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Columbus, Kansas

2025-07-05T23:52:05Z

2600:1700:4640:D20:B9EB:A20E:7571:7040:

{{Short description|City in Cherokee County, Kansas}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Columbus, Kansas
|settlement_type = [[City]] and [[County seat]]
|motto = "Help America Discover Columbus..."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.columbus-kansas.com/chamber/|title=Columbus Chamber of Commerce|publisher=Columbus Chamber of Commerce|accessdate=August 17, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722174225/http://www.columbus-kansas.com/chamber/|archivedate=July 22, 2012}}</ref>


|image_skyline = Columbus, KS public library funded by Andrew Carnegie..jpg
|image_caption = [[Columbus Public Carnegie Library|Columbus Carnegie Library]] (2013)
|image_flag =
|image_seal =


|image_map = Cherokee_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Columbus_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption = Location within [[Cherokee County, Kansas|Cherokee County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1 = Map of Cherokee Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1 = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Cherokee County, Kansas|Cherokee County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])


|coordinates_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates = {{coord|37|10|18|N|94|50|39|W|region:US-KS_type:city_source:GNIS|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Cherokee County, Kansas|Cherokee]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3 =


|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1868
|established_title1 = [[Platted]]
|established_date1 =
|established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2 = 1871
|named_for = [[Columbus, Ohio]]


|government_footnotes =
|government_type = 
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name =


|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_20.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi = 2.39
|area_land_sq_mi = 2.39
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.00
|area_total_km2 = 6.20
|area_land_km2 = 6.20
|area_water_km2 = 0.00
|unit_pref = Imperial


|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft = 912


|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total = 2929
|pop_est_footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_est =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2 = auto


|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = CDT
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 66725
|area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code = [[Area code 620|620]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 20-15075
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info = 485558<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|485558}}</ref>
|website = {{URL|https://columbusks.gov/|columbusks.gov}}
}}

'''Columbus''' is the second largest city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Cherokee County, Kansas|Cherokee County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/> As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 2,929.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Columbus, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile/Columbus_city,_Kansas?g=1600000US2015075 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109070001/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile/Columbus_city,_Kansas?g=1600000US2015075 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> It is located approximately 15 miles south-southwest of [[Pittsburg, Kansas|Pittsburg]].

==History==
The first settlement was made at Columbus in 1868.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C/page/n387 391]}}</ref> The first post office in Columbus was established in 1869.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/page:1/county:CK/sort:date_established/direction:asc |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived) |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |accessdate=6 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009154933/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/page%3A1/county%3ACK/sort%3Adate_established/direction%3Aasc |archivedate=October 9, 2013 }}</ref>

Columbus was a [[railroad]] junction for the [[St. Louis-San Francisco Railway|Saint Louis and San Francisco]], and the [[Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad|Missouri, Kansas, and Texas]] railroads. It was named Columbus by A.L. Peters, one of the European-American founders, for his hometown of [[Columbus, Ohio]]; the name thus indirectly honors [[Christopher Columbus]], the [[explorer]].<ref>John Rydjord, ''Kansas Place-Names,'' University of Oklahoma Press, 1972, {{ISBN|0-8061-0994-7}}</ref><ref>''The Modern Light'', Columbus, August 16, 1951</ref> Coal, lead and zinc were mined in the region. Columbus had a considerable trade in agricultural products, and its businesses included machine shops, [[grain elevator]]s, [[Gristmill|flour mills]], a cigar factory, bottle works (soft drinks), a canning factory, and an extensive brick-making plant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/archives/cherokee/1904/cherokee-ch12.html |title=1904 History of Cherokee County Kansas, Chapter 12 |accessdate=2009-03-28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702033402/http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/archives/cherokee/1904/cherokee-ch12.html |archivedate=2009-07-02 }}</ref>

In 1875, [[Robert A. Long]] and Victor Bell formed the [[Long-Bell Lumber Company]] in Columbus. From one lumberyard, Long-Bell expanded operations and holdings to become one of the largest [[vertically integrated]] lumber companies in the United States. In 1956 it was purchased by [[International Paper]].<ref>William E. Connelley, ''A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans,'', Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1918</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|2.42|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archivedate=2012-07-02 }}</ref>

===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Columbus has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=47141&cityname=Columbus%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Columbus, Kansas]</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Columbus, Kansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present)
|single line = Y
|width = auto
| Jan record high F = 77
| Feb record high F = 85
| Mar record high F = 93
| Apr record high F = 97
| May record high F = 98
| Jun record high F = 108
| Jul record high F = 117
| Aug record high F = 115
| Sep record high F = 108
| Oct record high F = 98
| Nov record high F = 85
| Dec record high F = 76
| year record high F = 117

|Jan avg record high F = 66.6
|Feb avg record high F = 70.6
|Mar avg record high F = 78.7
|Apr avg record high F = 83.2
|May avg record high F = 87.6
|Jun avg record high F = 93.1
|Jul avg record high F = 97.8
|Aug avg record high F = 98.7
|Sep avg record high F = 93.5
|Oct avg record high F = 85.5
|Nov avg record high F = 75.7
|Dec avg record high F = 67.5
|year avg record high F = 100.0

| Jan high F = 43.6
| Feb high F = 48.8
| Mar high F = 58.1
| Apr high F = 67.6
| May high F = 75.8
| Jun high F = 85.0
| Jul high F = 89.6
| Aug high F = 89.3
| Sep high F = 81.4
| Oct high F = 70.3
| Nov high F = 57.5
| Dec high F = 46.8
| year high F = 67.8
| Jan mean F = 33.4
| Feb mean F = 38.1
| Mar mean F = 47.1
| Apr mean F = 56.6
| May mean F = 65.7
| Jun mean F = 74.9
| Jul mean F = 79.5
| Aug mean F = 78.5
| Sep mean F = 70.3
| Oct mean F = 58.9
| Nov mean F = 46.9
| Dec mean F = 37.1
| year mean F = 57.2
| Jan low F = 23.3
| Feb low F = 27.4
| Mar low F = 36.1
| Apr low F = 45.5
| May low F = 55.5
| Jun low F = 64.9
| Jul low F = 69.3
| Aug low F = 67.7
| Sep low F = 59.3
| Oct low F = 47.5
| Nov low F = 36.3
| Dec low F = 27.5
| year low F = 46.7

|Jan avg record low F = 6.0
|Feb avg record low F = 11.4
|Mar avg record low F = 18.7
|Apr avg record low F = 30.6
|May avg record low F = 41.1
|Jun avg record low F = 54.5
|Jul avg record low F = 60.8
|Aug avg record low F = 57.5
|Sep avg record low F = 44.9
|Oct avg record low F = 31.4
|Nov avg record low F = 21.0
|Dec avg record low F = 11.0
|year avg record low F = 1.6

| Jan record low F = −19
| Feb record low F = −28
| Mar record low F = −17
| Apr record low F = 16
| May record low F = 28
| Jun record low F = 42
| Jul record low F = 45
| Aug record low F = 44
| Sep record low F = 30
| Oct record low F = 15
| Nov record low F = 4
| Dec record low F = −15
| year record low F = −28
| precipitation colour= green
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.67
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.99
| Mar precipitation inch = 3.41
| Apr precipitation inch = 5.07
| May precipitation inch = 7.10
| Jun precipitation inch = 5.17
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.15
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.81
| Sep precipitation inch = 4.45
| Oct precipitation inch = 3.77
| Nov precipitation inch = 2.98
| Dec precipitation inch = 2.43
| year precipitation inch = 46.00
| Jan snow inch = 2.3
| Feb snow inch = 1.1
| Mar snow inch = 1.3
| Apr snow inch = 0.0
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.0
| Nov snow inch = 0.2
| Dec snow inch = 2.3
| year snow inch = 7.2
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 7.1
| Feb precipitation days = 6.2
| Mar precipitation days = 9.5
| Apr precipitation days = 9.9
| May precipitation days = 11.9
| Jun precipitation days = 10.4
| Jul precipitation days = 8.4
| Aug precipitation days = 7.2
| Sep precipitation days = 7.8
| Oct precipitation days = 8.8
| Nov precipitation days = 7.8
| Dec precipitation days = 6.7
| year precipitation days = 101.7
| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 1.8
| Feb snow days = 0.8
| Mar snow days = 0.7
| Apr snow days = 0.0
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 0.3
| Dec snow days = 1.0
| year snow days = 4.6
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name = NOAA >
{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=sgf
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 3, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00141740&format=pdf
| title = Station: Columbus, KS
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 3, 2021}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1870= 402
|1880= 1164
|1890= 2160
|1900= 2310
|1910= 3064
|1920= 3155
|1930= 3235
|1940= 3402
|1950= 3490
|1960= 3395
|1970= 3356
|1980= 3426
|1990= 3268
|2000= 3396
|2010= 3312
|2020= 2929
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}
===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 2,929 people, 1,251 households, and 746 families in Columbus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,203.9 per square mile (464.8/km{{sup|2}}). There were 1,488 housing units at an average density of 611.6 per square mile (236.1/km{{sup|2}}).<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The racial makeup was 86.79% (2,542) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (84.91% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 0.48% (14) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 3.11% (91) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.2% (6) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.0% (0) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 0.75% (22) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 8.67% (254) from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 3.41% (100) of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 1,251 households, 27.3% had children under the age of 18; 40.1% were married couples living together; 34.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 35.2% of households consisted of individuals and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 15.2% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

24.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.1 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 118.9 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $36,688 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,704) and the median family income was $50,726 (+/- $10,311).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $25,964 (+/- $11,039) versus $30,048 (+/- $11,578) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,806 (+/- $8,270).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 9.7% of families and 21.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.8% of those under the age of 18 and 22.4% of those ages 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Columbus%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 3,312 people, 1,424 households, and 850 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1368.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,633 housing units at an average density of {{convert|674.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.7% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.4% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 1,424 households, of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.3% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 39.1 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.8% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.4% male and 53.6% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2000, there were 3,396 people, 1,412 households, and 885 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,408.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,610 housing units at an average density of {{convert|667.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.70% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.32% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.56% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.41% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.77% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.24% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.03% of the population.

There were 1,412 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,530, and the median income for a family was $38,136. Males had a median income of $30,541 versus $17,069 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $14,937. About 12.2% of families and 16.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

==Education==
The community is served by [[Columbus USD 493]] public school district.<ref>[https://www.usd493.com/ USD 493]</ref>

==Notable people==
{{div col}}
* [[Marcellus Boss]], fifth [[Civilian Governor of Guam]]
* [[Elizabeth W. Crandall]], educator
* [[Merle Evans]], bandleader for Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus
* [[James Reed Hallowell]], politician
* [[Robert A. Long]], lumber baron, developer, investor, newspaper owner, and philanthropist
* [[Doro Merande]], film, stage and television actress
* [[Kenneth A. Spencer]], industrialist
* [[Norma Terris]], singer and actress
* [[Leland Justin Webb]], first Mayor of Columbus, lawyer, served in the [[American Civil War|Civil War]]
* [[Thomas Daniel Winter]], U.S. Representative from Kansas, 1939–1947
{{div col end}}


==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Portal|Kansas}}
{{Kansas books}}
{{See also|Cherokee County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Cherokee County, Kansas}}
* ''The Columbus Story. Columbus, KS: Columbus Centennial, 1968''; Marjorie Forbes; 1968.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Columbus, Kansas}}
{{NIE Poster|Columbus (Kansas)|Columbus, Kansas}}
* [https://columbusks.gov/ City of Columbus]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260624 Columbus - Directory of Public Officials]
* [http://specialcollections.wichita.edu/kw/towns.asp?town=Columbus&county=Cherokee Historic Images of Columbus], Special Photo Collections at [[Wichita State University]] Library
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/columbus.PDF Columbus city map], KDOT

{{Cherokee County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:County seats in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Cherokee County, Kansas]]
[[Category:1868 establishments in Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1868]]

Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

2025-07-05T23:51:10Z

2600:1700:4640:D20:B9EB:A20E:7571:7040:

{{Short description|City in Chase County, Kansas, U.S.}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
|settlement_type = [[City]] and [[County seat]]


|image_skyline = ChaseCounty(KS)Courthouse.JPG
|image_caption = [[Chase County Courthouse (Kansas)|Chase County Courthouse]] designed by [[Kansas State Capitol]] architect [[John G. Haskell]]
|image_flag =
|image_seal =


|image_map = Chase_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Cottonwood_Falls_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption = Location within [[Chase County, Kansas|Chase County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1 = Map of Chase Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1 = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Chase County, Kansas|Chase County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])


|coordinates_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates = {{coord|38|22|5|N|96|32|35|W|region:US-KS_type:city_source:GNIS|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Chase County, Kansas|Chase]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3 = [[Falls Township, Chase County, Kansas|Falls]]


|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1859
|established_title1 = [[Platted]]
|established_date1 =
|established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2 = 1872<ref name="gov1"/>
|named_for = Falls on [[Cottonwood River (Kansas)|Cottonwood River]]


|government_footnotes = <ref name="gov1">{{cite web |title=City of Cottonwood Falls |url=https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260631 |website=The League of Kansas Municipalities |date=May 26, 2019}}</ref>
|government_type = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Buddy Sisson


|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_20.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi = 0.64
|area_land_sq_mi = 0.63
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.01
|area_total_km2 = 1.65
|area_land_km2 = 1.63
|area_water_km2 = 0.01
|unit_pref = Imperial


|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft = 1207


|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total = 851
|pop_est_footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_est =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2 = auto


|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = CDT
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 66845
|area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code = [[Area code 620|620]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 20-15900<ref name="GNIS"/>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info = 477262<ref name="GNIS">{{cite gnis2|477262|Cottonwood Falls, Kansas}}</ref>
|website = {{URL|https://cwfks.org/|cwfks.org}}
}}

'''Cottonwood Falls''' is the largest city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Chase County, Kansas|Chase County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/> As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 851.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2015900 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111234517/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2015900 |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> It is located south of [[Strong City, Kansas|Strong City]] along the south side of the [[Cottonwood River (Kansas)|Cottonwood River]].

==History==
[[Image:Cottonwood falls overlook 2009.jpg|left|thumb|Looking northward toward the business district, as seen from Courthouse steps (2009)]]

===Early history===
{{See also|History of Kansas}}
For many [[millennia]], the [[Great Plains]] of [[North America]] was inhabited by [[nomadic]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. From the 16th century to 18th century, the [[Kingdom of France]] claimed ownership of large parts of [[North America]]. In 1762, after the [[French and Indian War]], France secretly ceded [[New France]] to [[Spain]], per the [[Treaty of Fontainebleau (1762)|Treaty of Fontainebleau]].

===19th century===
[[Image:Map elk chase kansas.jpg|thumb|left|1893 Railroad Map]]
In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. In 1803, most of the land for [[History of Kansas|modern day Kansas]] was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile [[Louisiana Purchase]] for 2.83 [[Penny (United States coin)|cents]] per [[acre]].

In 1854, the [[Kansas Territory]] was organized, then in 1861 [[Kansas]] became the 34th [[U.S. state]]. In 1859, [[Chase County, Kansas|Chase County]] was established within the [[Kansas Territory]], which included the land for modern day Cottonwood Falls.

The first settlement in the area of Cottonwood Falls was in 1854, when an Indian trader named Seth Hayes founded a cattle ranch on the [[Cottonwood River (Kansas)|Cottonwood River]] close to the mouth of Diamond Spring Creek. The area around the town was organized as [[Chase County, Kansas|Chase County]] in 1859, and Cottonwood Falls was designated the temporary county seat.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C/page/n455 459]}}</ref> Other early settlers arrived in Cottonwood and surrounding lands in 1856 to 1858.<ref>William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/chase/chase-co-p1.html</ref>

The first post office in Cottonwood Falls was established in 1858.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county:CS |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived) |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |access-date=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009125935/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county%3ACS |archive-date=October 9, 2013 }}</ref> In 1873 the city's French Renaissance style Chase County courthouse was built; at roughly the same time, the [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway]] reached Cottonwood Falls area. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries the area around the city was mainly divided into farms and cattle ranches.

===20th century===
In 1931, a [[1931 Transcontinental & Western Air Fokker F-10 crash|Transcontinental & Western Air flight]] crashed ten miles south of Cottonwood Falls near the community of [[Bazaar, Kansas|Bazaar]], killing all eight on board, including [[University of Notre Dame]] football coach [[Knute Rockne]]. A monument to the crash is located on private property.

There have been numerous floods during the history of Cottonwood Falls. In June and July 1951, due to heavy rains, rivers and streams flooded numerous cities in Kansas, including Cottonwood Falls. Many reservoirs and levees were built in Kansas as part of a response to the [[Great Flood of 1951]].

==Geography==
[[File:Cottonwood River Bridge.JPG|thumb|right|1914 bridge over [[Cottonwood River (Kansas)|Cottonwood River]] in Cottonwood Falls (2012)]]

Cottonwood Falls is located at {{Coord|38|22|5|N|96|32|35|W|type:city}} (38.368159, -96.542918),<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> in the scenic [[Flint Hills]] of the [[Great Plains]]. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|0.60|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|0.59|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.01|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-07-02 }}</ref>

===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Cottonwood Falls has a [[humid continental climate]] (''Dfa'') using the 0 °C (32 °F) isotherm, or a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'') using the -3 °C (26.6 °F) isotherm. The hottest temperature recorded in Cottonwood Falls was {{convert|118|F|C|1}} on July 18, 1936, while the coldest temperature recorded was {{convert|-30|F|C|1}} on February 13, 1905.<ref name = NOWData />

{{Weather box
|location = Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1902–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 77
|Feb record high F = 83
|Mar record high F = 94
|Apr record high F = 96
|May record high F = 100
|Jun record high F = 111
|Jul record high F = 118
|Aug record high F = 114
|Sep record high F = 110
|Oct record high F = 97
|Nov record high F = 87
|Dec record high F = 80

|Jan avg record high F = 64.8
|Feb avg record high F = 70.3
|Mar avg record high F = 80.3
|Apr avg record high F = 86.3
|May avg record high F = 90.0
|Jun avg record high F = 94.7
|Jul avg record high F = 100.7
|Aug avg record high F = 100.0
|Sep avg record high F = 95.1
|Oct avg record high F = 87.6
|Nov avg record high F = 75.8
|Dec avg record high F = 66.1
|year avg record high F = 101.9

|Jan high F = 41.2
|Feb high F = 46.1
|Mar high F = 57.0
|Apr high F = 66.8
|May high F = 75.4
|Jun high F = 84.9
|Jul high F = 90.0
|Aug high F = 89.0
|Sep high F = 81.3
|Oct high F = 69.4
|Nov high F = 55.8
|Dec high F = 43.9
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 29.5
|Feb mean F = 33.8
|Mar mean F = 43.9
|Apr mean F = 54.0
|May mean F = 64.2
|Jun mean F = 73.8
|Jul mean F = 78.7
|Aug mean F = 77.0
|Sep mean F = 68.6
|Oct mean F = 56.1
|Nov mean F = 43.4
|Dec mean F = 32.8
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 17.9
|Feb low F = 21.5
|Mar low F = 30.7
|Apr low F = 41.3
|May low F = 53.0
|Jun low F = 62.6
|Jul low F = 67.3
|Aug low F = 65.1
|Sep low F = 56.0
|Oct low F = 42.9
|Nov low F = 30.9
|Dec low F = 21.6
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 0.4
|Feb avg record low F = 5.0
|Mar avg record low F = 14.1
|Apr avg record low F = 26.2
|May avg record low F = 38.6
|Jun avg record low F = 51.3
|Jul avg record low F = 57.7
|Aug avg record low F = 55.0
|Sep avg record low F = 41.0
|Oct avg record low F = 26.6
|Nov avg record low F = 15.8
|Dec avg record low F = 6.2
|year avg record low F = -3.8

|Jan record low F = -28
|Feb record low F = -30
|Mar record low F = -8
|Apr record low F = 10
|May record low F = 22
|Jun record low F = 40
|Jul record low F = 42
|Aug record low F = 40
|Sep record low F = 28
|Oct record low F = 13
|Nov record low F = -5
|Dec record low F = -22

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.87
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.42
|Mar precipitation inch = 2.67
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.54
|May precipitation inch = 5.61
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.72
|Jul precipitation inch = 5.00
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.37
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.53
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.83
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.04
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.39
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 4.4
|Feb precipitation days = 4.7
|Mar precipitation days = 7.2
|Apr precipitation days = 8.1
|May precipitation days = 10.5
|Jun precipitation days = 9.0
|Jul precipitation days = 8.6
|Aug precipitation days = 8.1
|Sep precipitation days = 7.0
|Oct precipitation days = 6.6
|Nov precipitation days = 5.0
|Dec precipitation days = 4.7

|Jan snow inch = 4.0
|Feb snow inch = 1.3
|Mar snow inch = 1.3
|Apr snow inch = 0.2
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.3
|Nov snow inch = 0.4
|Dec snow inch = 3.1
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 1.8
|Feb snow days = 1.2
|Mar snow days = 0.5
|Apr snow days = 0.1
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.1
|Nov snow days = 0.2
|Dec snow days = 1.3

|Jan snow depth inch =
|Feb snow depth inch =
|Mar snow depth inch =
|Apr snow depth inch =
|May snow depth inch =
|Jun snow depth inch =
|Jul snow depth inch =
|Aug snow depth inch =
|Sep snow depth inch =
|Oct snow depth inch =
|Nov snow depth inch =
|Dec snow depth inch =
|year snow depth inch =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00141858&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Cottonwood Falls, KS
|access-date = November 21, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ict
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita
|access-date = November 21, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Area events==
* [http://www.prairiefirefestival.com Prairie Fire Festival]<ref>[http://www.kansastravel.org/prairiefirefestival.htm Prairie Fire Festival - Kansas Travel]</ref>

==Area attractions==
Cottonwood Falls has five listings on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP).
* Cartter Building<ref>[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_CartterBuildingNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Cartter Building]</ref> ([[National Register of Historic Places|NRHP]]).
* [[Chase County Courthouse (Kansas)|Chase County Courthouse]]<ref>[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_ChaseCountyCourthouseNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Chase County Courthouse]</ref> ([[National Register of Historic Places|NRHP]]). It is the oldest courthouse in continual use in the state of Kansas and one of the oldest in continual use West of the [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]].
* Chase County National Bank<ref>[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_ChaseCountyNationalBankNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Chase County National Bank]</ref> ([[National Register of Historic Places|NRHP]]).
* Cottonwood River Bridge<ref>[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_CottonwoodRiverBridgeNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Cottonwood River Bridge]</ref> ([[National Register of Historic Places|NRHP]]).<ref>[http://www.kansastravel.org/cottonwoodfalls.htm Cottonwood Falls Dam & Bridge - Kansas Travel]</ref>
* Samuel N Wood House<ref>[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_WoodSNHouseNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Samuel N Wood House]</ref> ([[National Register of Historic Places|NRHP]]).
* Kansas Historical Marker - ''A Landmark Of Distinction'', located in courthouse square.<ref>[http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-markers/14999#94 Kansas Historical Marker - A Landmark Of Distinction]</ref>
* Chase Lake Falls<ref>[http://www.kansastravel.org/chaselakefalls.htm Chase Lake Falls - Kansas Travel]</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1880= 518
|1890= 770
|1900= 842
|1910= 899
|1920= 1044
|1930= 963
|1940= 1078
|1950= 957
|1960= 971
|1970= 987
|1980= 954
|1990= 889
|2000= 966
|2010= 903
|2020= 851
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}

Cottonwood Falls is part of the [[Emporia, Kansas|Emporia]] [[Emporia micropolitan area|Micropolitan Statistical Area]].

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 851 people, 318 households, and 179 families in Cottonwood Falls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,321.4 per square mile (510.2/km{{sup|2}}). There were 395 housing units at an average density of 613.4 per square mile (236.8/km{{sup|2}}).<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The racial makeup was 77.32% (658) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (75.56% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 1.88% (16) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 0.24% (2) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.94% (8) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.24% (2) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 14.92% (127) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 4.47% (38) from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 17.74% (151) of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 318 households, 23.0% had children under the age of 18; 45.0% were married couples living together; 30.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 40.9% of households consisted of individuals and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 18.4% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

16.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.0 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 78.2 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $40,739 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,271) and the median family income was $56,667 (+/- $13,166).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $29,750 (+/- $5,519) versus $26,438 (+/- $4,200) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $28,000 (+/- $3,976).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 4.7% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.3% of those under the age of 18 and 3.7% of those ages 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Cottonwood%20Falls%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 903 people, 342 households, and 205 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1530.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 414 housing units at an average density of {{convert|701.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.9% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.4% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.1% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 7.0% of the population.

There were 342 households, of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 43.3 years. 20.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 23.1% were from 45 to 64; and 23.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 966 people, 375 households, and 227 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,674.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 427 housing units at an average density of {{convert|740.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.93% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.38% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.14% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.21% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.83% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.52% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.38% of the population.

There were 375 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $28,947, and the median income for a family was $37,986. Males had a median income of $27,639 versus $19,167 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,166. About 8.8% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

==Government==
[[Image:Cottonwood falls post office kansas.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Post Office in Cottonwood Falls (2009)]]

===City===
The Cottonwood Falls government consists of a mayor and five council members; the council meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. City Council Members are elected in odd-numbered years and serve four-year terms.<ref name="gov1"/><ref>[http://www.cottonwoodfallskansas.com/government/councilmeetings.html Cottonwood Falls - Government] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410030354/http://www.cottonwoodfallskansas.com/government/councilmeetings.html |date=2010-04-10 }}</ref>
* City Hall, 220 Broadway St.

===County===
* Chase County Courthouse, Broadway St.
* Chase County Sheriff Department, 201 Walnut St.
* Chase County Fire Department, 201 Walnut.

===U.S.===
* U.S. Post Office, 206 Broadway St.
* U.S. Consolidated Farm Service Agency, 219 Broadway St.
* National Park Service (U.S. Dept of Interior), 226 Broadway St.

==Education==

===Primary and secondary education===
The community is served by [[Chase County USD 284]] public school district. It has two schools.
* [[Chase County Junior/Senior High School]], 600 Main St.
* [https://www.usd284.org/o/usd-284/page/chase-county-schools Chase County Elementary School], 410 Palmer St., [[Strong City, Kansas]]. The former elementary school building in Cottonwood Falls closed in 2018 and is now located in neighboring Strong City.

The Chase County High School mascot is Chase County Bulldogs.<ref>{{cite web | title = Chase County USD 284 | publisher = USD 284 | url = http://www.usd284.org/ | accessdate = 1 January 2017}}</ref>

The former Cottonwood Falls High School mascot was Cottonwood Falls Wildcats.<ref>"Cottonwood Falls Wins District at Florence", The Emporia Gazette, 3 March 1958, p.5.</ref>

===Library===
* Burnley Memorial Library, 401 Oak St.

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===
[[K-177 (Kansas highway)|K-177]] highway passes north–south through the city.
[[Chase County Airport]], FAA:9K0,<ref>[http://www.ksdot.org/divAviation/pdf_pic_pages/Cottonwoodfalls_P25.pdf Chase County Airport map]</ref> located south-east of 8th St and Airport Rd.<ref>[http://www.airnav.com/airport/9K0 Chase County Airport information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328193421/http://www.airnav.com/airport/9K0 |date=2010-03-28 }}</ref>

===Utilities===
* Internet<ref>{{cite web |title=Not connected and no Netflix: It’s frankly embarrassing’ in these Kansas towns |url=https://www.kansas.com/news/business/article240100363.html |publisher=[[The Wichita Eagle]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209174257/https://www.kansas.com/news/business/article240100363.html |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |date=February 9, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
** Satellite Internet is provided by [[HughesNet]], [[StarBand]], [[Wildblue|WildBlue]].
* TV
** Satellite TV is provided by [[DirecTV]], [[Dish Network]].
** Free over-the-air [[ATSC]] [[digital television|digital TV]].

==Gallery==
* [http://specialcollections.wichita.edu/kw/towns.asp?town=Cottonwood%20Falls&county=Chase Historic Images of Cottonwood Falls], Special Photo Collections at Wichita State University Library.
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
Image:BurnleyMemorialLibrary.JPG|Burnley Memorial Library, 2006
Image:Chase county kansas courthouse clocktower 2009.jpg|Courthouse Clock Tower, 2009
Image:PEOPLE CONGREGATE IN THE TOWN SQUARE IN COTTONWOOD FALLS KANSAS, NEAR EMPORIA, WAITING FOR THE PARADE TO PASS. IT IS... - NARA - 557057.jpg|People congregate in the town square during a parade in June 1974
</gallery>

==Notable people==
* [[Dudley Doolittle]] (1881-1957), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] from [[Kansas]], lawyer, banker.
* [[Harley A. Martin|Harley Martin]] (1880-1951), Wisconsin state legislator and farmer<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1933,' Biographical Sketch of Harley A. Martin, pg. 253</ref>
* [[William Yoast Morgan|William Morgan]] (1866-1932), newspaper publisher and editor, author, lieutenant governor of Kansas 1915–19
* [[Samuel Newitt Wood|Samuel Wood]] (December 30, 1825 – June 23, 1891), was an American attorney and Kansas politician.

==Fiction==
In Disney's 1985 film ''[[Return to Oz]]'', Doctor J.B. Worley's clinic is set in Chase County near Cottonwood Falls.{{Citation needed|date=October 2013}}

In the 2005 film ''[[Jarhead (film)|Jarhead]]'', PFC Fergus O'Donnell is from Cottonwood.

The [[NBC]] crime drama ''[[The Blacklist]]'' season 8, episode 13 "Anne" is set and was partially filmed in Cottonwood Falls.

In the ''Great Railway Adventures'' book, ''The Mighty Mogul'', Cottonwood Falls serves as a stop for the titular train during its journey to find supplies to build a new schoolhouse.

==See also==
{{Portal|Kansas}}
* [[Strong City, Kansas]], approximately 0.5 mile north of Cottonwood Falls
* [[Chase County Junior/Senior High School]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Chase County, Kansas]]
** [[Chase County Courthouse (Kansas)|Chase County Courthouse]]
* [[Cottonwood River (Kansas)|Cottonwood River]] and [[Great Flood of 1951]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Kansas books}}
{{See also|Chase County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Chase County, Kansas}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Cottonwood Falls, Kansas}}
* [http://www.cwfks.org/ City of Cottonwood Falls]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260631 Cottonwood Falls - Directory of Public Officials]
* [http://www.chasecountychamber.org Chase County Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.kansasphototour.com/rockne.htm Rockne Memorial], Knute Rockne crash site.
* [http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/212439 Poster from Chase County Agricultural Fair from October 7-9, 1891]
* [http://www.rivercityassociates.com/grandcentral Grand Central Hotel]
* [https://archive.org/download/usgs_drg_ks_38096_c5/o38096c5.tif Topo Map of Cottonwood Falls / Bazaar area], USGS

{{Chase County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:County seats in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Chase County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Emporia, Kansas micropolitan area]]
[[Category:1859 establishments in Kansas Territory]]

Hiawatha, Kansas

2025-07-05T23:50:19Z

2600:1700:4640:D20:B9EB:A20E:7571:7040:

{{Short description|City in Brown County, Kansas}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Hiawatha, Kansas
|settlement_type = [[City]] and [[County seat]]


|image_skyline = BrownCoKScourthouse.JPG
|image_caption = Brown County Court House (2011)
|image_flag =
|image_seal =


|image_map = Brown_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Hiawatha_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption = Location within [[Brown County, Kansas|Brown County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1 = Map of Brown Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1 = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Brown County, Kansas|Brown County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])


|coordinates_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates = {{coord|39|51|06|N|95|32|17|W|region:US-KS_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Brown County, Kansas|Brown]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3 =


|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1857
|established_title1 = [[Platted]]
|established_date1 =
|established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2 = 1857
|named_for = [[The Song of Hiawatha]]


|government_footnotes =
|government_type = 
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Becky Shamburg


|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_20.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi = 2.59
|area_land_sq_mi = 2.59
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.00
|area_total_km2 = 6.71
|area_land_km2 = 6.71
|area_water_km2 = 0.00
|unit_pref = Imperial


|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft = 1122


|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total = 3280
|pop_est_footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_est =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2 = auto


|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = CDT
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 66434
|area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code = [[Area code 785|785]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 20-31675
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info = 485591<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|485591}}</ref>
|website = {{URL|https://www.cityofhiawatha.org/|cityofhiawatha.org}}
}}

'''Hiawatha''' ([[Chiwere language|Ioway]]: ''Hári Wáta'' pronounced {{IPA|sio|haːꜜɾi waːꜜtʰɐ|}}) is the largest city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Brown County, Kansas|Brown County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/> As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 3,280.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Hiawatha, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2031675 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710211105/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2031675 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|History of Kansas}}

===Etymology===
B.L. Rider reportedly was responsible for naming Hiawatha, taking the young Indian's name from [[Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]]'s poem, ''[[The Song of Hiawatha]]''.<ref>Kansas Place-Names, John Rydjord, University of Oklahoma Press, 1972, p. 436 {{ISBN|978-0-8061-0994-7}}.</ref> In the poem is legendary [[Onondaga (tribe)|Onondaga]] and [[mohawk nation|Mohawk]] Indian leader [[Hiawatha]]. Adjacent to the former Ioway-Sac reservation and the present-day Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Hiawatha is called ''Hári Wáta'' in [[Chiwere language|Ioway]], meaning "I am looking far away".<ref name=iom1992>Goodtracks, Jimm (1992) Baxoje-Jiwere-Nyut'aji - Ma'unke: Iowa-Otoe-Missouria Language to English. Boulder, CO: Center for the Study of the Languages of the Plains and Southwest.</ref>

===19th century===
Hiawatha was founded in 1857, making it one of the oldest towns in the state.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C/page/n836 840]}}</ref> John M. Coe, John P. Wheller, and Thomas J. Drummond were instrumental in organizing the city, and the site was staked out February 17, 1857. Hiawatha became the Brown County Seat in 1858, and the first school opened in 1870.

The main street was designated Oregon Street after the [[Oregon Trail]]. Parallel streets north of it were named after Indian tribes north of the Trail, and streets south carried tribal names of those south of the Trail.

===20th century===
The city is home to the longest running continuous [[Halloween]] parade in the nation, starting in 1914.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofhiawatha.org/visitors/halloween-frolic |work=City of Hiawatha |title=Halloween Frolic |access-date=2013-09-04 |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007050116/http://www.cityofhiawatha.org/visitors/halloween-frolic |url-status=dead }}</ref>

According to The ''New York Times'' in 2012, "the cartoonist [[Bob Montana]] inked the original likenesses of [[Archie Andrews (comics)|Archie]] and his pals and plopped them in an idyllic Midwestern community named Riverdale because [[John L. Goldwater|Mr. [John] Goldwater]], a New Yorker, had fond memories of time spent in Hiawatha"<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/nyregion/the-battle-for-a-comic-empire-that-archie-built.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |first=Robin |last=Finn |title=The Battle for a Comic Empire That Archie Built |date=April 13, 2012}}</ref> Goldwater had hitchhiked to the community at the age of 17 and started working at the Hiawatha Daily World.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.hiawathaworldonline.com/news/hiawatha-revealed-as-a-city-of-archie-s/article_f98ccc77-86bc-515e-9945-a1f011b951b4.html | title=Hiawatha revealed as a city of Archie's }}</ref>

==Geography==

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|2.59|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-01-25 }}</ref>

===Climate===

According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Hiawatha has a [[hot-summer humid continental climate]], abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

{{Weather box
|location = Hiawatha, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 73
|Feb record high F = 77
|Mar record high F = 88
|Apr record high F = 97
|May record high F = 98
|Jun record high F = 102
|Jul record high F = 104
|Aug record high F = 104
|Sep record high F = 104
|Oct record high F = 89
|Nov record high F = 80
|Dec record high F = 73

|Jan avg record high F =
|Feb avg record high F =
|Mar avg record high F =
|Apr avg record high F =
|May avg record high F =
|Jun avg record high F =
|Jul avg record high F =
|Aug avg record high F =
|Sep avg record high F =
|Oct avg record high F =
|Nov avg record high F =
|Dec avg record high F =
|year avg record high F =

|Jan high F = 36.2
|Feb high F = 41.9
|Mar high F = 53.2
|Apr high F = 64.3
|May high F = 73.9
|Jun high F = 83.2
|Jul high F = 87.3
|Aug high F = 85.9
|Sep high F = 78.9
|Oct high F = 67.5
|Nov high F = 52.8
|Dec high F = 40.6
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 25.7
|Feb mean F = 30.6
|Mar mean F = 41.0
|Apr mean F = 52.4
|May mean F = 63.3
|Jun mean F = 73.0
|Jul mean F = 76.8
|Aug mean F = 74.6
|Sep mean F = 66.4
|Oct mean F = 54.7
|Nov mean F = 41.6
|Dec mean F = 30.5
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 15.1
|Feb low F = 19.2
|Mar low F = 28.7
|Apr low F = 40.4
|May low F = 52.6
|Jun low F = 62.7
|Jul low F = 66.3
|Aug low F = 63.3
|Sep low F = 54.0
|Oct low F = 41.8
|Nov low F = 30.3
|Dec low F = 20.4
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F =
|Feb avg record low F =
|Mar avg record low F =
|Apr avg record low F =
|May avg record low F =
|Jun avg record low F =
|Jul avg record low F =
|Aug avg record low F =
|Sep avg record low F =
|Oct avg record low F =
|Nov avg record low F =
|Dec avg record low F =
|year avg record low F =

|Jan record low F = -16
|Feb record low F = -21
|Mar record low F = -2
|Apr record low F = 17
|May record low F = 30
|Jun record low F = 43
|Jul record low F = 49
|Aug record low F = 44
|Sep record low F = 31
|Oct record low F = 22
|Nov record low F = 6
|Dec record low F = -10

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.77
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.15
|Mar precipitation inch = 2.01
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.58
|May precipitation inch = 4.83
|Jun precipitation inch = 5.03
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.46
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.86
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.22
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.86
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.72
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.22
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 5.2
|Feb precipitation days = 5.0
|Mar precipitation days = 7.9
|Apr precipitation days = 10.5
|May precipitation days = 10.6
|Jun precipitation days = 9.9
|Jul precipitation days = 9.5
|Aug precipitation days = 8.6
|Sep precipitation days = 7.3
|Oct precipitation days = 7.2
|Nov precipitation days = 5.5
|Dec precipitation days = 5.3

|Jan snow inch = 4.7
|Feb snow inch = 4.1
|Mar snow inch = 2.2
|Apr snow inch = 1.1
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 1.2
|Dec snow inch = 3.6
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 2.6
|Feb snow days = 2.3
|Mar snow days = 1.2
|Apr snow days = 0.4
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.8
|Dec snow days = 2.1

|Jan snow depth inch =
|Feb snow depth inch =
|Mar snow depth inch =
|Apr snow depth inch =
|May snow depth inch =
|Jun snow depth inch =
|Jul snow depth inch =
|Aug snow depth inch =
|Sep snow depth inch =
|Oct snow depth inch =
|Nov snow depth inch =
|Dec snow depth inch =
|year snow depth inch =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00143634&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Hiawatha 1 S, KS
|access-date = November 21, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=top
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Topeka
|access-date = November 21, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1880= 1375
|1890= 2486
|1900= 2829
|1910= 2974
|1920= 3222
|1930= 3302
|1940= 3238
|1950= 3294
|1960= 3391
|1970= 3365
|1980= 3702
|1990= 3603
|2000= 3417
|2010= 3172
|2020= 3280
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 3,280 people, 1,378 households, and 798 families in Hiawatha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,281.8 per square mile (494.9/km{{sup|2}}). There were 1,590 housing units at an average density of 621.3 per square mile (239.9/km{{sup|2}}).<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The racial makeup was 85.58% (2,807) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (84.21% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 1.83% (60) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 2.56% (84) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.82% (27) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% (1) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 1.49% (49) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 7.68% (252) from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 4.39% (144) of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 1,378 households, 27.7% had children under the age of 18; 43.5% were married couples living together; 32.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 37.0% of households consisted of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 14.2% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

24.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.5 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 115.9 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $48,040 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,412) and the median family income was $63,355 (+/- $11,117).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $33,856 (+/- $3,686) versus $22,344 (+/- $6,652) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,434 (+/- $3,284).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 4.9% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 10.6% of those under the age of 18 and 4.7% of those ages 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Hiawatha%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 3,172 people, 1,369 households, and 843 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1224.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,588 housing units at an average density of {{convert|613.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 89.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.9% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3.9% of the population.

There were 1,369 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.4% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 42.6 years. 24.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 21.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.4% male and 53.6% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 3,417 people, 1,466 households, and 914 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,529.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,646 housing units at an average density of {{convert|736.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.43% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.78% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 2.19% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.15% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.20% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.25% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.99% of the population.

There were 1,466 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,854, and the median income for a family was $46,310. Males had a median income of $31,843 versus $20,385 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $16,981. About 8.5% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

== Tourist attractions ==
; Davis Memorial
{{main|Davis Memorial}}
The [[Davis Memorial]] is a [[monument]] in the Mount Hope Cemetery, built by John Milburn Davis in honor of his wife Sarah after her death. Begun soon after her death in 1930 and completed in 1934, the monument consists of statues of the couple and a small shelter, carved from Italian [[marble]]. Its cost (approximately $200,000) led many in the community to criticize Davis for his free spending during the [[Great Depression]]. Today, the monument benefits the community financially because of the thousands of tourists who visit it.<ref>[http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Hiawatha/davis.html Davis Memorial] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009142430/http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Hiawatha/davis.html |date=2012-10-09 }}, Blue Skyways, 1999-01-21. Retrieved 2009-02-28.</ref> The memorial was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1977.<ref name="nris">{{Cite web |date=August 29, 1977 |title=Davis Memorial |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/f77e6672-407b-431c-950d-d211b183a599 |website=NPGallery |publisher=[[National Park Service]], [[U.S. Department of the Interior]] |place=Mt. Hope Cemetery, near Hiawatha, [[Brown County, Kansas]] |publication-place=none |id=National Register Information System ID: [https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/77000571 77000571] |department=[[National Register of Historic Places]] Collection; Applicable Criteria: ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING; Areas Of Significance: ART; Resource Type: OBJECT}}</ref>

; City clock
701 Oregon Street; downtown area

This is the only such clock between [[Indianapolis]] and [[Denver]] on U.S. Route 36. It was built in 1891 as part of the First National Bank building and is listed on the Kansas Register.

; Brown County Historical Museum
611 Utah Street, South of Brown County Courthouse Square

It is owned and operated by the Brown County Historical Society. This building is listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]].

; Brown County Ag Museum
301 E. Iowa Street, West of Davis Memorial

It resembles a 1900 farmstead with a paved [[windmill]] trail for sightseers and joggers to use and enjoy. There is a log cabin replica that is the office, wash house, barn, brooder house, corn crib, cabinet shop, horse drawn implement building, antique tractor building and many windmills and wind chargers.

== Leisure ==
Hiawatha City Lake is a tree-shaded, seven-acre impoundment a mile south of the city, popular for picnicking and camping.

; Baseball and softball parks

* Bruning Park, in west Hiawatha, has three main fields: two for [[baseball]] and one for [[softball]]. Other fields are available, but are not managed. Bruning Park also has a [[concession stand]] and a small playground. The park is also home to [[football (soccer)|soccer]].
* Noble Park is a recent addition in Hiawatha that lies just south of the aquatic park. Deemed as one of the most premier Legion fields in the state, Hiawatha has been host to Zone and State Legion baseball tournaments. This is [[American Legion]] Post #66's home field. The park has a concession stand, batting cage, and playground. Every year, the Leo Tritsch Memorial Tournament is held at Noble Park.
* The Hiawatha Middle School softball field is home to Hiawatha High School softball practices and some games. The field lies between the middle school and the Fisher Community Center.

== Government ==
The city is governed by a 5-member commission. As of May 16, 2023, the City of Hiawatha website has only three commissioners listed. The commissioners of finance, police and utilities.
* Mayor: Becky Shamburg
* City Administrator: Brad Scott

== Education ==
The community is served by [[Hiawatha USD 415]] public school district.

=== Hiawatha High School ===
Hiawatha High School (HHS) teaches grades 9-12, and is located at 600 Red Hawk Drive. Their mascot is the Red Hawks (changed from Redskins after 2000), and the school colors are red and blue.

The campus lies on the far east side of Hiawatha. The architecture is in circular form, with a domed circular gym nicknamed "The Roundhouse." The classrooms are connected in "pods."

"West Campus" is a separate set of buildings for agricultural and industrial arts classes. Memorial Stadium lies north of the school and a prairie trail area and practice field is east of the main school.

In athletics, HHS is class 3A, and has won two girls basketball state championships in 1978 and 1979, a state football championship in 1980, and a girls cross country state championship in 2017. The Red Hawks are a member of the [[Big 7 League]], with a total of eight teams in northeast [[Kansas]]. Athletics include football, volleyball, boys' and girls' cross country, boys' and girls' basketball, power lifting, boys' and girls' track and field, softball, baseball, boys' golf, and Scholar's Bowl.

Other activities and organizations include cheerleading, Color Guard, Dance Team, journalism, Yearbook, Gifted-Talented Program, [[National Honor Society]], Red Hawk Club, Kansas Association for Youth, International Club, Student Council, Red Hawk Reader's Club, Biology Club (travels to the [[Bahamas]] annually), [[National FFA Organization]], [[Business Professionals of America]], Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]]. The school has a greenhouse at West Campus and a weightroom.

=== Hiawatha Middle School ===
* Grades 5-8
* Located at 307 S. Morrill Avenue
* Mascot: Red Hawks (changed from Warriors after 2000)
* Colors: Red & Blue (changed from Burgundy & White after 2008)

HMS was erected in 2000 after moving from Robinson Middle School in Robinson, Kansas. The school lies on the east side of Hiawatha, just south of the high school. The school is divided into 4 sections, by grade level. HMS has an advanced Life Skills technology classroom and a modern gym. There is a Gifted-Talented program along with Title Math and Reading. There is a softball field to the south of the school and a practice field and track west of the school. The Hiawatha Hawks are a member of the Big 7 League, with a total of six teams in northeast Kansas. Athletics include cross country, football, volleyball, wrestling, boys' and girls' basketball, and track and field. Scholars' Bowl and [[gymnastics]] are also available.

=== Hiawatha Elementary School ===
* Grades K-4
* Located at 600 Miami Street
* Mascot: Red Hawks (Changed from Braves after 2000)

HES is in north central Hiawatha and has been for many years. The school starts kids out in [[Kindergarten]] and graduates them after 4th grade. The school is divided into halls for each grade level. HES has many school programs including Title Reading, Speech, Gifted-Talented, and Extended Learning. The [[playground]] is modern with new [[Physical fitness|fitness]] equipment for children.

=== Mascot ===
In December 2000, the Hiawatha USD 415 School District voted 4-3 to eliminate the [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]] mascots from the schools. The high school had the nickname 'Redskins', similar to 'Indians' when the school was in its early years. The middle school was the 'Warriors' and the elementary school, the 'Braves'.

The District received much praise for its transition, including the [[National Congress of American Indians]] and organizations as far away as [[Washington, D.C.]] After narrowing down many potential new nicknames, the high school decided to retain its red pride, renaming itself the 'Red Hawks'. The middle school obtained the name 'Hawks' and the elementary school, 'Junior Hawks'.

== Media ==
* [[KNZA 103.9]] - FM station with a [[country music]] [[radio format]] including local news, weather and sports.
* The Hiawatha World - weekly newspaper.
* Penny Press - newspaper classifieds publication

== Notable people ==
* [[Bion Barnett]] - banker
* [[Al Buell]] - pinup artist
* [[William M. Gallagher|William Gallagher]] - [[1953 Pulitzer Prize]]-winning photographer
* [[John L. Goldwater|John Goldwater]] - cofounder / editor / co-publisher of [[Archie Comics]], news reporter when he lived in Hiawatha
* [[Bill Martin, Jr.]] - children's book author
* [[Homer A. McCrerey|Homer McCrerey]] - commissioned [[US Naval Academy]] officer and [[bioengineer]]ing [[oceanographer]]
* [[John McLendon]] - inducted into [[Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 1979
* [[Joe Wilhoit]] - baseball player, record holder for longest consecutive game hitting streak in professional baseball (69)
* [[Tod D. Wolters]] - retired United States Air Force four-star general, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, veteran of Persian Gulf and Afghan wars.


==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Portal|Kansas}}
{{Kansas books}}
{{See also|Brown County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Brown County, Kansas}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Hiawatha, Kansas}}
* [https://www.cityofhiawatha.org/ City of Hiawatha]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260762 Hiawatha - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://www.hiawathaschools.org/ USD 415], local school district
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/hiawatha.pdf Hiawatha city map], KDOT

{{Brown County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:County seats in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Brown County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1857]]
[[Category:1857 establishments in Kansas Territory]]

Iola, Kansas

2025-07-05T23:48:43Z

2600:1700:4640:D20:B9EB:A20E:7571:7040:

{{Short description|City in Allen County, Kansas}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Iola, Kansas
|settlement_type = [[List of cities in Kansas|City]] and [[County seat]]


|image_skyline = Downtown Iola, KS.jpg
|image_caption = South side of the downtown square (2017)
|image_flag = Flag of Iola, Kansas.png
|image_seal =
|image_blank_emblem = IolaKSlogo.png
|blank_emblem_type = Logo
|blank_emblem_size =


|image_map = Allen_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Iola_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption = Location within [[Allen County, Kansas|Allen County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1 = Map of Allen Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1 = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Allen County, Kansas|Allen County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])


|coordinates_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates = {{coord|37|55|39|N|95|24|02|W|region:US-KS_type:city_source:GNIS|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Allen County, Kansas|Allen]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3 =


|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1859
|established_title1 = [[Platted]]
|established_date1 =
|established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2 = 1870
|named_for = Iola Colborn


|government_footnotes =
|government_type = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name =


|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_20.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi = 4.74
|area_land_sq_mi = 4.46
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.27
|area_total_km2 = 12.27
|area_land_km2 = 11.56
|area_water_km2 = 0.71
|unit_pref = Imperial


|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft = 968


|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/><ref name="Census-2020-QF"/>
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total = 5396
|pop_est_footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_est =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2 = auto


|timezone = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = CDT
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 66749
|area_code_type = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code = [[Area code 620|620]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = {{FIPS|20|34300}}
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info = 485599<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|485599}}</ref>
|website = {{URL|https://www.cityofiola.com/|CityOfIola.com}}
}}

'''Iola''' ({{IPAc-en|aɪ|'|oʊ|l|ə}})<ref>{{cite book |title=A pronunciation guide to Kansas place names |author=William Allen White School of Journalism and Public Information |publisher=University of Kansas |location=Lawrence, KS |year=1955 |page=13 |hdl=2027/mdp.39015047651115?urlappend=%3Bseq=18 |url=http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015047651115?urlappend=%3Bseq=18}}</ref> is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Allen County, Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/> The city is situated along the [[Neosho River]] in [[southeast Kansas]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 5,396.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Iola, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2034300 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624011916/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2034300 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Census-2020-QF">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts; Iola, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/iolacitykansas/POP010220 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828104030/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/iolacitykansas/POP010220 |archive-date=August 28, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> It is named in honor of Iola Colborn, the wife of Josiah Colborn, one of the town's founders.<ref name="Duncan & Scott">{{cite book|last=Duncan|first=L. Wallace & Scott, Chas. F.|title=History of Allen and Woodson Counties Kansas|url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924028875363|year=1901|publisher=Iola Register|location=Iola, KS|page=[https://archive.org/details/cu31924028875363/page/n81 74]}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Wea01357 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Weather Bureau (circa 1900)]]
[[Image:Allen County Jail, Iola.jpg|thumb|right|Former Allen County Jail (2008)]]
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2011}}
The history of Iola began in 1859. After the location of the county seat at [[Humboldt, Kansas|Humboldt]], by the legislature of 1858, there was a great deal of dissatisfaction among the residents of the central and northern parts of the county, and a number of citizens selected the present site of Iola, with the intention of ultimately securing the county seat. On January 1, 1859, a large meeting was held at the Deer Creek schoolhouse. It was determined to organize a town company, which was immediately done, and a constitution was then adopted and officers elected. The officers of the company after due consideration of different points selected a site for the proposed town, about two miles (3 km) north of [[Cofachique, Kansas|Cofachique]], at the confluence of Elm Creek and the [[Neosho River]]. The site was owned in part by J.F. Colborn and W.H. Cochrane. The claims on two quarter-sections were bought, and were soon after surveyed into lots.

The town company worked to get the town started. A meeting was held to choose a name. Several were proposed, and the choice was determined by ballot. Some one had proposed the name Iola, which was the Christian name of J.F. Colborn's wife.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n154 165]}}</ref> As a result of the vote, this name was chosen. Meetings of the company were held every week during the first year and efforts made to induce settlement. By the close of the year a number of lots had been disposed of, several buildings erected, and other improvements made, as all who bought lots were required to make some improvements at once. The residents of Cofachique, despairing of making their town a success, joined with Iola, and most of them moved to the new site, all working together in the endeavor to secure the location of the county seat at once.

The first building on the town site was a small log cabin owned by D.B. Bayne. Late in 1859, he built a frame house addition to it. The first building erected after the town was surveyed was a dwelling completed early in June, 1859, by J.F. Colborn, who had lived on the claim of which the town site formed a part, since 1857. On the completion of the house, Colborn and his family moved into it, thus being the first settlers in the town of Iola. The first birth in Iola was that of Luella E. Colborn.<ref>{{cite book|last=Duncan|first=L. Wallace|date=1901|title=History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/009591543|page=74|access-date=20 July 2018|language=en}}</ref>

About 1859 a stone building was built to become the town's headquarters in the event of troubles with Indians or [[Bushwhackers]]. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, the building and the block on which it stood were fortified, becoming [[Iola's fort]]. The fort served both the local militia and Army troops throughout the War.<ref>"Local Matters," ''The Iola Register'', June 11, 1880, p. 5.</ref>

During 1859, two stores were established by Aaron Case and James Faulkner, who had moved their buildings and goods from the old town of Cofachique, and the first hotel was opened. The post office for the neighborhood had previously been at Cofachique, and Aaron Case was Postmaster, but in October 1859, the office was removed to Iola, Case still being Postmaster, though James Faulkner attended to it, as his deputy, until he was appointed to the office a short time after. In 1860, a number of buildings were erected, and the population increased to about 150. Two more stores were opened—a dry goods store, by D.B. Bayne, and a grocery, by J.M. Cowan.

On March 26, 1860, an election was held on the re-location of the county seat, but the majority of votes were cast to keep the county seat in Humboldt. People were still dissatisfied, and for several years thereafter the county seat question entered largely into every political campaign. Much strife and bitterness of feeling was thus engendered between the two sections of the county, and harsh accusations and recriminations were the order of the day. After a number of years of strife, an election was again ordered, to take place on May 19, 1865. Having secured a majority of the votes, Iola was declared the county seat, and the records and county offices removed there at once, since which time it has remained.

City improvements in 1860 were nearly all made in the spring and early summer. In the latter part of the year the effects of the drought were so badly felt, in addition to failing to secure the county seat, that business became very dull, and for a time all of the citizens were much discouraged. In 1861 the war broke out, and as nearly every able-bodied man in Iola, as well as the county, had entered the army there was no chance for improvement; and until the close of the war, in 1865, the town grew to be no larger than it was in 1860. In 1865, after the return of the citizens from the army at the close of the war, the town began to improve steadily, and so continued until the year 1870, at which time (in March) it was incorporated as a city of the third class (bounded by State Street on the west, Irwin Street on the south, Cottonwood Street on the east, and Brooks Street (now Carpenter Street) on the north<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~23418~810103:Iola,-E--Geuda-Springs,-Torrance,-K?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No?&qvq=q:Iola;sort:Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No;lc:RUMSEY~8~1&mi=0&trs=1|title = Iola, e. Geuda Springs, Torrance, Kellogg, New Salem}}</ref>), and having secured the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad, rapid strides were made for the next two years in the improvement of the town. Several manufacturing establishments were in project, and some of them were built.

Among other heavy institutions at that time, was the King Bridge Manufacturing Company, which located the Bridge shops at Iola, in 1871. For some time large numbers of men were employed, and good business was done. But with the monetary panic of 1873, the value of bonds so depreciated that the company failed, and removed its machinery. They received bonds in payment, generally, for their bridges and work, and for this reason the "crash" ruined them. The buildings and several acres of land on which they were located were sold at a Sheriff's sale for $1,100, being purchased by several citizens of Iola. The early journal of the city disappeared during the trouble with the King Iron Bridge Company, relative to the payment of the city bonds voted to that company, which caused some trouble regarding the legality of some of the ordinances and acts said to have been enacted by the first City Council. During the period 1873 to 1876, business in all branches was very poor, and little improvement in the town was made.

The ''Allen County Courant'' was the first newspaper published int Iola, and was established January 5, 1867, by W.H. Johnson. On July 27, 1868, Messrs. Talcott & Acers purchased it, and the name of the paper was changed to the ''Neosho Valley Register''. In the following years the ownership of the paper changed five times and it was briefly renamed ''Kansas State Register'' between August 24 and December 10, 1870. On January 1, 1875, W.G. Allison & H.W. Perkins took charge and changed the paper's name to the ''Iola Register''. The paper remained Republican under each of these different names and proprietorships.

When the county seat was located at Iola, the town company donated 100 lots to the county, to aid in the construction of public buildings. In July, 1866, bonds were voted to help raise the necessary funds, and not long after a building was purchased from George J. Eldridge, and used for county offices and all court house purposes. In 1877, a new court house, built of stone, was purchased for $1,800, and the old one was sold to the school district to use for a schoolhouse, for $500. The school was kept in two buildings, one the large two-story stone structure erected in 1868, and having an imposing appearance with its twin towers. The other building was a two-story frame, and situated just south of the stone schoolhouse.<ref>Copied from the following public domain source: {{Cite book| last=Cutler| first=William G.| title=History of the State of Kansas| year=1883| url=http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021216224228/http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/| url-status=dead| archive-date=2002-12-16| access-date=2007-11-10| publisher=A.T. Andreas| location=Chicago, IL| chapter=Allen County| chapter-url=http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/allen/allen-co-p7.html#IOLA}}</ref>

The [[Allen County Jail]], a strong stone structure, was built at a cost of $10,000, in county bonds, which were voted in August, 1868. The next year, the building was erected by White & Hays, at a contract price of $8,400.

In November, 1871, a tax of $5,000 was voted, to purchase and fit up a poor-farm. On February 12, 1872, a tract of land comprising {{convert|175|acre|km2}} was purchased of David Funkhouser, for $26 per acre, and J. W. Driscoll was appointed keeper of the poor-farm.

An economic boom from natural gas (discovered December 25, 1893)<ref>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Iola |volume=14 |page=726}}</ref> began around 1895 and resulted in a surge in population and industry. In 1910, the population had reached 9,032.

==Geography==
[[File:Map of Allen Co, Ks, USA.png|thumb|right|Map of Allen County]]
Iola is situated along the eastern bank of the [[Neosho River]] between Deer Creek, to the north, and Rock Creek, to the south, with Coon Creek flowing through the city. Important natural gas fields are in the vicinity. [[U.S. Route 54 in Kansas|U.S. Route 54]] passes through Iola along Madison Street and interchanges with [[U.S. Route 169 in Kansas|U.S. Route 169]], which passes by the east side of the city. The smaller cities of [[Gas, Kansas|Gas]] and [[La Harpe, Kansas|La Harpe]] are a few miles to the east along US-54. The tiny city of [[Bassett, Kansas|Bassett]] lies adjacent to Iola's southern border, and the city of Humboldt is approximately {{convert|7|mi|km}} to the south along US-169.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|4.81|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|4.54|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.27|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-01-25 }}</ref>

===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Iola has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=489341&cityname=Iola%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Iola, Kansas]</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Iola, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1959–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 74
|Feb record high F = 84
|Mar record high F = 88
|Apr record high F = 95
|May record high F = 96
|Jun record high F = 106
|Jul record high F = 109
|Aug record high F = 108
|Sep record high F = 105
|Oct record high F = 96
|Nov record high F = 83
|Dec record high F = 78

|Jan avg record high F = 65.3
|Feb avg record high F = 70.6
|Mar avg record high F = 78.6
|Apr avg record high F = 83.5
|May avg record high F = 88.0
|Jun avg record high F = 93.0
|Jul avg record high F = 97.9
|Aug avg record high F = 97.8
|Sep avg record high F = 93.5
|Oct avg record high F = 86.1
|Nov avg record high F = 74.1
|Dec avg record high F = 65.9
|year avg record high F = 99.3

|Jan high F = 41.4
|Feb high F = 46.8
|Mar high F = 56.9
|Apr high F = 66.5
|May high F = 74.9
|Jun high F = 84.1
|Jul high F = 88.5
|Aug high F = 87.8
|Sep high F = 80.3
|Oct high F = 69.3
|Nov high F = 56.0
|Dec high F = 44.3
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 30.9
|Feb mean F = 35.7
|Mar mean F = 45.5
|Apr mean F = 55.6
|May mean F = 65.2
|Jun mean F = 74.6
|Jul mean F = 78.9
|Aug mean F = 77.3
|Sep mean F = 69.3
|Oct mean F = 57.8
|Nov mean F = 45.3
|Dec mean F = 34.4
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 20.3
|Feb low F = 24.7
|Mar low F = 34.2
|Apr low F = 44.7
|May low F = 55.5
|Jun low F = 65.1
|Jul low F = 69.2
|Aug low F = 66.8
|Sep low F = 58.3
|Oct low F = 46.3
|Nov low F = 34.5
|Dec low F = 24.4
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 2.4
|Feb avg record low F = 7.7
|Mar avg record low F = 16.5
|Apr avg record low F = 28.8
|May avg record low F = 40.4
|Jun avg record low F = 53.1
|Jul avg record low F = 59.3
|Aug avg record low F = 55.8
|Sep avg record low F = 42.5
|Oct avg record low F = 29.4
|Nov avg record low F = 18.9
|Dec avg record low F = 7.3
|year avg record low F = -1.7

|Jan record low F = -16
|Feb record low F = -24
|Mar record low F = -1
|Apr record low F = 19
|May record low F = 28
|Jun record low F = 45
|Jul record low F = 50
|Aug record low F = 45
|Sep record low F = 30
|Oct record low F = 18
|Nov record low F = 3
|Dec record low F = -19

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.27
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.56
|Mar precipitation inch = 2.63
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.42
|May precipitation inch = 5.81
|Jun precipitation inch = 5.36
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.72
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.04
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.35
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.64
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.43
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.81
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 5.1
|Feb precipitation days = 5.4
|Mar precipitation days = 7.7
|Apr precipitation days = 9.1
|May precipitation days = 10.6
|Jun precipitation days = 8.9
|Jul precipitation days = 8.1
|Aug precipitation days = 7.1
|Sep precipitation days = 7.2
|Oct precipitation days = 7.6
|Nov precipitation days = 6.3
|Dec precipitation days = 5.4

|Jan snow inch = 2.7
|Feb snow inch = 1.1
|Mar snow inch = 1.0
|Apr snow inch = 0.0
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 0.2
|Dec snow inch = 2.4
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 1.9
|Feb snow days = 1.0
|Mar snow days = 0.5
|Apr snow days = 0.0
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.2
|Dec snow days = 1.1

|Jan snow depth inch =
|Feb snow depth inch =
|Mar snow depth inch =
|Apr snow depth inch =
|May snow depth inch =
|Jun snow depth inch =
|Jul snow depth inch =
|Aug snow depth inch =
|Sep snow depth inch =
|Oct snow depth inch =
|Nov snow depth inch =
|Dec snow depth inch =
|year snow depth inch =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00143984&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Iola 1 W, KS
|access-date = November 21, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ict
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita
|access-date = November 21, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Culture==
Iola hosts its annual Farm City Days in mid-October, a celebration which involves a parade and carnival. The origins of this event go back to 1971 when Stanley Dreher, Gary Parker, and Leon Catron began an effort to bring townspeople out to the farm.<ref>{{cite web|title=Farm City Days|url=https://www.farmcitydays.com/history|access-date=20 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720194956/https://www.farmcitydays.com/history|url-status=dead}}</ref> The purpose of the event is to show appreciation to its farm-town qualities.

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| align =
| 1880 = 1096
| 1890 = 1706
| 1900 = 5791
| 1910 = 9032
| 1920 = 8513
| 1930 = 7160
| 1940 = 7244
| 1950 = 7094
| 1960 = 6885
| 1970 = 6493
| 1980 = 6938
| 1990 = 6351
| 2000 = 6302
| 2010 = 5704
| 2020 = 5396
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 5318
| estref = <ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html |access-date=March 24, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
| align-fn = center
| footnote = [https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]<br>[http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/population.pdf Kansas Population Data]<br/>2010-2020<ref name="Census-2020-QF"/>
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 5,396 people, 2,291 households, and 1,254 families in Iola.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,208.5 per square mile (466.6/km{{sup|2}}). There were 2,679 housing units at an average density of 600.0 per square mile (231.7/km{{sup|2}}).<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The racial makeup was 86.75% (4,681) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (84.71% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 2.56% (138) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 1.39% (75) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.67% (36) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.0% (0) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 1.67% (90) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 6.97% (376) from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 5.0% (270) of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 2,291 households, 26.6% had children under the age of 18; 35.7% were married couples living together; 33.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.1% of households consisted of individuals and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 13.6% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

21.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.3 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 108.8 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $39,107 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,420) and the median family income was $51,190 (+/- $4,565).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $29,063 (+/- $5,824) versus $21,881 (+/- $1,940) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $24,072 (+/- $4,959).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 16.7% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 36.0% of those under the age of 18 and 3.1% of those ages 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Iola%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 5,704 people, 2,357 households, and 1,418 families residing in the city.<ref name="Census2010">{{cite web|title=2010 City Population and Housing Occupancy Status |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST13&prodType=table |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=March 6, 2011 }}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The [[population density]] was {{convert|1256.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 2,636 housing units at an average density of {{convert|580.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.4% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.6% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.8% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.2% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 2,357 households, of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.8% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 36 years. 23.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 23.5% were from 45 to 64; and 17.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2000,<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 6,302 people, 2,590 households, and 1,590 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,497.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 2,885 housing units at an average density of {{convert|685.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.72% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.82% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.70% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.22% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.73% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.81% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.81% of the population.

There were 2,590 [[household]]s, of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 12.2% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The [[Median household income|median income for a household]] in the city was $29,219, and the median income for a family was $37,795. Males had a median income of $26,407 versus $19,407 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $14,741. About 14.0% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 26.1% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

==Education==

===Unified school districts===
The community is served by [[Iola USD 257]] public school district, home of the 2006 Kansas 4A Girls State Basketball Champions.

===Colleges and universities===
* [[Allen Community College]]

==Transportation==
Bus service is provided northward towards [[Kansas City, Missouri]] and southward towards [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]] by [[Jefferson Lines]] (subcontractor of [[Greyhound Lines]]).<ref>[http://www.jeffersonlines.com/locations.asp?st=KS Jefferson Lines]</ref><ref>[http://www.greyhound.com/home/TicketCenter/en/locations.asp?state=ks Greyhound Lines - Bus stops in Kansas] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828024914/http://www.greyhound.com/home/TicketCenter/en/locations.asp?state=ks |date=2010-08-28 }}</ref>

[[Allen County Airport]] is three miles south of the city. Domestic [[bus]] and [[Rail transport|rail]] service have been discontinued over the years.

==Media==

;Newspapers
* ''Iola Register'' is published weekdays and Saturday.<ref>[https://www.iolaregister.com/ The Iola Register Interactive]</ref> Its journalistic style is unusual among small-town newspapers for focusing on [[accountability]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaye |first=Danielle |date=August 19, 2023 |title=Small Kansas paper raided by police has a history of hard-hitting reporting |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/08/19/1194780239/kansas-paper-raid-marion-profile-local-journalism |url-status=live |access-date=2023-08-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820053825/https://www.npr.org/2023/08/19/1194780239/kansas-paper-raid-marion-profile-local-journalism/ |archive-date=2023-08-20}}</ref>

;Radio Stations
* KIKS 101.5 FM and KIOL 1370 AM are 24 hour radio stations.<ref>[http://www.iolaradio.com/ KIKS-KIOL Radio Stations]</ref>

==Notable people==
[[File:Marguerite_Martyn_self-sketch_of_her_with_Iola,_Kansas,_city_commissioner.jpg|thumb|upright|Guilford Glynn, Iola city commissioner as sketched by [[Marguerite Martyn]], at right (1911)]]
* [[John H. Adams (jockey)|Johnny Adams]], jockey and racehorse trainer, born in [[Carlisle, Arkansas]] but raised in Iola<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/jockey.asp?ID=14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710125232/http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/jockey.asp?ID=14|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-07-10|title=National Museum of Racing - Hall of Fame|date=2007-07-10|access-date=2019-05-16}}</ref>
* [[D. D. Crabb]], rancher and Arizona State Senator
* [[Dean Hargrove]], [[television producer]], [[Television writer|writer]], and [[Television director|director]], specializes in creating mystery series
* [[Vicki Lynn Lasseter|Vicki Lasseter]], February 1981 [[Playboy]] Playmate of the Month
* [[Lila Leeds]], actress, born in Iola
* [[Lillian Hoxie Picken]], educator and textbook editor
* [[William Spencer Newbury|William Newbury]], mayor of Iola in the first half of 1870, and later mayor of [[Portland, Oregon]]
* [[Randy Stuart]], actress
* [[David Toland]], secretary of the [[Kansas Department of Commerce]] and [[Lieutenant Governor of Kansas]]
* [[J. Roger Beatty]], research fellow for the [[B. F. Goodrich]] company.

==See also==
{{Portal|Kansas}}
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Kansas#Allen County|National Register of Historic Places listings in Allen County, Kansas]]
* [[Iola High School]]
* [[Iola Gasbags]]
* [[Frederick Funston]]
* [[Great Flood of 1951]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Kansas books}}
{{See also|Allen County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Allen County, Kansas}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Iola, Kansas}}
{{EB1911 poster|Iola}}
* [https://www.cityofiola.com/ City of Iola]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260787 Iola - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://www.iolachamber.org/ Iola - Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://www.usd257.org/ USD 257], local school district
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/iola.pdf Iola city map], KDOT

{{Allen County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:County seats in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Allen County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1859]]
[[Category:1859 establishments in Kansas Territory]]