Cities and Towns in Rooks County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Rooks County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Rooks County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Stockton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 163, Rooks County has a population of 4,831 and area of 888 square miles (2,300 km²).
List of all cities in Rooks County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Codell, KS | 67663 | 785 |
| Damar, KS | 67632 | 785 |
| Palco, KS | 67657 | 785 |
| Plainville, KS | 67663 | 785 |
| Stockton, KS | 67669 | 785 |
| Woodston, KS | 67675 | 785 |
| Zurich, KS | 67663 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rooks County, Kansas
Stockton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67669
- Latitude: 39.4381° N
- Longitude: 99.2665° W
Location and History
Stockton, the county seat of Rooks County, is located in north-central Kansas along U.S. Highway 24. Founded in 1872, Stockton was established as a trading post and agricultural hub in the Smoky Hills region. The city was named after Stockton, Illinois, reflecting the hometown of one of the early settlers. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century facilitated growth, making Stockton an important shipping point for wheat, corn, and livestock. The town’s economy has long been tied to agriculture, with farming and cattle ranching serving as the primary industries. Stockton has preserved much of its historical charm, with well-preserved buildings and a friendly, close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stockton is served by USD 271, which includes Stockton High School and Stockton Grade School. One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the Rooks County Courthouse, an impressive limestone structure built in 1921, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stockton City Park offers recreational activities, and the nearby Webster State Park provides opportunities for camping, fishing, and boating. Another key landmark is the Stockton Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s pioneer days and agricultural history. The annual Stockton Rodeo and Rooks County Free Fair are key events that bring together residents and visitors to celebrate the region’s heritage.
Plainville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.35 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,850 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67663
- Latitude: 39.2342° N
- Longitude: 99.3007° W
Location and History
Plainville is located in southern Rooks County, at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 183 and Kansas Highway 18. Established in 1877, the town was named for the flat, treeless plains that surround the area. Plainville began as a farming community, with wheat, corn, and cattle being the backbone of its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further solidified Plainville’s role as a regional agricultural center. Over the years, the town has maintained a steady population and continues to serve as a hub for local trade, education, and healthcare, while retaining its small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plainville is served by USD 270, which includes Plainville High School and Plainville Elementary School. The town’s key landmarks include the Plainville Memorial Library, a historic site that reflects the community’s commitment to education and culture. Additionally, the Veterans Memorial honors the town’s military history and contributions. Plainville is also home to the Rooks County Health Center, which provides essential healthcare services to the region. The annual Rooks County Fair, held in nearby Stockton, and the Plainville Labor Day Celebration draw visitors for parades, rodeos, and local festivities. Webster Lake, located just east of Plainville, offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping.
Palco
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67657
- Latitude: 39.2528° N
- Longitude: 99.5587° W
Location and History
Palco, located in the western part of Rooks County, was founded in 1888 and named after the Palmer and Cole families, two early settlers who played significant roles in the town’s development. Palco grew as a small agricultural community, benefiting from the expansion of the railroad, which made it easier to transport grain and livestock to larger markets. Wheat farming and cattle ranching have long been the backbone of Palco’s economy. Over the years, Palco has remained a close-knit town with a strong agricultural identity, despite its small size and rural location.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Palco is part of the Palco USD 269 school district, with students attending Palco High School and Palco Grade School. A significant landmark in the town is the Palco Community Center, which serves as a venue for local events and social gatherings. The town also features several historic homes and buildings, showcasing its pioneer roots. Each year, Palco hosts a community-wide celebration with a parade, games, and local food vendors, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage. The surrounding farmlands and wide-open spaces offer a peaceful, rural environment that defines life in Palco.
Zurich
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67663 (shared with Plainville)
- Latitude: 39.2694° N
- Longitude: 99.4326° W
Location and History
Zurich is a small, unincorporated community in southeastern Rooks County, located along Kansas Highway 18. Founded in the early 20th century, Zurich was established as a farming settlement by Swiss immigrants, who named the town after Zurich, Switzerland. The town’s history is closely tied to agriculture, with wheat and corn farming being the primary industries for generations. Although the population of Zurich has remained small, the town has retained its rural charm and strong sense of community, serving as a reminder of the Swiss heritage that influenced its founding.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Zurich is part of the Plainville USD 270 school district, and students typically attend schools in nearby Plainville. The Zurich Grain Elevator is a prominent landmark in the town, symbolizing its agricultural heritage and continuing role in local grain production. The surrounding farmland offers scenic views of Kansas’s wide-open plains, and residents enjoy the quiet, rural lifestyle that defines life in Zurich. Each year, the town hosts a small community event to celebrate its Swiss roots and agricultural traditions, bringing together local families for food, music, and social activities.
Damar
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 120 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67632
- Latitude: 39.3200° N
- Longitude: 99.5876° W
Location and History
Damar is a small town in western Rooks County, known for its French-Canadian heritage. Founded in 1888, Damar was settled by French-Canadian immigrants who named the town after a revered French Catholic saint. The town quickly became an agricultural community, with wheat farming as the primary industry. Over the years, Damar has remained a small, tight-knit community, preserving its French Catholic heritage through local traditions and religious observances. The town’s historic roots are evident in its architecture and local customs.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Damar is part of the Palco USD 269 school district, and students attend schools in nearby Palco. The town’s most significant landmark is the St. Joseph Catholic Church, a beautiful limestone structure built in the early 20th century, which serves as a focal point for the community. The church is renowned for its stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, attracting visitors interested in historical buildings. The surrounding farmlands and prairie landscape provide a peaceful setting for outdoor activities. Damar celebrates its heritage with an annual parish festival, drawing residents and visitors alike for a day of celebration, local food, and music.
Woodston
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67675
- Latitude: 39.4583° N
- Longitude: 99.0984° W
Location and History
Woodston is a small town in northeastern Rooks County, located along the South Fork Solomon River. Founded in 1885, the town was named after Charles Woods, an early settler who helped establish the community. Woodston developed as an agricultural town, with grain farming and cattle ranching being central to its economy. Although the town has experienced population decline over the years, Woodston retains its rural charm and serves as a quiet farming community. The Solomon River and the surrounding prairies offer picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Woodston is part of the Stockton USD 271 school district, and students typically attend schools in Stockton. A notable landmark in Woodston is the Woodston Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community for over a century. The nearby South Fork Solomon River offers opportunities for fishing and birdwatching, making it a popular spot for local outdoor enthusiasts. Each summer, Woodston hosts a community gathering, bringing residents together for a day of celebration and shared history. The town’s historical roots and peaceful rural environment make it an appealing place for those seeking a connection to Kansas’s agricultural past.
