Reno County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat and largest city is Hutchinson.[3] As of the 2020 census, the population was 61,898.[1] The county is named for Jesse Reno, a general during the American Civil War.

Reno County
Reno County Courthouse in Hutchinson (2008)
Reno County Courthouse in Hutchinson (2008)
Map of Kansas highlighting Reno County
Location within the U.S. state of Kansas
Map of the United States highlighting Kansas
Kansas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°57′N 98°05′W / 37.950°N 98.083°W / 37.950; -98.083
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedFebruary 26, 1867
Named forJesse Lee Reno
SeatHutchinson
Largest cityHutchinson
Area
 • Total
1,272 sq mi (3,290 km2)
 • Land1,255 sq mi (3,250 km2)
 • Water17 sq mi (40 km2)  1.3%
Population
 • Total
61,898
 • Estimate 
(2023)[2]
61,497 Decrease
 • Density49.3/sq mi (19.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code620
Congressional district1st
Websiterenocountyks.gov

History

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1915–1918 railroad map of Reno County

Early history

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For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic 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.

19th century

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In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France, but keeping title to about 7,500 square miles. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state.

In 1867, Reno County was established, named for General Jesse L. Reno.

In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway extended its main line from Herington to Pratt.[4] This main line connected Herington, Ramona, Tampa, Durham, Waldeck, Canton, Galva, McPherson, Groveland, Inman, Medora, Hutchinson, Whiteside, Partridge, Arlington, Langdon, Turon, Preston, Natrona, Pratt. In 1888, this main line was extended to Liberal. Later, this line was extended to Tucumcari, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. This line is called the "Golden State Limited".

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,272 square miles (3,290 km2), of which 1,255 square miles (3,250 km2) is land and 17 square miles (44 km2) (1.3%) is water.[5] It is the third-largest county by area in Kansas.

Adjacent counties

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National protected area

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Demographics

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Population pyramid based on 2000 census age data
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
188012,826
189027,079111.1%
190029,0277.2%
191037,85330.4%
192044,42317.4%
193047,7857.6%
194052,1659.2%
195054,0583.6%
196059,0559.2%
197060,7652.9%
198064,9836.9%
199062,389−4.0%
200064,7903.8%
201064,511−0.4%
202061,898−4.1%
2023 (est.)61,497[6]−0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9]
1990-2000[10] 2010-2020[1]

The Hutchinson Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Reno County.

As of the census of 2000, there were 64,790 people, 25,498 households, and 17,313 families residing in the county. The population density was 52 people per square mile (20 people/km2). There were 27,625 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile (8.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.56% White, 2.88% Black or African American, 0.58% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.69% from other races, and 1.81% from two or more races. 5.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 25,498 households, out of which 30.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.90% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 27.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.50% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 16.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 100.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,510, and the median income for a family was $42,643. Males had a median income of $31,495 versus $21,329 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,520. About 8.10% of families and 10.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.90% of those under age 18 and 8.50% of those age 65 or over.

Government

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Reno County is strongly Republican. The last time a Democratic candidate won the county was in 1976 when Jimmy Carter did so. However, 1988 was somewhat close as Michael Dukakis lost the county by only 5 percentage points due to a persistent drought and farm crisis.

Presidential elections

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Presidential election results
United States presidential election results for Reno County, Kansas[11]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 18,443 65.73% 8,886 31.67% 731 2.61%
2016 15,513 63.23% 6,837 27.87% 2,186 8.91%
2012 15,718 64.36% 8,085 33.11% 619 2.53%
2008 16,112 60.57% 9,916 37.28% 574 2.16%
2004 17,748 64.95% 9,114 33.36% 462 1.69%
2000 15,179 59.69% 9,025 35.49% 1,226 4.82%
1996 14,275 54.28% 9,108 34.63% 2,917 11.09%
1992 11,377 40.10% 9,257 32.63% 7,738 27.27%
1988 12,753 51.11% 11,545 46.27% 656 2.63%
1984 16,568 63.34% 9,229 35.28% 362 1.38%
1980 13,804 52.85% 9,615 36.81% 2,702 10.34%
1976 11,212 42.29% 14,620 55.14% 680 2.56%
1972 15,714 63.81% 8,183 33.23% 731 2.97%
1968 11,804 50.29% 9,872 42.06% 1,798 7.66%
1964 8,829 36.83% 14,936 62.30% 208 0.87%
1960 14,655 60.21% 9,557 39.27% 127 0.52%
1956 15,057 66.56% 7,461 32.98% 102 0.45%
1952 15,762 68.58% 6,555 28.52% 666 2.90%
1948 11,187 51.87% 9,957 46.17% 423 1.96%
1944 11,004 58.71% 7,604 40.57% 135 0.72%
1940 12,448 53.64% 10,543 45.43% 217 0.94%
1936 8,607 37.59% 14,203 62.03% 88 0.38%
1932 8,972 47.30% 9,351 49.29% 647 3.41%
1928 12,872 76.31% 3,843 22.78% 153 0.91%
1924 10,339 65.23% 3,675 23.18% 1,837 11.59%
1920 9,649 67.12% 4,385 30.50% 341 2.37%
1916 6,870 46.05% 6,683 44.80% 1,366 9.16%
1912 1,668 20.92% 3,360 42.13% 2,947 36.95%
1908 4,092 52.72% 3,381 43.56% 289 3.72%
1904 4,245 69.33% 1,423 23.24% 455 7.43%
1900 3,769 56.02% 2,859 42.49% 100 1.49%
1896 3,373 51.96% 3,051 47.00% 67 1.03%
1892 3,166 50.00% 0 0.00% 3,166 50.00%
1888 3,398 56.61% 1,841 30.67% 763 12.71%

Laws

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Reno County was a prohibition, or "dry", county until the Kansas Constitution was amended in 1986 and voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30 percent food sales requirement. The food sales requirement was removed with voter approval in 2004.[12]

Education

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Colleges

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Unified school districts

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Private schools

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There are three private schools in Hutchinson:

Communities

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2005 map of Reno County[13] (map legend)

List of townships / incorporated cities / unincorporated communities / extinct former communities within Reno County.[13]

Cities

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Unincorporated communities

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† means a community is designated a Census-Designated Place (CDP) by the United States Census Bureau.

Ghost towns

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Townships

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Reno County is divided into thirty-one townships. The cities of Hutchinson and Nickerson are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.

Sources: 2000 U.S. Gazetteer from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Township FIPS Population
center
Population Population
density
/km2 (/sq mi)
Land area
km2 (sq mi)
Water area
km2 (sq mi)
Water % Geographic coordinates
Albion 00875 Pretty Prairie 837 9 (22) 97 (38) 0 (0) 0.02% 37°47′5″N 98°0′2″W / 37.78472°N 98.00056°W / 37.78472; -98.00056
Arlington 02350 Arlington 621 7 (17) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.03% 37°53′16″N 98°11′1″W / 37.88778°N 98.18361°W / 37.88778; -98.18361
Bell 05350 87 1 (2) 98 (38) 0 (0) 0.11% 37°46′8″N 98°17′30″W / 37.76889°N 98.29167°W / 37.76889; -98.29167
Castleton 11000 256 2 (5) 140 (54) 0 (0) 0.01% 37°51′44″N 97°57′6″W / 37.86222°N 97.95167°W / 37.86222; -97.95167
Center 12050 Partridge 672 7 (19) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.17% 37°57′38″N 98°5′23″W / 37.96056°N 98.08972°W / 37.96056; -98.08972
Clay 13600 3,302 38 (98) 88 (34) 1 (0) 0.58% 38°3′52″N 97°52′11″W / 38.06444°N 97.86972°W / 38.06444; -97.86972
Enterprise 21475 139 1 (4) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.06% 38°3′0″N 98°11′34″W / 38.05000°N 98.19278°W / 38.05000; -98.19278
Grant 28025 1,307 11 (30) 114 (44) 1 (1) 1.25% 38°8′4″N 98°0′27″W / 38.13444°N 98.00750°W / 38.13444; -98.00750
Grove 29025 64 1 (2) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.06% 37°51′47″N 98°24′58″W / 37.86306°N 98.41611°W / 37.86306; -98.41611
Haven 30750 Haven 1,592 11 (29) 143 (55) 1 (0) 0.41% 37°53′56″N 97°46′46″W / 37.89889°N 97.77944°W / 37.89889; -97.77944
Hayes 31000 106 1 (1) 186 (72) 0 (0) 0.06% 38°3′50″N 98°25′38″W / 38.06389°N 98.42722°W / 38.06389; -98.42722
Huntsville 33550 118 1 (3) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.11% 38°3′0″N 98°17′54″W / 38.05000°N 98.29833°W / 38.05000; -98.29833
Langdon 38525 Langdon 160 2 (4) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.16% 37°51′40″N 98°18′57″W / 37.86111°N 98.31583°W / 37.86111; -98.31583
Lincoln 41050 703 8 (20) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.07% 37°57′46″N 97°58′7″W / 37.96278°N 97.96861°W / 37.96278; -97.96861
Little River 41550 Buhler 1,881 20 (52) 93 (36) 1 (0) 0.57% 38°8′15″N 97°45′44″W / 38.13750°N 97.76222°W / 38.13750; -97.76222
Loda 41700 119 1 (3) 98 (38) 0 (0) 0.27% 37°47′2″N 98°12′22″W / 37.78389°N 98.20611°W / 37.78389; -98.20611
Medford 45450 144 2 (5) 83 (32) 0 (0) 0.18% 38°8′14″N 98°12′24″W / 38.13722°N 98.20667°W / 38.13722; -98.20667
Medora 45600 1,594 21 (53) 77 (30) 0 (0) 0% 38°8′40″N 97°51′3″W / 38.14444°N 97.85083°W / 38.14444; -97.85083
Miami 46125 Turon 521 5 (14) 98 (38) 0 (0) 0.15% 37°47′33″N 98°25′3″W / 37.79250°N 98.41750°W / 37.79250; -98.41750
Ninnescah 50700 226 3 (7) 79 (31) 27 (10) 25.53% 37°47′9″N 97°51′27″W / 37.78583°N 97.85750°W / 37.78583; -97.85750
Plevna 56750 Plevna 235 3 (6) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.04% 37°58′1″N 98°18′36″W / 37.96694°N 98.31000°W / 37.96694; -98.31000
Reno 58975 South Hutchinson 4,496 50 (129) 90 (35) 2 (1) 1.65% 38°2′31″N 97°57′27″W / 38.04194°N 97.95750°W / 38.04194; -97.95750
Roscoe 61150 108 1 (3) 98 (38) 0 (0) 0% 37°46′11″N 98°4′23″W / 37.76972°N 98.07306°W / 37.76972; -98.07306
Salt Creek 62850 483 3 (9) 139 (54) 1 (0) 0.39% 38°3′48″N 98°5′57″W / 38.06333°N 98.09917°W / 38.06333; -98.09917
Sumner 69200 547 5 (13) 106 (41) 7 (3) 6.13% 37°46′24″N 97°45′51″W / 37.77333°N 97.76417°W / 37.77333; -97.76417
Sylvia 69825 Sylvia 393 4 (11) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.34% 37°57′24″N 98°24′46″W / 37.95667°N 98.41278°W / 37.95667; -98.41278
Troy 71600 112 1 (3) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.16% 37°51′56″N 98°5′25″W / 37.86556°N 98.09028°W / 37.86556; -98.09028
Valley 73075 887 6 (16) 143 (55) 1 (0) 0.90% 38°0′33″N 97°45′2″W / 38.00917°N 97.75056°W / 38.00917; -97.75056
Walnut 75100 114 1 (3) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0% 38°7′40″N 98°18′7″W / 38.12778°N 98.30194°W / 38.12778; -98.30194
Westminster 77175 Abbyville 243 3 (7) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0% 37°57′48″N 98°12′23″W / 37.96333°N 98.20639°W / 37.96333; -98.20639
Yoder 80775 742 8 (20) 96 (37) 1 (0) 1.03% 37°56′54″N 97°52′34″W / 37.94833°N 97.87611°W / 37.94833; -97.87611

See also

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Community information for Kansas

References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts; Reno County, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  2. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Rock Island Rail History". Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  5. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  9. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  11. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".
  12. ^ "Map of Wet and Dry Counties". Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue. November 2006. Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2007.
  13. ^ a b "General Highway Map of Reno County, Kansas" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). July 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 27, 2023.
Notes

Further reading

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