text:
Edgerton, Kansas

Edgerton is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,748. It is home to a large BNSF intermodal train facility named Logistics Park Kansas City.

History
Edgerton was founded in 1870 when the railroad was extended to that point. It was named for the chief engineer of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

In October 2010, BNSF Railway announced plans to build its new 443-acre $250 million intermodal shipping facility in Edgerton, and after completion will replace the current one in Kansas City, Kansas. An adjacent $500 million industrial park with more than 7000000 sqft of warehouse space will be built over 10 years. It officially opened in October 2013. When the logistics park is fully built out, according to its 1,550-acre master plan, its capacity at that point will be 1.5 million containers annually.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.22 sqmi, of which 2.18 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi is water.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 1,748 people, 616 households, and 458 families in Edgerton. The population density was 238.5 per square mile (92.1/km$2$). There were 647 housing units at an average density of 88.3 per square mile (34.1/km$2$). The racial makeup was 85.58% (1,496) white or European American (83.35% non-Hispanic white), 1.37% (24) black or African-American, 0.8% (14) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.29% (5) Asian, 0.11% (2) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 2.46% (43) from other races, and 9.38% (164) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 6.92% (121) of the population.

Of the 616 households, 43.5% had children under the age of 18; 52.9% were married couples living together; 17.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 18.8% of households consisted of individuals and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.8 and the average family size was 3.1. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 11.8% of the population.

28.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 93.5 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $70,938 (with a margin of error of +/- $10,730) and the median family income was $69,661 (+/- $5,783). Males had a median income of $44,511 (+/- $4,260) versus $35,789 (+/- $9,337) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $42,702 (+/- $2,887). Approximately, 2.3% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under the age of 18 and 1.6% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,671 people, 591 households, and 450 families living in the city. The population density was 766.5 PD/sqmi. There were 645 housing units at an average density of 295.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.7% White, 0.8% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 591 households, of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.4% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.9% were non-families. 18.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.25.

The median age in the city was 32.1 years. 29.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 6.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.8% male and 47.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,440 people, 474 households, and 388 families living in the city. The population density was 1,127.7 PD/sqmi. There were 500 housing units at an average density of 391.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.97% White, 0.35% African American, 1.46% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 1.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.22% of the population. 23.5% were of German, 21.2% American, 14.5% Irish and 10.3% English ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 474 households, out of which 50.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.0% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.1% were non-families. 11.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.0% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 35.9% from 25 to 44, 16.0% from 45 to 64, and 3.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,179, and the median income for a family was $51,213. Males had a median income of $32,041 versus $23,594 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,911. About 2.3% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Libraries
The Johnson County Library system includes 13 locations throughout Johnson County, including the Edgerton Library.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Edgerton include:
 * John Henry Balch (1896–1980), U.S. Naval Reserve Commander, Medal of Honor recipient

title: Edgerton, Kansas


text:
Fairway, Kansas

Fairway is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States. It is included in the Kansas City metropolitan area census designation and the Shawnee Mission postal services designation. As of the 2020 United States census, the city population was 4,170.

History
For millennia, the Great Plains of North America were inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. In the 1820s, the federal government reserved this area for use by the Shawnee people, who had ceded their lands east of the Mississippi River to the United States. In 1839, Methodists established the Shawnee Methodist Mission here to operate a school for the Shawnee and try to convert them to Christianity. Later it was named the Shawnee Indian Manual Labor School and also accepted Native American boarding students, then closed in 1862. The site is now owned by the Kansas Historical Society, designated as a National Historic Landmark, and is operated by the city of Fairway as a museum.

In the 1930s, as Kansas City suburbs were developing, a developer laid out a subdivision near a golf course. It was named Fairway from its proximity to several driving ranges. Fairway was incorporated in 1949 and is known as "The City of Trees".

Fairway formed its own police force in 1949 with the appointment of a town marshal. This position was succeeded by police chiefs.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.15 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 4,170 people, 1,755 households, and 1,154 families in Fairway. The population density was 3,693.5 per square mile (1,426.1/km$2$). There were 1,822 housing units at an average density of 1,613.8 per square mile (623.1/km$2$). The racial makeup was 89.95% (3,751) white or European American (88.27% non-Hispanic white), 0.91% (38) black or African-American, 0.14% (6) Native American or Alaska Native, 2.01% (84) Asian, 0.02% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.67% (28) from other races, and 6.28% (262) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 4.51% (188) of the population.

Of the 1,755 households, 32.2% had children under the age of 18; 57.1% were married couples living together; 24.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 28.1% of households consisted of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.2. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 52.4% of the population.

23.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.0 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 $120,162 (with a margin of error of +/- $12,460) and the median family income was $174,543 (+/- $53,120). Males had a median income of $78,487 (+/- $25,661) versus $56,063 (+/- $18,070) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $66,552 (+/- $10,056). Approximately, 3.8% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,882 people, 1,749 households, and 1,062 families residing in the city. The population density was 3375.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,833 housing units at an average density of 1593.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.8% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 1,749 households, of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.3% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 41.4 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.4% were from 25 to 44; 30.6% were from 45 to 64; and 14.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,952 people, 1,781 households, and 1,102 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,468.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,842 housing units at an average density of 1,616.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.18% White, 0.40% African American, 0.35% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 0.76% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.23% of the population. 22.4% were of German, 18.3% English and 16.3% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 1,781 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $68,125, and the median income for a family was $97,163. Males had a median income of $72,350 versus $37,538 for females. The per capita income for the city was $45,456. About 0.5% of families and 1.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Johnson County Library services Fairway. The library has 13 locations in Johnson County.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Fairway include:
 * W. Bruce Cameron (born 1956), American author, columnist, and humorist
 * Frank L. Hagaman (1894-1966), 31st Governor of Kansas
 * Greg Orman (born 1968), Kansas Gubernatorial Candidate
 * Melissa Rooker (born 1964), Kansas state legislator
 * Eleanor Smart (born 1995), high diver

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

title: Fairway, Kansas


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Gardner, Kansas

Gardner is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 23,287. It is located within the Kansas City metropolitan area.

History
Gardner was founded where the Santa Fe Trail and the Oregon/California Trails divided. The Santa Fe Trail sent travelers southwest through Santa Fe and Albuquerque toward Los Angeles and San Diego. The Oregon/California Trails bore west for a few miles before turning north toward the Kansas River valley, followed the Big Blue River into present-day Nebraska, followed the Platte River west, and ultimately split in present-day Wyoming, Idaho or Utah.

Gardner was founded as a Free-Stater settlement in 1857. Settled primarily by emigrants from Massachusetts, it was named for Henry Gardner, then governor of Massachusetts. Four years after its establishment, it became the first community in Johnson County—and perhaps the first in the state—to experience an attack by Confederate forces.

The first post office in Gardner was established in 1858.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.21 sqmi, of which 10.16 sqmi is land and 0.05 sqmi is water. The most notable body of water in Gardner is Gardner Lake on the north side of town off of S Gardner Road and 151st Street. Gardner is also the genesis point of Kill Creek which runs north joining with the Kansas River in De Soto.

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, Gardner has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 23,287 people, 8,005 households, and 5,938 families in Gardner. The population density was 1,996.8 per square mile (771.0/km$2$). There were 8,294 housing units at an average density of 711.2 per square mile (274.6/km$2$). The racial makeup was 79.22% (18,449) white or European American (76.52% non-Hispanic white), 3.89% (907) black or African-American, 0.56% (130) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.78% (415) Asian, 0.14% (32) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.58% (834) from other races, and 10.82% (2,520) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 10.21% (2,378) of the population.

Of the 8,005 households, 47.7% had children under the age of 18; 56.1% were married couples living together; 21.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 20.4% of households consisted of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.0 and the average family size was 3.3. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 20.9% of the population.

32.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 104.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $78,193 (with a margin of error of +/- $4,899) and the median family income was $86,859 (+/- $4,392). Males had a median income of $49,402 (+/- $4,503) versus $30,995 (+/- $3,086) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $39,662 (+/- $2,267). Approximately, 4.3% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under the age of 18 and 6.9% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 19,123 people, 6,644 households, and 4,938 families living in the city. The population density was 1889.6 PD/sqmi. There were 7,300 housing units at an average density of 721.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.7% White, 3.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.2% of the population.

There were 6,644 households, of which 49.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.31.

The median age in the city was 30 years. 33.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 37.7% were from 25 to 44; 17.1% were from 45 to 64; and 5.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,396 people, 3,307 households, and 2,460 families living in the city. The population density was 1,898.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,533 housing units at an average density of 713.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.13% White, 1.21% African American, 0.49% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.26% from other races, and 1.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% of the population. 26.8% were of German, 18.2% American, 11.5% Irish and 5.6% English ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 3,307 households, out of which 47.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.1% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 38.4% from 25 to 44, 13.7% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $50,807, and the median income for a family was $54,554. Males had a median income of $37,438 versus $27,553 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,434. About 5.3% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
BNSF Railway built a refueling plant and office in Edgerton which is 3 miles from western Gardner. It opened in May 2013 and employs about 200.

Largest employers
According to the city's 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

Government
The mayor of Gardner is Todd Winters, who was sworn in on December 6, 2021. The city council is made up of five (5) at-large members, each of whom serve rotating 4-year terms.

Education
Gardner is part of the USD 231 school district. Located in Gardner are six out of the seven elementary schools (Edgerton Elementary is the only school in the district not located in Gardner). These include Gardner Elementary, Sunflower Elementary, Madison Elementary, Nike Elementary, Grand Star Elementary, and Moonlight Elementary. The district also has three middle schools, Wheatridge, Trail Ridge, and Pioneer Ridge, and one high school (Gardner-Edgerton High School) all located in Gardner.

Library
The Johnson County Library maintains a branch in Gardner.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Gardner include:
 * Ray McIntire (1918–1996), engineer, inventor
 * John Means (1993– ), baseball pitcher
 * Bubba Starling (1992– ), baseball center fielder

title: Gardner, Kansas


text:
Leawood, Kansas

Leawood is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 33,902.

19th century
After the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the area east of present-day Leawood opened for settlement. The Santa Fe Trail which ran through the area also contributed to the development of the area. The Border Ruffian War (1855-1857), part of a larger conflict known as Bleeding Kansas, damaged the local economy as pro-slavery activists from the slave state of Missouri attacked settlers, traders, and those traveling along the Santa Fe Trail. Conditions improved with the founding of Oxford, Kansas, the predecessor of Leawood. The township was destroyed by the American Civil War, and there was little left by 1865.

Leawood was named for Oscar G. Lee, the original land owner of the town site.

20th century
Modern Leawood was established in the 1920s, after Oscar G. Lee, a retired police chief from Oklahoma, moved to Johnson County. He supervised the construction of Lee Boulevard for public use.

In 1948, a housing development by the Kroh brothers led to the incorporation as a city. On November 30, 1948, Leawood became a city of the third class with a population of less than 2,000. By 1959, it had become a city of the second class. , it is a city of the first class with approximately 32,800 residents.

, it was one of the Kansas City metropolitan area's wealthiest suburbs, alongside Mission Hills, Kansas, the Country Club Plaza neighborhood, and Olathe, Kansas. Particularly the neighborhoods of Hallbrook, Mission Hill Estates, and Tuscany Reserve were all rated in the top 1%, according to a widely cited research professor.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.16 sqmi, of which, 15.06 sqmi of it is land and 0.10 sqmi is water.

The city is bordered on three sides by the cities of Overland Park and Prairie Village, Kansas and on the fourth by Kansas City, Missouri. The city's land area is approximately 75% developed and growth is expected to continue in the future.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 33,902 people, 12,742 households, and 9,974 families in Leawood. The population density was 2,244.3 per square mile (866.5/km$2$). There were 13,484 housing units at an average density of 892.6 per square mile (344.6/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.47% (29,316) white or European American (85.58% non-Hispanic white), 1.51% (512) black or African-American, 0.19% (64) Native American or Alaska Native, 5.09% (1,724) Asian, 0.02% (7) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.67% (227) from other races, and 6.05% (2,052) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.21% (1,088) of the population.

Of the 12,742 households, 33.2% had children under the age of 18; 70.9% were married couples living together; 17.8% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 19.4% of households consisted of individuals and 11.3% 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 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 57.9% of the population.

24.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 17.5% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 109.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $156,538 (with a margin of error of +/- $9,441) and the median family income was $194,974 (+/- $22,055). Males had a median income of $116,151 (+/- $13,915) versus $46,187 (+/- $8,762) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $76,032 (+/- $4,591). Approximately, 1.0% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under the age of 18 and 1.8% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 31,867 people, 11,781 households, and 9,367 families living in the city. The population density was 2116.0 PD/sqmi. There were 12,384 housing units at an average density of 822.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.3% White, 1.9% African American, 0.1% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 11,781 households, of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.7% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 20.5% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the city was 44.7 years. 28.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18% were from 25 to 44; 34.3% were from 45 to 64; and 15.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

The city has become more Democratic in voting since 2016, going from majority conservative to a reliably swing district with near parity in party identification and fundraising. The city is evenly divided 50/50 Democratic-Republican.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,656 people, 9,841 households, and 8,118 families living in the city. The population density was 1,833.4 PD/sqmi. There were 10,129 housing units at an average density of 671.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.19% White, 1.46% African American, 0.14% Native American, 2.18% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 9,841 households, out of which 41.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.0% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.5% were non-families. 15.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

Religion
Leawood is home to the main campus of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, which is the largest church in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and the largest Methodist church in the country with 22,000 members and an average weekly attendance of 13,600. In 2017, one of the world's largest stained glass works, costing $3.4 million, was established as part of the church's building, depicting stories of Jesus and Martin Luther King Jr.

Leawood is also home to three Catholic parishes: Church of the Nativity, Curé of Ars and St. Michael the Archangel.

Top employers
According to Leawood's 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:

Shopping centers
Town Center Plaza is home to a number of upscale stores with few or no other locations in the Kansas City area.

Law enforcement
The Leawood Police Department is the main department in the city of Leawood, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office also assists as well. The Leawood Police Department was formed on January 18, 1949. The agency was formed when Robert E. Combs became the city's first chief of police. The first officers hired on were unpaid volunteers who wanted to help their community. By 1971 the city had gradually started paying patrol officers, and in 1986 the agency had reached 26 officers, 6 civilians and 1 dispatcher. Now the agency has around 60 officers. Currently the Leawood Police Department enrolls officers in the Johnson County Regional Police Academy who, following their graduation, join the agency, raising the number of officers hired. Leawood Police Officers have a dark navy blue uniform, dark blue pants, as well as black shoes or boots, and a badge with the department's insignia on it along with the Kansas state logo.

The Kansas Highway Patrol rarely patrols the city unless there is a major event. The Leawood police chief is Dale Finger, who has been chief since 2021.

Schools
Two public school districts serve Leawood -- Shawnee Mission School District and Blue Valley USD 229.

Libraries
The Johnson County Library serves the residents of Leawood.

In June 2014, Leawood city officials shut down a Little Free Library due to city ordinance prohibiting free-standing structures in the front yards of residential homes. The family of the 9-year-old boy who built the structure created a Facebook page to support amendment of Leawood's city code. Another resident of the city who erected a Little Free Library was threatened with a $25 fine. There are discussions among the city's residents in working with the city to amend its code regarding free-standing structures in residents' front yards.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Leawood include Adam Aron the current CEO of AMC Theatres, co-founder of Garmin Corporation Min Kao, romance novelist Julie Garwood, U.S. Representative from Missouri Karen McCarthy, baseball pitcher Dan Quisenberry, founder of Hallmark Cards Joyce Clyde Hall, and tight end for Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce.

Sister cities

 * 🇹🇼 Yilan City, Taiwan (1988)
 * 🇮🇱 Gezer Regional Council, Israel (2003)

title: Leawood, Kansas


text:
Lenexa, Kansas

Lenexa is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 57,434. making it the 9th most populated city in Kansas. It is bordered by the cities of Shawnee to the north, Overland Park to the east, De Soto to the west and Olathe to the south.

History
Twelve years before the town of Lenexa was platted, James Butler Hickok staked a claim on 160 acre at what is now the corner of 83rd and Clare Road. Filed in 1857, the claim was not far from the Kansas River, and was 20 mi southwest of Westport, Missouri, and the start of the Santa Fe Trail. The trail meandered through this area on its way to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

On March 22, 1858, Hickok was elected one of the first four constables of nearby Monticello Township. Later, Hickok became a scout for the Free-State Army, a sharpshooter and eventually, one of the most famous folk heroes of the American West, Wild Bill Hickok.

At about the same time as Hickok filed his claim, a census of the Shawnee Indians living in the area was being taken, and one of the residents listed was Na-Nex-Se Blackhoof. She was the widow of Chief Blackhoof, the second signer of the 1854 treaty that ceded 1600000 acre of the Kansas Shawnee Indian reservation to the United States government.

In 1865, the Kansas and Neosho Valley Railroad was organized to take advantage of favorable new land laws. It later changed its name to Missouri River, Ft. Scott and Gulf Railroad, and in 1869 purchased a right-of-way from C.A. Bradshaw in the area that is now Lenexa, with the stipulation that a depot be built on the property.

Bradshaw also sold 10.5 acre to Octave Chanute, a railroad civil engineer, who platted the town in 1869. Legend states that the first town name proposed was "Bradshaw", but Bradshaw modestly refused and the name "Lenexa", a derivation of the name Na-Nex-Se, the name of Shawnee Chief Thomas Blackhoof's wife, was adopted.

Geography
Lenexa is located at 38.96472°N, -94.75944°W (38.964689, -94.759535). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.45 sqmi, of which, 34.10 sqmi is land and 0.35 sqmi is water.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 57,434 people, 23,934 households, and 15,432 families in Lenexa. The population density was 1,685.7 per square mile (650.8/km$2$). There were 25,308 housing units at an average density of 742.8 per square mile (286.8/km$2$). The racial makeup was 78.05% (44,827) white or European American (75.9% non-Hispanic white), 6.41% (3,681) black or African-American, 0.4% (232) Native American or Alaska Native, 4.15% (2,381) Asian, 0.07% (38) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 2.87% (1,650) from other races, and 8.05% (4,625) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 8.34% (4,790) of the population.

Of the 23,934 households, 27.7% had children under the age of 18; 51.8% were married couples living together; 24.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 28.1% of households consisted of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 2.9. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 39.7% of the population.

21.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 106.5 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $90,487 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,777) and the median family income was $110,925 (+/- $4,040). Males had a median income of $59,365 (+/- $4,837) versus $42,653 (+/- $1,613) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $49,977 (+/- $2,070). Approximately, 2.8% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under the age of 18 and 3.1% of those ages 65 or over.

The ancestry of Lenexa in 2020 was 25.5% German, 13.3% Irish, 13.2% English, 3.9% Italian, 2.3% French, 2.1% Scottish, 2.0% Polish, 2.0% Norwegian, and 1.9% Subsaharan African.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 48,190 people, 19,288 households, and 13,065 families living in the city. The population density was 1413.2 PD/sqmi. There were 20,832 housing units at an average density of 610.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.4% White, 5.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.0% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.3% of the population.

There were 19,288 households, of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.3% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 36.6 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.2% were from 25 to 44; 28.5% were from 45 to 64; and 10.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the U.S. Census in 2000, there were 40,238 people, 15,574 households, and 10,559 families living in the city. The population density was 1,173.8 PD/sqmi. There were 16,378 housing units at an average density of 477.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.50% White, 6.50% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 3.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.60% from other races, and 1.61% two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.97% of the population. 24.8% were of German, 12.4% English, 12.1% Irish and 7.2% American ancestry.

There were 15,574 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

Economy
Lenexa is the birthplace of Garmin and the regional headquarters of Kiewit Construction.

Largest employers
According to the city's 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

Government
Lenexa is the home of a Records Center managed by the National Archives and Records Administration. The facility stores federal records from agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska including Department of Veterans Affairs and the Internal Revenue Service. The facility is also known informally as "The Caves" and is known to store items from the trauma room at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, where John F. Kennedy was pronounced dead following his assassination. As of November 2023, the current Mayor of Lenexa is Julie Sayers and the current City Manager is Beccy Yocham.

Education
Lenexa does not have a public school district of its own. Instead, Lenexa students go to either Shawnee Mission School District, Olathe School District, or De Soto School District schools. It is also home to a handful of private schools. Lenexa's first private high school, St. James Academy, opened in 2005. The Johnson County Library has a branch in the Lenexa City Center. Wichita based Friends University also has a branch in Lenexa. The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education is based in Lenexa; its competitive peer, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, is based in neighboring Overland Park.

Events
Each June the city hosts "The Great Lenexa Barbecue Battle", which is also the Kansas State Championship. Lenexa was known as the "Spinach Capital of the World" in the 1930s and celebrates with the Spinach Festival every September.

Religion
Lenexa is home to the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, a parish founded in Kansas City in 1906 and moved to Lenexa in 2006. The parish constructed a new Byzantine style church and cultural center. The church hosts a SerbFest every year in the summer and a Food Festival and Bazaar in the fall.

The Church of the Nazarene, an evangelical Protestant denomination which was headquartered for many years in Kansas City, moved its international headquarters to Lenexa in 2008.

Healthcare
On April 13, 2023, construction began for AdventHealths new hospital AdventHealth Lenexa.

Transportation
Johnson County Transit provides local bus service in and around the city.

Notable people
People who were born in or have lived in Lenexa include these:
 * Warren Ault (1887–1989), historian
 * Cam F. Awesome (born 1988), boxer
 * Baron Corbin (born 1984), WWE Wrestler
 * Madison Desch (born 1997), gymnast
 * Drake Dunsmore (born 1988), football tight end
 * Wild Bill Hickok (1837–1876), gunfighter. He staked a claim on 160 acre at what is now the corner of 83rd and Clare Road.
 * Lucas Rodríguez (born 1986), soccer midfielder
 * Paul Rudd, (born 1969), actor
 * William Shaw (born 1955), biochemist, autism researcher
 * Grace VanderWaal (born 2004), winner of the eleventh season of the NBC TV competition show America's Got Talent
 * Jason Wiles (born 1970), actor, director, producer. Starred as Maurice 'Bosco' Boscorelli (1999–2005) in the television series Third Watch.
 * Ron Worley (born 1945), Kansas state legislator

title: Lenexa, Kansas


text:
Merriam, Kansas

Merriam is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 11,098. Merriam is included in the Shawnee Mission postal designation. It is also the headquarters of Seaboard Corporation.

History
Merriam was incorporated as a third class city on October 23, 1950, and established second class city status on January 18, 1957.

The city was named in honor of Charles Merriam, a one-time secretary/treasurer of the then Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf railroad (later the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway) which ran through the area.

Geography
Merriam is bordered by the cities of Overland Park to the east and south, Shawnee to the west, and Kansas City, Kansas to the north (in Wyandotte County); the city of Lenexa is less than one mile to the southwest. The city straddles approximately three miles of Interstate 35 from less than a mile, southwest of its junction with Interstate 635 south to 75th Street. Shawnee Mission Parkway, an east–west road, nearly bisects the city. U.S. Routes 59 and 69 follow the Interstate to the south of the city and follow Shawnee Mission Parkway to the east from its junction with the Interstate. Turkey Creek, following a roughly parallel path to the Interstate, flows through the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.32 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 11,098 people, 5,070 households, and 2,762 families in Merriam. The population density was 2,570.8 per square mile (992.6/km$2$). There were 5,297 housing units at an average density of 1,227.0 per square mile (473.7/km$2$). The racial makeup was 75.33% (8,360) white or European American (72.26% non-Hispanic white), 6.64% (737) black or African-American, 0.72% (80) Native American or Alaska Native, 2.65% (294) Asian, 0.11% (12) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.96% (440) from other races, and 10.59% (1,175) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 12.2% (1,354) of the population.

Of the 5,070 households, 23.3% had children under the age of 18; 39.4% were married couples living together; 31.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 37.3% of households consisted of individuals and 12.6% 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 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 29.8% of the population.

19.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 109.4 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $63,347 (with a margin of error of +/- $4,894) and the median family income was $80,797 (+/- $6,429). Males had a median income of $45,116 (+/- $5,606) versus $34,464 (+/- $4,520) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $39,790 (+/- $3,007). Approximately, 5.3% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.1% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,003 people, 4,900 households, and 2,788 families living in the city. The population density was 2547.0 PD/sqmi. There were 5,224 housing units at an average density of 1209.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.4% White, 6.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.9% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.7% of the population.

There were 4,900 households, of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.1% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 37.4 years. 20.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 13.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the U.S. Census in 2000, there were 11,008 people, 4,839 households, and 2,903 families living in the city. The population density was 2,550.9 PD/sqmi. There were 5,042 housing units at an average density of 1,168.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.24% White, 4.02% Black or African American, 0.42% Native American, 2.09% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.95% from other races, and 2.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.41% of the population. The ancestral makeup was 21.9% German, 12.9% English, 11.5% Irish and 7.7% American.

There were 4,839 households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household was $48,455, and the median income for a family was $54,639. Males had a median income of $37,358 versus $29,815 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,988. About 4.3% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Seaboard Corporation is based in Merriam. Until 2019 the home of Lee Jeans.

IKEA announced the construction and opening of an IKEA store at Johnson Drive & Interstate 35. It added between 200 and 500 jobs in Spring 2015.

Top employers
According to Merriam's 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:

Libraries
Johnson County Library serves residents of Merriam. The library's Antioch branch is located at the intersection of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch road. At one time, this branch served as the headquarters for the library system.

title: Merriam, Kansas


text:
Mission, Kansas

Mission is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 9,954.

History
An Indian mission was established in 1829 at the town's site, hence the name of the later settlement.

Today, the town is broken into lots, with small houses of different designs on large lots.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.68 sqmi, of which, 2.67 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 9,954 people, 5,295 households, and 2,240 families in Mission. The population density was 3,730.9 per square mile (1,440.5/km$2$). There were 5,641 housing units at an average density of 2,114.3 per square mile (816.3/km$2$). The racial makeup was 77.29% (7,693) white or European American (73.93% non-Hispanic white), 4.81% (479) black or African-American, 0.36% (36) Native American or Alaska Native, 4.03% (401) Asian, 0.1% (10) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.22% (321) from other races, and 10.19% (1,014) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 11.43% (1,138) of the population.

Of the 5,295 households, 17.0% had children under the age of 18; 30.2% were married couples living together; 34.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 46.2% of households consisted of individuals and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.6. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 46.1% of the population.

14.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 38.1% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 110.6 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $64,703 (with a margin of error of +/- $8,080) and the median family income was $85,794 (+/- $6,041). Males had a median income of $48,004 (+/- $2,808) versus $32,500 (+/- $3,458) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $40,964 (+/- $2,424). Approximately, 3.9% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under the age of 18 and 2.9% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 9,323 people, 5,000 households, and 2,130 families living in the city. The population density was 3491.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,477 housing units at an average density of 2051.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.6% White, 5.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.9% Asian, 2.6% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.2% of the population.

There were 5,000 households, of which 18.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.0% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 57.4% were non-families. 46.8% 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 1.86 and the average family size was 2.69.

The median age in the city was 35.2 years. 16.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 10% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 36.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,727 people, 5,119 households, and 2,226 families living in the city. The population density was 3,845.9 PD/sqmi. There were 5,329 housing units at an average density of 2,107.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.95% White, 3.78% African American, 0.33% Native American, 2.76% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.03% from other races, and 2.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.91% of the population. 25.6% were of German, 13.5% English, 12.9% Irish and 7.2% American ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 5,119 households, out of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.1% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 56.5% were non-families. 45.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.88 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.1% under the age of 18, 12.3% from 18 to 24, 37.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

As of 2000, the median income for a household was $42,298, and the median income for a family was $59,328. Males had a median income of $37,544 versus $30,647 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,870. About 3.6% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The agricultural and transport company Seaboard Corporation has corporate offices located just to the west of Mission in the city of Merriam. The United States Postal Service lumps many addresses in the Johnson County, KS suburbs under the combined name of "Shawnee Mission, Kansas", although this refers to a historical mission, Shawnee Methodist Mission. Shawnee is considerably larger than Mission and the postal name of Shawnee Mission applies to a far larger area and population than the combined total of just those two incorporated cities. The postal address of Seaboard's offices is "Shawnee Mission".

Radio station clusters owned by Cumulus Media and Entercom have their studios in Mission.

Government
The City of Mission offers several assistance programs to help residents maintain the exteriors of their homes. These programs include Mission Possible, an effort to help elderly and disabled individuals remove dilapidated structures, physical barriers, and make basic repairs to their homes and property. The city also provides free paint and primer to low income residents to maintain the aesthetics of their homes.

Mission is a member of the national Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, an effort encouraging cities to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Libraries
The Johnson County Library serves the residents of Johnson County, KS, including Mission, KS. It has thirteen locations county wide. JCL's Antioch Road location in Merriam, KS is just to the west and the Cedar Roe location in Roeland Park, Kansas is just to the north. However, the library does not have a location in Mission proper.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Mission include:
 * Bart Evans (1947– ), polo player
 * Earl Eugene O'Connor (1922–1998), U.S. federal judge
 * James B. Pearson (1920–2009), U.S. Senator from Kansas
 * Michael Sull (1949– ), calligrapher
 * Grant Wahl (1974–2022), sports journalist

title: Mission, Kansas


text:
Mission Hills, Kansas

Mission Hills is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 3,594. The east city limits is the Kansas-Missouri state line at State Line Road. Mission Hills was originally developed by noted Kansas City developer J. C. Nichols beginning in the 1920s as part of his Country Club District plan.

History
An Indian mission was established at the town's site in the 1830s, hence the name of the later settlement.

The city started as a planned upscale community for the elite by J.C. Nichols to be built around the Mission Hills Country Club (Kansas) on the hills above Brush Creek just south of the Shawnee Methodist Mission. Most of the country club's property is in Kansas but its original clubhouse was in Kansas City, Missouri, allowing it to serve liquor, which was prohibited on the Kansas side. Nichols laid out plans in 1914. He had developed the country club to enhance the value of his Kansas properties after discovering that upscale buyers were reluctant to live on the Kansas side of the state line.

Adjoining the club Nichols established the Community Golf Club. After it dramatically grew, it moved to what today is the Kansas City Country Club. Nichols lured the Kansas City Country Club to take over the land, and the Community Golf Club went on to establish the Indian Hills Country Club. Together, the three clubs became the most prestigious in the Kansas City metropolitan area; many rank them in order of prestige: Kansas City first, Mission Hills second, and Indian Hills third.

Nichols opposed incorporation of the community fearing that a city would not adequately meet the needs of its residents or properly enforce housing covenants. Consequently, the Mission Hills Home Company was founded on August 18, 1914. One of the most publicized early enforcements involved forbidding the family of a sick woman to enclose her porch with glass.

Faced with prospects of annexation by neighboring relatively lower income communities seeking its wealthy tax base, Mission Hills incorporated as a city in 1949.

Many of the early houses were designed by Clarence E. Shepherd, Edward Tanner, and Edward Buehler Delk.

The city's most distinctive landmark, which is used on the official city seal, is the Verona columns and reflecting pool at the intersection of Ensley Lane, Mission Drive and Overhill Road. They were conceived by landscape architect S. Herbert Hare in 1924.

In 1928 Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Pauline, stayed at the house of W. Malcolm and Ruth Lowry at 6435 Indian Lane. During this time, Hemingway wrote A Farewell to Arms. He later gave an autographed copy of the book to Don Carlos Guffey, the Kansas City doctor who delivered his son Patrick. The inscription, which is now in the University of Missouri-Kansas City library, said "...with much admiration and grateful remembrance of a Caesarean that was beautifully done and turned out splendidly."

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.02 sqmi, all of it land. However, Brush Creek runs through the northern section of the city.

The northern half of Mission Hills, north of 63rd Street, is informally called "old Mission Hills" and is dominated by opulent houses on large lots. There are two private country clubs in this section: the Mission Hills Country Club and the Kansas City Country Club. The southern half, consisting of developments Belinder Hills, Indian Hills and Sagamore Hills, contains affluent upper middle class residences and the private Indian Hills Country Club.

Demographics
According to Forbes Magazine, Mission Hills ranks as the 3rd wealthiest municipality in the country. Mission Hills has the highest median household income of any city in Kansas with a population over 1,000, as well as one of the highest median incomes for any city in the United States.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 3,594 people, 1,241 households, and 1,094 families in Mission Hills. The population density was 1,764.4 per square mile (681.2/km$2$). There were 1,307 housing units at an average density of 641.6 per square mile (247.7/km$2$). The racial makeup was 91.04% (3,272) white or European American (90.04% non-Hispanic white), 0.14% (5) black or African-American, 0.08% (3) Native American or Alaska Native, 3.14% (113) Asian, 0.03% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.39% (14) from other races, and 5.18% (186) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.67% (96) of the population.

Of the 1,241 households, 39.9% had children under the age of 18; 82.0% were married couples living together; 11.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 10.9% of households consisted of individuals and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.7 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 64.6% of the population.

26.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 15.9% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 102.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $250,000+ and the median family income was $250,000+. Males had a median income of $202,292 (+/- $76,309) versus $47,102 (+/- $25,093) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $113,913 (+/- $25,942). Approximately, 0.0% of families and 0.2% 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
At the 2010 census there were 3,498 people in 1,253 households, including 1,066 families, in the city. The population density was 1731.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,326 housing units at an average density of 656.4 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 96.8% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8%.

Of the 1,253 households 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 79.7% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 14.9% were non-families. 12.9% of households were one person and 8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age was 47.1 years. 28.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 14.3% were from 25 to 44; 35% were from 45 to 64; and 18.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 3,593 people in 1,284 households, including 1,104 families, in the city. The population density was 1,782.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,318 housing units at an average density of 653.9 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 98.22% White, 0.08% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09%. 25.2% were of English, 21.4% German, 13.4% Irish and 7.1% American ancestry according to Census 2000.

Of the 1,284 households 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 81.2% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.0% were non-families. 12.5% of households were one person and 7.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.06.

The age distribution was 29.6% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 18.1% from 25 to 44, 32.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% 65 or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median household income was $188,821 and the median family income was $200,000. Males had a median income of $100,000 versus $62,440 for females. The per capita income for the city was $95,405. About 1.4% of families and 1.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Mission Hills is in the Shawnee Mission public school district. Some families send their children to one of the many secular private schools in the city like the Pembroke Hill School and The Barstow School or to religiously affiliated schools such as Bishop Miege High School or Rockhurst High School.

Libraries
The Johnson County Library serves the residents of Mission Hills.

In the media
Mission Hills is a setting for the ABC Family television drama Switched at Birth. The show is set in Kansas City, Missouri, but the main characters live in Mission Hills.

Mission Hills was ranked number 3 on the Forbes list of America's most affluent neighborhoods.

Notable people
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Mission Hills include:
 * Henry W. Bloch (1922-2019), Co-founder H&R Block
 * Barbara Bollier (1958- ), Kansas state legislator
 * George Brett (1953- ), Baseball Hall of Fame third baseman
 * Marcelo Claure (1970- ), telecommunications executive
 * David Dreier (1952- ), member of Congress, chairman of the House Rules Committee, chairman of Tribune Publishing
 * James Ellroy (1948- ), novelist
 * Thomas Frank (1965- ), historian, journalist
 * Matt Gogel (1971- ), pro golfer, sportscaster
 * Donald J. Hall, Sr. (1929- ), greeting cards executive
 * Kevin Harlan (1960- ), sportscaster
 * Ewing Kauffman (1916-1993), pharmaceutical entrepreneur
 * Tom Watson (1949- ), pro golfer
 * Carrie Westcott (1969- ), model, actress
 * Cheryl Womack (1950- ), trucking entrepreneur, executive
 * David Wysong (1949- ), Kansas state legislator

title: Mission Hills, Kansas


text:
Mission Woods, Kansas

Mission Woods is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 203.

History
Mission Woods had its start in the 1930s when J.C. Nichols laid out the subdivision and started building. It was named from a Native American mission established at the site in the 19th century, and from the scenic wooded setting.

Mission Woods became a Google Fiber "fiberhood" in 2014.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.10 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 203 people, 80 households, and 64 families in Mission Woods. The population density was 2,280.9 per square mile (880.7/km$2$). There were 80 housing units at an average density of 898.9 per square mile (347.1/km$2$). The racial makeup was 81.77% (166) white or European American (81.28% non-Hispanic white), 2.96% (6) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.97% (4) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.48% (3) from other races, and 11.82% (24) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.45% (7) of the population.

Of the 80 households, 40.0% had children under the age of 18; 70.0% were married couples living together; 16.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 12.5% of households consisted of individuals and 7.5% 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 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 57.1% of the population.

23.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 27.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 90.2 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $250,000+ and the median family income was $250,000+. The median income for those above 16 years old was $121,250 (+/- $90,248). Approximately, 0.0% of families and 1.1% 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 178 people, 77 households, and 53 families living in the city. The population density was 1780.0 PD/sqmi. There were 80 housing units at an average density of 800.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.8% White, 0.6% African American, and 1.7% Asian.

There were 77 households, of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.3% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the city was 54.5 years. 18.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.4% were from 25 to 44; 32.7% were from 45 to 64; and 26.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 44.9% male and 55.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 165 people, 77 households, and 51 families living in the city. The population density was 1,519.6 PD/sqmi. There were 78 housing units at an average density of 718.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.97% White, 1.82% African American, 1.21% from other races.

There were 77 households, out of which 16.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.3% were married couples living together, 2.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.65.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.8% under the age of 18, 1.8% from 18 to 24, 10.3% from 25 to 44, 42.4% from 45 to 64, and 26.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $106,885, and the median income for a family was $181,456. Males had a median income of $100,000 versus $60,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $68,713. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

Government
The Mission Woods government consists of a mayor and five council members. The council meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7PM.

Libraries
The Johnson County Library serves residents of Mission Woods.

title: Mission Woods, Kansas


text:
Olathe, Kansas

Olathe is the county seat of Johnson County, Kansas, United States. It is the fourth-most populous city in both the Kansas City metropolitan area and the state of Kansas, with a 2020 population of 141,290.

19th century
Olathe was founded by John T. Barton in the spring of 1857. He rode to the center of Johnson County, and staked two quarter sections of land as the town site. He later described his ride to friends: "...the prairie was covered with verbena and other wild flowers. I kept thinking the land was beautiful and that I should name the town Beautiful." Purportedly, Barton asked a Shawnee interpreter how to say "Beautiful" in his native language. The interpreter responded, "Olathe."

Olathe was incorporated in 1857, and while not the first city in Johnson County, its rapid growth led to it being named the county seat in October 1859. Rising tensions across the nation over the issue of slavery led to numerous clashes between abolitionist settlers and neighboring slave state Missouri. These clashes further escalated and become a part of the greater conflict known as Bleeding Kansas. With the admission of Kansas into the Union as a free state in 1861, violence began to dissipate. Peace continued to elude Olathe for many years to come, however. In 1861, Union officials and local military forces created a military post in the city. It housed one company of troops along with the local militia.

On September 6, 1862, William Quantrill led a surprise raid of guerrilla Confederates against the city, which resulted in a half dozen deaths and the destruction of most of the city. Quantrill captured the outpost and tried forcing the men to swear an oath to the Confederacy. The oath was deemed invalid in November 1862, since the guerrillas were not considered legitimate enemy military units. Kansas militia continued to occupy the Olathe military post through the rest of the Civil War.

Confederate forces attempted two further raids against the city. The first happened on August 20–21, 1863, as Quantrill was passing through on his way to Lawrence, Kansas (see Lawrence Massacre). The second raid occurred October 24–5, 1864, when Confederate Major General Sterling Price, with a force of 10,000 men, passed through on their retreat south (see Price's Raid). With the Confederate surrender, the military post was decommissioned in August 1865.

Olathe served as a stop on the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail. Catering to travelers was the main source of income for local stores and businesses. The Mahaffie House, a popular resupply point for wagons headed westward, is today a registered historical site maintained by the City of Olathe. The staff wears period costumes, and stagecoach rides and farm animals make the site a favorite among children. Visitors can participate in Civil War re-enactments, Wild West Days, and other activities.

After the construction of the transcontinental railroad, the trails to the west lost importance, and Olathe faded into obscurity and remained a small, sleepy prairie town.

20th century
In the 1950s, the construction of the interstate highway system and, more directly, Interstate 35, linked Olathe to nearby Kansas City, Missouri. The result was tremendous residential growth as Olathe became a part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. In the 1980s, Olathe experienced tremendous commercial growth, which also drew more residents. Olathe's population is estimated to have surpassed 100,000 in 2001, and later projections showed Olathe's growth continuing as the city expanded into the farm fields south, west, and north of town.

Geography
Olathe is bordered by the cities of Lenexa to the north, Overland Park to the east, De Soto to the northwest, and Gardner to the southwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 60.42 sqmi of which 59.66 sqmi are land and 0.76 sqmi is covered by water. Olathe has two public lakes: Lake Olathe with 172 acre of water surface and Cedar Lake with 45 acre.

Olathe's Black Bob Park is named after Hathawekela Shawnee Chief Black Bob.

Climate
Olathe has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures range from an average high of 39 °F and low 20 °F in January to an average high of nearly 90 °F in July. The temperature reaches 90 °F an average of 36 days per year and 100 °F an average of 3 days per year. The minimum temperature falls below freezing (32 °F) an average of 102 days per year, but rarely drops below 10 °F. Typically, the first frost occurs between mid-October and the first week of November, and the last frost occurs between the end of March and the second week of April.

The area receives about 40 in of precipitation during an average year, with the largest share being received in May and June—the April–June period averages 30 days of measurable precipitation. During a typical year, the total amount of precipitation may be 28 to almost 53 inches. On average, 95 days of measurable precipitation occur per year. Winter snowfall averages about 19 inches, but the median is 13 in. Measurable snowfall occurs an average of 9 days per year, with at least an inch of snow being received on seven of those days. Snow depth of at least an inch occurs an average of 25 days per year.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 141,290 people, 50,070 households, and 37,409 families in Olathe. The population density was 2,282.8 per square mile (881.4/km$2$). There were 51,820 housing units at an average density of 837.2 per square mile (323.3/km$2$). The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 73.89% (104,405) white or European American (71.27% non-Hispanic white), 5.98% (8,444) black or African-American, 0.52% (735) Native American or Alaska Native, 4.48% (6,336) Asian, 0.09% (125) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 4.77% (6,739) from other races, and 10.27% (14,506) from two or more races.

The racial and ethnic makeup (where Hispanics are excluded from the racial counts and placed in their own category) was 71.27% (100,691) White alone (non-Hispanic), 5.85% (8,262) Black alone (non-Hispanic), 0.29% (414) Native American alone (non-Hispanic), 4.45% (6,293) Asian alone (non-Hispanic), 0.08% (115) Pacific Islander alone (non-Hispanic), 0.44% (620) Other Race alone (non-Hispanic), 5.24% (7,410) Multiracial or Mixed Race (non-Hispanic), and 12.38% (17,845) Hispanic or Latino.

Of the 50,070 households, 40.1% had children under the age of 18; 60.0% were married couples living together; 20.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 20.2% of households consisted of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.8 and the average family size was 3.3. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 32.7% of the population.

27.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 104.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $96,548 (with a margin of error of +/- $1,957) and the median family income was $105,927 (+/- $2,403). Males had a median income of $54,705 (+/- $1,766) versus $36,251 (+/- $2,111) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $45,840 (+/- $1,393). Approximately, 3.9% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under the age of 18 and 5.8% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, 125,872 people, 44,507 households, and 33,274 families were residing in the city. The population density was 2109.8 PD/sqmi. The 46,851 housing units had an average density of 785.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.1% White, 5.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 4.1% Asian, 4.2% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 10.2% of the population.

Of the 44,507 households, 44.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.9% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.2% were not families. About 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.80, and the average family size was 3.24.

The median age in the city was 32.9 years; 30% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between 18 and 24; 32.1% were from 25 to 44; 23.1% were from 45 to 64; and 7.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, 92,962 people, 32,314 households, and 24,623 families were residing in the city. The population density was 1,716.4 PD/sqmi. The 33,343 housing units averaged of 615.6 per square mile (237.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the city was 88.63% White, 3.70% African American, 0.43% Native American, 2.74% Asian, 2.69% from other races, and 1.80% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 5.44% of the population; 26.1% were of German, 11.0% Irish, 10.7% English, and 9.6% American ancestry.

Of the 32,314 households, 45.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were not families. About 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83, and the average family size was 3.24.

In the city, age distribution was 30.8% under 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 36.7% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 5.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

Economy
Olathe's commercial and industrial parks are home to many companies, including Honeywell, Husqvarna, ALDI, Garmin, Grundfos, and Farmers Insurance Group. Although Farmers Insurance is based in Los Angeles, California, Olathe has more of its employees than any other city in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Transportation, administers and maintains an air traffic-control center in Olathe, designated Kansas City Center or ZKC. Kansas City Center is one of 20 regional traffic-control centers that cover United States airspace. Johnson County maintains an airport in Olathe, Johnson County Executive Airport, which is located on about 500 acre of land with a 4,100-ft (1250-m) runway, parallel taxiways, and a federal contract air traffic-control tower. The airport is the second-busiest in the state.

Largest employers
According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

Education
The city of Olathe is served by the DeSoto, Olathe, Spring Hill, and Blue Valley School Districts. As of 2008, 26,894 students are enrolled in the Olathe School District. The Olathe School District has 36 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and five high schools: Olathe North, Olathe South, Olathe East, Olathe Northwest, and Olathe West.

Olathe is the home of MidAmerica Nazarene University and the Kansas School for the Deaf (established in 1861).

Airports
Olathe is served by:
 * Johnson County Executive Airport
 * New Century AirCenter

The closest airport with airline service is Kansas City International Airport in Platte County, Missouri.

Transportation

 * Johnson County Transit operates a bus system throughout the county, including Olathe.
 * BNSF Railway's Chicago-Los Angeles main line runs through Olathe.

Notable people
Willie Aames (born Albert William Upton) is an American actor, film and television director, television producer, and screenwriter. Aames is well known for playing Tommy Bradford on the 1970s television series Eight Is Enough, Buddy Lembeck on the 1980s series Charles in Charge, and Bibleman.

John Anderson, Jr., was the 36th governor of Kansas from 1961 until 1965. He was born near Olathe.

Earl Browder, a prominent leader in the American Communist movement, served as chairman of the National Committee of the Communist Party USA from 1934 to 1945. He was also the Communist Party USA's candidate for president in the 1936 and 1940 presidential elections.

Jonathan Quinn is a former head football coach (2009-2013) for the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers football team. Quinn played for the NFL Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears, and Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe.

Darren Sproles is a former running back in the NFL, who played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He was a three-time Pro Bowler (2014-2016), a three-time First-team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2015), and won Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Kansas State University, and high school football at Olathe North High School. Sproles retired as a player after the 2019 season, but still works in the NFL as an executive.

Buddy Rogers was an American actor who played the leading role in Wings (1927), which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1929. He was also a notable jazz musician and film producer. The actor was married to film legend Mary Pickford and won an honorary Oscar in 1986.

Charles Miller was a saxophonist and flutist for the multicultural California funk band War. Lead singer and saxophonist on the 1975 song Low Rider.

In popular culture

 * 1967– Olathe is an important location in the film In Cold Blood starring Robert Blake and Scott Wilson.
 * 2003– Olathe is a location in the documentary Lost Boys of Sudan directed by Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk.

title: Olathe, Kansas