List of Counties in Kansas
Kansas has 105 counties. The most populous counties are Johnson County (Overland Park), Sedgwick County (Wichita), Shawnee County (Topeka), Wyandotte County (Kansas City), Douglas County (Lawrence), Leavenworth County, Riley County (Manhattan), Butler County, Reno County, and Saline County. Johnson County is the largest by population and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Sedgwick County, home to Wichita, is also highly populous and serves as a major industrial and economic hub for the state.
List of All Counties in Kansas
- Allen County, Kansas
- Anderson County, Kansas
- Atchison County, Kansas
- Barber County, Kansas
- Barton County, Kansas
- Bourbon County, Kansas
- Brown County, Kansas
- Butler County, Kansas
- Chase County, Kansas
- Chautauqua County, Kansas
- Cherokee County, Kansas
- Cheyenne County, Kansas
- Clark County, Kansas
- Clay County, Kansas
- Cloud County, Kansas
- Coffey County, Kansas
- Comanche County, Kansas
- Cowley County, Kansas
- Crawford County, Kansas
- Decatur County, Kansas
- Dickinson County, Kansas
- Doniphan County, Kansas
- Douglas County, Kansas
- Edwards County, Kansas
- Elk
County, Kansas - Ellis County, Kansas
- Ellsworth County, Kansas
- Finney County, Kansas
- Ford County, Kansas
- Franklin County, Kansas
- Geary County, Kansas
- Gove County, Kansas
- Graham County, Kansas
- Grant County, Kansas
- Gray County, Kansas
- Greeley County, Kansas
- Greenwood County, Kansas
- Hamilton County, Kansas
- Harper County, Kansas
- Harvey County, Kansas
- Haskell County, Kansas
- Hodgeman County, Kansas
- Jackson County, Kansas
- Jefferson County, Kansas
- Jewell County, Kansas
- Johnson County, Kansas
- Kearny County, Kansas
- Kingman County, Kansas
- Kiowa County, Kansas
- Labette County, Kansas
- Lane County, Kansas
- Leavenworth County, Kansas
- Lincoln County, Kansas
- Linn County, Kansas
- Logan County, Kansas
- Lyon County, Kansas
- Marion County, Kansas
- Marshall County, Kansas
- McPherson County, Kansas
- Meade County, Kansas
- Miami County, Kansas
- Mitchell County, Kansas
- Montgomery County, Kansas
- Morris County, Kansas
- Morton County, Kansas
- Nemaha County, Kansas
- Neosho County, Kansas
- Ness County, Kansas
- Norton County, Kansas
- Osage County, Kansas
- Osborne County, Kansas
- Ottawa County, Kansas
- Pawnee County, Kansas
- Phillips County, Kansas
- Pottawatomie County, Kansas
- Pratt County, Kansas
- Rawlins County, Kansas
- Reno County, Kansas
- Republic County, Kansas
- Rice County, Kansas
- Riley County, Kansas
- Rooks County, Kansas
- Rush County, Kansas
- Russell County, Kansas
- Saline County, Kansas
- Scott County, Kansas
- Sedgwick County, Kansas
- Seward County, Kansas
- Shawnee County, Kansas
- Sheridan County, Kansas
- Sherman County, Kansas
- Smith County, Kansas
- Stafford County, Kansas
- Stanton County, Kansas
- Stevens County, Kansas
- Sumner County, Kansas
- Thomas County, Kansas
- Trego County, Kansas
- Wabaunsee County, Kansas
- Wallace County, Kansas
- Washington County, Kansas
- Wichita County, Kansas
- Wilson County, Kansas
- Woodson County, Kansas
- Wyandotte County, Kansas
1. Butler County
Overview
Butler County is the largest county in Kansas by land area, located in the south-central part of the state. It is bordered by Sedgwick County to the west and Greenwood County to the east. The county seat is El Dorado, a town historically known for its role in the Kansas oil boom in the early 20th century. Today, Butler County’s economy remains influenced by oil production, but it has diversified with agriculture, education, and manufacturing. Butler Community College, located in El Dorado, is one of the largest community colleges in Kansas. Established in 1855, Butler County is known for its rolling prairies, agricultural fields, and historical significance in Kansas’ development.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 67,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: El Dorado
- Major Airports: El Dorado Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-35, US-54, US-77
2. Johnson County
Overview
Johnson County is located in northeastern Kansas and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is bordered by Wyandotte County to the north and Miami County to the south. The county seat is Olathe, and Overland Park is its largest city. Johnson County is the most populous county in Kansas and is known for its affluent suburbs, high quality of life, and excellent schools. The county has a strong economy driven by technology, healthcare, education, and corporate headquarters, with many residents commuting to Kansas City for work. Established in 1855, Johnson County has grown rapidly due to suburban expansion and remains a central economic hub in Kansas.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 620,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Olathe
- Major Airports: Johnson County Executive Airport, Kansas City International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-35, I-435, US-69, US-169
3. Sedgwick County
Overview
Sedgwick County is located in south-central Kansas and is home to Wichita, the largest city in the state. The county is bordered by Butler County to the east and Sumner County to the south. Sedgwick County is a major economic center in Kansas, particularly in aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Wichita is known as the “Air Capital of the World” due to its long history of aircraft production and companies like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems. The county was established in 1867 and named after Major General John Sedgwick, a Union Army officer during the Civil War. With its diverse economy and central location, Sedgwick County plays a vital role in the state’s economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 530,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Wichita
- Major Airports: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Major Highways: I-35, I-135, US-54, US-400
4. Shawnee County
Overview
Shawnee County is located in northeastern Kansas and is home to the state capital, Topeka. It is bordered by Jefferson County to the north and Osage County to the south. Topeka serves as the political and administrative center of Kansas, with a significant portion of the local economy driven by government services, education, and healthcare. The Kansas State Capitol building, the seat of state government, is one of the city’s key landmarks. In addition to government, Shawnee County has a diversified economy with industries such as manufacturing and retail. Established in 1855, the county has a rich history, especially in the context of the state’s early settlement and its role in the Civil War.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 178,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Topeka
- Major Airports: Topeka Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-70, I-470, US-24, US-75
5. Finney County
Overview
Finney County is located in southwestern Kansas and is known for its agricultural production, particularly in livestock and grain. It is bordered by Kearny County to the west and Gray County to the east. The county seat and largest city is Garden City, which serves as an agricultural and economic hub for the region. Finney County is one of the top producers of beef in the United States, with large feedlots and meatpacking plants driving the local economy. Established in 1883, Finney County was named after David W. Finney, the Lieutenant Governor of Kansas. The area’s history is deeply connected to the expansion of the cattle industry and the development of railroads in the late 19th century.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 38,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Garden City
- Major Airports: Garden City Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-50, US-83, US-400
6. Ford County
Overview
Ford County is located in southwestern Kansas, bordered by Hodgeman County to the north and Clark County to the south. The county seat is Dodge City, a city famous for its history as a frontier town during the American West’s cattle drive era. Today, Ford County’s economy is centered on agriculture, particularly livestock, and food processing, with major meatpacking plants playing a key role. Dodge City remains a tourist destination due to its Wild West heritage, attracting visitors to sites like Boot Hill Museum. Ford County was established in 1867 and named after Colonel James H. Ford, a Union Army officer during the Civil War.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 34,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Dodge City
- Major Airports: Dodge City Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-50, US-56, US-283
7. Reno County
Overview
Reno County is located in central Kansas, bordered by Rice County to the north and Sedgwick County to the east. The county seat is Hutchinson, a city known for its annual Kansas State Fair and its role as a regional agricultural and industrial center. Reno County’s economy is based on agriculture, salt mining, and manufacturing, with the underground salt mine in Hutchinson being one of the largest in the world. The county also has a growing renewable energy sector, particularly in wind energy. Established in 1867, Reno County was named after General Jesse Lee Reno, a Union general killed in the Civil War.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 60,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Hutchinson
- Major Airports: Hutchinson Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-50, K-96, K-61
8. Saline County
Overview
Saline County is located in central Kansas, bordered by Ottawa County to the north and McPherson County to the south. The county seat is Salina, a city that serves as an economic and cultural hub for the region. Saline County’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education playing significant roles. Salina is home to Kansas Wesleyan University and is known for its arts scene and annual Smoky Hill River Festival. Established in 1859, Saline County has a long history tied to the development of the Kansas Pacific Railway, which helped make Salina a center for trade and agriculture.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 53,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Salina
- Major Airports: Salina Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-70, I-135, US-81, K-140
9. Ellis County
Overview
Ellis County is located in west-central Kansas, bordered by Trego County to the west and Russell County to the east. The county seat is Hays, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and its role as the home of Fort Hays State University. Ellis County’s economy is based on education, healthcare, and agriculture, with wheat and cattle being important products. Hays is also known for its historical significance as a frontier town and former military post, with ties to figures like Wild Bill Hickok. Established in 1867, Ellis County played a key role in the settlement of western Kansas and continues to be a regional hub for education and culture.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 28,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Hays
- Major Airports: Hays Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-70, US-183
10. Riley County
Overview
Riley County is located in northeastern Kansas, bordered by Geary County to the south and Pottawatomie County to the north. The county seat is Manhattan, which is also home to Kansas State University, one of the largest public universities in the state. Riley County’s economy is heavily influenced by education, research, and military, with nearby Fort Riley being a significant military installation. Manhattan is known for its vibrant college town atmosphere and its growing biotechnology and agricultural research industries. Established in 1855, Riley County was named after Bennet Riley, a military officer, and it has grown into a dynamic center for education, research, and military activity.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 75,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Manhattan
- Major Airports: Manhattan Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-70, US-24, K-18