Kansas
stateKansas, the Sunflower State, is a Midwestern state known for its vast prairies, wheat fields, and the iconic Flint Hills. As of 2020, the state had a population of 2,940,865. Kansas embodies a blend of rural charm and urban development, with a strong agricultural heritage complemented by a growing aerospace industry. Kansas's economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. The state is a major producer of wheat, corn, sorghum, and soybeans. Several major educational institutions, including the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, contribute to the state's intellectual and economic landscape. The Kansas City metropolitan area, straddling the border with Missouri, serves as a significant economic and cultural hub. What makes Kansas distinctive is its rich history, from its role in the Bleeding Kansas era leading up to the Civil War to its significant contributions to American agriculture and aviation. The state's location as the geographic center of the contiguous United States adds to its unique identity. Kansas offers a blend of outdoor recreational opportunities and cultural attractions, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents.
Kansas
- Classification
- State
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Midwestern United States
- Elevation
- 4,039 ft
- Total Area
- 82,278 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.1914
- Longitude
- -96.5809
- Climate
- Kansas has three climates: humid continental, semi-arid steppe, and humid subtropical. The eastern two-thirds has a humid continental climate, with cool to cold winters and hot, often humid summers.
- Notable Features
- Mount Sunflower · Kansas River · Flint Hills · Missouri River
- Neighboring Areas
- Nebraska · Missouri · Oklahoma · Colorado
- Population (2020)
- 2,940,865
- Est. Population (2026)
- 3,008,820
- Median Age
- 37.2
- Median Income
- $72,639
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Kansas includes approximately 77.92% White, 5.44% Black or African American, 3.91% other race, and smaller percentages for Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations.
- Incorporated
- 1861
- Named After
- Kansas River, named after the Kansa people
- Historical Significance
- Kansas played a crucial role in the lead-up to the Civil War and has been a major agricultural producer.
- Key Events
- Louisiana Purchase (1803) · Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) · Bleeding Kansas era · Admission to the Union as a free state (1861)
