Cities and Towns in Mitchell County, Kansas

Founded in 1867, Mitchell County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Mitchell County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Beloit is the county seat. With FIPS code of 123, Mitchell County has a population of 5,748 and area of 700 square miles (1,813 km²).

List of all cities in Mitchell County, KS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Beloit, KS 67420 785
Cawker City, KS 67430 785
Glen Elder, KS 67446 785
Hunter, KS 67452 785
Scottsville, KS 67420 785
Simpson, KS 67478 785
Tipton, KS 67485 785

Major Cities and Towns in Mitchell County, Kansas

Beloit

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.05 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,800
  • Zip Code: 67420
  • Latitude: 39.4564° N
  • Longitude: 98.1139° W

Location and History

Beloit, the county seat of Mitchell County, is located in north-central Kansas along U.S. Highway 24 and the Solomon River. Founded in 1872, the town was named after Beloit, Wisconsin, by early settlers who sought to develop the region’s agricultural potential. Beloit grew rapidly as settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile lands and access to the Solomon River, which provided water for farming and milling. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred growth, making Beloit a key trade and transportation hub for the region. Today, Beloit continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, commerce, and education in north-central Kansas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Beloit is served by USD 273 Beloit School District, which includes Beloit High School, Beloit Junior-Senior High School, and Beloit Elementary School. The town is home to St. John’s Catholic School, providing additional educational opportunities. Beloit’s landmarks include the Mitchell County Courthouse, a striking building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Solomon Valley Highway 24 Heritage Alliance, which highlights the area’s rich history. Chautauqua Park offers outdoor recreation, with picnic areas, a swimming pool, and scenic trails along the Solomon River. The town also hosts the annual Beloit Fall Festival, celebrating its agricultural roots and community spirit.


Glen Elder

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.34 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 400
  • Zip Code: 67446
  • Latitude: 39.5008° N
  • Longitude: 98.3075° W

Location and History

Glen Elder is located in southwestern Mitchell County, near the shores of Waconda Lake and Glen Elder State Park. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was originally called West Hampton before being renamed Glen Elder in 1879, after the nearby Glen Elder Creek. The town grew modestly, largely driven by agriculture and the local milling industry. However, it is perhaps best known for its proximity to Waconda Lake, created by the construction of the Glen Elder Dam in the 1960s. The lake and state park transformed the area into a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and camping.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Glen Elder is part of the USD 273 Beloit School District, with students attending schools in nearby Beloit. The town’s major landmarks include Glen Elder State Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Waconda Lake, one of the largest lakes in Kansas, is a hub for water sports and fishing, attracting visitors from across the state. The Glen Elder Limestone Kiln, a historic site, reflects the town’s early industrial history. Each year, Glen Elder hosts the Glen Elder Fishing Tournament, a popular event that draws anglers from the region.


Cawker City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.75 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 450
  • Zip Code: 67430
  • Latitude: 39.5100° N
  • Longitude: 98.4344° W

Location and History

Cawker City is located in northwestern Mitchell County, along U.S. Highway 24 and the shores of Waconda Lake. Founded in 1870, the town was named after E.H. Cawker, an early settler and land developer. The town grew quickly as a regional trade center, benefiting from its location near the Solomon River. In the 1960s, the construction of Glen Elder Dam and Waconda Lake brought further development, as the area became known for its recreational opportunities. Today, Cawker City is best known for being home to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, a quirky landmark that has brought the small town national recognition.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cawker City is part of the Waconda USD 272 School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Downs. The town’s most famous landmark is the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, an attraction that continues to grow as visitors add their own contributions to the twine. Other notable landmarks include the Waconda Springs Monument, which commemorates the once-sacred site of Waconda Springs, now submerged under Waconda Lake. Cawker City Park offers a relaxing spot for locals and visitors, with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a view of the lake. The town also hosts the annual Twine-a-thon, a celebration centered around its famous ball of twine.


Tipton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.21 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200
  • Zip Code: 67485
  • Latitude: 39.3336° N
  • Longitude: 98.4750° W

Location and History

Tipton is a small town located in the western part of Mitchell County, near the border with Osborne County. Founded in 1872, the town was initially called Pittsburg but was later renamed Tipton after Tipton, Iowa, where many of the town’s early settlers originated. The town developed as a farming community, with wheat and cattle playing central roles in its economy. Although small, Tipton has a strong agricultural heritage, and it remains an important part of the county’s rural landscape. Its proximity to the Solomon River Valley has helped sustain farming through access to irrigation and fertile land.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tipton is served by USD 272 Waconda School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. The town is also home to Tipton Catholic High School, which has served the community for over a century, providing education with a focus on faith and academics. Tipton’s landmarks include St. Boniface Catholic Church, a historic and architectural gem that stands at the heart of the community. Tipton City Park offers recreational facilities, including a baseball field and picnic areas. The town’s Annual Harvest Festival is a major event, celebrating the area’s farming traditions with parades, games, and community dinners.


Hunter

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.13 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 50
  • Zip Code: 67452
  • Latitude: 39.2386° N
  • Longitude: 98.3928° W

Location and History

Hunter is located in the southwestern part of Mitchell County, near the border with Lincoln County. The town was founded in 1896 and was named after an early settler, James Hunter. Hunter developed as a small agricultural community, with wheat farming and livestock ranching serving as the backbone of its economy. The town was once a more vibrant hub, with a railroad line connecting it to larger markets. However, like many rural towns in Kansas, Hunter’s population has declined over the years as farming practices modernized and transportation routes shifted. Despite its size, Hunter remains a proud farming community with a rich history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hunter is part of USD 272 Waconda School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Cawker City and Downs. The town’s primary landmark is Hunter City Park, a small but well-maintained space where residents gather for social events and outdoor activities. The Hunter Community Building serves as a venue for local gatherings, including town meetings and celebrations. The town is surrounded by rolling farmland, offering scenic views of the Kansas prairie. Hunter’s Harvest Festival is an annual event that brings the community together to celebrate the farming season with traditional activities and food.


Scottsville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.12 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 25
  • Zip Code: 67420
  • Latitude: 39.5489° N
  • Longitude: 97.9889° W

Location and History

Scottsville is a small, unincorporated community in eastern Mitchell County, located near U.S. Highway 24. The town was founded in 1878 and was named after an early settler, James Scott. Scottsville developed as a small agricultural center, with most of its residents involved in farming or ranching. Though never a large town, it once had a post office, school, and several businesses that served the local farming community. Over the years, the population has declined significantly, but Scottsville remains a quiet rural settlement that reflects the agricultural heritage of Mitchell County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Scottsville is part of USD 273 Beloit School District, with students attending schools in nearby Beloit. The town does not have many remaining landmarks, but Scottsville Cemetery serves as a historical site where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. The surrounding farmland offers scenic views and a glimpse into the region’s rural lifestyle. Scottsville is also close to the Solomon River, providing access to outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking. Though small, Scottsville continues to embody the values of hard work and community that have shaped Mitchell County’s history.