Cities and Towns in Allen County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Allen County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Allen County was one of the original 36 counties. The city of Iola is the county seat. With FIPS code of 1, Allen County has a population of 12,464 and area of 503 square miles (1,303 km²).
List of all cities in Allen County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Bassett, KS | 66749 | 620 |
Carlyle, KS | 66749 | 620 |
Elsmore, KS | 66732 | 620 |
Gas, KS | 66742 | 620 |
Humboldt, KS | 66748 | 620 |
Iola, KS | 66749 | 620 |
La Harpe, KS | 66751 | 620 |
Moran, KS | 66755 | 620 |
Savonburg, KS | 66772 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Allen County, Kansas
Iola
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.75 square miles
- Population: 5,396 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66749
- Latitude: 37.9247° N
- Longitude: 95.4006° W
Location and History
Iola, the county seat of Allen County, is located in southeastern Kansas along U.S. Highway 54, near the Neosho River. Founded in 1859, Iola was named after Iola Colborn, the wife of one of the town’s founders. The town grew rapidly due to its location along the river and the discovery of natural gas in the late 19th century, which brought industry and railroads to the area. During its early years, Iola became a significant industrial hub, with cement and brick manufacturing contributing to its economy. Agriculture has also played an important role in Iola’s development, with local farmers producing crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. Today, Iola is a thriving community with a blend of industry, agriculture, and education.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Iola is served by USD 257, with Iola High School being the main educational institution in town. Major landmarks include the historic Allen County Courthouse, built in 1957, and the Iola Riverside Park, which offers walking trails, a swimming pool, and space for community events. Another notable landmark is the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, a cultural hub that hosts performances and events. The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail passes through Iola, offering hiking and biking opportunities. Iola’s annual events include the Allen County Fair, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, rodeos, and entertainment.
Humboldt
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.68 square miles
- Population: 1,824 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66748
- Latitude: 37.8100° N
- Longitude: 95.4386° W
Location and History
Humboldt is located in southern Allen County along U.S. Highway 169 and the Neosho River. The town was founded in 1857 by a group of German settlers and named after Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist and explorer. Humboldt quickly grew as an agricultural and trade center due to its proximity to the river and the fertile land surrounding the area. During the Civil War, Humboldt was the site of a Confederate raid, but it was rebuilt and continued to prosper as a farming community. Over time, Humboldt diversified its economy, becoming a hub for local manufacturing, while agriculture remained a major industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Humboldt is part of the USD 258 school district, with Humboldt High School serving local students. The town’s key landmarks include the Humboldt Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the town and the surrounding region, and Cannon Park, a central gathering place for outdoor events. Humboldt also hosts the annual Biblesta parade, a unique event featuring Biblical-themed floats and performances. The nearby Neosho River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, making Humboldt a scenic and historically rich town.
Moran
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.48 square miles
- Population: 485 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66755
- Latitude: 37.9164° N
- Longitude: 95.1694° W
Location and History
Moran is located in the eastern part of Allen County, along U.S. Highway 54. Founded in 1881, Moran was named after Major William Moran, an early settler and prominent figure in the area’s development. The town grew as a small agricultural community, with its economy based on farming and livestock production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped Moran grow as a local trade center, allowing farmers to transport their products to larger markets. Over time, Moran has remained a quiet, rural town with strong ties to agriculture and a close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Moran is part of the Marmaton Valley USD 256 school district, with Marmaton Valley High School serving students from the town and surrounding areas. Key landmarks include Moran City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a community shelter. The town also hosts an annual Moran Day celebration, featuring parades, games, and local food vendors. With its peaceful rural setting and agricultural heritage, Moran remains a small but welcoming community in Allen County.
La Harpe
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.06 square miles
- Population: 448 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66751
- Latitude: 37.9192° N
- Longitude: 95.2933° W
Location and History
La Harpe is located just east of Iola along U.S. Highway 54 in Allen County. Founded in 1881, the town was named after La Harpe, Illinois, which was the hometown of one of its early settlers. La Harpe developed primarily as an agricultural community, with farming, particularly corn, soybeans, and cattle, being central to its economy. The discovery of natural gas in the area during the late 19th century contributed to a brief period of industrial growth, though agriculture remained the backbone of the town’s development. Today, La Harpe is a small, peaceful community that retains its rural charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
La Harpe is part of the USD 257 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Iola. The town’s primary landmark is La Harpe City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and space for local events. The annual La Harpe Days festival is a major community event, featuring parades, games, and entertainment. The town’s strong agricultural roots, combined with its small-town atmosphere, make La Harpe a welcoming place for residents who value a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Gas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.85 square miles
- Population: 568 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66742
- Latitude: 37.9228° N
- Longitude: 95.3386° W
Location and History
Gas is a small town located just west of La Harpe and east of Iola, along U.S. Highway 54. The town was founded in 1898 during the natural gas boom in southeastern Kansas and was named “Gas” due to the abundance of natural gas discovered in the area. Initially developed as a settlement for workers in the gas industry, the town grew rapidly during the gas boom, but as gas production declined, the town’s population and economy also shrank. Despite this, Gas has survived as a small, close-knit community with a unique name that draws attention from visitors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gas is part of the USD 257 school district, with students attending schools in Iola. The town’s primary landmark is Gas City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and recreational facilities for residents. The town is also known for its humorous welcome sign, which reads “Gas – Don’t Pass Us By,” a nod to its quirky name. Each year, Gas hosts community events such as picnics and holiday celebrations, fostering a strong sense of community among its residents. Gas may be small, but its unique name and friendly atmosphere make it a notable part of Allen County.
Elsmore
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: 64 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66732
- Latitude: 37.7247° N
- Longitude: 95.1475° W
Location and History
Elsmore is a small town located in southeastern Allen County, near the Kansas-Missouri border. Established in 1866, the town was originally a stop along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which helped bring settlers and businesses to the area. Elsmore’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with local farmers producing crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. Though the town experienced slow growth in its early years, Elsmore has remained a small agricultural community with a focus on farming and rural living.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elsmore is part of the Marmaton Valley USD 256 school district, with students attending schools in Moran. The town’s primary landmark is Elsmore City Park, a small green space that provides a quiet place for local gatherings and outdoor activities. Although Elsmore is a small community, it retains a strong agricultural identity and offers a peaceful rural lifestyle. Residents enjoy the close-knit nature of the town, with events such as local picnics and holiday celebrations bringing the community together.
Mildred
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 21 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66755
- Latitude: 37.8431° N
- Longitude: 95.1689° W
Location and History
Mildred is one of the smallest towns in Allen County, located in the eastern part of the county, near Moran. Founded in 1907, Mildred was originally a company town developed by the American Cement Company. The town grew around the company’s cement plant, which became the largest employer in the area. However, after the cement plant closed in the mid-20th century, the town’s population dwindled, and Mildred transformed into a quiet, rural community with deep ties to its industrial past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mildred is part of the Marmaton Valley USD 256 school district, with students attending schools in Moran. Although small, the town still features Mildred City Park, a green space that offers a spot for outdoor activities and local events. While Mildred’s industrial roots have faded, the town remains a close-knit rural community. Residents often participate in larger events held in nearby Moran or Iola, while Mildred maintains its charm as a peaceful, small town with a unique history.