Cities and Towns in Comanche County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Comanche County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Comanche County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Coldwater is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, Comanche County has a population of 1,670 and area of 788 square miles (2,041 km²).
List of all cities in Comanche County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Coldwater, KS | 67029 | 620 |
| Protection, KS | 67127 | 620 |
| Wilmore, KS | 67155 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Comanche County, Kansas
Coldwater
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: 687 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67029
- Latitude: 37.2675° N
- Longitude: 99.3242° W
Location and History
Coldwater, the county seat of Comanche County, is located in the south-central region of Kansas, near the Oklahoma border. Founded in 1884, Coldwater was named after Coldwater, Michigan, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. The town grew quickly during the late 19th century as settlers arrived to farm the fertile plains surrounding the area. Coldwater became a center for ranching and agriculture, with wheat and cattle being the dominant industries. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped to solidify the town’s importance as a regional trade hub. Today, Coldwater retains its agricultural roots while serving as the main administrative and cultural center of Comanche County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coldwater is served by South Central USD 300, with South Central High School and South Central Elementary School located in the town. The town’s key landmark is the Coldwater Lake State Park, a popular recreational area that offers fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking opportunities. The Comanche County Historical Museum in Coldwater preserves the rich history of the region, showcasing artifacts from the town’s pioneer past and its development through the years. Coldwater also hosts annual events like the Comanche County Fair and Lakefest, which bring the community together for family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Protection
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.66 square miles
- Population: 514 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67127
- Latitude: 37.2017° N
- Longitude: 99.4833° W
Location and History
Protection is located in the western part of Comanche County, not far from the Oklahoma border. The town was founded in 1884 and is notable for being the first town in the United States to be fully inoculated during the 1957 polio epidemic, earning it the nickname “The First Polio-Free Town in America.” The town’s name, Protection, was chosen as a reflection of the settlers’ desire for “protection” from the elements and other hardships faced on the Kansas frontier. Like many small towns in the region, Protection’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, with wheat, corn, and cattle ranching playing significant roles in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Protection is part of South Central USD 300, with students attending South Central High School in nearby Coldwater. One of Protection’s most notable landmarks is the Protection Veterans Memorial, which honors local veterans and serves as a focal point for community gatherings. The town is also home to the Protection Community Center, a hub for local events and social activities. Nearby, residents and visitors can explore the expansive Comanche National Grassland, which offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural beauty of Kansas’s prairie landscape. Protection’s annual celebration, Polio Days, commemorates the town’s unique place in medical history and brings the community together for parades and festivities.
Wilmore
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: 46 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67155
- Latitude: 37.2733° N
- Longitude: 99.2069° W
Location and History
Wilmore is a small rural town in southeastern Comanche County. Founded in 1905 during the region’s early agricultural development, Wilmore was primarily established as a farming and ranching community. The town’s growth was modest, as its economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle production. Over time, Wilmore’s population declined, but it remains a close-knit community that exemplifies the rural lifestyle of Kansas. The town’s remote location and small size provide a peaceful environment for its residents, with a focus on farming and family life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wilmore is part of South Central USD 300, with students attending schools in nearby Coldwater and Protection. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Wilmore Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for local events, including town meetings, family reunions, and community celebrations. The surrounding countryside, characterized by wide-open prairies and agricultural fields, offers scenic views typical of Kansas’s High Plains region. While small in population, Wilmore’s residents take pride in their agricultural heritage and the strong sense of community that defines the town. The nearby Coldwater Lake provides outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing and camping.
Buttermilk (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 10
- Zip Codes: 67029
- Latitude: 37.1000° N
- Longitude: 99.5167° W
Location and History
Buttermilk is an unincorporated community located in the southwestern corner of Comanche County. Settled in the early 20th century, the community was named after the buttermilk that was offered to railroad workers as they laid tracks through the area. Originally a small stop along the railroad, Buttermilk served local farmers and ranchers who worked the fertile plains surrounding the area. Though it never developed into a large town, Buttermilk has maintained its rural character, with agriculture remaining the primary economic activity for the few families that reside in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Buttermilk does not have its own schools, and local students attend schools in nearby Coldwater and Protection, part of the South Central USD 300 district. Buttermilk’s most notable feature is its surrounding agricultural land, which showcases the traditional farming and ranching lifestyle of the Kansas plains. The community’s quiet, rural atmosphere provides a glimpse into the slow-paced life typical of the region. While there are no major landmarks in Buttermilk, the community’s proximity to Coldwater Lake and the Comanche National Grassland offers residents and visitors access to outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
St. Joseph (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Abandoned
- Population: 0 (Ghost Town)
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude: 37.3081° N
- Longitude: 99.4967° W
Location and History
St. Joseph is a ghost town located in the western part of Comanche County. Established in the late 1800s as a small farming settlement, St. Joseph thrived briefly during the early years of Kansas’s agricultural boom. The town was named after St. Joseph, the patron saint of travelers and pioneers, reflecting the hopes of its early settlers for growth and prosperity. However, due to its remote location and the challenges of farming in the semi-arid High Plains, the town’s population began to dwindle by the early 20th century. By the mid-1900s, St. Joseph had become completely abandoned, leaving behind only remnants of its past, such as a few building foundations and the town’s cemetery.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a ghost town, St. Joseph no longer has any schools or functioning landmarks. However, the site of the former town remains a point of historical interest, particularly for those interested in Kansas’s early pioneer settlements and ghost towns. The St. Joseph Cemetery, one of the last remaining traces of the town, serves as a memorial to the settlers who once lived and worked in the area. The abandoned town is located near the Comanche National Grassland, where visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region and learn more about the challenges faced by early Kansas settlers.
