Cities and Towns in Seward County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Seward County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Seward County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Liberal is the county seat. With FIPS code of 175, Seward County has a population of 21,747 and area of 640 square miles (1,658 km²).
List of all cities in Seward County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Kismet, KS | 67859 | 620 |
| Liberal, KS | 67901 | 620 |
| 67905 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Seward County, Kansas
Liberal
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 11.75 square miles
- Population: Approximately 19,900 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67901, 67905
- Latitude: 37.0431° N
- Longitude: 100.9202° W
Location and History
Liberal, the county seat and largest city in Seward County, is located in southwestern Kansas near the Oklahoma border. It was founded in 1888 and named after the liberal nature of an early settler, S.S. Rogers, who was known for freely offering water to travelers in the area. The town rapidly developed as a hub for agriculture and cattle ranching, and later as a center for oil production. Liberal’s strategic location on the former Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway further boosted its growth. Over the years, the city has grown into a vibrant community with a diversified economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, while also attracting visitors with its unique landmarks and cultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Liberal is served by USD 480, which includes Liberal High School and several elementary and middle schools. Liberal is home to several unique landmarks, including the Mid-America Air Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the country, and Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz exhibit, celebrating Liberal’s connection to The Wizard of Oz. The city also boasts a vibrant recreation scene with Adventure Bay Family Water Park and the Light Park, which hosts the annual Winter Wonderland display. The International Pancake Day race, an annual event between Liberal and Olney, England, is another major attraction that highlights the town’s quirky spirit.
Kismet
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.28 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67859
- Latitude: 37.2059° N
- Longitude: 100.7015° W
Location and History
Kismet is a small town in southeastern Seward County, about 20 miles east of Liberal. Founded in the early 20th century, Kismet was established as a farming community, benefiting from the fertile land of the High Plains. The town’s name, meaning “fate” or “destiny” in Persian, reflects the optimistic outlook of its founders. Like many small towns in the region, Kismet developed around the agriculture industry, particularly wheat and corn farming, as well as cattle ranching. While the town’s population has remained modest, Kismet has a strong sense of community and offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kismet is part of the USD 483 school district, with students attending nearby Southwestern Heights High School and Elementary School, which serve both Kismet and the neighboring town of Plains. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Kismet United Methodist Church, which has been a focal point for local community activities since its founding. The Kismet Little League fields are a hub of recreational activity during the summer, hosting local baseball games and other events. Kismet Days, an annual festival, brings residents together for parades, barbecues, and games, showcasing the town’s strong community spirit and agricultural heritage.
Hayne
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Not incorporated
- Population: Approximately 50 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67901 (shared with Liberal)
- Latitude: 37.1581° N
- Longitude: 100.8599° W
Location and History
Hayne is a small, unincorporated community in the northeastern part of Seward County, located along U.S. Route 54, just a few miles from Liberal. Founded in the late 19th century, Hayne was originally a rural stop for settlers moving through the plains. The town developed around agriculture, with local farmers producing wheat, corn, and other grains. Although Hayne never grew significantly in population, it has retained its rural character and connection to farming. Over the years, many residents have moved to larger towns like Liberal, but Hayne still serves as a small community for those who prefer a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Hayne does not have its own schools; students typically attend schools in Liberal, part of USD 480. Hayne’s primary landmark is the Hayne Grain Elevator, which has served local farmers for decades by storing and transporting their crops. The town’s close proximity to Liberal means that residents often take advantage of the larger city’s amenities while enjoying the peaceful countryside. Hayne is a reminder of the many small farming communities that dot the Kansas landscape, where agriculture and rural life continue to be central to the way of life.
Fargo Springs (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Formerly occupied
- Population: Uninhabited (Ghost Town)
- Zip Code: N/A
- Latitude: 37.0181° N
- Longitude: 100.9230° W
Location and History
Fargo Springs is a ghost town in Seward County, located just south of present-day Liberal. Founded in 1885, Fargo Springs was once a bustling community that served as the original county seat of Seward County. It grew quickly as settlers came to the area, attracted by the town’s natural springs and the promise of agricultural opportunity. The town featured several businesses, a post office, and even a courthouse. However, when the railroad bypassed Fargo Springs in favor of Liberal, the town’s population began to dwindle. By the early 1900s, most residents had relocated to Liberal, and Fargo Springs was eventually abandoned. Today, nothing remains of the town except historical records and a few remnants of its buildings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a ghost town, Fargo Springs has no schools or active landmarks. However, its former location serves as a historical point of interest for those researching the early settlement of Seward County. The town’s brief rise and fall is reflective of many frontier towns that sprang up in Kansas during the late 19th century, only to be abandoned when transportation routes or economic opportunities shifted. Visitors to the area may find traces of the town’s original structures, but it remains mostly a memory in the region’s rich pioneer history.
Plains
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.64 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67869
- Latitude: 37.2644° N
- Longitude: 100.5899° W
Location and History
Plains is a small town in the southeastern part of Seward County, located along U.S. Route 54, about 25 miles east of Liberal. The town was founded in 1885 and originally called West Plains, but the name was shortened to Plains in 1903. Plains grew as a result of the cattle ranching and wheat farming industries that flourished in the region. The town is known for having “the widest main street in the U.S.,” which was designed to accommodate large cattle drives in the late 19th century. Plains has maintained its agricultural roots while evolving into a modern, rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plains is part of USD 483, and Southwestern Heights High School serves both Plains and Kismet. Plains boasts several landmarks, including the Historic Plains Hotel, which offers a glimpse into the town’s early 20th-century architecture. The Plains Depot Museum showcases the town’s railroad history and its role in the cattle industry. Plains also hosts the annual Plains Day, a local celebration that includes a parade, rodeo, and family-friendly activities. The town’s wide main street remains a distinctive feature, symbolizing the openness and welcoming spirit of this small Kansas community.
