Cities and Towns in Rice County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Rice County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Rice County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Lyons is the county seat. With FIPS code of 159, Rice County has a population of 9,390 and area of 727 square miles (1,883 km²).
List of all cities in Rice County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alden, KS | 67512 | 620 |
| Bushton, KS | 67427 | 620 |
| Chase, KS | 67524 | 620 |
| Geneseo, KS | 67444 | 620 |
| Little River, KS | 67457 | 620 |
| Lyons, KS | 67554 | 620 |
| Raymond, KS | 67573 | 620 |
| Sterling, KS | 67579 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rice County, Kansas
Lyons
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.57 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67554
- Latitude: 38.3447° N
- Longitude: 98.2023° W
Location and History
Lyons, the county seat of Rice County, is located in central Kansas along U.S. Highway 56, roughly 30 miles west of Hutchinson. Founded in 1870 and originally named Atlanta, the town was later renamed Lyons in honor of Freeman Lyons, a local figure who played a significant role in its early development. Lyons grew as an agricultural center, benefiting from the nearby Arkansas River and fertile plains that made wheat and corn farming highly productive. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, Lyons expanded as a regional trading hub, solidifying its role in the agricultural economy of central Kansas. Today, Lyons remains a vibrant small town, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and local businesses supporting its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lyons is served by USD 405, which includes Lyons High School, Lyons Middle School, and Park Elementary School. Landmarks in Lyons include the Coronado-Quivira Museum, which explores the region’s rich history, from Native American cultures to early settlers and Spanish explorers. The nearby Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a major bird-watching destination, offers visitors scenic views and hiking trails through wetlands and prairies. The town also features the historic Lyons Carnegie Library and Rice County Courthouse. Lyons hosts an annual fair that brings the community together with parades, live music, and agricultural exhibits, celebrating its farming heritage.
Sterling
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67579
- Latitude: 38.2109° N
- Longitude: 98.2026° W
Location and History
Sterling, located in southeastern Rice County, was founded in 1872 and was originally known as Peace. However, the name was changed to Sterling in 1876 after Sterling Rosan, an early settler who contributed to the town’s growth. Sterling has a rich agricultural history, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming at the heart of its economy. Sterling’s development was bolstered by the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which connected the town to broader markets. Today, Sterling is known for its educational and cultural contributions, being home to Sterling College, a small Christian liberal arts institution founded in 1887.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sterling is served by USD 376, which includes Sterling High School and Sterling Grade School. Sterling College, one of the town’s key landmarks, attracts students from across the country and offers a variety of academic and athletic programs. The town’s historic Sterling Lake, located near the college, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and community events. The Sterling Black Bear Festival is an annual celebration that includes parades, games, and performances, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate local culture. Other landmarks include the historic First Presbyterian Church and the Sterling Free Public Library, reflecting the town’s deep community ties and educational focus.
Little River
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.51 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67457
- Latitude: 38.3959° N
- Longitude: 98.0084° W
Location and History
Little River, located in the northeastern part of Rice County, was founded in 1880 and named after the nearby Little Arkansas River. The town quickly developed as a farming community, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming playing central roles in its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped the town grow, as it provided a transportation route for agricultural products. Little River remains a small, rural community that has retained its close-knit atmosphere over the years, continuing to rely on agriculture while also providing a quiet, peaceful setting for residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Little River is part of USD 444, and students attend Little River Junior/Senior High School and Windom Elementary School in nearby Windom. The town’s primary landmark is the Little River Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s history and the agricultural heritage of the region. The Little River City Park is a popular spot for local events, featuring a playground and sports fields. The town hosts the Little River Fall Festival every year, a community event that includes a parade, food vendors, and local crafts, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots and strong community ties.
Bushton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.27 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67427
- Latitude: 38.5144° N
- Longitude: 98.3969° W
Location and History
Bushton is a small town in western Rice County, located near Kansas Highway 4. The town was established in 1887 and named after the large bushes that once grew in the area. Like many towns in central Kansas, Bushton grew as an agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and sorghum being the primary crops. The town developed further with the construction of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which facilitated the transport of agricultural products. Over the years, Bushton has remained a quiet, rural town, serving as a center for the surrounding farming population and maintaining its agricultural traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bushton is part of USD 112, and students typically attend Central Plains High School in nearby Claflin. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Bushton Community Center, which hosts local events and serves as a gathering spot for residents. The town also features a small park with a playground and picnic area, providing a space for outdoor recreation. Bushton’s proximity to Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the largest inland wetlands in the United States, offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks, making the area popular among nature enthusiasts. The town’s annual Harvest Festival celebrates its agricultural heritage with parades, games, and local vendors.
Alden
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 145 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67512
- Latitude: 38.2443° N
- Longitude: 98.3112° W
Location and History
Alden is a small town located in southern Rice County, near the Arkansas River. Founded in 1881, Alden grew as a farming community with the arrival of the railroad, which provided a critical link for transporting local agricultural products, particularly wheat and cattle. The town was named after Alden Speare, a railroad official. Though its population has remained modest, Alden has a strong sense of community, with agriculture continuing to be the mainstay of the local economy. Over the years, Alden has retained its rural charm and agricultural focus, serving as a quiet residential area for those involved in farming.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alden is part of USD 376, with students attending nearby Sterling High School and Sterling Grade School. The town’s key landmark is the Alden Community Center, which is used for local meetings, social events, and gatherings. Alden also features a small park, where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and community picnics. Although Alden is small, its proximity to the Arkansas River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature walks. Each year, the town hosts a small community event to celebrate its agricultural roots, featuring local food, crafts, and games that bring together families and residents from the surrounding area.
Geneseo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67444
- Latitude: 38.5178° N
- Longitude: 98.1559° W
Location and History
Geneseo, located in eastern Rice County, was founded in 1887 and named after Geneseo, New York, by settlers from the area. The town developed as a result of the expanding railroad network, which helped establish Geneseo as an important agricultural center for the region. The fertile soil around Geneseo was ideal for growing wheat, corn, and other crops, and the town became a key point for transporting agricultural goods. Although Geneseo has remained small, it has continued to play a role in the county’s agricultural economy and serves as a peaceful rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Geneseo is part of the Central Plains USD 112 school district, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Claflin and Bushton. The town’s major landmarks include the Geneseo City Park, which provides a space for outdoor activities and hosts local events. The historic Geneseo Methodist Church is another notable building, reflecting the town’s long-standing religious and community traditions. Geneseo also holds an annual celebration, with parades, music, and community picnics, where residents gather to celebrate their agricultural heritage. The town’s rural location offers picturesque views of the Kansas plains and a quiet, serene lifestyle.
