View source for Ellsworth, Kansas

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

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Elsworth, Kansas E side Douglas N of 115.JPG
|image_caption            = Downtown Ellsworth (2014)
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =
|image_blank_emblem       = Logo of Ellsworth, Kansas.jpg
|blank_emblem_size        = 260px

<!-- Maps -->
|image_map                = Ellsworth_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ellsworth_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption              = Location within [[Ellsworth County, Kansas|County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1               = Map of Ellsworth Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1             = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Ellsworth County, Kansas|Ellsworth County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|38|43|58|N|98|13|43|W|region:US-KS_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Ellsworth County, Kansas|Ellsworth]]
|subdivision_type3        = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3        =

<!-- Established -->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1860s
|established_title1       = [[Platted]]
|established_date1        =
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1867
|named_for                = Fort Ellsworth

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     =
|government_type          = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Dan Finnegan<ref name="gov1"/>

<!-- Area -->
|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         = 2.39
|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 -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft             = 1545

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 3,066
|pop_est_footnotes        =
|pop_est_as_of            =
|population_est           =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2   = auto

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 67439
|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               = 20-20500
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 485570<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|485570}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.ellsworthks.net/|ellsworthks.net}}
}}

'''Ellsworth''' is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Ellsworth County, Kansas|Ellsworth County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 3,066.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Ellsworth, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2020500 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329234451/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2020500 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>  Known as a cow town in the 1870s, when the [[Kansas Pacific Railroad]] operated a stockyard here for shipping cattle to eastern markets. In the 21st century, Ellsworth is the trading center of the rural county.

==History==

===19th century===
[[File:Santa Fe Train passing through Ellsworth, Kansas, 1867. (Boston Public Library) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Ellsworth in 1867]]

Once called "The Wickedest Cattletown in Kansas", the city is named for Fort Ellsworth, which was built in 1864.<ref>[http://www.ellsworthkschamber.net/ellsworth_history.htm Ellsworth - History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509084130/http://www.ellsworthkschamber.net/ellsworth_history.htm |date=2008-05-09 }}</ref> Due to speculation on imminent railroad construction, the population of Ellsworth boomed to over two thousand by the time it was incorporated in 1867. It has since been said, "Abilene, the first, Dodge City, the last, but Ellsworth the wickedest".

Ellsworth was a bustling cattle town during the late 1860s, when the [[Kansas Pacific Railroad]] had a stop and stockyards there. Cattle were driven up from Texas to this point, and then shipped to major markets. Often cowboys had the run of the town. In 1875 Kansas Pacific closed its cattle pens, moving to another location. The cattle trade dwindled to almost nothing by the mid-1880s.

During the late 1860s into the 1870s, Ellsworth was known for being one of the "wickedest" cattle towns, the scene of numerous killings following shootouts between drunken [[cowboy]]s. The town sported numerous [[Western saloon|saloon]]s, [[brothel]]s and gambling halls, with [[prostitution]] being rampant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://krex.k-state.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/2097/15686/JessicaSmith2013.pdf|first=Jessica|last=Smith|publisher=[[Kansas State University]]|title=Morality and Money: A Look at how the Respectable Community Battled the Sporting Community over Prostitution in Kansas Cowtowns, 1867-1885|year=2013}}</ref> [[Wild Bill Hickok]] ran for Ellsworth County [[Sheriff]] in 1868, but was defeated by veteran Union Army soldier E. W. Kingsbury. Kingsbury was an effective lawman, but relied on local marshals to patrol the town, as he also had to police the county. Violence in Ellsworth was commonplace among the cowboys and people associated with them.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20051210204100/http://www.droversmercantile.com/history.cfm "Ellsworth, Kansas History"]}}, Drovers Mercantile website</ref> Ellsworth marshal Will Semans was shot and killed on September 26, 1869, while attempting to disarm a rowdy man in a dance hall.<ref>[http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=12026 "Ellsworth Marshal Will Semans"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930055354/http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=12026 |date=2007-09-30 }}, Officer Down Memorial Website</ref>

[[File:Stouffer's Railroad Map of Kansas 1915-1918 Ellsworth County.png|thumb|left|1915-1918 Railroad Map of Ellsworth County]]
For a time during this period, two small-time [[outlaw]]s known only as Craig and Johnson began bullying people around the community, often committing [[armed robbery]]. After Semans' murder, they operated openly. Before long, citizens formed a vigilance squad and captured both men, [[hanging]] them in a lynching near the [[Smoky Hill River]]. Chauncey Whitney,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=14118 |title=Chauncey Whitney |access-date=2006-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023705/http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=14118 |archive-date=2007-09-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref> a deputy to Kingsbury, took over following Sheriff Kingsbury's departure. Whitney quickly gained a reputation as being both tough and respectable, and was well liked. The scale of business is shown by construction of the Drovers Cottage in 1872. It could accommodate 175 guests, and stable 50 carriages and 100 horses.<ref>[http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-ellsworth.html "Kansas: Ellsworth"], Legends of America website</ref>

Lawman [[Wyatt Earp]] claimed to have served in Ellsworth for a short time. He also later claimed to have arrested [[gunfighter|gunman]] [[Ben Thompson (lawman)|Ben Thompson]] there. But Thompson was arrested by Deputy Ed Hogue after his brother [[Billy Thompson (gunman)|Billy Thompson]] accidentally shot and killed Ellsworth County Sheriff Chauncey Whitney in 1873.{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} Billy Thompson fled, fearing that he would be [[Lynching|lynched]] for the death of the popular sheriff. Thompson was eventually captured and put on [[trial]], but was [[Acquittal|acquitted]] in the shooting. Sheriff Whitney, a friend to both Thompsons, had told bystanders before his death that the shooting was an accident.<ref>[http://www.imagesofyorkshire.co.uk/famous_people/ben_thompson/billy_thompson.htm "Billy Thompson"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517070115/http://www.imagesofyorkshire.co.uk/famous_people/ben_thompson/billy_thompson.htm |date=2008-05-17 }}, Images of Yorkshire</ref>

By the late 1870s the crime rate had dropped dramatically, as fewer cowboys came through after Kansas Pacific closed its stockyard here. Cattle drives were directed to other market cities, such as [[Dodge City, Kansas|Dodge City]]. Ellsworth suffered economically. {{citation needed|date=March 2011}}

In 1888, the Kansas Midland Railway Company built between Wichita and Ellsworth.<ref name=Frisco /> The line was purchased in 1900 by the [[St. Louis-San Francisco Railway|St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (the "Frisco")]].<ref name=Frisco>{{cite web|url=https://thelibrary.org/lochist/frisco/history/1962history.cfm|title=History of the Frisco, 1962|publisher=TheLibrary.org|access-date=August 26, 2020|archive-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011124757/http://thelibrary.org/lochist/frisco/history/1962history.cfm|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The Frisco operated the line for many years,<ref name=Guide>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gDMbAQAAIAAJ&q=train+%22texokla+limited%22&pg=PA626 |title=Official Guide of the Railways and Steam Navigation Lines of the United States, Porto Rico, Canada, Mexico and Cuba, January 1923, p.622|year=1923|access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> but it has since been abandoned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abandonedrails.com/ellsworth-to-wichita |title=Ellsworth to Wichita, KS|publisher=AbandonedRails.com|access-date=August 26, 2020}}</ref>

===21st century===
Ellsworth has been developing heritage tourism related to its unique 19th-century history. The city and activists have plans to restore Ellsworth's Signature Insurance Building for use as the National Drovers Hall of Fame. Funds for the project are being raised party from an annual cattle drive down Main Street and Douglas Avenue; it is one of the few in the United States that is historically accurate.<ref>[http://www.nationaldrovers.com/events.htm "Ellsworth Cattle Drive"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126101159/http://nationaldrovers.com/events.htm |date=2013-11-26 }}, National Drovers Association</ref>

==Geography==
Ellsworth lies on the north side of the [[Smoky Hill River]] in the [[Smoky Hills]] region of the [[Great Plains]]. Oak Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill, flows south past the eastern side of the city to its confluence with the river southeast of the city.

Ellsworth is located at the intersection of [[K-14 (Kansas highway)|K-14]], [[K-140 (Kansas highway)|K-140]], and K-156 in central Kansas roughly {{convert|27|mi|km}} west-southwest of [[Salina, Kansas]]. Ellsworth is approximately {{convert|110|mi|km}} northwest of [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]] and {{convert|212|mi|km}} west-southwest of [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]].<ref>{{cite web | title = City Distance Tool | publisher = [[Geobytes]] | url = http://www.geobytes.com/citydistancetool.htm | access-date = 2010-03-25 | archive-date = October 5, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101005175701/http://geobytes.com/CityDistanceTool.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|2.43|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===
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Ellsworth falls within either a [[hot-summer humid continental climate]] (''Dfa'') if the {{convert|0|°C}} isotherm is used or a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'') if the {{convert|-3|°C}} isotherm is used. Summers are hot and humid and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature.  The average annual temperature is {{convert|53.3|°F}}, and the average yearly precipitation is {{convert|30.87|in|cm}}. Snowfall averages {{convert|16.2|in|cm}} per year. On average, July is the warmest month, January is the coldest month and driest, and May is the wettest month. The hottest temperature recorded in was {{convert|117|F|C|1}} on August 12–13, 1936, while the coldest temperature recorded was {{convert|-30|F|C|1}} on January 8, 1913.<ref name = NOWData></ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Ellsworth, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1904–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 83
|Feb record high F = 89
|Mar record high F = 98
|Apr record high F = 101
|May record high F = 108
|Jun record high F = 115
|Jul record high F = 116
|Aug record high F = 117
|Sep record high F = 114
|Oct record high F = 102
|Nov record high F = 88
|Dec record high F = 80

|Jan avg record high F = 65.9
|Feb avg record high F = 70.6
|Mar avg record high F = 80.5
|Apr avg record high F = 87.8
|May avg record high F = 92.2
|Jun avg record high F = 99.0
|Jul avg record high F = 104.0
|Aug avg record high F = 102.2
|Sep avg record high F = 96.9
|Oct avg record high F = 89.8
|Nov avg record high F = 76.9
|Dec avg record high F = 65.1
|year avg record high F = 105.2

|Jan high F = 42.2
|Feb high F = 46.6
|Mar high F = 57.4
|Apr high F = 67.5
|May high F = 76.8
|Jun high F = 87.6
|Jul high F = 92.7
|Aug high F = 90.4
|Sep high F = 82.3
|Oct high F = 70.1
|Nov high F = 56.1
|Dec high F = 44.0
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 29.9
|Feb mean F = 33.5
|Mar mean F = 43.5
|Apr mean F = 53.3
|May mean F = 64.2
|Jun mean F = 75.0
|Jul mean F = 80.0
|Aug mean F = 77.6
|Sep mean F = 69.1
|Oct mean F = 56.0
|Nov mean F = 42.7
|Dec mean F = 32.1
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 17.8
|Feb low F = 20.3
|Mar low F = 29.6
|Apr low F = 39.1
|May low F = 51.6
|Jun low F = 62.5
|Jul low F = 67.4
|Aug low F = 64.9
|Sep low F = 55.9
|Oct low F = 41.9
|Nov low F = 29.4
|Dec low F = 20.1
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 0.5
|Feb avg record low F = 2.9
|Mar avg record low F = 12.3
|Apr avg record low F = 23.3
|May avg record low F = 35.1
|Jun avg record low F = 50.0
|Jul avg record low F = 55.8
|Aug avg record low F = 53.3
|Sep avg record low F = 39.6
|Oct avg record low F = 24.8
|Nov avg record low F = 12.8
|Dec avg record low F = 4.0
|year avg record low F = -5.0

|Jan record low F = -30
|Feb record low F = -28
|Mar record low F = -16
|Apr record low F = 7
|May record low F = 17
|Jun record low F = 40
|Jul record low F = 43
|Aug record low F = 40
|Sep record low F = 24
|Oct record low F = 8
|Nov record low F = -7
|Dec record low F = -28

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.83
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.16
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.94
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.51
|May precipitation inch = 4.94
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.86
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.88
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.43
|Sep precipitation inch = 2.70
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.13
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.30
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.16
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 4.1
|Feb precipitation days = 3.9
|Mar precipitation days = 5.8
|Apr precipitation days = 6.7
|May precipitation days = 8.9
|Jun precipitation days = 7.3
|Jul precipitation days = 8.2
|Aug precipitation days = 7.2
|Sep precipitation days = 5.0
|Oct precipitation days = 5.3
|Nov precipitation days = 3.9
|Dec precipitation days = 3.7
|year precipitation days = 70.0

|Jan snow inch = 3.8
|Feb snow inch = 4.7
|Mar snow inch = 1.3
|Apr snow inch = 0.4
|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 = 0.4
|Nov snow inch = 1.2
|Dec snow inch = 4.4
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 2.1
|Feb snow days = 1.9
|Mar snow days = 0.9
|Apr snow days = 0.2
|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 = 0.3
|Nov snow days = 0.6
|Dec snow days = 1.9

|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=USC00142459&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: Ellsworth, 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>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=
|1870= 448
|1880= 929
|1890= 1620
|1900= 1549
|1910= 2041
|1920= 2065
|1930= 2072
|1940= 2227
|1950= 2193
|1960= 2361
|1970= 2080
|1980= 2465
|1990= 2294
|2000= 2965
|2010= 3120
|2020= 3066
|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 3,066 people, 969 households, and 551 families in Ellsworth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Ellsworth%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,281.2 per square mile (494.7/km{{sup|2}}). There were 1,144 housing units at an average density of 478.1 per square mile (184.6/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=Ellsworth%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web   |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 84.15% (2,580) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (79.42% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 7.96% (244) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 1.27% (39) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.49% (15) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.0% (0) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 0.82% (25) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 5.32% (163) 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=Ellsworth%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 7.21% (221) 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=Ellsworth%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 969 households, 24.1% had children under the age of 18; 44.6% were married couples living together; 29.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 39.4% of households consisted of individuals and 19.0% 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=Ellsworth%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 12.6% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Ellsworth%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

16.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 57.7 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 52.2 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $53,547 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,733) and the median family income was $76,125 (+/- $23,135).<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=Ellsworth%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $27,146 (+/- $5,757) versus $32,944 (+/- $5,231) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,033 (+/- $4,968).<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=Ellsworth%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 3.0% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 10.2% of those under the age of 18 and 4.5% 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=Ellsworth%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=Ellsworth%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 3,120 people, 997 households, and 639 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1284.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,154 housing units at an average density of {{convert|474.9|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.9% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 9.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.6% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.7% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.1% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 6.2% of the population.

There were 997 households, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.9% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.77.

The median age in the city was 38.4 years. 17% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.5% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 61.9% male and 38.1% 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 2,965 people, 995 households, and 641 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,413.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,141 housing units at an average density of {{convert|543.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 88.40% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 7.55% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.94% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.51% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.94% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.62% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3.95% of the population.

There were 995 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.3% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 139.9 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $35,625, and the median income for a family was $45,156. Males had a median income of $30,233 versus $19,762 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,396. About 3.8% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Economy==
A [[Great Plains Manufacturing]] Ellsworth Tillage Implement Plant, a manufacturing facility, is located in Ellsworth.

==Government==
The Ellsworth government consists of an elected mayor and five council members, who are also elected.  The council meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5:30PM.<ref name="gov1">[http://www.lkm.org/directory/cities.php?ID=20 Ellsworth - Directory of Public Officials] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505133156/http://www.lkm.org/directory/cities.php?ID=20 |date=2011-05-05 }}</ref>
* City Hall, 121 W First St.

==Education==
The community is served by [[Ellsworth USD 327]] public school district.  The district high school, Ellsworth Jr/Sr High School, is in Ellsworth. Bearcats are the Ellsworth High School mascot.

==Media==
Ellsworth has a weekly [[newspaper]], the ''Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter''.<ref>{{cite web | title = About this Newspaper: Ellsworth reporter | work = Chronicling America | publisher = [[Library of Congress]] | url = http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn82014111/ | access-date = 2009-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter |publisher=Ellsworth County Independent/Reporter |url=http://www.ellsworthinderep.com/web/isite.dll?1176785616203 |access-date=2009-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905210948/http://www.ellsworthinderep.com/web/isite.dll?1176785616203 |archive-date=2009-09-05 }}</ref>

K243AR, a translator of [[radio station]] KRSL in [[Russell, Kansas]], broadcasts from Ellsworth on 96.5 [[FM broadcasting|FM]] playing a [[Christian radio|Christian]] format.<ref>{{cite web | title = Station Information Profile | publisher = [[Arbitron]] | url = http://www.arbitron.com/radio_stations/station_information.htm | access-date = 2009-10-04}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
[[Image:Smoky Hill Wind Farm Located In Ellsworth, Kansas.jpg|thumb|right|Smoky Hill Wind Farm near Ellsworth]]
In 2008, TradeWind Energy and [[Enel North America]] made Ellsworth and Lincoln counties home to the [[Smoky Hills Wind Farm]]. Its 155 wind turbines have a total capacity of 250MW<ref name="enelgreenpower.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.enelgreenpower.com/en-GB/plants/projects/smoky_hills/ |title=Wind: The 155 wind turbines at Smoky Hills - Enel Green Power |access-date=2010-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215021621/http://www.enelgreenpower.com/en-GB/plants/projects/smoky_hills/ |archive-date=2010-12-15 }}</ref> and are installed on approximately 20,000 acres of agricultural land.<ref>[http://www.kansastravel.org/smokeyhillwindfarm.htm "Smoky Hills Wind Farm"], ''Kansas Travel''</ref> Some 100 landowners have lease arrangements to have the Smoky Hills Wind Farm's turbines installed on their properties.<ref>Meghan Lawrence, [http://farmtalknewspaper.com/local/x1803880673/Homeier-adds-value-by-growing-energy-on-his-Ellsworth-Co-farm  "Homeier adds value by growing energy on his Ellsworth Co. farm"], ''Farm Talk'', Retrieved 2012-1-10.</ref> The wind farm generates enough power to satisfy energy consumption requirements of 85,000 homes.<ref name="enelgreenpower.com"/>

The Post Rock Wind Farm is a 200 MW wind power facility in Kansas, reaching across Ellsworth and Lincoln counties. Post Rock Wind consists of 134 three-bladed 1.5 MW GE wind turbines. Pattern Energy owns 60% of the project, equal to 120 MW. The facility, which reached commercial operation in October 2012, sells 100% of its electrical output under a long-term power purchase agreement with Westar, which has a BBB+ credit rating.
Post Rock Wind facility spreads across an area of 23,000 acres in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties of Kansas

==Notable people==
* [[Keith L. Ackerman]], [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal]] bishop
* [[Kaden Davis]], NFL player
* [[Kelvin Droegemeier]], professor and research meteorologist, Director of the White House [[Office of Science and Technology Policy]] and Science Advisor to the President
* [[Wyatt Earp]], lawman
* [[Robert Herbert Mize, Jr.]], [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] bishop
* [[John Morco]], gunfighter
* [[Ben Thompson (lawman)|Ben Thompson]], gunfighter
* [[Billy Thompson (gunman)|Billy Thompson]], gunfighter
* [[Libby Thompson]], prostitute

==See also==
{{Portal|Kansas}}
* [[Kanopolis Drive-in Theatre]]
* [[Mushroom Rock State Park]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ellsworth, Kansas}}
* [https://www.ellsworthks.net/ City of Ellsworth]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260676 Ellsworth - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/ellsworth.pdf Ellsworth city map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505210715/https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/ellsworth.pdf |date=May 5, 2020 }}, KDOT

{{Ellsworth County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:County seats in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Ellsworth County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1864]]