Cities and Towns in Douglas County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Douglas County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Douglas County was one of the original 36 counties. The city of Lawrence is the county seat. With FIPS code of 45, Douglas County has a population of 119,363 and area of 457 square miles (1,184 km²).
List of all cities in Douglas County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Baldwin, KS | 66006 | 785 |
| Eudora, KS | 66025 | 785 |
| Laurence, KS | 66044 | 785 |
| 66045 | 785 | |
| 66046 | 785 | |
| 66047 | 785 | |
| 66049 | 785 | |
| 66044 | 785 | |
| 66045 | 785 | |
| 66046 | 785 | |
| 66047 | 785 | |
| 66049 | 785 | |
| Lwrnce, KS | 66047 | 785 |
| University of Kansas, KS | 66045 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Douglas County, Kansas
Lawrence
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 34.26 square miles
- Population: 94,934 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66044, 66045, 66046, 66047, 66049
- Latitude: 38.9717° N
- Longitude: 95.2353° W
Location and History
Lawrence, the largest city in Douglas County and the sixth-largest city in Kansas, is located between the Kansas and Wakarusa rivers in the northeastern part of the state. Founded in 1854 by the New England Emigrant Aid Company, Lawrence played a critical role in the Bleeding Kansas conflict, as it was a stronghold of anti-slavery settlers. The city’s early years were marked by political strife, including the infamous sacking of Lawrence in 1856 and Quantrill’s Raid in 1863 during the Civil War. Lawrence is also home to the University of Kansas, founded in 1865, which has shaped its identity as a center for education and culture. Over the years, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant city known for its rich history, academic institutions, and progressive spirit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lawrence is served by USD 497, which includes Lawrence High School and Free State High School. The University of Kansas, with its iconic Jayhawk mascot, is one of the city’s main educational institutions, along with Haskell Indian Nations University. Notable landmarks include the Watkins Museum of History, which showcases the city’s role in the Civil War and its abolitionist roots, and the Spencer Museum of Art. Massachusetts Street, the city’s historic downtown, is a hub of culture, dining, and shopping. The Clinton State Park, located just outside the city, offers outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Lawrence also hosts the annual Free State Festival, celebrating arts, music, and the city’s historical connection to the Free State movement.
Baldwin City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.64 square miles
- Population: 4,826 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66006
- Latitude: 38.7758° N
- Longitude: 95.1886° W
Location and History
Baldwin City is located in southern Douglas County, approximately 15 miles south of Lawrence. Founded in 1858, the town was named after John Baldwin, a key supporter of the local Baker University, the oldest university in Kansas. Baldwin City played an important role in the state’s history, as it is near the site of the Battle of Black Jack, often considered the first battle of the Civil War, fought in 1856 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces. The town grew around Baker University, and its charming, small-town atmosphere is complemented by its historical significance and academic heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Baldwin City is served by USD 348, with Baldwin High School and Baldwin Elementary School educating local students. Baker University, founded in 1858, remains a central institution in the town, providing undergraduate and graduate programs and a beautiful campus known for its historic Parmenter Hall and Old Castle Museum. Landmarks include the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, where visitors can explore the site of the 1856 battle. Baldwin City also hosts the annual Maple Leaf Festival, one of the region’s largest fall festivals, featuring a parade, craft booths, and family-friendly activities. The Midland Railway offers scenic train rides, connecting Baldwin City with nearby Ottawa and serving as a nod to the region’s railroad heritage.
Eudora
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.30 square miles
- Population: 6,579 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66025
- Latitude: 38.9439° N
- Longitude: 95.0972° W
Location and History
Eudora is located in eastern Douglas County, along the banks of the Kansas River, just 10 miles east of Lawrence and 30 miles west of Kansas City. The town was founded in 1857 by a group of German immigrants led by Paschal Fish, a Shawnee tribal leader. Eudora was named after Fish’s daughter, who played a vital role in local Native American relations. Initially settled as a farming community, Eudora grew steadily due to its strategic location between Lawrence and Kansas City, offering a balance of rural charm and suburban convenience. In recent decades, Eudora has seen growth as a residential community, attracting families seeking proximity to larger cities while enjoying small-town life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Eudora is part of USD 491, with Eudora High School, Eudora Middle School, and Eudora Elementary School providing education for local children. Key landmarks include Paschal Fish Park, a nod to the town’s founding history, and the Eudora Historical Museum, which preserves artifacts and stories from the town’s early days. The Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery, located just outside Eudora, offers wine tastings and a scenic rural landscape. The annual EudoraFest is a major community event, featuring craft vendors, live music, and food, celebrating the town’s rich history and close-knit community spirit. The Kansas River also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation.
Lecompton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.00 square miles
- Population: 618 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66050
- Latitude: 39.0472° N
- Longitude: 95.3878° W
Location and History
Lecompton, a small town located along the Kansas River in northern Douglas County, holds a unique place in Kansas history as the territorial capital during the tumultuous Bleeding Kansas era. Founded in 1854, Lecompton became the center of pro-slavery activity, and the Lecompton Constitution, which would have made Kansas a slave state, was drafted here in 1857. Although the constitution was ultimately rejected, leading Kansas to enter the Union as a free state, Lecompton’s role in the conflict between pro- and anti-slavery forces remains a key part of its identity. Today, Lecompton is a quiet town that preserves its historical legacy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lecompton is served by Perry-Lecompton USD 343, with students attending Perry-Lecompton High School and Perry-Lecompton Middle School in nearby Perry. The town’s major landmarks include Constitution Hall, a National Historic Landmark where key political debates over Kansas’s statehood took place. The Territorial Capital Museum, housed in the former Lane University building, showcases artifacts from the Bleeding Kansas era and the town’s history as the territorial capital. Lecompton also hosts the annual Territorial Days festival, celebrating the town’s pivotal role in Kansas history with reenactments, parades, and family-friendly activities. The nearby Kansas River offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking, adding to Lecompton’s charm as a destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
Clinton (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 200
- Zip Codes: 66047
- Latitude: 38.9222° N
- Longitude: 95.3967° W
Location and History
Clinton is a small unincorporated community located in western Douglas County, near Clinton Lake. The town was originally founded in the 1850s and was once a bustling stop for travelers moving through the region. Although its population has declined over the years, Clinton’s proximity to Clinton Lake and Clinton State Park has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and leisure activities. The creation of Clinton Lake in the 1970s transformed the surrounding area into a key spot for fishing, boating, and camping, making Clinton an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clinton is part of the Lawrence USD 497 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Lawrence. While the town itself is small, its most notable landmark is Clinton Lake, a large reservoir that attracts visitors for water sports, hiking, and camping. Clinton State Park, located along the lake’s shores, offers trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum, located near the lake, tells the story of the area’s history, including the impact of the Bleeding Kansas conflict and the building of the lake. Clinton’s annual events, such as fishing tournaments and outdoor festivals, highlight the town’s connection to the natural beauty of the region.
Vinland (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 200
- Zip Codes: 66006
- Latitude: 38.8517° N
- Longitude: 95.1825° W
Location and History
Vinland is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Douglas County, near Baldwin City. Founded in the mid-1850s by Free State settlers, Vinland was a part of the Bleeding Kansas conflict, as many of its early residents opposed the expansion of slavery. The town was also home to one of the earliest agricultural fairs in the state, a tradition that continues today with the annual Vinland Fair. Despite its small size, Vinland has a rich history and retains much of its rural character, with a focus on farming and community events.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vinland is part of USD 348, with students attending schools in nearby Baldwin City. The town’s key landmarks include the historic Vinland Grange Hall, which serves as a gathering place for local events, and the Coal Creek Library, one of the oldest continually operating libraries in Kansas. The annual Vinland Fair, held since 1874, is a beloved tradition that features livestock shows, games, and old-fashioned entertainment, celebrating the agricultural heritage of the region. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views of the Kansas landscape, making Vinland a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
