Cities and Towns in Elk County, Kansas
Founded in 1875, Elk County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Elk County was formed from Howard County. The city of Howard is the county seat. With FIPS code of 49, Elk County has a population of 2,441 and area of 648 square miles (1,678 km²).
List of all cities in Elk County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Elk Falls, KS | 67345 | 620 |
Grenola, KS | 67346 | 620 |
Howard, KS | 67349 | 620 |
Longton, KS | 67352 | 620 |
Moline, KS | 67353 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Elk County, Kansas
Howard
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: 607 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67349
- Latitude: 37.4717° N
- Longitude: 96.2628° W
Location and History
Howard, the county seat of Elk County, is located in southeastern Kansas, approximately 70 miles east of Wichita. Founded in 1870, Howard was named after General Oliver Otis Howard, a Union general during the Civil War and a supporter of freedmen’s education. As the county seat, Howard became the administrative and economic center of Elk County. The town grew around agriculture and the railroad, which facilitated the shipment of livestock and crops to larger markets. Despite its small size, Howard has maintained a steady population due to its role as the county seat and its historical importance in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Howard is part of USD 282, with students attending West Elk High School and West Elk Elementary School, located just outside the city. Major landmarks in Howard include the historic Elk County Courthouse, which has been a central part of the community since 1907, and the Howard City Park, which serves as a venue for local events and recreation. The Elk County Historical Museum provides a glimpse into the area’s past, showcasing artifacts from the county’s early settlement days. Each year, Howard hosts the Elk County Free Fair, a celebration of the community’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, parades, and family-friendly activities.
Moline
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: 344 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67353
- Latitude: 37.3644° N
- Longitude: 96.3097° W
Location and History
Moline is located in southern Elk County along U.S. Route 160, approximately 10 miles southwest of Howard. Founded in 1879, the town was named after Moline, Illinois, by early settlers who moved westward seeking fertile land for farming. Moline flourished in its early years as a railroad and agricultural hub, with farming and ranching serving as the backbone of the local economy. The town is also home to Kansas’s oldest swinging bridge, a unique landmark that has been part of Moline’s identity for over a century. Today, Moline remains a small, rural community that continues to celebrate its historical roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Moline is part of USD 282, and students attend West Elk High School, located near Howard. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Moline Swinging Bridge, built in 1904, which spans over Wildcat Creek and is one of the last remaining suspension footbridges in Kansas. The Moline Historical Museum, located in the town’s former depot building, showcases artifacts and exhibits on the town’s railroad and agricultural history. Another key site is the Elk Falls Pottery, located nearby, which attracts visitors for its handmade ceramics and scenic surroundings. Each year, the Moline Crazy Days event brings the community together for a weekend of parades, games, and local entertainment.
Longton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.74 square miles
- Population: 348 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67352
- Latitude: 37.3775° N
- Longitude: 96.0811° W
Location and History
Longton is located in northeastern Elk County, along Kansas Highway 99, roughly 30 miles west of Independence, Kansas. The town was founded in 1870 and named after Longton, England, reflecting the origins of some of its settlers. In its early years, Longton served as a key agricultural center for the region, with wheat, corn, and livestock farming providing the town’s economic base. The arrival of the railroad helped the town grow, allowing for easier transportation of goods. Though the railroad’s importance has faded, Longton remains a small farming community with strong ties to its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Longton is served by USD 283, with students attending Elk Valley High School and Elk Valley Elementary School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Longton City Park, which hosts community events and offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The town is also home to several historical sites, including the Longton Cemetery, where some of the area’s early settlers are buried. Surrounding farmlands provide scenic views of the Kansas plains, making Longton a peaceful, rural community. The annual Longton Fall Festival brings together residents for a celebration of the town’s history, with parades, games, and local food.
Elk Falls
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: 85 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67345
- Latitude: 37.3692° N
- Longitude: 96.1861° W
Location and History
Elk Falls is a small town located in northeastern Elk County, along the Elk River. Established in 1870, Elk Falls takes its name from the nearby waterfall on the Elk River, which was a popular attraction for early settlers. The town grew modestly as an agricultural community, with its economy based on farming and small-scale industries. Elk Falls is best known for branding itself as the “World’s Largest Living Ghost Town,” a title that reflects its small population and historical significance. Despite its small size, Elk Falls attracts visitors for its natural beauty and quirky charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elk Falls is part of USD 283, with students attending nearby schools in Longton. The town’s most famous landmark is the Elk Falls Waterfall and the Elk Falls Bridge, a picturesque spot that draws nature lovers and photographers. The Elk Falls Pottery, a local studio, is another notable attraction, offering handmade ceramics and hosting annual events. Each November, the town holds the Elk Falls Outhouse Tour, a unique and humorous event where residents decorate outhouses, attracting tourists from across the region. The town’s historic charm and scenic location along the Elk River make it a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Grenola
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: 180 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67346
- Latitude: 37.3650° N
- Longitude: 96.4472° W
Location and History
Grenola is located in southwestern Elk County, near the Chautauqua County line. The town was formed in 1879 through the merger of two smaller towns, Greenfield and Canola, whose names were combined to create “Grenola.” The town developed as an agricultural center, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming dominating the local economy. Grenola’s growth was supported by the arrival of the railroad, which provided a means for local farmers to transport their goods to larger markets. Today, Grenola remains a small, rural community with a deep connection to its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grenola is part of USD 283, with students attending Elk Valley schools in Longton. The town’s key landmark is the Grenola Elevator Museum, which is housed in a historic grain elevator and showcases the agricultural history of the region. The Grenola Community Building serves as a hub for local events and social gatherings. Surrounding the town are vast farmlands and scenic views of the Kansas plains, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Each year, Grenola hosts a community reunion event that brings together current and former residents to celebrate the town’s history and close-knit community spirit.
Oak Valley (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 50
- Zip Codes: 67352
- Latitude: 37.3969° N
- Longitude: 96.0047° W
Location and History
Oak Valley is an unincorporated community located in eastern Elk County, along U.S. Route 160. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a small farming settlement. While it never grew into a large town, Oak Valley served as a local hub for farmers and ranchers in the surrounding area. Its location along U.S. Route 160 made it a convenient stop for travelers and a center for agricultural trade. Today, Oak Valley remains a quiet rural community, with a strong focus on farming and ranching.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Oak Valley is part of USD 283, with students attending schools in Longton or Elk Falls. The town’s key landmarks include the Oak Valley Cemetery, where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. Oak Valley’s rural landscape is characterized by rolling hills and farmland, offering picturesque views typical of the Kansas plains. While small, the community comes together for local events and gatherings, celebrating its agricultural heritage. The nearby Elk River and its tributaries provide opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, contributing to the peaceful, rural atmosphere of Oak Valley.