Cities and Towns in Rawlins County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Rawlins County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Rawlins County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Atwood is the county seat. With FIPS code of 153, Rawlins County has a population of 2,549 and area of 1,070 square miles (2,771 km²).
List of all cities in Rawlins County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Atwood, KS | 67730 | 785 |
| Herndon, KS | 67739 | 785 |
| Ludell, KS | 67744 | 785 |
| McDonald, KS | 67745 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rawlins County, Kansas
Atwood
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67730
- Latitude: 39.8061° N
- Longitude: 101.0429° W
Location and History
Atwood, the county seat of Rawlins County, is located in northwestern Kansas along U.S. Highway 36, close to the Nebraska border. Established in 1875, Atwood was named after a local landowner, J.R. Atwood, and became the administrative center of the county shortly after its founding. The town grew as a hub for surrounding agricultural areas, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming forming the backbone of the local economy. The development of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated Atwood’s growth, making it an important center for trade and transport in the region. Over the years, Atwood has retained its rural charm while serving as the main business and service center for Rawlins County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atwood is served by USD 105, which includes Rawlins County Junior/Senior High School and Atwood Grade School. Key landmarks include the Rawlins County Courthouse, an elegant historic building that reflects the town’s rich heritage. The Atwood City Park and Lake Atwood offer recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping, making it a popular spot for families. The town also hosts the annual Atwood Early Rod Run, which showcases vintage cars and draws visitors from across the state. The Rawlins County Museum provides an in-depth look at the history of the town and its agricultural past. Community events like the Rawlins County Fair also highlight the town’s deep agricultural roots.
Herndon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67739
- Latitude: 39.9053° N
- Longitude: 100.7871° W
Location and History
Herndon is a small town in northeastern Rawlins County, located along the Republican River. Founded in 1878, the town was named after Herndon, Virginia, and originally served as a railroad stop for settlers moving westward. Herndon’s early economy was driven by agriculture, with local farmers cultivating wheat, corn, and other grains. The Republican River played a vital role in providing irrigation for the region’s farms. Over time, Herndon remained a small but tight-knit farming community, with a strong focus on preserving its agricultural way of life. Today, the town reflects its rich history while continuing to serve as a rural residential community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Herndon is part of USD 105, and students attend schools in nearby Atwood. The town’s primary landmark is the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the community since the late 19th century and continues to hold services for local residents. Herndon City Park provides a space for local events and gatherings, offering playgrounds and picnic areas. The annual Herndon Ox Roast, a tradition dating back over a century, brings together residents and visitors for a day of food, music, and community celebration. Herndon’s proximity to the Republican River also offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers.
McDonald
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67745
- Latitude: 39.7947° N
- Longitude: 101.3729° W
Location and History
McDonald is a small town located in western Rawlins County, close to the Colorado border. Founded in 1881, McDonald was named after E.H. McDonald, a railroad official who was instrumental in the development of the town. McDonald grew as a farming community, with the fertile plains of the region supporting wheat and corn production. The town also served as a local trading post for nearby ranches and farms. Over the years, McDonald has maintained its rural character, with agriculture continuing to be the primary economic driver. Despite its small size, McDonald has a rich sense of community and hosts several events throughout the year that reflect its farming heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McDonald is part of the Cheylin USD 103 school district, with students attending Cheylin High School and Grade School in nearby Bird City. The town’s key landmarks include McDonald City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a community center. McDonald also celebrates its agricultural roots with events like the annual Harvest Festival, which brings together residents for food, games, and live music. The town’s proximity to the vast plains offers picturesque views of Kansas’s wide-open landscapes, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle. The historic McDonald Grain Elevator is a reminder of the town’s deep connection to farming and grain production.
Ludell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.14 square miles
- Population: Approximately 60 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67744
- Latitude: 39.8167° N
- Longitude: 100.9356° W
Location and History
Ludell is a tiny unincorporated community in southeastern Rawlins County, situated near the Republican River. Founded in the 1870s, Ludell was initially a small farming outpost that provided a gathering point for local settlers. The town developed as an agricultural community, with wheat and corn farming being the main economic activities. Despite its small size, Ludell has retained its rural charm and continues to serve as a quiet residential area surrounded by farmland. The town’s connection to the Republican River has historically provided irrigation for the region’s agriculture, making it an important asset for local farmers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ludell is part of USD 105, and students attend schools in nearby Atwood. While Ludell does not have many formal landmarks, the town’s open landscapes and surrounding farmland offer scenic views and a peaceful rural environment. The nearby Republican River provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Ludell’s small size allows it to maintain a close-knit community atmosphere, with residents often gathering for local events in neighboring towns like Atwood. The town’s agricultural roots are still evident in the fields surrounding the community, reflecting its long-standing connection to farming.
Blakeman
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Not incorporated
- Population: Approximately 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67730 (shared with Atwood)
- Latitude: 39.7803° N
- Longitude: 101.1161° W
Location and History
Blakeman is a small unincorporated community located southeast of Atwood in Rawlins County. Founded in the late 19th century, Blakeman originally served as a farming and ranching community, with settlers attracted to the fertile plains of northwestern Kansas. The town developed as an agricultural hub, focusing on wheat, corn, and cattle farming. Though it never grew significantly in population, Blakeman maintained its rural character and close ties to farming, with many residents working in agriculture. Today, Blakeman is a quiet, rural settlement surrounded by farmland, offering a peaceful lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Blakeman is part of USD 105, with students attending schools in nearby Atwood. While Blakeman does not have many formal landmarks, its location amid Kansas’s open plains provides beautiful views of the rural landscape. The town’s close proximity to Atwood allows residents to take advantage of the amenities and events in the county seat, including the Rawlins County Fair and the Atwood Early Rod Run. Blakeman’s agricultural roots are still visible in the surrounding fields, where wheat and corn farming remain essential to the local economy. The community’s quiet nature and connection to the land offer a peaceful rural living experience.
