Cities and Towns in Harvey County, Kansas
Founded in 1872, Harvey County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Harvey County was formed from McPherson, Sedgwick and Reno Counties. The city of Newton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Harvey County has a population of 33,817 and area of 539 square miles (1,396 km²).
List of all cities in Harvey County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Burrton, KS | 67020 | 620 |
Halstead, KS | 67056 | 316 |
Hesston, KS | 67062 | 620 |
Newton, KS | 67114 | 316 |
67117 | 316 | |
North Newton, KS | 67117 | 316 |
Sedgwick, KS | 67135 | 316 |
Walton, KS | 67151 | 620 |
Zimmerdale, KS | 67114 | 316 |
Major Cities and Towns in Harvey County, Kansas
Newton
Overview
Newton is the county seat and largest city in Harvey County, located in south-central Kansas along U.S. Highway 81 and Interstate 135. It was founded in 1871 as a key stop on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, becoming an important railhead for cattle drives during the 19th century. Named after Newton, Massachusetts, the city quickly grew into a bustling center for trade and commerce. Its location along the Chisholm Trail further contributed to its early development. Newton’s rich history includes a period when it was known as a lawless frontier town, but it later transitioned into a more peaceful, industrious community focused on agriculture, manufacturing, and education.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 12.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 19,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67114
- Latitude: 38.0465° N
- Longitude: 97.3451° W
Schools and Landmarks
Newton is served by USD 373, with Newton High School being the largest educational institution. The city is also home to Bethel College, a private Mennonite liberal arts college known for its strong academics and vibrant campus life. Major landmarks in Newton include the Warkentin House, a historic home turned museum, showcasing the life of one of the town’s founders, and the Harvey County Historical Museum, which delves into the city’s role during the cattle-driving days. Athletic Park, a community hub, offers recreational facilities and hosts the annual Harvey County Fair.
Hesston
Overview
Hesston is a small city located in the northern part of Harvey County. Founded in 1886, the town grew around Hesston College, a Mennonite liberal arts institution. Hesston’s proximity to Newton and its location along Interstate 135 have made it a convenient place to live for those who work in larger nearby cities. Hesston is also known for its connection to the agricultural industry, particularly through the manufacturing of agricultural machinery. Over the years, Hesston has developed a reputation as a peaceful, family-oriented community with strong Mennonite roots and a commitment to education and agriculture.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67062
- Latitude: 38.1413° N
- Longitude: 97.4310° W
Schools and Landmarks
Hesston is served by Hesston USD 460, which includes Hesston High School, known for its academic excellence and strong athletics programs, particularly in basketball and cross-country. Hesston College, a two-year liberal arts college, is another major educational institution in the city. Notable landmarks include Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, a botanical garden dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Kansas prairie, and the Hesston Golf Park, a top-rated golf course in the region. The city also hosts the annual Hesston Swather 5K, a popular community event.
Halstead
Overview
Halstead is located in the southwestern part of Harvey County, founded in 1877 by Mennonite settlers. Named after Murat Halstead, a well-known journalist at the time, the town grew as an agricultural community, particularly focused on wheat farming and milling. Halstead played an important role in Kansas history as a center for Mennonite immigration and was one of the first towns in the region to adopt advanced farming techniques brought over by German-Russian immigrants. The town’s peaceful, small-town atmosphere remains a key part of its identity, with its historical roots still evident in its architecture and community life.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67056
- Latitude: 37.9995° N
- Longitude: 97.5106° W
Schools and Landmarks
Halstead is part of the Halstead-Bentley USD 440 school district, with Halstead High School known for its close-knit student community and strong agricultural education programs. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Kansas Learning Center for Health, one of the nation’s oldest health education museums. Riverside Park, located along the Little Arkansas River, provides scenic views and recreational activities. Halstead is also known for the annual Old Settlers Festival, one of the longest-running festivals in Kansas, celebrating the town’s pioneer history with parades, games, and historical reenactments.
Sedgwick
Overview
Sedgwick, located in the southeastern corner of Harvey County, was founded in 1870 and named after Union General John Sedgwick, a hero of the Civil War. The town quickly became a center for agriculture, with wheat, corn, and livestock as the primary industries. Sedgwick’s location near both Wichita and Newton has made it a commuter town for those working in larger cities while offering a quiet, rural lifestyle. Over the years, Sedgwick has maintained its agricultural roots while developing into a residential community with a strong sense of local identity.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.78 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67135
- Latitude: 37.9133° N
- Longitude: 97.4225° W
Schools and Landmarks
Sedgwick is part of the Sedgwick USD 439 school district, with Sedgwick High School offering strong programs in academics and sports, particularly football and basketball. The town is known for its historic Sedgwick School, which was built in the late 19th century and remains a focal point of the community. Landmarks include the Sedgwick Historical Museum, housed in a former bank building, which provides insight into the town’s pioneer and agricultural past. Sedgwick Park offers recreational opportunities, including baseball fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The town also hosts an annual Fall Festival, celebrating local culture and community spirit.
Burrton
Overview
Burrton, located in the western part of Harvey County, was established in 1873 as a railroad town. Named after Isaac T. Burr, one of the town’s founders, Burrton grew as an agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and cattle playing key roles in its economy. The town’s location along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway made it an important shipping point for agricultural products. Although the population has remained small, Burrton retains its rural character and serves as a home for families who prefer a quiet, small-town atmosphere while being close to larger cities like Hutchinson and Wichita.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67020
- Latitude: 38.0232° N
- Longitude: 97.6712° W
Schools and Landmarks
Burrton is part of Burrton USD 369, with Burrton High School known for its strong community involvement and focus on agriculture-related education. Key landmarks include the Burrton Depot Museum, which showcases the town’s history as a railroad and farming community, and the Burrton Community Park, where local events and sports games take place. Burrton also celebrates its history with an annual Harvest Festival, which brings together residents for parades, local crafts, and agricultural exhibits. The town’s peaceful streets and friendly atmosphere make it a welcoming place for visitors and residents alike.
Walton
Overview
Walton is a small town located in the northeastern part of Harvey County. Founded in the late 1800s, the town was named after the Walton family, early settlers in the region. Walton grew as an agricultural community, primarily focused on grain production and cattle ranching. While the town has remained small in population, it serves as a residential area for those working in nearby Newton and Wichita. Walton’s rural charm and proximity to major transportation routes have made it an appealing location for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.14 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67151
- Latitude: 38.1189° N
- Longitude: 97.2525° W
Schools and Landmarks
Walton is part of Newton USD 373, with children attending schools in nearby Newton. The town is home to Walton Rural Life Center, a unique public elementary school that incorporates agricultural education into its curriculum, allowing students to learn hands-on about farming and sustainability. Notable landmarks include the Walton Depot, a relic of the town’s railroad past, and nearby Harvey County East Park, which offers outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. Walton’s quiet, rural environment makes it a peaceful retreat for those looking to experience Kansas’s agricultural roots.