Cities and Towns in Pawnee County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Pawnee County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Pawnee County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Larned is the county seat. With FIPS code of 145, Pawnee County has a population of 6,225 and area of 754 square miles (1,953 km²).
List of all cities in Pawnee County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Burdett, KS | 67523 | 620 |
| Fort Larned National History, KS | 67550 | 620 |
| Garfield, KS | 67529 | 620 |
| Larned, KS | 67550 | 620 |
| Radium, KS | 67550 | 620 |
| Rozel, KS | 67574 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pawnee County, Kansas
Larned
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.48 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67550
- Latitude: 38.1825° N
- Longitude: 99.0986° W
Location and History
Larned, the county seat of Pawnee County, is located in central Kansas along the Arkansas River and U.S. Highway 56. Founded in 1873, Larned was named after Fort Larned, a nearby military post established to protect travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. The town grew as an important trading post due to its strategic location on the trail, which connected the Midwest with the Southwest. Over time, Larned evolved into a regional hub for agriculture, particularly wheat, corn, and cattle farming. The town also became known for its historical significance, with many sites preserving its pioneer and military history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Larned is served by USD 495, which includes Larned High School, Larned Middle School, and Northside Elementary School. Notable landmarks include Fort Larned National Historic Site, a preserved 19th-century military fort that offers tours and reenactments of frontier life. Another key attraction is the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum, which highlights the town’s role in the westward expansion and the history of the Santa Fe Trail. The annual Santa Fe Trail Days festival is a major event in Larned, celebrating its historic roots with parades, concerts, and reenactments. Larned State Hospital, a major employer, contributes to the town’s economy and provides mental health services.
Burdett
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 230 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67523
- Latitude: 38.1928° N
- Longitude: 99.5242° W
Location and History
Burdett is a small town located in the western part of Pawnee County, about 20 miles west of Larned. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was originally named Brown’s Grove after its founder, Theodore Brown. It was later renamed Burdett in honor of the famous American humorist Robert Jones Burdette. Burdett grew as a small agricultural community, with local farmers cultivating wheat, corn, and other crops. Over time, Burdett has retained its rural character and serves as a quiet residential town with deep agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Burdett is part of USD 496, with students attending Pawnee Heights High School in nearby Rozel. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Burdett United Methodist Church, which has been a focal point for the community since the early 20th century. The town also has a small park and community center that hosts local events and gatherings. Each year, Burdett celebrates its agricultural heritage with the Burdett Labor Day Festival, which includes a parade, games, and community meals. The surrounding farmland, wide-open spaces, and strong sense of community make Burdett an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Rozel
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67574
- Latitude: 38.1983° N
- Longitude: 99.4031° W
Location and History
Rozel is a small town situated in northwestern Pawnee County, about 16 miles northwest of Larned. The town was established in 1886 and named after Rozella, the daughter of a local railroad official. Like many towns in the region, Rozel developed as an agricultural community, with wheat farming and cattle ranching forming the economic foundation. The town’s location along the Missouri Pacific Railroad helped facilitate the transport of agricultural goods to larger markets. Though small in population, Rozel has a rich agricultural tradition and remains an active part of Pawnee County’s farming landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rozel is served by USD 496, with students attending Pawnee Heights High School and Elementary School. The town’s main landmark is the Pawnee Heights School, which also serves as a community gathering spot for local events. Rozel is known for its annual Rozel Days celebration, which includes parades, games, and local entertainment, bringing together residents to celebrate the town’s history and agricultural heritage. The town’s rural setting and proximity to the Arkansas River provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching, contributing to its appeal as a peaceful, rural community.
Garfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 190 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67529
- Latitude: 38.0717° N
- Longitude: 99.2425° W
Location and History
Garfield is located in southeastern Pawnee County, along U.S. Highway 56 and the Arkansas River, about 9 miles southeast of Larned. The town was founded in 1872 and named after President James A. Garfield, a Civil War general and later U.S. president. Originally a railroad town, Garfield served as a shipping point for local farmers and ranchers. The town’s early growth was driven by the expansion of the railroad and the fertile farmlands surrounding it, which were ideal for growing wheat and other crops. Although its population has remained small, Garfield continues to serve as a rural residential community with a strong agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garfield is part of the Larned USD 495 school district, with students attending schools in Larned. The town’s key landmarks include the Garfield Community Center, which hosts local events and social gatherings. The Arkansas River, which flows just south of the town, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and kayaking. Garfield is also close to Fort Larned National Historic Site, allowing residents and visitors to explore the region’s rich military and pioneer history. The town’s rural setting and agricultural roots make it a peaceful place for residents who enjoy small-town living and a connection to Kansas’s farming heritage.
Pawnee Rock
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67567
- Latitude: 38.2644° N
- Longitude: 98.9781° W
Location and History
Pawnee Rock is a small town located in southeastern Pawnee County, near the historic landmark for which it was named. Pawnee Rock itself was an important site along the Santa Fe Trail, used by both Native Americans and pioneers as a lookout point. The town of Pawnee Rock was established in 1874 and grew as a result of its proximity to this historic site. Over time, Pawnee Rock became a small farming community, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming driving the local economy. Today, the town continues to honor its connection to the Santa Fe Trail and its agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pawnee Rock is part of the USD 495 school district, with students attending schools in Larned. The town’s most notable landmark is Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding prairie and commemorates the area’s significance along the Santa Fe Trail. The site includes informational plaques and walking trails, providing visitors with a glimpse into the history of westward expansion. Pawnee Rock City Park offers a space for community events and outdoor recreation. The town’s quiet, rural setting and historical significance make it a unique spot for history enthusiasts and those who appreciate small-town life.
