Cities and Towns in Smith County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Smith County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Smith County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Smith Center is the county seat. With FIPS code of 183, Smith County has a population of 3,576 and area of 896 square miles (2,321 km²).
List of all cities in Smith County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Athol, KS | 66932 | 785 |
| Bellaire, KS | 66952 | 785 |
| Cedar, KS | 67628 | 785 |
| Gaylord, KS | 67638 | 785 |
| Harlan, KS | 66967 | 785 |
| Kensington, KS | 66951 | 785 |
| Lebanon, KS | 66952 | 785 |
| Smith Center, KS | 66967 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Smith County, Kansas
Smith Center
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66967
- Latitude: 39.7795° N
- Longitude: 98.7859° W
Location and History
Smith Center, the county seat of Smith County, is located in north-central Kansas, about 60 miles south of the Nebraska border. Founded in 1871, the city was named after Major J. Nelson Smith, a Civil War veteran who played a prominent role in settling the region. Early settlers were drawn to the area’s fertile land and the promise of a railroad connection. Smith Center soon became a hub for agriculture, with wheat, corn, and livestock forming the backbone of the local economy. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town grew steadily as the agricultural sector thrived. Today, Smith Center remains a small but vibrant community known for its strong sense of local pride and a rich history tied to the rural traditions of Kansas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Smith Center is served by USD 237, with Smith Center High School and Smith Center Elementary School playing a key role in the town’s educational and community life. The city’s most famous landmark is the A. G. Dewey House, a historic home dating back to the early 1900s, now functioning as a museum that offers insights into the local history. Another notable site is Wagner Park, a popular spot for family gatherings and outdoor activities. The Smith County Memorial Hospital is also an important institution in the town, providing healthcare services to the entire region.
Kensington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66951
- Latitude: 39.7667° N
- Longitude: 99.0376° W
Location and History
Kensington is located in the southwestern part of Smith County, close to the Phillips County border. Founded in 1887, Kensington was established along the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which spurred its growth as a small agricultural trading center. The town was named after Kensington, England, and its early development was fueled by the surrounding farms that produced wheat, corn, and other crops. During the early 20th century, Kensington flourished as a grain-shipping point, with grain elevators becoming a defining feature of the town’s skyline. While the population has decreased over the years, Kensington maintains its rural charm and continues to serve as an important local agricultural hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kensington is part of the Thunder Ridge School District (USD 110), with students attending Thunder Ridge High School and Thunder Ridge Middle School. Notable landmarks in Kensington include the Kensington Community Park, which is a central gathering place for local events and recreational activities. The Kensington American Legion Hall is another key site, hosting community meetings and veterans’ events. Additionally, the town is home to several historic buildings, such as the Kensington Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s railroad heritage. Annual events like the Kensington Labor Day celebration keep the town’s community spirit alive.
Lebanon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66952
- Latitude: 39.8093° N
- Longitude: 98.5565° W
Location and History
Lebanon is a small town in northern Smith County, best known for being near the geographical center of the contiguous United States. The town was founded in 1876 and quickly became a local agricultural hub due to its proximity to the Republican River, which provided fertile soil for farming. In the late 19th century, Lebanon attracted settlers from the East Coast and Europe, all seeking opportunities in the growing agricultural sector. Although the town’s population peaked in the early 1900s, Lebanon continues to be a symbol of rural American life, with a strong connection to its historical roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lebanon is part of USD 237, with students attending schools in nearby Smith Center. The town’s most famous landmark is the monument marking the geographical center of the contiguous United States, a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from across the country. Other notable landmarks include the Lebanon Community Center, which hosts local events, and the historic Lebanon Methodist Church, which has served the spiritual needs of the community for over a century. The town also holds an annual Old Settlers’ Day, celebrating its pioneer heritage with parades and community gatherings.
Gaylord
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.27 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67638
- Latitude: 39.6539° N
- Longitude: 98.8476° W
Location and History
Gaylord is located in southern Smith County, near the Solomon River. The town was established in 1870 and was originally a station on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which brought settlers and business to the area. Named after C. L. Gaylord, a railroad executive, the town grew rapidly during its early years due to its strategic location as a shipping point for agricultural goods, especially grain and livestock. However, as railroads declined and transportation shifted to highways, Gaylord saw a gradual decline in population. Today, Gaylord is a quiet farming community, with its economy still centered around agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gaylord is part of the USD 237 school district, and students generally travel to nearby towns like Smith Center for their education. The town’s major landmarks include the Gaylord Community Hall, which serves as a venue for local events, and the historic Gaylord Methodist Church, a longstanding institution in the town. The Gaylord City Park provides a scenic spot for relaxation and outdoor activities, while the Solomon River nearby offers opportunities for fishing and nature exploration. The town’s quiet streets and preserved historic buildings give it a nostalgic feel of rural Kansas life in the early 20th century.
Athol
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66932
- Latitude: 39.7497° N
- Longitude: 98.9120° W
Location and History
Athol is a small town located in the western part of Smith County, Kansas. It was established in 1888 as a station along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. Named after Athol, Massachusetts, the town served as a local center for agricultural trade, especially wheat and livestock. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Athol enjoyed modest growth as a rural farming community. However, as transportation infrastructure shifted and agricultural practices modernized, Athol experienced a significant population decline. Today, Athol remains a very small, quiet town with strong ties to its agricultural past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Athol does not have its own schools; students attend institutions in nearby towns such as Smith Center. The town’s landmarks include the Athol Grain Elevator, a symbol of the town’s agricultural history, and the Athol City Hall, which serves as a community gathering space. Despite its size, Athol has retained a few key historic buildings, and its peaceful setting in the Kansas countryside makes it a picturesque location. The proximity to nearby lakes and the Solomon River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, while the town itself remains a testament to the endurance of small farming communities in Kansas.
