Cities and Towns in Geary County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Geary County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Geary County was one of the original 36 counties (Formerly Davis County). The city of Junction City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 61, Geary County has a population of 35,934 and area of 384 square miles (995 km²).
List of all cities in Geary County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Fort Riley, KS | 66442 | 785 |
| Junction City, KS | 66441 | 785 |
| Junction City, KS | 66442 | 785 |
| Milford, KS | 66514 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Geary County, Kansas
Junction City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 12.22 square miles
- Population: 22,932 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66441
- Latitude: 39.0286° N
- Longitude: 96.8314° W
Location and History
Junction City, the largest city in Geary County and the county seat, is located in northeastern Kansas, near the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers. It was founded in 1858 and named for its location at the junction of these two rivers. Junction City grew rapidly during the Civil War as it became a key military post due to its proximity to Fort Riley, which is located just west of the city. Fort Riley is known for being the home of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, also called the “Big Red One.” The military presence continues to play a vital role in the local economy, with Fort Riley serving as the city’s largest employer. The town has a diverse population, partly due to the presence of military families stationed at the nearby base.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Junction City is served by USD 475, which includes Junction City High School, Junction City Middle School, and several elementary schools. Major landmarks include the C.L. Hoover Opera House, a restored historic theater that hosts cultural events and performances, and the Geary County Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s pioneer and military history. The Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial is another key site, located in Heritage Park. Nearby Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas, offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors.
Milford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.38 square miles
- Population: 502 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66514
- Latitude: 39.1697° N
- Longitude: 96.9108° W
Location and History
Milford is a small town located in the northern part of Geary County, near Milford Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in Kansas. Milford was founded in the mid-19th century, and its history is closely tied to the construction of the Milford Dam and Milford Lake in the 1960s. Originally a farming community, the creation of the lake transformed Milford into a recreational hub, attracting visitors for fishing, boating, and camping. The town’s proximity to both Milford Lake and Fort Riley has played a significant role in its development, providing economic opportunities through tourism and military-related services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Milford is part of USD 475, with students attending schools in nearby Junction City. The town’s major landmarks include Milford State Park, which offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping along the shores of Milford Lake. Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is another popular attraction, providing educational programs and wildlife exhibits. The town also hosts an annual Milford Lake Celebration, which features fireworks, concerts, and water sports, drawing visitors from across the region. Milford’s scenic beauty and proximity to one of Kansas’s premier recreational lakes make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Grandview Plaza
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.73 square miles
- Population: 1,560 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66441
- Latitude: 39.0161° N
- Longitude: 96.7892° W
Location and History
Grandview Plaza is a small city located just east of Junction City, along U.S. Route 77. Established in the 1960s, Grandview Plaza grew rapidly due to its proximity to Fort Riley, which has played a central role in the town’s economy. The city serves as a residential area for many military personnel and their families stationed at Fort Riley. Over the years, Grandview Plaza has developed into a small but vibrant community that offers convenient access to the amenities of nearby Junction City while maintaining its own identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grandview Plaza is part of USD 475, with students attending schools in Junction City. The city’s key landmarks include Grandview Park, which provides recreational facilities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. The nearby Fort Riley Military Reservation offers historical sites like the U.S. Cavalry Museum and Custer House, both of which provide insight into the military history of the area. Grandview Plaza’s close proximity to both Junction City and Fort Riley allows residents to enjoy the benefits of a smaller community while having access to larger urban amenities and military services.
Fort Riley (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.00 square miles
- Population: 7,761 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66442
- Latitude: 39.1000° N
- Longitude: 96.7900° W
Location and History
Fort Riley is a U.S. Army installation located in the northern part of Geary County. Established in 1853, Fort Riley was originally built to protect settlers moving westward along the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. Over time, it became one of the most important military posts in the Midwest. Fort Riley is home to the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One,” the oldest continuously serving division in the U.S. Army. The fort has played a significant role in both U.S. military history and the development of the surrounding communities, including Junction City and Grandview Plaza.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fort Riley is part of USD 475, with several schools serving the children of military families, including Fort Riley Elementary School and Fort Riley Middle School. The fort’s major landmarks include the U.S. Cavalry Museum, which preserves the history of the U.S. cavalry, and the historic Custer House, where General George Custer once resided. Fort Riley also has several recreational facilities, including sports fields, parks, and trails for outdoor activities. The military base hosts events throughout the year, including military ceremonies, air shows, and community outreach programs that connect soldiers and their families with the surrounding civilian communities.
Moonlight (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 50
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude: 39.1250° N
- Longitude: 96.8256° W
Location and History
Moonlight is a small, unincorporated community located in the rural areas of northern Geary County, not far from Milford Lake. Established in the late 19th century, Moonlight has remained a quiet, agricultural settlement with few developments over the years. The community’s name is derived from its scenic location in the Kansas countryside, where the open sky provides beautiful views of the moon and stars. Moonlight has historically served as a small farming area, with its residents working the surrounding land for crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Moonlight is part of USD 475, with children attending schools in Junction City. As an unincorporated community, Moonlight does not have many public institutions, but its rural setting makes it ideal for farming and outdoor activities. The nearby Milford Lake offers recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, providing residents with access to Kansas’s largest lake. While there are no major landmarks within Moonlight itself, its proximity to both Junction City and Milford Lake ensures that residents can enjoy the amenities and attractions of larger nearby communities while maintaining a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Alida (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 25
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude: 39.1225° N
- Longitude: 96.9819° W
Location and History
Alida is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwestern part of Geary County, near Milford Lake. Established in the late 1800s, Alida was once a thriving agricultural settlement but has since dwindled in population. The construction of Milford Lake in the 1960s led to the relocation of much of the community as parts of the original townsite were flooded to create the reservoir. Despite its small size, Alida remains a reminder of the rural communities that once dotted the Kansas plains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alida is part of USD 475, with students attending schools in Junction City. The nearby Milford Lake and Milford State Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. Although Alida itself has few notable landmarks due to its unincorporated status, the proximity to Milford Lake makes it an attractive destination for those seeking outdoor activities. The rural landscape around Alida, with its wide-open fields and scenic views, offers a peaceful retreat for residents who enjoy the tranquility of the Kansas countryside.