Cities and Towns in Shawnee County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Shawnee County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Shawnee County was one of the original 36 counties. The city of Topeka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 177, Shawnee County has a population of 178,264 and area of 550 square miles (1,424 km²).
List of all cities in Shawnee County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Auburn, KS | 66402 | 785 |
| Berryton, KS | 66409 | 785 |
| Blue Cross, KS | 66629 | 785 |
| Burlington Northern Santa Fe, KS | 66628 | 785 |
| Dover, KS | 66420 | 785 |
| Kansas Income Tax, KS | 66699 | 785 |
| Ks Dept of Revenue Taxation, KS | 66625 | 785 |
| Ks Dept of Revenue Vehicles, KS | 66626 | 785 |
| Ks State Bd of Health, KS | 66620 | 785 |
| Lecompton, KS | 66050 | 785 |
| Material Distribution Center, KS | 66624 | 785 |
| Rossville, KS | 66533 | 785 |
| Security Benefit Life, KS | 66636 | 785 |
| Silver Lake, KS | 66539 | 785 |
| Tecumseh, KS | 66542 | 785 |
| Topeka, KS | 66601 | 785 |
| 66603 | 785 | |
| 66604 | 785 | |
| 66605 | 785 | |
| 66606 | 785 | |
| 66607 | 785 | |
| 66608 | 785 | |
| 66609 | 785 | |
| 66610 | 785 | |
| 66611 | 785 | |
| 66612 | 785 | |
| 66614 | 785 | |
| 66615 | 785 | |
| 66616 | 785 | |
| 66617 | 785 | |
| 66618 | 785 | |
| 66619 | 785 | |
| 66620 | 785 | |
| 66621 | 785 | |
| 66622 | 785 | |
| 66624 | 785 | |
| 66625 | 785 | |
| 66626 | 785 | |
| 66628 | 785 | |
| 66629 | 785 | |
| 66636 | 785 | |
| 66647 | 785 | |
| 66667 | 785 | |
| 66675 | 785 | |
| 66683 | 785 | |
| 66699 | 785 | |
| V A Hospital, KS | 66622 | 785 |
| Wakarusa, KS | 66546 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Shawnee County, Kansas
Topeka
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 61.47 square miles
- Population: Approximately 126,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 66601–66699
- Latitude: 39.0473° N
- Longitude: 95.6752° W
Location and History
Topeka, the capital city of Kansas, is located along the Kansas River in the northeastern part of the state. Founded in 1854, Topeka played a significant role in the Bleeding Kansas era and the push for Kansas to enter the Union as a free state. The city’s name derives from a Native American word meaning “a good place to dig potatoes,” reflecting the area’s early agricultural use. Topeka became the state capital in 1861 when Kansas was admitted to the Union. It is perhaps most famous for its role in the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Today, Topeka is a political, cultural, and economic center in Kansas, with a diverse economy that includes government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Topeka has several public school districts, including Topeka Public Schools (USD 501), as well as private institutions and higher education facilities like Washburn University. Notable landmarks in Topeka include the Kansas State Capitol building, which features a stunning dome and murals by John Steuart Curry, and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, commemorating the civil rights case. Gage Park, with its zoo and rose garden, is a popular recreational space, while the Evel Knievel Museum showcases the daredevil’s legacy. The city also hosts the annual Kansas State Fair and Riverfront Festival.
Auburn
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.63 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66402
- Latitude: 38.9064° N
- Longitude: 95.8178° W
Location and History
Auburn is a small town located southwest of Topeka in Shawnee County. Founded in 1868, Auburn initially served as a stop on the Oregon Trail and became a small agricultural community. The town developed slowly but steadily, relying on local farming and trade with nearby Topeka. Auburn has retained its small-town charm while benefiting from its proximity to the state capital, making it a peaceful residential area for people who work in Topeka but prefer a quieter lifestyle. Auburn’s location offers easy access to both rural landscapes and urban amenities, making it an attractive place to live for families and retirees alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Auburn is part of the Auburn-Washburn USD 437 school district, which includes Auburn Elementary School. Students in the area typically attend middle and high schools in nearby Topeka. The town is home to Auburn Park, a community space that features playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas. The historic Auburn Cemetery, which dates back to the town’s founding, provides a glimpse into the area’s pioneer history. Auburn Days, an annual festival held each fall, celebrates the town’s history and close-knit community with parades, games, and local food vendors.
Rossville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.69 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66533
- Latitude: 39.1404° N
- Longitude: 95.9499° W
Location and History
Rossville is located in the western part of Shawnee County, along U.S. Highway 24. Founded in 1871, the town grew around the development of the Union Pacific Railroad and agriculture. Named after William W. Ross, a Kansas Supreme Court judge, Rossville became a bustling small town that served the surrounding farming community. Its location near the Kansas River made it an ideal spot for grain production and transportation, helping to boost the local economy. Although the town remains small, it has continued to thrive as a close-knit agricultural community with easy access to Topeka.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rossville is part of USD 321, with Rossville Junior/Senior High School and Rossville Grade School serving local students. A key landmark in Rossville is the historic St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the town’s religious and cultural life since the late 19th century. The Rossville Community Park offers sports facilities, picnic areas, and hosts local events. Another point of interest is the Rossville Historical Society Museum, which preserves the town’s rich agricultural and railroad history. The town’s annual Tall Corn Festival celebrates Rossville’s farming heritage with parades, games, and local entertainment.
Silver Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.45 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66539
- Latitude: 39.1533° N
- Longitude: 95.8511° W
Location and History
Silver Lake is located just northwest of Topeka, along U.S. Highway 24. Founded in 1868, the town was named after a nearby natural lake that was known for its shimmering, silver appearance. Silver Lake developed as a small agricultural community, with early settlers drawn to the fertile land around the Kansas River. The town grew steadily as farmers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. Silver Lake’s close proximity to Topeka has allowed it to maintain its rural character while benefiting from access to the amenities of the state capital, making it a desirable location for those seeking a balance between country living and city convenience.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Silver Lake is served by USD 372, which includes Silver Lake Junior/Senior High School and Silver Lake Elementary School. The town’s pride in its schools is evident in the strong community support for local sports teams, particularly its successful high school football program. Landmarks in Silver Lake include the Silver Lake Cemetery, which offers a historical look at the early settlers of the area. The town also features Silver Lake Park, a popular recreational area with sports facilities and playgrounds. The annual Silver Lake Fall Festival brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the community with parades, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Willard
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66615
- Latitude: 39.1014° N
- Longitude: 95.9553° W
Location and History
Willard is a small town in the western part of Shawnee County, located near the Kansas River. It was established in 1887 as a railroad town during the expansion of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. Willard initially grew as a small agricultural center, with local farmers shipping their crops via the railroad. However, the town’s growth slowed as transportation shifted from railroads to highways, and it has remained a quiet, rural community. Willard’s close proximity to the river has also made it prone to occasional flooding, which has shaped its development over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Willard does not have its own school system; local students typically attend schools in nearby Silver Lake or Rossville through their respective school districts. The town’s small size limits the number of landmarks, but it does feature a historic bridge over the Kansas River, which connects Willard to surrounding areas. The river also provides opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities. Willard’s peaceful rural setting and small population make it a tranquil place for those who appreciate quiet, country living. Residents often participate in local events in nearby towns, maintaining strong ties to the larger Shawnee County community.
