Cities and Towns in Wichita County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Wichita County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Wichita County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Leoti is the county seat. With FIPS code of 203, Wichita County has a population of 2,082 and area of 719 square miles (1,862 km²).
List of all cities in Wichita County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Leoti, KS | 67861 | 620 |
Marienthal, KS | 67863 | 620 |
Modoc, KS | 67863 | 620 |
Selkirk, KS | 67861 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wichita County, Kansas
Leoti
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.41 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,450 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67861
- Latitude: 38.4825° N
- Longitude: 101.3589° W
City Location and History
Leoti is the county seat of Wichita County, Kansas, located in the western part of the state. Positioned along U.S. Highway 96, it serves as a central hub for local commerce and transportation. The city was established in 1885 and became the county seat after a fierce conflict known as the “Wichita County War,” a notorious episode in Kansas history that stemmed from disputes over land and county seat designation. Named after the daughter of a local settler, Leoti quickly developed into a thriving agricultural town. Farming, particularly wheat and sorghum, remains the backbone of the local economy, supported by advancements in irrigation and agriculture technology.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Leoti is served by Wichita County Schools USD 467, which includes Wichita County Junior/Senior High School and Wichita County Elementary School. The school system plays a vital role in the community, with strong support for academic and athletic programs. One of Leoti’s most prominent landmarks is the Wichita County Courthouse, a classic example of mid-century architecture that stands as a symbol of local government. The Leoti City Park is another attraction, offering recreational facilities for residents. Leoti also hosts the annual Wichita County Fair, featuring rodeos, parades, and agricultural exhibits, celebrating the area’s farming heritage and community spirit.
Marienthal
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67863
- Latitude: 38.4878° N
- Longitude: 101.2153° W
City Location and History
Marienthal is a small unincorporated community located in eastern Wichita County, Kansas, just off U.S. Highway 96. The town was established in 1892 by a group of German immigrants who were part of a Catholic colony that settled the area. Named after a Marian shrine in Germany, Marienthal grew around its religious roots, with the early settlers focusing on farming and building a close-knit community centered around the church. The region’s rich soil and favorable climate for wheat and corn farming allowed the town to prosper in its early years. Though it remains a small community today, Marienthal retains a deep connection to its historical and religious heritage.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Marienthal is part of the Wichita County Schools USD 467, with students typically attending schools in nearby Leoti due to its small size. A key landmark in Marienthal is the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which has been the heart of the community since its founding. The church, built in the early 20th century, is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Marienthal also hosts an annual parish picnic, a tradition that brings together residents for food, games, and celebrations, maintaining the town’s sense of community and its strong cultural and religious traditions.
Selkirk
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67838
- Latitude: 38.4806° N
- Longitude: 101.5275° W
City Location and History
Selkirk is a small unincorporated community in western Wichita County, Kansas. Established in the late 19th century, the town was named after the Scottish village of Selkirk, reflecting the European heritage of its early settlers. Like many towns in the region, Selkirk grew around agriculture, with wheat farming being the primary economic activity. The town’s location along a railroad line allowed for the transport of agricultural products, helping it thrive during the early 20th century. However, Selkirk’s population has dwindled over the years as farming has become more mechanized and fewer people live in rural areas.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Due to its small population, Selkirk does not have its own schools, with students attending Wichita County Schools in nearby Leoti. A notable landmark in Selkirk is the Selkirk Grain Elevator, a testament to the town’s agricultural roots and a key structure in the local farming community. The surrounding wheat fields offer a scenic view of Kansas’ flat, open landscapes, and the town’s history is celebrated annually during a small gathering of residents who come together to share stories and memories of Selkirk’s past. Nearby, the wide-open plains provide opportunities for stargazing and photography, capturing the beauty of rural Kansas.
Coronado
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 25 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67863 (shares with Marienthal)
- Latitude: 38.4706° N
- Longitude: 101.1350° W
City Location and History
Coronado is a very small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Wichita County, Kansas. Named after the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, the town was founded in the early 20th century during a period of westward expansion and agricultural development in Kansas. Like other communities in the area, Coronado was established as a farming settlement, with wheat and cattle ranching as the primary industries. Though the town never grew significantly, its settlers contributed to the overall development of Wichita County’s agricultural landscape.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Coronado’s residents rely on schools in nearby communities like Leoti for education, as the town is too small to support its own school system. While there are no major landmarks in Coronado itself, its proximity to Marienthal and Leoti offers residents access to important community facilities such as churches, schools, and parks. The wide, open spaces around Coronado make it ideal for farming and ranching, and the rural atmosphere provides a peaceful setting. Coronado’s history is marked by its resilience as a small farming community, where families have lived and worked the land for generations.