Cities and Towns in Ellis County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Ellis County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Ellis County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Hays is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Ellis County has a population of 28,790 and area of 900 square miles (2,331 km²).
List of all cities in Ellis County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Antonino, KS | 67601 | 785 |
| Catharine, KS | 67627 | 785 |
| Ellis, KS | 67637 | 785 |
| Hays, KS | 67601 | 785 |
| Hays, KS | 67667 | 785 |
| Pfeifer, KS | 67660 | 785 |
| Schoenchen, KS | 67667 | 785 |
| Victoria, KS | 67671 | 785 |
| Walker, KS | 67674 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ellis County, Kansas
Hays
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 8.91 square miles
- Population: 20,745 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67601
- Latitude: 38.8792° N
- Longitude: 99.3228° W
Location and History
Hays, the largest city in Ellis County and the county seat, is located in northwestern Kansas along Interstate 70, roughly halfway between Kansas City and Denver. Founded in 1867, Hays began as a frontier town along the Union Pacific Railroad and was named after Fort Hays, a nearby military post established to protect settlers from conflicts with Native American tribes. The town quickly gained a reputation as a wild outpost of the Old West, attracting figures such as “Wild Bill” Hickok and “Buffalo Bill” Cody. As the frontier era ended, Hays grew into an important center for agriculture and education, with wheat farming and livestock ranching being central to its economy. Today, Hays is known for being home to Fort Hays State University, one of the largest public universities in Kansas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hays is part of USD 489, which includes Hays High School, Hays Middle School, and several elementary schools. Fort Hays State University is a major educational institution and cultural hub, offering undergraduate and graduate programs to students from across the region. Notable landmarks in Hays include the Fort Hays State Historic Site, which preserves the remains of the old military post, and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, which showcases fossils and exhibits related to the region’s natural history. Downtown Hays is home to historic buildings, restaurants, and shops, with Chestnut Street District being a popular area for residents and visitors alike. The annual Oktoberfest celebration honors the city’s Volga German heritage with traditional food, music, and activities.
Ellis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.13 square miles
- Population: 2,062 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67637
- Latitude: 38.9367° N
- Longitude: 99.5597° W
Location and History
Ellis is located in the western part of Ellis County, approximately 15 miles west of Hays, along Interstate 70 and the Union Pacific Railroad. The town was established in 1870, named after George Ellis, a railroad official. Ellis played a crucial role as a railroad town, serving as a major hub for cattle shipments during the late 19th century. The town also attracted a significant number of Volga German immigrants, who settled in the area and contributed to the agricultural development of the region. The arrival of the railroad and the influence of these settlers helped Ellis become a thriving farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ellis is part of USD 388, with Ellis High School and Washington Elementary School serving the local community. The Ellis Railroad Museum is a key landmark, showcasing the town’s history as a railroad hub and offering miniature train rides for visitors. The Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home, where the founder of the Chrysler Corporation lived as a child, is another important site that attracts history buffs. Ellis Lake, located near the town, provides outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. Each year, Ellis hosts the Ellis Railroad Days, a community festival celebrating the town’s railroad heritage with parades, music, and local food.
Victoria
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: 1,178 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67671
- Latitude: 38.8531° N
- Longitude: 99.1472° W
Location and History
Victoria is located in the eastern part of Ellis County, along Interstate 70, about 10 miles east of Hays. The town was founded in 1873 by English settlers led by George Grant, who aimed to establish a sheep ranching empire. However, harsh winters and difficult conditions led many settlers to leave. Shortly after, in 1876, a large group of Volga German immigrants arrived and settled in Victoria, transforming it into a thriving agricultural community. These settlers brought with them their farming techniques and strong Catholic traditions, which continue to influence the town today. Victoria is best known for St. Fidelis Church, also called the “Cathedral of the Plains.”
Major Schools and Landmarks
Victoria is part of USD 432, with students attending Victoria High School and Victoria Elementary School. The town’s most iconic landmark is St. Fidelis Church, a massive Romanesque-style cathedral built by Volga German settlers in the early 20th century. The church is a National Historic Landmark and draws visitors from across the country for its impressive architecture. Victoria is also home to the Herzogfest, an annual celebration of the town’s German heritage, featuring traditional food, music, and entertainment. The surrounding farmlands are still a central part of Victoria’s economy, with wheat and cattle farming being predominant.
Schoenchen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.17 square miles
- Population: 171 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67667
- Latitude: 38.7097° N
- Longitude: 99.3450° W
Location and History
Schoenchen is a small town located in southern Ellis County, about 10 miles south of Hays. Founded in 1877 by Volga German immigrants, Schoenchen was one of several towns established by German-speaking settlers who brought with them their agricultural skills and Catholic faith. The town’s name, meaning “little beauty” in German, reflects the settlers’ admiration for the land they cultivated. Over the years, Schoenchen has remained a small, close-knit agricultural community, with farming being the backbone of the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Schoenchen is part of the Ellis USD 388 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Ellis. The town’s major landmarks include St. Anthony’s Church, a Catholic church that has served the community since its founding. The town’s heritage is celebrated each year with a variety of church events and local gatherings that reflect the strong German Catholic roots of the area. Schoenchen’s rural charm is complemented by its proximity to the Smoky Hill River, which offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and outdoor activities. The town’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a quiet retreat within Ellis County.
Munjor (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 213
- Zip Codes: 67601
- Latitude: 38.7886° N
- Longitude: 99.2947° W
Location and History
Munjor is an unincorporated community located just southeast of Hays. Founded in 1876 by Volga German immigrants, Munjor was established as a farming community, with the settlers bringing their agricultural skills and Catholic traditions to the region. The town was one of the earliest Volga German settlements in Kansas, and its residents played a significant role in the agricultural development of Ellis County. Munjor has remained a small, rural community with strong ties to its German heritage and farming economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Munjor does not have its own school system, with students attending schools in nearby Hays as part of USD 489. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is the centerpiece of the community and has been a place of worship since the town’s early days. The church is known for its traditional German Catholic architecture and serves as a gathering place for community events. Munjor’s agricultural landscape is dominated by wheat and cattle farming, with the surrounding fields providing scenic views of the Kansas plains. The community holds various local gatherings that celebrate its Volga German heritage, keeping the traditions of its founders alive.
Antonino (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 120
- Zip Codes: 67601
- Latitude: 38.7144° N
- Longitude: 99.3828° W
Location and History
Antonino is an unincorporated community located in southern Ellis County, about 15 miles southwest of Hays. Founded in 1905, Antonino was established by Volga German immigrants who had settled in the region to take advantage of the fertile farmland. Like many other towns in Ellis County, Antonino’s economy has long been centered around agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching. The community remains small but closely tied to its German roots, with its Catholic faith and agricultural lifestyle playing central roles in its identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Antonino is part of USD 388, with students attending schools in nearby Ellis. The town’s key landmark is St. Anthony Catholic Church, a historic church that serves as the center of religious and community life. Antonino’s residents take pride in their German Catholic heritage, and the church plays a significant role in maintaining local traditions and hosting events. The town is surrounded by expansive farmlands that showcase the region’s agricultural productivity, particularly in wheat and cattle farming. Antonino’s peaceful rural atmosphere and strong community spirit make it a tight-knit, welcoming place within Ellis County.
