bull riding. The second night is a repeat of the first, except following the rodeo there is a fireworks display, which is followed by a concert and dance.

Moline New City Lake (North)
Moline New City Lake is located in the scenic Osage Questas region in southeast Kansas just one mile north of Moline. Native tall grass prairie comprises most of the lake's 4,742 acre drainage basin and helps maintain the average 36 inches of water transparency. The lake is located one and one-half miles north of the city of Moline. Construction of the lake was completed on February 18, 1983 for the purposes of flood control, civic water supply, and recreation. The city of Moline still uses the lake as its primary water supply. The 185 acre lake is surrounded by 257 acres of city owned and managed property. Improvements at the lake include a paved boat ramp, boat loading dock, five shelter houses, handicapped accessible outhouse, five earthen and rip-rapped fishing piers.

Moline Old City Lake (South)
Moline Old City Lake is located in the scenic Osage Questas region in southeast Kansas approximately one mile west of moline on U.S. Highway 160, one mile south on Road 12, and one-half mile west on Cyclone Road. Native tall grass prairie comprises most of the lake's 5,760 acre drainage basin and this combined with the aquatic vegetation helps to maintain 42 inches of water transparency. The lake is located two miles west and one-half mile south of the city of Moline. The Works Progress Administration completed construction of the lake in 1937 for the purposes of flood control, civic water supply, and recreation. The city of Moline no longer uses the lake for potable water supply. The 65 acre lake is surrounded by 85 acres of city owned and managed property. Improvements at the lake include a concrete boat ramp, shelter house, ADA approved outhouse, and picnic tables.

Notable people

 * Leon Johnson, United States Air Force 4-star general and World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

title: Moline, Kansas


text:
Ellis, Kansas

Ellis is a city in Ellis County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,958.

History
The Kansas Pacific Railway built a water station at the site of present-day Ellis in 1867 and then purchased the site under the Homestead Act. Three years later, in 1870, the U.S. Post Office Department opened a post office at Ellis, marking the town's foundation. Kansas Pacific laid out the town in 1873, establishing a depot, a hotel, and a few shops. That same year, settlers from Syracuse, New York, and later from Louisville, Kentucky, arrived to work for the railroad. The first church opened in Ellis in 1873, the first school in 1874. Starting in 1875 and for the rest of the 1870s, Ellis was a cowtown, serving as a shipping point for cattle herds from the south. Bukovina Germans began settling in the area in 1886. Ellis incorporated as a city in January 1888.

Long ago, Ellis (as well as Hays) was once a sundown town, where African Americans were not welcome after dark.

Geography
Ellis is located at 38.93611°N, -99.55917°W (38.936211, -99.559269), at an elevation of 2,120 feet (646 m). Located in northwestern Kansas on Interstate 70, Ellis is 13 mi west-northwest of Hays, the county seat. It is approximately 146 mi northwest of Wichita and 260 mi west of Kansas City.

Ellis lies on the western edge of the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains. Big Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River, runs east through the city and has been dammed to form a long, narrow reservoir, Big Creek Lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.64 sqmi, all land.

Climate
On average in Ellis, January is the coolest month, and July is both the warmest month and the wettest month. The hottest temperature recorded in Ellis was 110 °F (43 °C) in 2003; the coldest temperature recorded was -24 °F (-31 °C) in 1989.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 1,958 people, 845 households, and 521 families in Ellis. The population density was 1,181.7 per square mile (456.2/km$2$). There were 935 housing units at an average density of 564.3 per square mile (217.9/km$2$). The racial makeup was 92.44% (1,810) white or European American (91.16% non-Hispanic white), 0.15% (3) black or African-American, 0.36% (7) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.92% (18) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.97% (19) from other races, and 5.16% (101) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.73% (73) of the population.

Of the 845 households, 29.5% had children under the age of 18; 49.1% were married couples living together; 25.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 33.0% of households consisted of individuals and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.3. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 19.4% of the population.

24.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 108.2 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $55,441 (with a margin of error of +/- $19,244) and the median family income was $79,792 (+/- $6,198). Males had a median income of $45,699 (+/- $4,570) versus $31,369 (+/- $7,789) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $39,181 (+/- $5,900). Approximately, 15.0% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under the age of 18 and 10.3% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 2,062 people, 868 households, and 556 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,718.3 PD/sqmi. There were 959 housing units at an average density of 799.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 1.0% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 868 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32, and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,682, and the median income for a family was $57,750. Males had a median income of $40,511 versus $25,982 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,568. 6.8% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
As of 2012, 69.3% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 1.4% was in the armed forces, and 67.9% was in the civilian labor force with 66.5% being employed and 1.5% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 32.1% in management, business, science, and arts; 24.3% in sales and office occupations; 14.8% in production, transportation, and material moving; 14.5% in service occupations; and 14.2% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, and health care and social assistance (28.8%); retail trade (14.9%); and construction (11.3%).

The cost of living in Ellis is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 81.1. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $85,300, the median selected monthly owner cost was $1,036 for housing units with a mortgage and $397 for those without, and the median gross rent was $564.

Government
Ellis has a mayor-council form of government with a city council consisting of six members. The mayor and all council members are elected for two-year terms. The council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Ellis lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 40th district of the Kansas Senate and the 110th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Primary and secondary education
The community is served by Ellis USD 388 public school district, and operates two public schools in the city:
 * Washington Grade School (Grades K-6)
 * Ellis High School (7-12)

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salina oversees one Catholic school in Ellis: St. Mary Grade School (Pre-K-6).

The Ellis Railroaders have won the following Kansas State High School championships:
 * 1985 Boys Track & Field - Class 3A
 * 2009 Girls Track & Field - Class 2A
 * 2016 Speech - Class 2A
 * 2017 Speech - Class 2A
 * 2018 Speech - Class 2A

Transportation
Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 run concurrently east-west immediately north of Ellis. Kansas Highway 247 (K-247) runs north-south from I-70 to 3rd Street in northern Ellis.

Union Pacific Railroad operates one freight rail line, the Kansas Pacific (KP) line, through Ellis. It runs east-west through the city.

Utilities
The city government's Public Works department is responsible for sanitation, sewer maintenance, and water provision and distribution. Midwest Energy, Inc. provides electricity to local residents. Eagle Communications and Golden Belt Telephone provide landline telephone service and offer cable television. Most residents use natural gas for heating fuel; service is provided by Midwest Energy, Inc.

Media
The Ellis Review is the local newspaper, published weekly.

Ellis is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

Points of interest
Ellis is the site of Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum. Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation, grew up in Ellis. When he was 17, he began his career working in the railroad roundhouse, where he became a machinist's apprentice and developed his expertise for metal working and machinery. In the summer of 1993, the Chrysler Corporation recognized Chrysler's hometown by sponsoring a parade and Chrysler festival, attended by several members of the Chrysler family. A prototype Dodge Viper was loaned to the museum for one year.

Founded in 1994, the Ellis Railroad Museum features items and photographs from Ellis's railroading past. A 5000 sqft model train exhibit is also on display. Outside the museum is a miniature railroad that runs on a one-mile (1.6 km) loop track, called the BK&E Railroad. This stands for the "Buddy King and Ellis Railroad", named for its primary donor the late Francis "Buddy" King, a former mayor of Ellis who died in office in 1994.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Ellis include:
 * Martha L. Addis (1878-1942), jeweler in Topeka
 * Walter Chrysler (1875-1940), founder of the Chrysler Corporation

 * Walt Disney's grandfather Kepple Disney established family farms 3 mi east of Ellis in 1878. For a time after Walt Disney established Disneyland, the family farms there were known locally as "Disneyland, KS".

Gallery

 * Historic Images of Ellis, Special Photo Collections at Wichita State University Library

title: Ellis, Kansas


text:
Hays, Kansas

Hays is a city in and the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas, United States. The largest city in northwestern Kansas, it is the economic and cultural center of the region. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 21,116. It is also a college town, home to Fort Hays State University.

History
Prior to American settlement of the area, the site of Hays was located near where the territories of the Arapaho, Kiowa, and Pawnee met. Claimed first by France as part of Louisiana and later acquired by the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it lay within the area organized by the U.S. as Kansas Territory in 1854. Kansas became a state in 1861, and the state government delineated the surrounding area as Ellis County in 1867.

In 1865, the U.S. Army established Fort Fletcher southeast of present-day Hays to protect stagecoaches traveling the Smoky Hill Trail. A year later, the Army renamed the post Fort Hays in honor of the late Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays killed in The Battle of The Wilderness. In late 1866, anticipating the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railway as far west as Fort Hays, a party from St. Louis, Missouri led by William Webb selected three sections of land for colonization near the fort. In June 1867, to better serve the railroad, the Army relocated Fort Hays 15 miles northwest to a site near where the railroad was to cross Big Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River. Seeing a business opportunity, Buffalo Bill Cody and railroad contractor William Rose founded the settlement of Rome near the fort's new location. Within a month, the population of Rome grew to over 2,000. Webb, meanwhile, established the Big Creek Land Company and then surveyed and platted a town site, which he named Hays City after the fort, roughly one mile east of Rome. The railroad reached Hays City soon thereafter and constructed a depot there. The railroad's arrival, combined with a cholera epidemic that hit Rome in the late summer of 1867, drove Rome businesses and residents to relocate to Hays City. Within a year, Rome was completely abandoned. As the western terminus of the railway, Hays City grew rapidly, serving as the supply point for territories to the west and southwest.

As a frontier town, Hays City experienced the kind of violence that gave rise to the myth of the American Old West. Several notable figures of the Old West lived in the Hays City of this era, including George Armstrong Custer, his wife Elizabeth Bacon Custer, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Wild Bill Hickok who served a brief term as sheriff in 1869. 30 homicides occurred between 1867 and 1873 including a deadly saloon shootout involving Fort Hays soldiers. A cemetery north of town became known as “Boot Hill”; by 1885, it held the bodies of some 79 outlaws.

Hays experienced significant racial violence during the same period. In 1869, the murder of Union Pacific watchman James Hayes led to the lynching of three African American soldiers. That same year, six black soldiers at Fort Hays were murdered, their bodies were dropped in a well that was sodded over, and they were falsely reported as deserters. A mob then hunted down and lynched two black barbers, and the town's black residents were expelled. This and numerous other racial incidents throughout the last half of the 19th century gave Hays a reputation as a sundown town. African Americans living in nearby Nicodemus were not welcome after dark. No signs formally establishing this policy were posted, but the town's reputation for racial discrimination persisted for decades.

Hays City became the county seat of Ellis County in 1870, and the town became more civilized. Rougher elements of the populace had begun to leave in the late 1860s, many following the Kansas Pacific railroad construction west to Sheridan or moving south to Dodge City. Volga Germans started settling in Ellis County in 1876, finding its land suitable for their lifestyle and the types of crops they had grown in Russia. They brought with them Turkey Red Wheat, a type of winter wheat whose cultivation contributed to the agricultural transformation of the region. Bukovina Germans began settling in the area in 1886. These groups had a significant impact on the local way of life, establishing Hays as a regional center of ethnic German culture. Hays City was incorporated in 1885, and, in 1895, it was renamed as simply Hays.

Fort Hays closed in 1889. In 1900, the Kansas delegation to the U.S. Congress secured the fort's land and facilities for educational purposes. The following year, the Kansas Legislature established the Fort Hays Experiment Station, part of Kansas State Agricultural College, on the Fort Hays reservation and set aside land for the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School, which opened in 1902 and eventually became Fort Hays State University. Fort Hays opened as a historical park in 1929 and was later acquired by the Kansas Historical Society. In 1967, it became the Fort Hays State Historic Site.

Several disasters have struck Hays over the course of its history. In 1895, fire destroyed 60 buildings downtown. Severe floods occurred in 1907 and 1951. In 1919, three Standard Oil gasoline tanks exploded, killing eight and injuring approximately 150 people. In 1935, the city experienced violent dust storms as part of the Dust Bowl.

Hays began to modernize in the early 1900s with a power plant, waterworks, telephone exchange, and sewer system complete by 1911. Over the following decades, the city evolved into a regional economic hub. Development of oil fields in the surrounding area began in 1936 with Hays serving as a trading center and shipping point. Hays Regional Airport opened in 1961. Interstate 70 reached Hays in 1966. Today, Hays is a commercial and educational center for western Kansas.

Geography
Hays is located in northwestern Kansas at the intersection of Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 183, Hays is 134 mi northwest of Wichita, 256 mi west of Kansas City, and 311 mi east-southeast of Denver.

The city lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains approximately 11 mi north of the Smoky Hill River and 15 mi south of the Saline River. Big Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River, runs through the southwestern part of the city. Chetolah Creek, a tributary of Big Creek, flows south through the eastern part of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.95 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Hays sits near the convergence of a humid continental climate (Köppen Dwa) and a temperate semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk). It typically experiences hot summers with variable humidity and cold winters. Due to its geographic location at a climatic boundary, severe weather is common, with tornadoes a major threat, especially in the spring and early summer months. On average, January is the coldest month, and July is both the hottest and wettest month. The hottest temperature recorded in Hays was 117 F on July 13, 1934, while the coldest temperature recorded was -26 F on January 14, 1905 and February 13, 1905.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 21,116 people, 8,610 households, and 4,576 families in Hays. The population density was 2,443.1 per square mile (943.3/km$2$). There were 9,541 housing units at an average density of 1,103.9 per square mile (426.2/km$2$). The racial makeup was 87.48% (18,472) white or European American (85.75% non-Hispanic white), 1.48% (313) black or African-American, 0.29% (61) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.15% (242) Asian, 0.01% (2) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.73% (787) from other races, and 5.87% (1,239) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 7.28% (1,538) of the population.

Of the 8,610 households, 24.8% had children under the age of 18; 40.3% were married couples living together; 29.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 35.9% of households consisted of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 26.8% of the population.

19.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 22.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 106.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,135 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,558) and the median family income was $78,151 (+/- $9,761). Males had a median income of $32,464 (+/- $2,406) versus $25,813 (+/- $3,239) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,104 (+/- $2,946). Approximately, 8.1% of families and 15.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under the age of 18 and 9.5% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 20,510 people, 8,698 households, and 4,639 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,579.5 PD/sqmi. There were 9,311 housing units at an average density of 1,171 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.8% Caucasian American, 0.8% African American, 0.3% American Indian, 1.8% Asian, 2.1% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 8,698 households, of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.7% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25, and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 29.1 years. 19.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 22.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.4% were from 45 to 64; and 12.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

The median income for a household was $44,227, and the median income for a family was $62,775. Males had a median income of $35,905 versus $31,379 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,536. About 5.7% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The service sector constitutes most of the local economy with education and health care being two major industries. Hays also hosts some manufacturing. EnerSys, a producer of sealed lead batteries, operates a plant in the city as do Adronics, an auto parts maker, and Rans Designs, a manufacturer of aircraft and bicycles. Other local companies manufacture oil field supplies, HVAC systems, and wheelchairs.

As of 2012, 76.8% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.1% was in the armed forces, and 76.7% was in the civilian labor force with 73.1% being employed and 3.6% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 31.2% in sales and office occupations; 30.0% in management, business, science, and arts; 20.0% in service occupations; 9.8% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 9.0% in production, transportation, and material moving. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, health care, and social assistance (30.7%); retail trade (16.2%); and arts, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation and food services (10.5%). Hays Medical Center, Fort Hays State University, and Hays Public Schools are the city's three largest employers. Other major employers include local government, Nex-Tech, Eagle Communications, AT&T Inc., and other telecommunications firms, retail stores, and social services providers.

The cost of living in Hays is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 81.7. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $147,300, the median selected monthly owner cost was $1,254 for housing units with a mortgage and $445 for those without, and the median gross rent was $584.

Arts and music
An established arts community supports several galleries in the city. The Hays Arts Council operates the Hays Arts Center Gallery, which displays the work of Kansas artists and sponsors exhibitions and competitions throughout the year. FHSU's Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, affiliated with the university's Art Department, displays student and faculty works as well as traveling exhibits. In addition, a number of local artists manage their own galleries around the city.

The Hays Symphony Orchestra, established in 1914, is an ensemble of university, regional, and community musicians that performs in FHSU's Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The center also hosts the university's Encore Series, a performing arts series that consists of dramatic and musical performances throughout the year.

Events
Hays is a regional center of German American culture due to the number of German immigrants who settled the area in the 1870s and 1880s. As of 2010, 56.5% of the city population claimed German ancestry. The city hosts several events throughout the year that celebrate this heritage including two Oktoberfests. The Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest takes place the third week of September. Fort Hays State University and The Volga German Society hold an Oktoberfest celebration on the first or second Friday in October. In addition, Polka Fest occurs in March, and the Ellis County Historical Museum hosts German Heritage Days in April.

To celebrate Independence Day and to mark its early history as an Old West frontier town, the city hosts the annual Wild West Festival during the first week of July. The festival includes country and rock music concerts, a carnival, a parade, a fishing tournament, baseball games, and a fireworks display. On the first weekend in December, the Kansas Historical Society holds Christmas Past at Historic Fort Hays, showcasing history programs and tours of the fort with it decorated for Christmas as it was in the late 1800s.

Points of interest
There are several museums and sites in Hays dedicated to aspects of area history. FHSU's Sternberg Museum of Natural History features extensive collections and exhibits of fossil specimens, including an interactive diorama of life in the region during the Cretaceous period. Affiliated with the university's Departments of Geosciences and Biology, the museum also hosts educational programs on fossil preparation and ongoing scientific research. The Ellis County Historical Society Museum, located downtown, maintains exhibits of artifacts from the area's Old West period through its settlement by Volga and Bukovina Germans. Included in the museum complex are the Volga German Haus, a reproduction of an early Volga German settler home, and a stone chapel constructed in 1879. Southwest of Hays, the Kansas Historical Society maintains the Fort Hays State Historic Site. It consists of four of the fort's original structures and a visitor's center. Other sites related to the area's frontier period include Boot Hill, the city's earliest cemetery, and a historical marker at the site of the ill-fated town of Rome.

To capitalize on the community's Old West heritage, the local chamber of commerce promotes downtown Hays as the historic Chestnut Street District. Local businesses offer dining, shopping, and entertainment, and visitors can tour designated historical sites in the district via a self-guided walking tour.

Religion
There are 27 Christian churches in Hays, the majority of which are Protestant. That number also includes four Catholic churches, a Jehovah's Witnesses congregation, and a meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hays is also home to a community of the Baháʼí Faith community. The Hays District of the United Methodist Church, which consists of 21 counties in northwestern Kansas, is headquartered in the city.

Sports
Fort Hays State University's athletic teams, known as the Fort Hays Tigers, compete in several sports in the NCAA Division II MIAA conference.

In addition to FHSU sports, Hays is home to an amateur baseball team and a rodeo company. The Hays Larks are a collegiate summer baseball team in the Jayhawk Collegiate League of the National Baseball Congress. The team dates back to 1869 when local residents founded it as The Hays Town Team. From June through August, the Mid–America Rodeo Company puts on rough stock rodeo performances on weeknights, including Saddle bronc and bareback riding, bull riding, and barrel racing, as well as professional horse racing events.

Parks and recreation
The city government's Parks Department maintains 16 parks in the city. The largest is Frontier Park, located immediately south of downtown across the U.S. 183 bypass route from the Fort Hays State Historic Site. Divided into eastern, western, and northern sections, it includes an 18-hole disc golf course and pens that are home to a herd of American bison kept at the park since 1953. The department also maintains three baseball parks, a soccer complex, tennis courts, a roller hockey and skateboard park, and a second, 9-hole disc golf course. In addition, the Hays Recreation Commission manages a municipal swimming pool and a waterpark, Hays Aquatic Park.

There are two golf courses in the city, Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course and Smoky Hill Country Club. The municipal course is an 18-hole course located immediately southwest of the city, built around the Fort Hays historical site. Smoky Hill Country Club is a private, 18-hole course that opened in the western part of the city in 1962.

Government
Hays is a city of the second class with a commission-manager form of government, which it adopted in 1919. The city commission consists of five commissioners, with at-large elections occurring every two years. The commission meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. One commissioner serves as mayor, presiding over commission meetings and representing the city at ceremonial events. The city manager is hired by the commission and is responsible for advising the commission, enforcing its policies, administering city employees, and preparing a proposed city budget.

As the county seat, Hays is the administrative center of Ellis County. The county courthouse is located downtown, and all departments of the county government base their operations in the city.

Hays lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 40th district of the Kansas Senate and the 111th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Primary and secondary education
The community is served by Hays USD 489 public school district, which operates eight schools in Hays:

 * Lincoln Elementary School (Grades Pre-K)
 * O'Loughlin Elementary School (Pre-K-5)
 * Roosevelt Elementary School (Pre-K-5)
 * Woodrow Wilson Elementary School (Pre-K-5)

 * Hays Middle School (6-8)
 * Hays High School (9-12)
 * Westside School, alternative school
 * The Learning Center, alternative school

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salina oversees two Catholic schools in Hays: Holy Family Elementary School (Pre-K-6) and Thomas More Prep-Marian (7-12). There are also two other Christian schools in the city: Hays Seventh-Day Adventist School (K-8) and High Plains Christian School (Pre-K-8).

Colleges and universities
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is located in Hays. A four-year public university with more than 11,000 students, it is the third largest university in Kansas. North Central Kansas Technical College, a two-year public college based in Beloit, Kansas, also has a campus in Hays. Immediately south of the city, Kansas State University operates its Agricultural Research Center—Hays, formerly the Fort Hays Experiment Station. The Center studies regional crop management and livestock production, and, for that purpose, its 7,810 acre campus includes a feedlot, a greenhouse complex, cropland, and rangeland as well as a preserved natural area.

Hays was home to the now closed Bissing's Conservatory of Music established by Petrowitsch Bissing in 1901. Records show that it was still in operation as of 1918.

Libraries
Hays Public Library, located downtown, is the city's main library. Its collection consists of more than 145,000 volumes, and it circulates more than 1.1 million items annually. The Library first opened in 1900, expanding into a Carnegie library in 1911, which remained open until its replacement by a larger facility in 1968. That facility, in turn, has since been renovated and expanded further, re-opening in 2004. A remodel began in 2020 and will be completed in 2021. The library offers several services to the public, including computer classes, ESL and literacy tutoring, and programs for adults, teens, and children. The Hays Public Library is home to the Dorothy D. Richards Kansas Room, a local history and reference collection consisting of books and resources pertaining to the history of Kansas and the American West. The room is named after Dorothy Richards, the library's former director and first Kansas Room Librarian. She started the collection by setting aside Kansas related materials behind her desk. Today, The Kansas Room offers programs related to history, natural history, and genealogy. FHSU's Forsyth Library holds more than 225,000 volumes and serves as a federal depository library. In addition to government documents, its special collections include an archive of children's literature and materials relating to regional history and culture. The Forsyth Library building, which opened its doors in 1967, is in the beginning stages of a transformational remodel with an estimated completion in 2026.

Transportation
Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 run concurrently southeast-northwest immediately north of Hays. U.S. Route 183 runs north–south through Hays, intersecting I-70 immediately north of the city. A U.S. 183 bypass route runs around Hays to the west from U.S. 183 immediately south of the city to I-70 northwest of the city.

Hays Regional Airport is located just southeast of the city. Used primarily for general aviation, it hosts one commercial airline United Express, which offers daily jet service to Denver, Colorado.

Union Pacific Railroad provides freight rail transport via its Kansas Pacific (KP) line, which runs southeast–northwest through downtown Hays in the southern part of the city.

Utilities
Water production and distribution, waste water collection and treatment, and sewer maintenance are the responsibility of the city government's Utilities Department. The government's Public Works Department and several local businesses provide trash removal. Midwest Energy, Inc., a regional energy company headquartered in the city, provides both electric power and natural gas service.

Health care
Hays Medical Center is the sole hospital in the city. A private, non-profit hospital established in 1991, it is a 165-bed general medical and surgical facility that serves as a regional referral center for northwestern Kansas.

Media

The Hays Daily News is the city's primary newspaper, published six days a week. In addition, Fort Hays State University publishes a weekly student newspaper, The University Leader.

Hays is a center of broadcast media for central and northwestern Kansas. One AM radio station, 12 FM radio stations, and three television stations are licensed to and/or broadcast from the city. Hays is in the Wichita-Hutchinson television market, and two television stations broadcast from the city, one CBS network affiliate and one ABC translator station, both of which are satellite stations of their respective affiliates in Wichita. The third station is the flagship station of Smoky Hills Public Television, the PBS member network covering western Kansas. Licensed to Hays, it broadcasts from studios in Bunker Hill, Kansas.

In popular culture
Hays has been a setting of multiple films. The Plainsman (1936) and Wild Bill (1995), both of which dramatize the life and career of Wild Bill Hickok, are partially set in Hays during the late 1860s and early 1870s. Paper Moon (1973) is partially set in Great Depression-era Hays, and a portion of the film was shot in the city. Hays was also the subject of the song 'Hays, Kansas' by the band 49 Winchester.

Hays was the subject of an April 1952 cultural article in National Geographic magazine.

Notable people
Several Old West figures lived in Hays during its period as a frontier outpost, including Calamity Jane (1852-1903), Buffalo Bill Cody (1846-1917), General George Custer (1839-1876) and his wife Elizabeth (1842-1933), and gunfighters Wild Bill Hickok (1837-1876) and Clay Allison (1840-1887).

Other notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Hays include business magnate Philip Anschutz (1939- ), U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (1954- ), and feminist legal pioneer Frances Tilton Weaver (1904-2003).

Sister cities
Hays has two sister cities as designated by Sister Cities International:

title: Hays, Kansas


text:
Schoenchen, Kansas

Schoenchen is a city in Ellis County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 170.

History
Following a dispute over the proposed relocation of nearby Liebenthal, Volga German settlers founded Schoenchen in April 1877. They originally named the community San Antonio, but then renamed it Schoenchen after one of the villages they immigrated from in Russia. The settlers built their first church in 1880, replacing it in 1901 with a permanent structure, St. Anthony Catholic Church, which still stands. The community's first post office opened in 1902.

Geography
Schoenchen is located one-half mile west of U.S. Route 183, it is roughly 11 mi south of Hays, the county seat, 137 mi northwest of Wichita, and 264 mi west of Kansas City.

Schoenchen lies on the south bank of the Smoky Hill River in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains. The confluence of the river and one of its tributaries, Lookout Hollow, is immediately northwest of the community.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.11 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Schoenchen has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 207 people, 76 households, and 59 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,070 PD/sqmi. There were 86 housing units at an average density of 860 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.6% White, 1.9% American Indian, 1.4% from other races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 76 households, of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.2% were married couples living together, 1.3% had a male householder with no wife present, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72, and the average family size was 3.10.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 107 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.6 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,021, and the median income for a family was $48,854. Males had a median income of $34,688 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,241. 5.7% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 18.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
As of 2012, 80.0% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 80.0% was in the civilian labor force with 80.0% being employed and 0.0% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 29.7% in management, business, science, and arts; 22.7% in production, transportation, and material moving; 22.7% in sales and office occupations; 19.5% in service occupations; and 5.5% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, and health care and social assistance (22.7%); manufacturing (14.8%); and retail trade (12.5%).

The cost of living in Schoenchen is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 82.8. As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $85,000, and the median selected monthly owner cost was $919 for housing units with a mortgage and $525 for those without.

Government
Schoenchen is a city of the third class with a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of five members, and it meets on the first Monday after the 10th of each month.

Schoenchen lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 40th district of the Kansas Senate and the 110th district of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Education
The community is served by Hays USD 489 public school district.

Schoenchen High School closed in 1966 due to school unification. The Schoenchen High School mascot was Schoenchen Bluejays.

Schoenchen Elementary School operated for several years after the high school closure. The mascot was the Cardinals.

Transportation
U.S. Route 183 runs north–south 0.5 mi east of the city. Schoenchen Road, a paved county road, runs east–west through the city.

Utilities
Local residents primarily use stored gas for heating fuel.

Media
Schoenchen is in the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.

Points of interest
The Schoenchen Community Center, housed in a former bar and grill, is the community's polling place and event venue, hosting Schoenchen's annual German Feast.

title: Schoenchen, Kansas