Cities and Towns in Scott County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Scott County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Scott County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Scott City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 171, Scott County has a population of 5,131 and area of 718 square miles (1,860 km²).
List of all cities in Scott County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Friend, KS | 67871 | 620 |
| Scott City, KS | 67871 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Scott County, Kansas
Scott City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,900 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67871
- Latitude: 38.4828° N
- Longitude: 100.9076° W
Location and History
Scott City, the county seat and largest city in Scott County, is located in western Kansas along U.S. Highway 83. Founded in 1885, the city was named after General Winfield Scott, a hero of the Mexican-American War. Early settlers were drawn to the area due to the availability of land for farming and cattle ranching. The city grew steadily as an agricultural hub, especially with the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated the transport of crops and livestock. Wheat farming has been a cornerstone of the local economy for over a century. Scott City’s central location in the Great Plains also made it an essential stop for trade and commerce. Today, Scott City remains an agricultural center with a small-town atmosphere, while also serving as a gateway to some of Kansas’s most scenic outdoor attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Scott City is served by USD 466, which includes Scott Community High School, Scott City Middle School, and Scott City Elementary School. A major landmark in the area is Scott State Park, located just a few miles north of the city. The park features stunning natural landscapes, including the picturesque Lake Scott, and is home to the El Quartelejo Ruins, the remains of a Native American pueblo. Another key landmark is the historic Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection, which displays art and artifacts related to Western history and Kansas heritage. The annual Scott County Free Fair is a significant event, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with rodeos, parades, and exhibits.
Modoc
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.04 square miles
- Population: Approximately 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67863
- Latitude: 38.4825° N
- Longitude: 101.1326° W
Location and History
Modoc is a tiny, unincorporated community in the western part of Scott County, located along U.S. Highway 83, about 10 miles west of Scott City. Modoc was established in the late 19th century as a farming and ranching community, named after the Modoc Native American tribe. The town never experienced significant growth, largely due to its rural location and reliance on agriculture. However, it served as a small trading center for the surrounding farming communities. Throughout its history, Modoc has remained a quiet, close-knit community, with agriculture continuing to be the primary economic activity. Despite its small size, the town reflects the enduring rural spirit of western Kansas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Modoc does not have its own schools, and students typically attend schools in Scott City as part of USD 466. One of the town’s few landmarks is the Modoc Grain Elevator, which has been an essential part of the local farming economy, helping to store and distribute grain produced in the region. The surrounding open plains offer scenic views of Kansas’s vast, flat landscapes. While there are no significant historical sites in Modoc itself, the community’s proximity to Scott State Park makes it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the park’s natural beauty and historical significance.
Grigston
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approximately 30 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67871 (shared with Scott City)
- Latitude: 38.5167° N
- Longitude: 101.0050° W
Location and History
Grigston is a small, unincorporated community located in northern Scott County. Established in the early 20th century as a stop along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, Grigston served as a modest agricultural outpost. The town’s development was tied closely to the expansion of farming in the region, with wheat and cattle ranching forming the economic base. Like many rural communities in Kansas, Grigston experienced population decline as farming practices became more industrialized and residents moved to larger towns. Despite this, the area remains agricultural, with local farms contributing to the regional economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Grigston does not have its own schools, and students typically attend schools in Scott City as part of USD 466. The community’s primary landmark is the Grigston Grain Elevator, which continues to serve local farmers by storing and shipping grain. The area surrounding Grigston is known for its expansive wheat fields and rural landscapes, offering a quiet, pastoral atmosphere typical of the Kansas plains. While small in size, Grigston is representative of the many agricultural communities that have shaped the history and economy of Scott County.
Shallow Water
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67871 (shared with Scott City)
- Latitude: 38.6214° N
- Longitude: 100.9445° W
Location and History
Shallow Water is a small, unincorporated community located in northern Scott County, about 10 miles north of Scott City. The town was established in the early 1900s and named after the shallow groundwater found in the area, which was crucial for farming. Like other small towns in Scott County, Shallow Water grew as a result of the region’s agricultural development, particularly wheat and cattle farming. Over the years, the town’s population has remained small, with residents relying on farming and ranching as their primary livelihoods. Despite its size, Shallow Water has retained its rural charm and strong connection to the agricultural heritage of western Kansas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shallow Water’s students attend schools in Scott City through the USD 466 district, as the town does not have its own educational facilities. The town’s most recognizable feature is the Shallow Water Grain Elevator, a symbol of the region’s agricultural economy. While Shallow Water lacks large landmarks or tourist attractions, its rural surroundings offer peaceful landscapes typical of the Kansas plains. The community is close to several historical and natural attractions in the region, including Scott State Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the historic El Quartelejo Ruins. The town also participates in local agricultural fairs and events in Scott City.
