Cities and Towns in Thomas County, Kansas
Founded in 1873, Thomas County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Thomas County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Colby is the county seat. With FIPS code of 193, Thomas County has a population of 7,877 and area of 1,075 square miles (2,784 km²).
List of all cities in Thomas County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brewster, KS | 67732 | 785 |
| Colby, KS | 67701 | 785 |
| Gem, KS | 67734 | 785 |
| Levant, KS | 67743 | 785 |
| Menlo, KS | 67753 | 785 |
| Rexford, KS | 67753 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Thomas County, Kansas
Colby
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.52 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67701
- Latitude: 39.3958° N
- Longitude: 101.0527° W
City Location and History
Colby, the county seat of Thomas County, is located in the northwestern part of Kansas. It lies along Interstate 70, which provides a crucial transportation link between Denver, Colorado, and Kansas City. The city was established in 1885, named after the land agent and early settler J.R. Colby, and quickly grew due to the arrival of the railroad. Colby’s agricultural roots helped it flourish as a farming and trading hub in the region, and it became known as the “Oasis on the Plains.” Its location in the High Plains area ensures a dry, temperate climate, perfect for farming wheat and other crops. Over time, Colby has developed into a modern small city, balancing its agricultural heritage with growth in education, healthcare, and commerce.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Colby is home to Colby Community College, which serves as a major educational institution in western Kansas. Other notable schools include Colby High School and Sacred Heart Catholic School. The city features landmarks like the Prairie Museum of Art and History, a key attraction that showcases the area’s pioneer history, and the Thomas County Courthouse, an architectural centerpiece. The nearby Cooper Barn, the largest barn in Kansas, is another popular landmark. Colby is also known for the Colby Aquatic Park, a community hub during the summer months.
Brewster
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67732
- Latitude: 39.3642° N
- Longitude: 101.3747° W
City Location and History
Brewster is a small town located about 13 miles west of Colby, along Interstate 70. It was founded in 1888 and named after either a local railroad official or the nearby Brewster Creek. The town emerged during the expansion of the Union Pacific Railroad, which brought new settlers and commerce to the region. Brewster developed primarily as an agricultural community, with wheat and cattle ranching being central to its economy. While the population has remained small over the years, Brewster has managed to maintain a close-knit community feel, characterized by a strong sense of local identity and tradition. The town’s location in the vast Kansas plains provides a picturesque, rural backdrop with wide-open skies and rolling fields.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Brewster Unified School District 314 serves the town, with Brewster High School being the main educational institution. The school is small, reflecting the town’s size, but it plays a pivotal role in community activities and local pride. Landmarks in Brewster include the Brewster Community Center and the Brewster Cemetery, which preserves the town’s historical roots. Although small, the town also features local parks and churches, contributing to its community-oriented lifestyle. The annual Harvest Festival is one of the town’s key events, bringing residents together to celebrate their agricultural heritage.
Rexford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 230 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67753
- Latitude: 39.4739° N
- Longitude: 100.7451° W
City Location and History
Rexford is a small rural community located in the eastern part of Thomas County, roughly 20 miles southeast of Colby. It was established in the early 1880s and initially thrived as a stop along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. Like many towns in the area, Rexford’s economy was built on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle raising. Over the years, the town has seen a steady decline in population due to the broader trend of rural depopulation, but it remains a resilient community with strong ties to its farming roots. Its proximity to major highways allows it to maintain some connectivity to larger trade routes, ensuring its continued role in local agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rexford is part of the Golden Plains Unified School District 316, and the town’s students attend Golden Plains High School, which serves a broader area of rural Kansas. The town’s main landmarks include the historic Rexford Cemetery, as well as small parks and local churches that serve as focal points for community gatherings. A key annual event in Rexford is the Harvest Homecoming Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural history. The surrounding prairie landscape is an integral part of life in Rexford, with vast fields of wheat and sunflowers painting the scenery during the growing season.
Gem
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.13 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67734
- Latitude: 39.4986° N
- Longitude: 101.0010° W
City Location and History
Gem is a very small rural town located in the northern part of Thomas County, around 15 miles northeast of Colby. Established in the 1880s, Gem grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad and the influx of settlers looking for farmland in the Kansas plains. The town was named “Gem” because early settlers believed it would shine like a precious stone amidst the prairie landscape. The town prospered for several decades thanks to its agricultural economy, particularly wheat farming, though its population has significantly dwindled in recent years due to rural outmigration. Despite its size, Gem has preserved its small-town charm and close community bonds.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gem is part of the Colby Public Schools system, with students attending schools in nearby Colby due to the town’s small population. The town itself is home to a few local landmarks, including Gem Community Church and the small local park, where townspeople gather for events and celebrations. The Gem Grain Elevator is a symbol of the town’s agricultural past and present. While Gem lacks the larger attractions of nearby Colby, its quiet rural setting and friendly atmosphere make it a tight-knit community where neighbors still know each other by name.
Levant
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 85 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 67743
- Latitude: 39.3840° N
- Longitude: 101.2526° W
City Location and History
Levant is a small unincorporated community located about 10 miles west of Colby, situated near Interstate 70. Founded in the late 1800s, Levant started as a stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Its name, which means “East” in French, was chosen to reflect its location east of the Rocky Mountains. Levant’s economy has always been tied to agriculture, with wheat, corn, and cattle ranching as its primary industries. Over the years, the town has remained small, with few businesses or industries, but its residents take pride in their rural lifestyle and the town’s peaceful, open landscapes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Levant is part of the Colby School District, with students traveling to Colby for their education. The community does not have a high school of its own but maintains a strong connection with Colby’s schools. The Levant Grain Elevator is one of the town’s most prominent structures, symbolizing its agricultural roots. While there are few formal landmarks in Levant, the surrounding farmland and prairie landscapes are key to the town’s identity. The local post office and Levant Community Church also serve as central gathering spots for residents. The community celebrates its agricultural heritage each year with local fairs and harvest events, emphasizing its deep connection to the land.