Cities and Towns in Labette County, Kansas

Founded in 1867, Labette County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Labette County was formed from Neosho County. The city of Oswego is the county seat. With FIPS code of 99, Labette County has a population of 19,912 and area of 649 square miles (1,681 km²).

List of all cities in Labette County, KS alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Altamont, KS	67330	620
Bartlett, KS	67332	620
Chetopa, KS	67336	620
Dennis, KS	67341	620
Edna, KS	67342	620
Labette, KS	67356	620
Mound Valley, KS	67354	620
Oswego, KS	67356	620
Parsons, KS	67357	620

Major Cities and Towns in Labette County, Kansas

Parsons

Overview

Parsons is the largest city in Labette County, located in southeastern Kansas along U.S. Highway 59 and the Union Pacific Railroad. Founded in 1870 as a railroad town, Parsons quickly grew into a bustling hub for transportation and commerce. The city was named after Levi Parsons, the president of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT), also known as the Katy Railroad, which played a crucial role in the city’s development. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Parsons became a center for manufacturing, trade, and agriculture. Today, Parsons remains a regional center for industry, health care, and education, while preserving its rich railroad history.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 10.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 9,500 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67357
• Latitude: 37.3409° N
• Longitude: 95.2719° W

Schools and Landmarks

Parsons is served by USD 503, with Parsons High School being the main educational institution. The city is also home to Labette Community College, which offers a variety of degree programs and serves as a cultural and educational hub. Notable landmarks in Parsons include the Parsons Historical Museum, which showcases the city’s railroad history, and Forest Park, a large recreational area that hosts events such as the Katy Days Festival, celebrating the city’s railway heritage. Another key site is the Iron Horse Museum, dedicated to preserving the city’s railroad legacy with a collection of historic locomotives and artifacts.

Oswego

Overview

Oswego is the county seat of Labette County, located in the southern part of the county along the Neosho River. Founded in 1867, Oswego was originally an important trading post for settlers and Native American tribes. The town was named after Oswego, New York, reflecting the influence of Eastern settlers who moved west. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped establish Oswego as a regional center for trade, agriculture, and government. Today, Oswego remains a small, vibrant community with a strong agricultural base and a rich history tied to its early pioneer and Native American roots.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 2.08 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,700 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67356
• Latitude: 37.1678° N
• Longitude: 95.1094° W

Schools and Landmarks

Oswego is part of USD 504, with Oswego High School serving the local community. The town’s notable landmarks include the Labette County Courthouse, a historic building that continues to serve as the center of county government. Riverside Park, located along the Neosho River, offers outdoor recreation, including fishing, picnicking, and hiking. Oswego is also home to the Oswego Historical Museum, which highlights the town’s role in early Kansas history and its connection to Native American tribes in the region. The annual Oswego Fall Festival celebrates the town’s community spirit with parades, games, and local crafts.

Chetopa

Overview

Chetopa is a small city located in southeastern Labette County, near the Kansas-Oklahoma border along the Neosho River. Established in 1857, Chetopa was named after Chief Chetopah of the Osage Nation, who lived in the area before settlers arrived. The town grew as a trading post and agricultural center, and the Neosho River provided a vital water source for farming and transportation. Chetopa’s history is deeply connected to the Osage Nation, and the town played a key role in regional trade during the late 19th century. Today, Chetopa is a small, close-knit community known for its rich historical ties and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.24 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67336
• Latitude: 37.0370° N
• Longitude: 95.0897° W

Schools and Landmarks

Chetopa is part of the Chetopa-St. Paul USD 505, with Chetopa High School serving the town’s students. Major landmarks include the Chetopa Fish Hatchery, which is one of the oldest hatcheries in Kansas and contributes to the town’s reputation as the “Catfish Capital of Kansas.” The Neosho River provides excellent fishing opportunities, drawing visitors to the area for outdoor activities. The town also celebrates its heritage with the annual Chetopa Fall Festival, featuring parades, food, and entertainment. The town’s proximity to the Osage Nation’s historic land adds a layer of cultural significance to its identity.

Altamont

Overview

Altamont is a small city located in eastern Labette County along U.S. Highway 160. Founded in 1879, Altamont developed as a railroad town, benefiting from its position on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Railroad line. The town’s name is derived from the Latin words “alta” (meaning high) and “mont” (meaning mountain), reflecting the town’s slightly elevated location. Altamont’s growth was driven by agriculture and the railroad, which provided a steady flow of goods and passengers to and from the town. Today, Altamont remains a rural community with strong ties to farming and a commitment to preserving its small-town atmosphere.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67330
• Latitude: 37.1881° N
• Longitude: 95.2966° W

Schools and Landmarks

Altamont is part of USD 506, with Labette County High School being a significant educational institution in the region, known for its academic and athletic programs. Landmarks in Altamont include Altamont City Park, which offers recreational facilities for families and hosts community events throughout the year. The nearby Altamont Speedway attracts visitors interested in racing, while the Labette County Fairgrounds hold the annual Labette County Fair, celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage. The town’s location along the old Katy Railroad line is a reminder of its historical significance as a transportation hub.

Mound Valley

Overview

Mound Valley is a small town located in the southern part of Labette County. Established in 1869, Mound Valley was named for the rolling hills and elevated terrain that surround the area. The town developed as an agricultural community, with farming and cattle ranching being central to its economy. Mound Valley’s location near several creeks and its fertile soil made it an ideal spot for early settlers to cultivate crops. Though small, the town remains a vital part of the county’s agricultural network and is known for its scenic landscapes and rural charm.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.54 square miles
• Population: Approximately 350 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67354
• Latitude: 37.2061° N
• Longitude: 95.4049° W

Schools and Landmarks

Mound Valley is part of USD 506, with students attending nearby schools such as Labette County High School in Altamont. The town’s landmarks include the Mound Valley Museum, which showcases local history and artifacts from the town’s early days. Mound Valley City Park is another notable feature, offering outdoor recreation and hosting local events. The surrounding hills and valleys provide scenic views, making the area popular for hiking and nature walks. Mound Valley is also known for its small-town festivals, which celebrate the town’s agricultural roots and bring the community together.

Edna

Overview

Edna is a small town in southeastern Labette County, located near the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Founded in 1876, Edna was named after a local settler’s daughter and grew as a result of the expansion of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Railroad. Agriculture has always been central to Edna’s economy, with wheat, corn, and cattle ranching being the dominant industries. The town has maintained its small population over the years, providing a quiet, rural lifestyle for its residents, while still being connected to larger towns in the region.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.61 square miles
• Population: Approximately 400 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67342
• Latitude: 37.0612° N
• Longitude: 95.3578° W

Schools and Landmarks

Edna is part of USD 506, with students attending nearby schools such as Labette County High School in Altamont. Key landmarks in Edna include Edna City Park, which serves as a community gathering space for outdoor events and recreational activities. The town also features several historic buildings, reflecting its past as a railroad and farming hub. Edna’s peaceful rural atmosphere and agricultural focus continue to define the town’s character, making it a welcoming place for those who appreciate the simplicity of small-town life. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and farming.