Cities and Towns in Stafford County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Stafford County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Stafford County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Saint John is the county seat. With FIPS code of 185, Stafford County has a population of 4,034 and area of 792 square miles (2,051 km²).
List of all cities in Stafford County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Hudson, KS | 67545 | 620 |
| Macksville, KS | 67557 | 620 |
| Saint John, KS | 67576 | 620 |
| Seward, KS | 67576 | 620 |
| Stafford, KS | 67578 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stafford County, Kansas
Stafford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.04 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67578
- Latitude: 37.9628° N
- Longitude: 98.6009° W
Location and History
Stafford, the largest city in Stafford County, is located in south-central Kansas, about 40 miles west of Hutchinson. Founded in 1885 during the expansion of the railroad, Stafford was named after the county it serves as a key community for. The town’s early history is deeply connected to agriculture, with wheat and cattle being the economic mainstays. Over the years, Stafford developed into a small yet thriving community with a rich cultural history. Stafford’s location along U.S. Highway 50 made it a strategic stop for commerce and transportation, helping the town maintain its relevance in the region despite its small size. Today, Stafford offers a quiet rural lifestyle with strong ties to its agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stafford Unified School District 349 serves the town, with Stafford High School and Stafford Elementary being the primary educational institutions. The town is also home to the Stafford County Historical Society Museum, which showcases local artifacts and history, reflecting the area’s agricultural and pioneer roots. Another key landmark is the Stafford Opera House, a beautifully restored building from the early 1900s that hosts community events. The Stafford Recreation Area, with its parks and playgrounds, serves as a center for family activities.
St. John
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67576
- Latitude: 38.0028° N
- Longitude: 98.7598° W
Location and History
St. John, the county seat of Stafford County, is centrally located in Kansas, situated about 100 miles northwest of Wichita. The town was established in 1875 and named after Kansas Governor John St. John, who was a strong advocate for prohibition. Early settlers were drawn to the area by the Homestead Act, which allowed families to claim land for farming. Agriculture quickly became the town’s lifeblood, with wheat, corn, and sorghum being major crops. The town experienced slow but steady growth throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the county seat, St. John has remained the administrative and cultural center of Stafford County. The town retains its small-town charm while also serving as a gateway to the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. John is served by USD 350, which includes St. John High School and St. John Elementary School. The town’s educational system is a point of pride for residents. Among the town’s landmarks is the Stafford County Courthouse, a historic structure that has been in operation since 1929. The St. John National Bank building is another key architectural gem, reflecting the early 20th-century development of the town. Additionally, the St. John Recreation Center and Hudnall Park provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, offering outdoor spaces and sports facilities.
Hudson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 125 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67545
- Latitude: 38.1092° N
- Longitude: 98.6595° W
Location and History
Hudson is a small town located in the northeastern part of Stafford County, around 15 miles northeast of St. John. Established in 1887, Hudson was initially a small stop for settlers heading westward. Its growth was tied to the expansion of farming in the region, particularly wheat farming, which became the economic foundation of the town. Hudson remained a tight-knit agricultural community, experiencing slow population growth due to the rural exodus in the mid-20th century. The town still relies heavily on agriculture, with wheat production and grain storage being central to its economy. Although small in population, Hudson continues to embody the spirit of rural Kansas, with residents maintaining a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hudson’s students typically attend schools in the nearby communities of Stafford or St. John, as the town itself does not have its own school system. Despite its size, Hudson is home to the historic Hudson Cream Flour Mill, one of the region’s most notable landmarks. The mill has been in operation since 1904 and continues to produce high-quality flour, which is distributed throughout the United States. The Hudson Community Center is another important local landmark, providing a space for social gatherings and events. The town’s small, well-maintained parks also add to its charm, offering peaceful spots for recreation.
Macksville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.64 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67557
- Latitude: 37.9572° N
- Longitude: 98.9687° W
Location and History
Macksville is located in the southwestern part of Stafford County, along U.S. Route 50, approximately 12 miles southwest of St. John. The town was founded in 1885 and named after George Mack, a local settler and businessman who played a significant role in its establishment. Like many towns in the area, Macksville’s history is intertwined with the development of the railroad and agriculture. The town grew steadily during the early 20th century, with wheat farming being the main economic driver. Macksville’s location on a major transportation route helped it maintain relevance as a small trading and agricultural hub in Stafford County. Today, it is a close-knit community with deep agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Macksville is served by USD 351, which includes Macksville High School and Macksville Elementary School. These schools are central to the town’s community life, hosting sports events and other local activities. One of Macksville’s most prominent landmarks is the Veterans Memorial, which honors local residents who served in the military. Additionally, the town is home to the Macksville City Park, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. The annual Macksville City Fair is a notable event, drawing visitors from nearby towns for parades, food stalls, and community celebrations. The proximity to the nearby Arkansas River also provides recreational opportunities for fishing and boating.
Radium
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 25 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67550
- Latitude: 38.1767° N
- Longitude: 98.8345° W
Location and History
Radium is a small, unincorporated town located in the northwestern part of Stafford County, about 20 miles northwest of St. John. The town was named after the element radium, which had recently been discovered when the town was established in 1901. Early settlers in Radium were largely farmers, and wheat production became the economic backbone of the community. The town never grew significantly in size, largely due to its isolated location and the limited transportation infrastructure in the early 20th century. As farming methods became more industrialized, many residents moved to larger towns nearby, leaving Radium with only a handful of residents today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a very small community, Radium does not have its own school system; students typically attend schools in nearby St. John or Stafford. Radium’s main landmarks include a small community church and a grain elevator, which still stands as a reminder of the town’s agricultural past. Despite its size, Radium is known for its scenic views of the Kansas prairie, and the peaceful, rural surroundings make it an attractive spot for those seeking solitude. The town may be small, but its history reflects the resilience of Kansas’s agricultural communities.
