Cities and Towns in Finney County, Kansas
Founded in 1883, Finney County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Finney County was formed from Arapahoe, Grant, Kearney and Sequoyah Counties. The city of Garden City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, Finney County has a population of 38,107 and area of 1,300 square miles (3,367 km²).
List of all cities in Finney County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Garden City, KS | 67846 | 620 |
Garden City, KS | 67868 | 620 |
Holcomb, KS | 67851 | 620 |
Pierceville, KS | 67868 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Finney County, Kansas
Garden City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 8.82 square miles
- Population: 28,151 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67846
- Latitude: 37.9717° N
- Longitude: 100.8726° W
Location and History
Garden City, the county seat and largest city in Finney County, is located in southwestern Kansas along the Arkansas River. Founded in 1878 by James R. Fulton and William D. Fulton, Garden City was initially a small agricultural settlement, but it quickly grew into an important trade and transportation hub. Its growth was spurred by the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in the 1880s. The city became a major player in the region’s agricultural industry, with wheat, corn, and livestock production driving its economy. Garden City has also been known for its irrigation advancements, which allowed it to thrive in the semi-arid climate of western Kansas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garden City is served by USD 457, which includes Garden City High School, Horace Good Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city is also home to Garden City Community College, offering post-secondary education to local and regional students. Key landmarks include the Lee Richardson Zoo, one of the largest zoological parks in Kansas, and the Finney County Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s pioneer history. The downtown district, known for its historic buildings and vibrant cultural scene, is another focal point. Garden City also hosts the annual Beef Empire Days, a celebration of the cattle industry that features parades, rodeos, and community events.
Holcomb
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.31 square miles
- Population: 2,442 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67851
- Latitude: 37.9914° N
- Longitude: 101.0161° W
Location and History
Holcomb is located approximately 10 miles west of Garden City, along U.S. Route 50. Founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town, Holcomb developed as an agricultural center in the heart of Kansas’s wheat and cattle country. The town gained national notoriety in 1959 when the Clutter family was murdered in their rural home, an event that became the basis for Truman Capote’s famous book, In Cold Blood. Despite this tragic chapter in its history, Holcomb has grown steadily over the years, benefiting from its proximity to Garden City and the region’s booming agricultural industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Holcomb is part of USD 363, with Holcomb High School, Holcomb Middle School, and Wiley Elementary School serving the community. Notable landmarks include the Finney County Game Refuge, located near the town, which offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Holcomb’s rural charm and strong agricultural base make it a close-knit community with strong ties to farming and ranching. The town hosts several local events throughout the year, including agricultural fairs and festivals that celebrate its farming heritage. The town’s peaceful, small-town atmosphere is complemented by its proximity to the larger amenities of nearby Garden City.
Pierceville (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 98
- Zip Codes: 67868
- Latitude: 37.8903° N
- Longitude: 100.7236° W
Location and History
Pierceville is an unincorporated community located east of Garden City along U.S. Route 50. Founded in the late 19th century, Pierceville originally served as a stop on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which helped the town grow as an agricultural shipping point. The community was named after the Pierce family, early settlers who contributed to the town’s establishment. While it never developed into a large town, Pierceville remains a small farming community, with its economy based on wheat, corn, and cattle production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pierceville is part of the Garden City USD 457 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Garden City. The main landmark in the area is the historic Pierceville grain elevator, which symbolizes the town’s agricultural heritage. The surrounding farmland, with its expansive fields of wheat and corn, offers scenic views typical of rural Kansas. While small, Pierceville has maintained its identity as a farming community, with local events and gatherings that bring together residents. Its proximity to Garden City allows residents to enjoy the benefits of both small-town living and access to larger city amenities.
Friend (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 50
- Zip Codes: 67871
- Latitude: 37.9047° N
- Longitude: 101.3136° W
Location and History
Friend is a small, unincorporated community located about 25 miles west of Garden City. Established in the late 1800s, Friend began as a small farming settlement and railroad stop along the Santa Fe Railroad. The community was named “Friend” to reflect the cooperative and supportive spirit of the early settlers who worked together to cultivate the surrounding land. Over time, the town remained small, maintaining its focus on agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle farming.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Friend is part of the USD 363 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Holcomb. As an unincorporated community, Friend lacks major public institutions but is characterized by its historic grain elevators, which stand as symbols of the town’s agricultural past. The surrounding farmland offers a peaceful rural setting typical of western Kansas. While Friend is small, local gatherings and events reflect the tight-knit nature of the community. Its location in the heart of Kansas wheat country ensures that agriculture continues to play a central role in the lives of its residents.
Kalvesta (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 80
- Zip Codes: 67867
- Latitude: 38.0006° N
- Longitude: 100.1153° W
Location and History
Kalvesta is an unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Finney County, near the border with Hodgeman County. Founded in the early 20th century, Kalvesta served as a small agricultural town with wheat farming and cattle ranching as the mainstays of its economy. The town’s name, derived from a combination of “Kansas” and “vista,” reflects the wide-open landscapes and vast skies of the region. Although Kalvesta has remained small throughout its history, it continues to be an important part of the local agricultural economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kalvesta is part of the Garden City USD 457 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Garden City. The community’s most notable landmark is its grain elevator, a reminder of the town’s long-standing role in Kansas’s wheat industry. The surrounding plains offer beautiful, unobstructed views of the Kansas landscape, making Kalvesta a peaceful rural retreat. Local farms and ranches contribute to the region’s economy, and while the town is small, it is a close-knit community where agriculture remains central to daily life. Its proximity to Garden City ensures access to amenities while maintaining a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Plymell (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 75
- Zip Codes: 67846
- Latitude: 37.8514° N
- Longitude: 100.9633° W
Location and History
Plymell is an unincorporated community located just south of Garden City. Established in the late 19th century, Plymell developed as a small farming settlement, with its economy rooted in wheat farming and livestock ranching. The community was named after the Plymell family, early settlers who played a key role in the area’s development. Over the years, Plymell has remained a small but important agricultural community in Finney County, benefiting from its proximity to Garden City.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plymell is part of USD 457, with students attending schools in nearby Garden City. The Plymell area is characterized by its wide-open farmlands and scenic rural landscapes, typical of western Kansas. The community’s central landmark is its grain storage facilities, which reflect its agricultural focus. Plymell’s residents take pride in their farming heritage, with local gatherings and community events centered around agriculture and rural living. The town’s proximity to Garden City provides residents with access to larger city services while maintaining a peaceful, rural way of life.