Cities and Towns in Lyon County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Lyon County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Lyon County was one of the original 36 counties (Formerly Breckenridge County). The city of Emporia is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, Lyon County has a population of 31,998 and area of 851 square miles (2,204 km²).
List of all cities in Lyon County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Admire, KS | 66830 | 620 |
| Allen, KS | 66833 | 620 |
| Americus, KS | 66835 | 620 |
| Bushong, KS | 66833 | 620 |
| Emporia, KS | 66801 | 620 |
| Hartford, KS | 66854 | 620 |
| Neosho Rapids, KS | 66864 | 620 |
| Olpe, KS | 66865 | 620 |
| Reading, KS | 66868 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lyon County, Kansas
Emporia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 11.94 square miles
- Population: Approximately 24,600
- Zip Code: 66801
- Latitude: 38.4039° N
- Longitude: 96.1817° W
Location and History
Emporia, the county seat of Lyon County, is located in east-central Kansas, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 35. Established in 1857, Emporia was named after ancient Carthage’s famed “emporium” or commercial center. The city grew quickly as a transportation and trading hub due to its proximity to railroads and fertile farmland. Emporia has a rich history tied to education and journalism, being home to both Emporia State University, founded in 1863, and William Allen White, the famous journalist and editor of the Emporia Gazette. Today, Emporia thrives as a center for education, agriculture, and industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Emporia is served by USD 253 Emporia School District, which includes Emporia High School, Emporia Middle School, and several elementary schools. Emporia State University is one of the city’s key landmarks, known for its teacher education programs and beautiful campus. The William Allen White House State Historic Site, also known as Red Rocks, honors the life and work of the renowned journalist. Peter Pan Park offers outdoor recreation, while the David Traylor Zoo is a family-friendly attraction. Emporia is also famous for hosting the Dirty Kanza Gravel Bike Race, an annual cycling event that attracts participants from around the world.
Americus
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900
- Zip Code: 66835
- Latitude: 38.5069° N
- Longitude: 96.2611° W
Location and History
Americus is located in the northern part of Lyon County, about 10 miles north of Emporia along Kansas Highway 99. Founded in 1857, the town was named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Americus began as a small farming community, and agriculture continues to play a significant role in the local economy today. The town’s history is closely tied to the development of the railroad, which provided transportation for agricultural products. Despite its small size, Americus has maintained a strong sense of community and serves as a peaceful rural retreat for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Americus is part of the North Lyon County USD 251 school district, with local students attending Northern Heights High School in nearby Allen and Americus Elementary School in town. Landmarks in Americus include Jones Park, a local gathering spot for outdoor activities, and the Americus Community Center, where social events and community meetings are held. The town celebrates its agricultural roots with the annual Americus Days Festival, which features a parade, games, and food vendors. The surrounding farmland offers scenic views of the Kansas prairie, reflecting the town’s rural heritage.
Allen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 175
- Zip Code: 66833
- Latitude: 38.6531° N
- Longitude: 96.1711° W
Location and History
Allen is a small town located in the northeastern part of Lyon County, along Kansas Highway 99. The town was founded in 1854, making it one of the oldest settlements in the county. Named after Henry Allen, an early settler and landowner, the town grew as a result of its agricultural economy, with farming being the primary industry. The railroad also played a significant role in Allen’s early growth, helping farmers transport their goods to larger markets. Although Allen has remained a small community, it continues to thrive as a quiet, rural town with strong ties to its agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Allen is part of the North Lyon County USD 251 school district, with local students attending Northern Heights High School and Americus Elementary School. The town’s major landmark is Allen Park, a small but well-maintained space for outdoor activities and community events. Allen is known for its annual Fall Festival, a community gathering that includes a parade, games, and local food, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and birdwatching, providing a peaceful rural setting for residents and visitors alike.
Olpe
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.47 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Code: 66865
- Latitude: 38.2639° N
- Longitude: 96.1742° W
Location and History
Olpe is located in southern Lyon County, about 12 miles south of Emporia along Kansas Highway 99. The town was founded in 1879 by German immigrants who named it after Olpe, Germany. Olpe developed as a small farming community, with agriculture remaining central to its economy. The town grew steadily due to its location near railroads and highways, which provided access to larger markets for the area’s agricultural products. Olpe has maintained its German heritage and small-town charm, while serving as a local center for farming and community life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Olpe is part of USD 252 Southern Lyon County, with local students attending Olpe Junior-Senior High School and Olpe Elementary School. The town’s major landmarks include Olpe Lake, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking, and St. Joseph Catholic Church, a historic building that serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the community. Jones Park offers recreational facilities, including sports fields and picnic areas. Each year, Olpe hosts the Olpe Chicken House Festival, which celebrates the town’s community spirit with food, games, and live entertainment, drawing visitors from across the region.
Neosho Rapids
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260
- Zip Code: 66864
- Latitude: 38.3667° N
- Longitude: 95.9925° W
Location and History
Neosho Rapids is a small town located in southeastern Lyon County, near the Neosho River, along U.S. Highway 50. The town was established in 1855 and was originally called Italia before being renamed after the river that flows nearby. Neosho Rapids developed as an agricultural community, benefiting from its proximity to both the river and the railroad. The Neosho River provided water for irrigation and power for early mills, contributing to the town’s early growth. Today, Neosho Rapids remains a quiet rural community with a focus on agriculture and small-town living.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Neosho Rapids is part of USD 252 Southern Lyon County, with students attending Neosho Rapids Elementary School and Hartford High School in nearby Hartford. Neosho Rapids Park offers residents a place for outdoor recreation, with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths along the scenic Neosho River. The town’s proximity to the John Redmond Reservoir provides additional opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. Neosho Rapids celebrates its rural heritage with community events, including the annual Neosho Rapids Fall Festival, which features games, food, and entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
Hartford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Approximately 375
- Zip Code: 66854
- Latitude: 38.3086° N
- Longitude: 95.9578° W
Location and History
Hartford is located in southeastern Lyon County, near the Neosho River, along U.S. Highway 50. Founded in 1858, the town was named after Hartford, Connecticut. Hartford grew as an agricultural and trade center, with its location near the Neosho River providing irrigation and power for early mills. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the town’s economy, allowing local farmers to ship their goods to larger markets. Though small, Hartford has maintained its agricultural base and remains a tight-knit rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hartford is part of USD 252 Southern Lyon County, with local students attending Hartford High School and Neosho Rapids Elementary School. The town is home to Hartford Park, a local gathering spot with playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Nearby John Redmond Reservoir is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and camping. The town hosts an annual Hartford Harvest Festival, which celebrates the agricultural heritage of the area with parades, tractor pulls, and community dinners. Hartford’s historical charm and peaceful rural setting make it a welcoming community for residents and visitors.
Reading
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 225
- Zip Code: 66868
- Latitude: 38.5222° N
- Longitude: 95.9575° W
Location and History
Reading is a small town located in northeastern Lyon County, about 15 miles northeast of Emporia, along U.S. Highway 56. Established in 1870, the town was named after Reading, Pennsylvania, by early settlers who moved west to Kansas. Reading developed as an agricultural community, with the railroad playing a crucial role in its growth by providing transportation for local crops and livestock. The town has faced challenges over the years, including significant damage from a tornado in 2011, but it has rebuilt and continues to thrive as a rural farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Reading is part of USD 251 North Lyon County, with local students attending Northern Heights High School in nearby Allen. The town’s major landmark is Reading Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and a community center that hosts local events. The town also features the Reading Tornado Memorial, commemorating the community’s resilience in the face of the 2011 disaster. Each year, Reading holds the Reading Fair, which celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with livestock exhibits, games, and food, bringing the community together. The surrounding countryside provides a peaceful setting for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
