Cities and Towns in Washington County, Kansas
Founded in 1857, Washington County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Washington County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Washington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 201, Washington County has a population of 5,511 and area of 898 square miles (2,326 km²).
List of all cities in Washington County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Barnes, KS | 66933 | 785 |
| Clifton, KS | 66937 | 785 |
| Greenleaf, KS | 66943 | 785 |
| Haddam, KS | 66944 | 785 |
| Hanover, KS | 66945 | 785 |
| Hollenberg, KS | 66946 | 785 |
| Linn, KS | 66953 | 785 |
| Mahaska, KS | 66955 | 785 |
| Morrowville, KS | 66958 | 785 |
| Palmer, KS | 66962 | 785 |
| Washington, KS | 66968 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Washington County, Kansas
Washington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 66968
- Latitude: 39.8167° N
- Longitude: 97.0519° W
City Location and History
Washington, Kansas, is the county seat of Washington County and is situated near the geographic center of the county. The city is located along U.S. Route 36, which connects it to other communities in the region. Washington was founded in 1860 and named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. The town developed as an agricultural center, with its early settlers relying on farming and livestock for their livelihoods. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century bolstered the town’s economy, enabling farmers to transport goods more efficiently. Throughout its history, Washington has been a community centered around agriculture, but it has also grown to include small businesses and services that support the rural lifestyle.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Washington is served by USD 108, which includes Washington County High School and Washington Elementary School. The schools play a central role in the community, offering a range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. Major landmarks in Washington include the historic Washington County Courthouse, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture built in 1899. The city is also home to the Washington County Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the region, including exhibits on Native American culture and early settlers. Each summer, the Washington County Fair attracts residents and visitors with livestock shows, rodeos, and other agricultural events, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage.
Hanover
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.42 square miles
- Population: Approximately 675 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 66945
- Latitude: 39.8925° N
- Longitude: 96.8725° W
City Location and History
Hanover is located in the northern part of Washington County, near the Kansas-Nebraska border. It was founded in the 1860s and originally developed as a stagecoach stop along the Oregon Trail. Hanover grew significantly with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, becoming a key transportation and shipping hub for the region’s agricultural products. The town is named after Hanover, Germany, reflecting the European roots of many of its early settlers. Agriculture has always been at the heart of Hanover’s economy, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming being the primary industries.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Hanover is part of USD 223, which includes Hanover High School and Hanover Elementary School. The school system is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, particularly in football and volleyball, where teams frequently compete at the state level. Notable landmarks in Hanover include the Hollenberg Pony Express Station, located just outside the town. This historic site, once a key stop on the Pony Express route, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past. Hanover also celebrates its heritage with the annual Hanover Days festival, featuring parades, music, and community events that bring residents together to celebrate the town’s history and culture.
Clifton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.57 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 66937
- Latitude: 39.5667° N
- Longitude: 97.2781° W
City Location and History
Clifton is a small town that straddles both Washington and Clay Counties in north-central Kansas. Established in the 1870s, Clifton developed primarily as a railroad town, benefiting from its location along the Kansas Pacific Railway. The town was named after a local settler, and its growth was fueled by the agricultural industry, with surrounding farms producing wheat, corn, and livestock. Throughout its history, Clifton has remained a close-knit community, with local businesses supporting the agricultural needs of the region.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Clifton shares its school district with nearby Clyde as part of USD 224. Clifton-Clyde High School is located in nearby Clyde, and Clifton itself is home to Clifton-Clyde Grade School. The town is known for its annual Clifton Labor Day celebration, which includes parades, games, and other activities that bring together residents from across the region. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Clifton Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for local events and celebrations. The town also features a historic downtown area with charming shops and cafes, offering a glimpse into Clifton’s past as a bustling railroad town.
Linn
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 66953
- Latitude: 39.6817° N
- Longitude: 97.0722° W
City Location and History
Linn is located in the southern part of Washington County, Kansas, along Kansas Highway 148. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was named after Senator Lewis Linn of Missouri. Like many towns in Washington County, Linn developed as an agricultural community, with its early economy centered around wheat and livestock farming. The arrival of the railroad helped the town grow in its early years, allowing farmers to transport their goods to markets across the region. Over time, Linn has remained a small but vibrant community, maintaining its agricultural roots while adapting to modern changes in farming technology.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Linn is served by USD 223, which operates Linn High School and Linn Elementary School. The schools are a central part of the community, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. A significant landmark in Linn is the Linn Community Center, which hosts various events, including local meetings, celebrations, and the annual Linn Picnic, a tradition that has been part of the town’s culture for decades. Nearby, visitors can enjoy the scenic countryside, which offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Linn’s strong community spirit is evident in its support for local businesses, schools, and agricultural activities.
Greenleaf
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population: Approximately 320 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 66943
- Latitude: 39.7261° N
- Longitude: 96.9633° W
City Location and History
Greenleaf is located in the southeastern part of Washington County, Kansas, along U.S. Route 36. The town was founded in the 1870s and was named after A.W. Greenleaf, a prominent railroad official who helped bring the railroad to the area. The town grew as a shipping point for agricultural products, with wheat, corn, and cattle being the primary industries. Greenleaf’s location along the railroad helped it prosper in its early years, though it has remained a small agricultural community throughout its history. The town is known for its strong community values and rural charm.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Greenleaf is part of USD 223, and students typically attend schools in nearby Linn or Hanover. One of Greenleaf’s major landmarks is the Greenleaf Depot, a historic train station that served the community during the height of the railroad era. The depot has been restored and now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and photographs from the town’s history. Greenleaf also celebrates its heritage with an annual community picnic, which features local food, games, and entertainment. The town’s proximity to the scenic landscapes of north-central Kansas makes it a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and rural exploration.