Cities and Towns in Ford County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Ford County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Ford County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Dodge City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Ford County has a population of 34,159 and area of 1,099 square miles (2,846 km²).
List of all cities in Ford County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bucklin, KS | 67834 | 620 |
| Dodge City, KS | 67801 | 620 |
| 67843 | 620 | |
| Ford, KS | 67842 | 620 |
| Fort Dodge, KS | 67801 | 620 |
| 67843 | 620 | |
| Kingsdown, KS | 67842 | 620 |
| Spearville, KS | 67876 | 620 |
| Wright, KS | 67882 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ford County, Kansas
Dodge City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 14.55 square miles
- Population: 27,788 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67801, 67882
- Latitude: 37.7528° N
- Longitude: 100.0171° W
Location and History
Dodge City, the county seat and largest city in Ford County, is located in southwestern Kansas along the Arkansas River. Founded in 1872, Dodge City became infamous as a Wild West frontier town. It served as a key stop along the Santa Fe Trail and was a major shipping point for cattle driven north from Texas. Known for its rowdy saloons, gunslingers, and lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, Dodge City quickly gained a reputation for lawlessness and was immortalized in Western films and literature. The city’s historical significance is largely tied to the cattle drives and its role in the expansion of the American West. Today, Dodge City is a vibrant community known for its rich history and agricultural economy, including beef processing and farming.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dodge City is served by USD 443, which includes Dodge City High School, multiple middle schools, and elementary schools. Dodge City Community College provides higher education options. The city’s key landmarks include the Boot Hill Museum, which preserves the town’s Old West history with exhibits, reenactments, and the famous Boot Hill Cemetery. Other notable sites are the Santa Fe Trail Remains and the Depot Theater, offering cultural and historic experiences. The annual Dodge City Days Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos in the state, celebrating the city’s cowboy heritage. The historic downtown area features preserved buildings that reflect the city’s Wild West roots, making Dodge City a major tourist destination in Kansas.
Bucklin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.58 square miles
- Population: 740 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67834
- Latitude: 37.5475° N
- Longitude: 99.6328° W
Location and History
Bucklin is located in southeastern Ford County, approximately 25 miles southeast of Dodge City along U.S. Route 54. Founded in the 1880s, Bucklin developed as an agricultural town, with wheat, corn, and livestock farming playing a significant role in the local economy. The town was named after Bucklin Township, which in turn was named after an early settler. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway helped to spur growth in the town, turning it into a regional center for trade and agriculture. Over the years, Bucklin has maintained its rural character while benefiting from its location along a major transportation route.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bucklin is part of USD 459, with Bucklin High School and Bucklin Elementary School serving the local population. The town’s major landmarks include the Bucklin Community Park, which hosts local events and provides recreational facilities for residents. Bucklin also features the Bucklin Opera House, a historic building that occasionally hosts community gatherings and performances. Surrounding the town are expansive farmlands, offering scenic views typical of rural Kansas. Bucklin’s annual Fall Festival celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with parades, games, and community dinners, reflecting the close-knit nature of this small farming community.
Spearville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.43 square miles
- Population: 795 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67876
- Latitude: 37.8514° N
- Longitude: 99.7517° W
Location and History
Spearville is located about 16 miles northeast of Dodge City, along U.S. Route 50. The town was founded in 1873 and named after Alden Speare, a railroad official who was instrumental in the town’s development. Spearville became a hub for agricultural production, with wheat farming and cattle ranching serving as the primary industries. The town grew steadily with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which connected it to larger markets. Today, Spearville remains a small, rural town with a focus on farming and wind energy production, thanks to the nearby Spearville Wind Energy Facility.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Spearville is part of USD 381, with Spearville High School and Spearville Elementary School educating local students. The town’s key landmarks include the Windmill Park, which pays homage to the area’s wind energy industry and features historic windmills and a playground. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is another notable landmark, reflecting the town’s strong Catholic heritage. The annual Spearville Labor Day Celebration brings the community together with parades, barbecues, and family-friendly activities, celebrating the town’s small-town values and agricultural roots. Spearville’s peaceful rural setting and strong sense of community make it an ideal place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Ford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: 216 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67842
- Latitude: 37.6311° N
- Longitude: 99.7464° W
Location and History
Ford is located in southern Ford County, approximately 20 miles southeast of Dodge City, along U.S. Route 400. The town was established in the late 1800s and named after Colonel James Hobart Ford, a Civil War officer and early settler in the area. Ford developed as a small agricultural community, with wheat and livestock farming forming the backbone of its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred modest growth, though Ford has remained a quiet, rural town throughout its history. Today, the town continues to serve as a center for local farming activities and maintains a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ford is part of USD 459, with students attending schools in nearby Bucklin. The town’s primary landmarks include the historic Ford Grain Elevator, which serves as a reminder of the town’s agricultural heritage. The surrounding farmland offers picturesque views of the Kansas plains, contributing to Ford’s rural charm. The Ford Community Park is a central gathering place for local events, and the annual Ford County Fair highlights the area’s agricultural roots with livestock shows, crafts, and community dinners. Ford’s close-knit community and tranquil environment make it an appealing location for those seeking a slower pace of life in a rural setting.
Wright (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 150
- Zip Codes: 67882
- Latitude: 37.7389° N
- Longitude: 99.9169° W
Location and History
Wright is an unincorporated community located about 10 miles east of Dodge City along U.S. Route 50. Established in the late 19th century as a small farming settlement, Wright developed primarily as a service point for nearby farms and ranches. The community was named after an early settler or railroad official, and like many small towns in Kansas, it grew around the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated the shipment of agricultural goods. Wright has remained a small, quiet community, focused on farming and serving as a residential area for those working in nearby Dodge City.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wright is part of USD 443, with students attending schools in Dodge City. The town’s key landmarks include the Wright Co-op Grain Elevator, which plays a central role in the local agricultural economy. The surrounding fields of wheat and corn contribute to the town’s rural charm. Wright does not have many public institutions, but its residents often participate in community events held in nearby Dodge City, including the annual Dodge City Days Rodeo and local fairs. The town’s proximity to Dodge City provides residents with access to urban amenities while maintaining the peaceful, rural lifestyle that defines Wright.
Ensign
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: 177 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67841
- Latitude: 37.6528° N
- Longitude: 100.2314° W
Location and History
Ensign is located in southwestern Ford County, about 16 miles southwest of Dodge City along U.S. Route 56. The town was founded in the early 20th century as a small agricultural settlement and was named after the term “ensign,” which refers to a flag or banner, symbolizing a fresh start for the town’s early settlers. Ensign grew modestly, with agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching, playing a dominant role in the local economy. While the town has remained small, it continues to be an active farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ensign is part of USD 102, with students attending schools in nearby Montezuma. The town’s major landmarks include the Ensign Grain Elevator, which serves as a focal point for the local farming industry. The surrounding landscape is typical of western Kansas, with wide-open plains and expansive farmland. Ensign’s residents enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle, with community gatherings and local events reflecting the agricultural roots of the area. The town’s close proximity to Dodge City allows for easy access to larger city amenities while retaining the charm and slower pace of rural living.
