Cities and Towns in Stevens County, Kansas
Founded in 1886, Stevens County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Stevens County was formed from Seward County. The city of Hugoton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 189, Stevens County has a population of 5,293 and area of 728 square miles (1,886 km²).
List of all cities in Stevens County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Hugoton, KS | 67951 | 620 |
| Moscow, KS | 67952 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stevens County, Kansas
Hugoton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.83 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,900 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67951
- Latitude: 37.1750° N
- Longitude: 101.3494° W
City Location and History
Hugoton, the county seat of Stevens County, is located in the southwestern part of Kansas. The town was founded in the late 1800s and quickly became a key agricultural hub in the region. The city’s name is derived from a variation of the French word “hugo,” reflecting its historical European influences. Hugoton’s early economy was largely based on cattle ranching and farming, particularly wheat and corn. The discovery of natural gas in the Hugoton Gas Field, one of the largest natural gas fields in North America, significantly boosted the town’s economy and transformed it into an energy hub in the mid-20th century. Today, Hugoton balances its agricultural roots with its role in energy production, while maintaining a small-town feel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hugoton is served by Hugoton Unified School District 210, which includes Hugoton High School, Hugoton Middle School, and Hugoton Elementary School. The city features landmarks such as the Stevens County Gas & Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s rich history in natural gas development, and the historic Stevens County Courthouse. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Hugoton Recreation Complex and nearby golf courses. Additionally, the city hosts the annual Stevens County Fair, celebrating the local agricultural community with livestock shows, rodeos, and community events.
Moscow
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67952
- Latitude: 37.3211° N
- Longitude: 101.2103° W
City Location and History
Moscow is a small rural town in northeastern Stevens County, situated along U.S. Highway 56. The town was founded in the late 19th century, though its origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Some believe the town was named after Moscow, Russia, in an effort to create a unique identity on the Kansas plains. Moscow has historically been an agricultural community, with wheat, sorghum, and livestock farming forming the backbone of its economy. The town’s proximity to the Hugoton Gas Field has also provided economic benefits over the years. Though small, Moscow has remained a tight-knit community where agriculture and local businesses play pivotal roles.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Moscow is served by the Moscow Public School District, with Moscow High School and Moscow Elementary School providing education for local students. Notable landmarks include the Moscow Community Building, which serves as a hub for local events and gatherings, and the town’s grain elevator, symbolizing its agricultural heritage. The town also features several small parks and local churches that are integral to the community’s social life. Each year, Moscow holds a community fair, which includes a parade, local food vendors, and various activities that celebrate the town’s agricultural roots.
Rolla
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67954
- Latitude: 37.1158° N
- Longitude: 101.6274° W
City Location and History
Rolla is located in the southwestern corner of Stevens County, near the Oklahoma state line. Established in the late 19th century, the town was named after Rolla, Missouri, by early settlers who migrated from that area. Rolla has always been a predominantly agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and cattle ranching as its primary industries. Its proximity to the Hugoton Gas Field also brought an economic boost in the mid-20th century, contributing to the town’s development. Though small, Rolla has a rich history and continues to be a center for farming in the region, with strong ties to the land and a focus on maintaining its rural identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rolla is served by Rolla Unified School District 217, with Rolla High School being the main educational institution. The school’s sports teams, known as the Pirates, are a source of local pride, particularly in football and basketball. The town’s key landmarks include the Rolla Community Center, which hosts numerous local events and gatherings. The Rolla Depot Museum, housed in a former railroad depot, highlights the town’s historical connections to the railroad and agriculture. Rolla also celebrates its heritage with the annual Pioneer Day Festival, which features a parade, rodeo, and agricultural exhibits.
Woodsdale (Historical)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (Historical ghost town)
- Population: 0
- Zip Code: N/A
- Latitude: 37.1700° N
- Longitude: 101.3667° W
City Location and History
Woodsdale was a historical settlement located in Stevens County, just northwest of Hugoton. It was established in the 1880s during a fierce competition between two towns, Woodsdale and Hugoton, to become the county seat. The rivalry escalated into what became known as the “Stevens County War,” a violent and lawless episode in the county’s early history. Ultimately, Hugoton won the fight to become the county seat, and Woodsdale slowly declined in population and prominence until it eventually became a ghost town. Today, very little remains of Woodsdale, but its legacy is remembered as part of Stevens County’s wild and contentious frontier history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a historical ghost town, Woodsdale no longer has schools or active landmarks. However, historical markers near the site commemorate the infamous Stevens County War. The Stevens County Gas & Historical Museum in Hugoton offers exhibits that explain Woodsdale’s role in the county’s early history. Visitors to the area can also explore the open plains where the town once stood, gaining a sense of the harsh and competitive environment that shaped early settlement patterns in Kansas.
Kismet (Proximity to Stevens County)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67859
- Latitude: 37.2044° N
- Longitude: 100.7087° W
City Location and History
Kismet, located just east of Stevens County in Seward County, serves as a neighboring community with close ties to the residents of Stevens County. Founded in the late 1800s, Kismet’s name is derived from an Arabic word meaning “fate” or “destiny,” reflecting the town’s early settlers’ sense of optimism. The town’s economy has long been tied to agriculture, with farming and ranching at the core of its economic base. Kismet has retained a small, close-knit population, and its rural setting provides a peaceful lifestyle for its residents. Its location near Stevens County makes it an important community for trade and social connections within the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kismet is part of the Southwestern Heights Unified School District 483, with Southwestern Heights High School serving both Kismet and nearby towns. The town’s landmarks include Kismet Park, where local festivals and events are held, and the historic Kismet Town Hall, which hosts various community activities. Each year, the town celebrates the Kismet Little Worlds Fair, one of the oldest continuous fairs in Kansas, featuring a carnival, livestock shows, and community events that bring together residents from surrounding counties, including Stevens County.
