Cities and Towns in Decatur County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Decatur County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Decatur County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Oberlin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 39, Decatur County has a population of 2,751 and area of 894 square miles (2,315 km²).
List of all cities in Decatur County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Dresden, KS | 67635 | 785 |
| Jennings, KS | 67643 | 785 |
| Norcatur, KS | 67653 | 785 |
| Oberlin, KS | 67749 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Decatur County, Kansas
Oberlin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.05 square miles
- Population: 1,688 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67749
- Latitude: 39.8186° N
- Longitude: 100.5286° W
Location and History
Oberlin, the county seat of Decatur County, is located in the northwestern part of Kansas, near the Nebraska border. Founded in 1873, Oberlin became known as a key settlement along the Republican River. It was the site of the last Native American raid in Kansas, which occurred in 1878, leading to its prominence in regional history. Oberlin was named after Oberlin, Ohio, in recognition of the anti-slavery movement’s stronghold in that region. The town grew steadily through the late 19th century, serving as an agricultural hub for surrounding farms. Its location on major transportation routes helped cement its status as the political and commercial center of Decatur County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oberlin is served by USD 294, which includes Decatur Community High School and Oberlin Elementary School. Key landmarks in Oberlin include the Last Indian Raid Museum, which commemorates the 1878 raid and offers insight into the town’s pioneer history. The Decatur County Courthouse, a historic building in the town center, is another notable site. Oberlin City Park offers recreational facilities, while the Oberlin Opera House, a restored historic venue, hosts community events and performances. The town’s close ties to its frontier heritage are evident in annual events like the Last Indian Raid Days, which celebrate Oberlin’s history with parades, reenactments, and local festivities.
Jennings
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: 88 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67643
- Latitude: 39.6825° N
- Longitude: 100.2933° W
Location and History
Jennings is located in the southeastern part of Decatur County, along Kansas Highway 383. The town was founded in 1879 and named after Warren Jennings, a local pioneer who was instrumental in its development. Like many towns in the region, Jennings grew as an agricultural community, with its economy centered around wheat and cattle farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred further growth, providing access to larger markets for local farmers. Though its population has declined over the years, Jennings remains a close-knit rural community, retaining much of its small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jennings is part of USD 294, with students attending schools in Oberlin. One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the Jennings Community Center, which serves as a venue for local gatherings, events, and social activities. Another notable site is the historic Jennings Grain Elevator, a reminder of the town’s agricultural roots. The surrounding countryside provides picturesque views of the Kansas plains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. While Jennings is small, it is known for its strong sense of community, with residents taking pride in their town’s history and agricultural heritage.
Norcatur
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: 151 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67653
- Latitude: 39.8361° N
- Longitude: 100.1750° W
Location and History
Norcatur is located in the northeastern part of Decatur County, near the border with Nebraska. Founded in 1885, Norcatur was named as a combination of Norton and Decatur counties, reflecting its location near the county line. The town grew as an agricultural center, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming forming the backbone of the local economy. The construction of the railroad through the town brought new settlers and boosted the town’s growth. Norcatur was once home to a vibrant business community, though its population has steadily declined over the years. Today, it remains a quiet, rural town with a focus on agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Norcatur is part of the Norton USD 211 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Norton. The town’s key landmarks include the Norcatur Museum, which showcases local history and artifacts from the town’s early days. The town also features the historic Norcatur City Hall, a central gathering place for community events and meetings. The surrounding farmlands offer scenic vistas typical of the Kansas plains, making Norcatur a peaceful retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life. Each year, the town hosts a community picnic, which brings together residents for food, games, and socializing, celebrating Norcatur’s rural heritage.
Dresden
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.19 square miles
- Population: 40 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67635
- Latitude: 39.6233° N
- Longitude: 100.4197° W
Location and History
Dresden is located in the southwestern part of Decatur County, near U.S. Route 36. Founded in 1888, the town was named after Dresden, Germany, by some of its German-American settlers. Dresden flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a farming community, benefiting from the fertile land in the region and the arrival of the railroad. The town was once a bustling rural center with general stores, grain elevators, and other businesses that served local farmers. Over the years, as farming became more mechanized and populations shifted to urban centers, Dresden’s population declined, though it remains an active farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dresden is part of USD 294, with students attending schools in Oberlin. The town’s main landmark is the Dresden Community Center, which hosts social events, meetings, and local celebrations. The historic Dresden Grain Elevator is another reminder of the town’s agricultural roots. Nearby, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities at Prairie Dog State Park, which offers fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. Dresden’s small population ensures a tight-knit community, with annual events like the Dresden Picnic fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents. The town’s quiet rural setting provides a glimpse into the traditional farming lifestyle that has shaped its history.
Clayton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: 55 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67629
- Latitude: 39.7419° N
- Longitude: 100.1725° W
Location and History
Clayton is located in the northeastern part of Decatur County, along U.S. Route 36. The town was established in 1879 and named after Clayton, Missouri. Clayton grew as an agricultural town, with wheat and cattle farming serving as the foundation of its economy. The arrival of the railroad helped the town flourish during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing in settlers and facilitating the transport of agricultural products. While its population has dwindled over the decades, Clayton continues to serve as a small, rural community with deep ties to the land and its farming heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clayton is part of USD 211, with students attending schools in nearby Norton. The town’s most notable landmark is the Clayton City Park, which offers residents a space for recreation and community events. Another historic feature is the old Clayton Railroad Depot, a symbol of the town’s once-thriving railroad industry. Although the town is small, it hosts annual gatherings that bring the community together, including a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks, games, and a community picnic. The peaceful, rural setting of Clayton makes it an ideal location for those seeking a quiet lifestyle surrounded by Kansas’s rolling plains and agricultural fields.
