Cities and Towns in Hodgeman County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Hodgeman County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Hodgeman County was formed from unorganized area (Formerly Hageman County). The city of Jetmore is the county seat. With FIPS code of 83, Hodgeman County has a population of 1,710 and area of 860 square miles (2,227 km²).
List of all cities in Hodgeman County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Hanston, KS | 67849 | 620 |
Jetmore, KS | 67854 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hodgeman County, Kansas
Jetmore
Overview
Jetmore is the county seat of Hodgeman County, located in the southwestern part of Kansas along Kansas Highway 156. It was founded in 1879 and originally named Buckner after the nearby Buckner Creek. However, the town was renamed Jetmore in 1880 in honor of Col. Abraham Jetmore, a prominent lawyer who played a role in securing the town as the county seat. Jetmore grew steadily as an agricultural hub, benefiting from its location in Kansas’s central plains, ideal for wheat and cattle ranching. The town’s connection to the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway helped boost its economic growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67854
- Latitude: 38.0847° N
- Longitude: 99.8954° W
Schools and Landmarks
Jetmore is part of the Hodgeman County USD 227 school district, which includes Hodgeman County Elementary School and Hodgeman County High School. The high school is known for its strong sports programs, particularly in basketball and track. Notable landmarks include the Hodgeman County Courthouse, a historical building in the heart of Jetmore that has served the county for over a century. Just outside town, the Horsethief Reservoir offers outdoor recreation such as fishing, camping, and boating. The reservoir is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Additionally, Jetmore hosts an annual county fair, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage.
Hanston
Overview
Hanston, located about 12 miles northeast of Jetmore, was established in the late 19th century as a stop on the Santa Fe Railway. Originally called Marena, the town was renamed Hanston in 1902 after the Hanston Land Company, which played a pivotal role in developing the area. Hanston’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching, similar to much of Hodgeman County. The town’s small, tight-knit community has maintained its rural charm and agricultural roots over the years, even as transportation and technology evolved.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67849
- Latitude: 38.1228° N
- Longitude: 99.7103° W
Schools and Landmarks
Hanston is also part of the Hodgeman County USD 227 school district, and students attend Hodgeman County High School in Jetmore. The town is home to the Hanston City Park, a popular spot for families and outdoor activities, and the Hanston Community Center, where local events and gatherings are held. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the old Santa Fe Railway depot, a relic of Hanston’s past as a key stop along the rail line. The surrounding plains and farmland offer a peaceful rural landscape, ideal for farming and outdoor activities.
Bellefont
Overview
Bellefont is a small, unincorporated community located in southeastern Hodgeman County, along Kansas Highway 19. It was established in the early 20th century as a small farming community. Unlike some of the other towns in the county, Bellefont did not develop significantly due to its location farther away from major transportation routes like the Santa Fe Railway. Nevertheless, the town has remained a quiet, agricultural community, with wheat farming and cattle ranching continuing to be the primary industries. Bellefont offers a tranquil, rural lifestyle, with its economy rooted in the surrounding farmland.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67831
- Latitude: 37.9889° N
- Longitude: 99.6445° W
Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Bellefont does not have its own schools, and students attend classes in nearby towns, typically in Jetmore or Hanston, through the Hodgeman County USD 227 school district. Bellefont is known for its wide-open plains and agricultural landscapes, which dominate the area. The town’s key landmarks are its grain elevators and farming facilities, which support the local agricultural economy. The town’s peaceful rural atmosphere makes it an attractive location for those looking to live a quiet life in the Kansas countryside.
Kalvesta
Overview
Kalvesta is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Hodgeman County, near the county’s border with Finney County. The town was founded in the early 1900s and served primarily as a farming and ranching community. While it never grew into a large town, Kalvesta has remained an important part of the county’s agricultural infrastructure, supporting nearby farms and ranches. Its remote location in the High Plains gives it a uniquely peaceful and isolated feel, ideal for those working in agriculture or seeking a rural lifestyle.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67858
- Latitude: 38.0583° N
- Longitude: 100.1512° W
Schools and Landmarks
Kalvesta is part of the Hodgeman County USD 227 school district, with students attending schools in Jetmore or Hanston. The town’s landmarks are primarily agricultural, with grain silos and farming equipment dotting the landscape. The expansive farmland surrounding Kalvesta makes it a hub for wheat and cattle production, which remain central to the local economy. Kalvesta is also located near several scenic driving routes, offering breathtaking views of the Kansas High Plains and open skies. The town’s quiet, agricultural lifestyle is its defining characteristic.
Upham
Overview
Upham is another small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Hodgeman County. Established in the late 19th century, the town served as a small farming settlement and, like many other communities in the region, was focused on wheat farming and cattle ranching. Although the town never grew large, it remained a part of the local agricultural economy. Today, Upham is a quiet, rural community that supports the surrounding farms and ranches, offering residents a peaceful and remote environment.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67854 (shared with Jetmore)
- Latitude: 38.1986° N
- Longitude: 99.8714° W
Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Upham does not have its own schools, and students attend schools in Jetmore through the Hodgeman County USD 227 district. The town’s landmarks include its agricultural facilities, such as grain elevators and storage silos. The rolling plains surrounding Upham provide picturesque views of Kansas farmland, making it a quiet but scenic place to live. The town’s proximity to Jetmore and other nearby communities allows residents to access additional services and amenities while enjoying the tranquility of rural life. The agricultural heritage of Upham continues to define the community today, with wheat and cattle remaining the primary industries.