Kansas Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

by countryaah · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated October 27, 2024

How many counties are there in Kansas? As of 2024, there are a total of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Among them, Allen County is the oldest one (established in 1855) while Grant County is the youngest (established in 1888). With population of 559,913, Johnson County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Butler County (3,699 km²) and the smallest is Wyandotte County (391 km²).

Largest Counties in Kansas

1. Butler County

County Seat: El Dorado

Area: 1,430 square miles
Population: Approximately 66,911 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 316, 620
Latitude: 37.8170° N
Longitude: 96.8353° W

Location and History

Butler County is the largest county by area in Kansas, located in the south-central part of the state. Established in 1855, the county was named after Andrew Butler, a U.S. Senator from South Carolina. El Dorado, the county seat, became a significant town following the discovery of oil in the early 20th century, which led to an economic boom. The county’s history is deeply tied to the oil industry, agriculture, and cattle ranching. Today, Butler County is a mix of rural landscapes and growing suburban areas, with its proximity to Wichita contributing to its growth.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Butler County is intersected by several major highways, including U.S. Route 54, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 77, which runs north-south. The Kansas Turnpike (Interstate 35) also passes through the western part of the county, providing access to Wichita and Kansas City. Significant landmarks include the Butler County Historical Museum in El Dorado, which showcases the county’s history, and the El Dorado Lake and State Park, a popular destination for camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway, which runs through the eastern part of the county, offers stunning views of the tallgrass prairie, one of the last remaining expanses of this unique ecosystem.

2. Finney County

County Seat: Garden City

Area: 1,302 square miles
Population: Approximately 38,470 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 620
Latitude: 37.9752° N
Longitude: 100.8727° W

Location and History

Finney County is located in southwestern Kansas and was established in 1883, named after David W. Finney, the Lieutenant Governor of Kansas. Garden City, the county seat, grew rapidly in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroad and the development of irrigation, which transformed the arid plains into productive farmland. The county has a diverse economy based on agriculture, livestock, and food processing, with Garden City serving as a regional hub for these industries. The area is also known for its cultural diversity, largely due to the influx of immigrant labor over the decades.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Finney County is served by U.S. Routes 50 and 83, which intersect in Garden City, and U.S. Route 400, which runs through the southern part of the county. Significant landmarks include the Lee Richardson Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Kansas, located in Garden City’s Finnup Park. The Finney County Historical Museum offers exhibits on the region’s history, including the story of the 1888 “Samson of the Cimarron” controversy, involving a giant fossilized mammoth. The Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area, located just south of Garden City, is home to a herd of bison and offers a glimpse into the natural environment of the Great Plains.

3. Ford County

County Seat: Dodge City

Area: 1,099 square miles
Population: Approximately 33,848 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 620
Latitude: 37.7525° N
Longitude: 99.9375° W

Location and History

Ford County is located in southwestern Kansas and was established in 1867, named after Colonel James H. Ford, a Union army officer during the Civil War. Dodge City, the county seat, is famous for its Wild West history as a frontier town and cattle boomtown during the late 19th century. Known as the “Queen of the Cowtowns,” Dodge City was a key destination for cattle drives on the Western Trail. Today, Ford County’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with a focus on cattle ranching and feedlots, as well as meatpacking and food processing industries.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Ford County is accessible via U.S. Routes 50, 56, and 283, all of which intersect in Dodge City. Notable landmarks include the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, which recreates the historic frontier town and showcases artifacts from the Wild West era. The Santa Fe Trail, a significant trade route in the 19th century, runs through the county and is commemorated by several historical markers and sites. The county is also home to the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, one of the largest rodeos in Kansas, attracting visitors from across the region. The annual Dodge City Days festival celebrates the city’s rich heritage with parades, concerts, and cultural events.

4. Sherman County

County Seat: Goodland

Area: 1,056 square miles
Population: Approximately 5,927 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 785
Latitude: 39.3508° N
Longitude: 101.7102° W

Location and History

Sherman County is located in northwestern Kansas, near the Colorado border. Established in 1873, the county was named after General William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union army leader during the Civil War. Goodland, the county seat, developed as a key agricultural center, particularly after the introduction of irrigation and dryland farming techniques in the early 20th century. The county’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with wheat, corn, and cattle being the main products. Goodland is known for its vibrant arts scene and as a hub for farming innovation.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Sherman County is served by Interstate 70, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 24, which also runs east-west but further north. Key landmarks include the Giant Van Gogh painting in Goodland, a 24 by 32-foot replica of Van Gogh’s “Three Sunflowers in a Vase,” mounted on an 80-foot easel, which is part of an international art project. The High Plains Museum in Goodland features exhibits on the county’s history, including the first patented helicopter, invented by a local resident. The county is also home to the Mt. Sunflower, the highest point in Kansas, located near the western border with Colorado. The annual Sherman County Free Fair showcases the region’s agricultural achievements with livestock shows, exhibits, and entertainment.

5. Ness County

County Seat: Ness City

Area: 1,075 square miles
Population: Approximately 2,687 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 785
Latitude: 38.4542° N
Longitude: 99.9098° W

Location and History

Ness County is located in west-central Kansas and was established in 1867, named after Corporal Noah V. Ness, a soldier who died in the Civil War. Ness City, the county seat, is known for its historic architecture, particularly the “Skyscraper of the Plains,” a four-story limestone building that stands out in the prairie landscape. The county’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with wheat and cattle being the primary products. In recent years, the county has also seen growth in the oil industry, contributing to its economic stability.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Ness County is accessible via U.S. Route 283, which runs north-south through the county, and State Highway 96, which runs east-west. Significant landmarks include the Ness County Courthouse in Ness City, an impressive Romanesque-style building constructed in 1917 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Skyscraper of the Plains, also in Ness City, is another key attraction, reflecting the town’s early 20th-century prosperity. The county is also home to the Cedar Bluff State Park and Reservoir, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The annual Ness County Fair celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, rodeos, and community events.

6. Lyon County

County Seat: Emporia

Area: 855 square miles
Population: Approximately 33,000 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 620
Latitude: 38.4045° N
Longitude: 96.1817° W

Location and History

Lyon County is located in east-central Kansas and was established in 1855, originally named Breckinridge County but renamed in 1862 after General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the Civil War. Emporia, the county seat, is known for its strong educational and literary heritage, being home to Emporia State University and the site where Veterans Day was first established as a national holiday. The county’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and education playing significant roles. Emporia has a vibrant cultural scene, with several annual festivals and events.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Lyon County is served by Interstate 35, which runs northeast-southwest through the county, connecting Emporia to Wichita and Kansas City. U.S. Highways 50 and 56 also run through the county. Notable landmarks include the William Allen White House State Historic Site in Emporia, the home of the famous editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia is one of the smallest accredited zoos in the United States, offering a unique and intimate zoo experience. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, located near the county, is a significant natural landmark, preserving a rare expanse of unbroken tallgrass prairie, the ecosystem that once covered much of the Midwest.

7. Sedgwick County

County Seat: Wichita

Area: 1,009 square miles
Population: Approximately 523,824 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 316
Latitude: 37.6949° N
Longitude: 97.3375° W

Location and History

Sedgwick County is located in south-central Kansas and was established in 1867, named after John Sedgwick, a Union general during the Civil War. Wichita, the county seat and largest city in Kansas, is a major economic and cultural center in the region, known as the “Air Capital of the World” due to its significant contributions to the aviation industry. The county’s economy is highly diversified, with strong sectors in aviation manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. Wichita has a rich history, from its roots as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail to its development into a modern metropolitan area.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Sedgwick County is intersected by several major highways, including Interstates 35, 135, and 235, as well as U.S. Routes 54, 81, and 400. Key landmarks include the Wichita Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of American art, and the Old Cowtown Museum, which offers a glimpse into Wichita’s frontier past. The county is also home to the Sedgwick County Zoo, the largest zoo in Kansas, and Exploration Place, a premier science and discovery center. The Keeper of the Plains, a 44-foot steel sculpture that stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers, is a symbolic and cultural landmark of Wichita.

8. Reno County

County Seat: Hutchinson

Area: 1,254 square miles
Population: Approximately 61,898 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 620
Latitude: 38.0720° N
Longitude: 97.9233° W

Location and History

Reno County is located in central Kansas and was established in 1867, named after General Jesse L. Reno, a Union officer in the Civil War. Hutchinson, the county seat, is known for its salt mines and as the host of the Kansas State Fair. The county’s economy is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, with the salt industry playing a significant role since the discovery of extensive salt deposits in the area in the 1880s. Hutchinson has a rich cultural and industrial heritage, contributing to its status as a key city in central Kansas.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Reno County is served by U.S. Routes 50 and 61, which intersect in Hutchinson, and State Highway 96, which provides access to Wichita. Significant landmarks include the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, a world-renowned space museum and education center with extensive exhibits on space exploration. The Strataca underground salt museum, located in the Hutchinson Salt Mine, offers tours of the working mine and exhibits on the history of salt mining. The county is also home to the annual Kansas State Fair, which attracts visitors from across the state for its livestock shows, exhibits, and entertainment. The Dillon Nature Center, with its trails and wildlife exhibits, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education.

9. Jefferson County

County Seat: Oskaloosa

Area: 557 square miles
Population: Approximately 18,368 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 785
Latitude: 39.2164° N
Longitude: 95.3236° W

Location and History

Jefferson County is located in northeastern Kansas, just north of Topeka. Established in 1855, the county was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Oskaloosa, the county seat, was founded in 1856 and developed as a small agricultural community. The county’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle being major products. Jefferson County is known for its rural landscapes, small towns, and proximity to the Kansas River, which forms its southern boundary.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Jefferson County is accessible via U.S. Route 59, which runs north-south through the county, and State Highways 4 and 24. Notable landmarks include Perry Lake, a large reservoir and popular recreation area offering boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities. The county is also home to the Old Jefferson Town in Oskaloosa, a living history museum with restored buildings from the 19th century. The Slough Creek Wildlife Area, located near Perry Lake, provides opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and nature observation. The county’s rural charm and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet retreat from urban life.

10. Sumner County

County Seat: Wellington

Area: 1,182 square miles
Population: Approximately 22,382 (2020 census)
Area Codes: 620
Latitude: 37.2650° N
Longitude: 97.4004° W

Location and History

Sumner County is located in south-central Kansas, along the border with Oklahoma. Established in 1870, the county was named after Charles Sumner, a U.S. Senator and abolitionist. Wellington, the county seat, developed as an agricultural center, particularly known for its wheat production. The county’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with wheat, corn, and soybeans being the primary crops. In recent years, the county has also seen growth in the manufacturing and energy sectors, particularly with the development of wind farms.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Sumner County is served by U.S. Routes 81 and 160, which intersect in Wellington, and Interstate 35, which runs through the eastern part of the county. Key landmarks include the Wellington Carnegie Library, a historic building that now houses the Chisholm Trail Museum, showcasing the county’s history and heritage. The Sumner County Fair, held annually in Caldwell, celebrates the region’s agricultural achievements with livestock shows, competitions, and entertainment. The Wellington Lake and Slate Creek, both located near Wellington, offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The county is also part of the historic Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas railheads in the 19th century.

List of All Counties in Kansas Alphabetically

Below please see all Kansas counties which are listed in alphabetical order.

Kansas Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

Largest Counties in Kansas

1. Butler County

County Seat: El Dorado

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

2. Finney County

County Seat: Garden City

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

3. Ford County

County Seat: Dodge City

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

4. Sherman County

County Seat: Goodland

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

5. Ness County

County Seat: Ness City

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

6. Lyon County

County Seat: Emporia

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

7. Sedgwick County

County Seat: Wichita

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

8. Reno County

County Seat: Hutchinson

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

9. Jefferson County

County Seat: Oskaloosa

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

10. Sumner County

County Seat: Wellington

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

List of All Counties in Kansas Alphabetically

Map of Kansas Counties

Read more:

Recent Posts

Languages