Cities and Towns in Kearny County, Kansas
Founded in 1887, Kearny County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Kearny County was formed from Finney and Hamilton Counties. The city of Lakin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Kearny County has a population of 3,891 and area of 870 square miles (2,253 km²).
List of all cities in Kearny County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Deerfield, KS | 67838 | 620 |
| Lakin, KS | 67860 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kearny County, Kansas
Lakin
Overview
Lakin is the county seat and largest city in Kearny County, located in southwestern Kansas along U.S. Highway 50. Founded in 1874, the town was named after David Lakin, a railroad official who played a key role in bringing the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway to the area. The arrival of the railroad spurred economic development, and Lakin became a significant hub for the cattle and agricultural industries, particularly wheat farming. The town’s proximity to the Arkansas River also contributed to its early growth, as it provided water for crops and cattle.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67860
- Latitude: 37.9409° N
- Longitude: 101.2565° W
Schools and Landmarks
Lakin is part of the Lakin USD 215 school district, with Lakin High School serving the community. The high school is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball. Major landmarks in Lakin include the Kearny County Courthouse, a historic building that has been the center of local government for over a century. The Kearny County Museum offers exhibits on the town’s pioneer past, the cattle industry, and the Santa Fe Trail, which passed through the area. Additionally, the nearby Arkansas River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, making Lakin an attractive place for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Deerfield
Overview
Deerfield is a small town located in eastern Kearny County, along U.S. Highway 50 and the Arkansas River. Established in 1885, the town was originally a stop along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. Like Lakin, Deerfield grew as an agricultural hub, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming playing major roles in the local economy. Despite its small size, Deerfield has maintained its rural charm and continues to be an important farming community in the region. The town’s location near the river has also contributed to its agricultural success, providing irrigation for crops.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67838
- Latitude: 37.9811° N
- Longitude: 101.1251° W
Schools and Landmarks
Deerfield is served by the Deerfield USD 216 school district, with Deerfield High School being the main educational institution. The school is known for its small student body and community-focused activities. Landmarks in Deerfield include the Deerfield Park, which provides outdoor recreational opportunities for residents, and the historic Deerfield Grain Elevator, a reminder of the town’s agricultural roots. The Arkansas River, running just south of town, offers scenic views and outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Each summer, the town holds community events that celebrate its agricultural heritage and close-knit community spirit.
Kendall
Overview
Kendall is a small, unincorporated community in western Kearny County, located along U.S. Highway 50. Founded in the late 19th century, Kendall was initially established as a railroad town, serving as a stop along the Santa Fe Railway. The town’s growth was modest, primarily centered around agriculture, with wheat and cattle farming being the dominant industries. While Kendall has never grown into a large town, it remains a vital part of the county’s agricultural landscape, with many of its residents still engaged in farming and ranching activities.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67857
- Latitude: 37.9697° N
- Longitude: 101.7861° W
Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Kendall does not have its own schools, and students typically attend classes in nearby towns such as Lakin or Deerfield. Kendall’s landmarks are primarily tied to its agricultural history, including several old grain silos and farmsteads that dot the landscape. The surrounding fields of wheat and corn are a defining feature of the area, representing the town’s long-standing connection to Kansas’s agricultural industry. Kendall’s location along the historic Santa Fe Trail adds a historical dimension to the town, with nearby markers commemorating the trail’s significance in westward expansion.
Hartland
Overview
Hartland is an unincorporated community in Kearny County, located between Lakin and Deerfield along U.S. Highway 50. It was established in the late 1800s as a small farming community and a stop along the Santa Fe Railway. Though Hartland has remained small throughout its history, the community has contributed to the county’s agricultural economy, focusing on wheat and cattle production. Its location along the Arkansas River has helped sustain local agriculture through irrigation, and the community retains a quiet, rural character.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated)
- Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67849
- Latitude: 37.9756° N
- Longitude: 101.3639° W
Schools and Landmarks
Hartland’s small population means that students typically attend schools in nearby Lakin or Deerfield through the Lakin USD 215 or Deerfield USD 216 districts. Hartland’s key landmarks are agricultural, with grain silos, barns, and farmlands dominating the landscape. The community’s history is closely tied to the railroad, with remnants of old rail depots serving as reminders of Hartland’s role in the region’s transportation network. The Arkansas River runs close to Hartland, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic drives through the rural Kansas countryside.