Dodge City
cityDodge City, Kansas, located in Ford County, is a city with a rich history rooted in the Old West. Situated on the Arkansas River in the High Plains, it had a population of 27,788 in 2020. Known for its iconic past as a frontier town, Dodge City attracts visitors with its historical attractions and Wild West heritage. Historically a center for the cattle trade, Dodge City's economy is now diverse, with major employment sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Key institutions such as Dodge City Community College and the United Wireless Arena contribute to the city's economic and community life. The city also benefits from its location at the intersection of major U.S. routes, facilitating transportation and commerce. Dodge City's distinctive character is shaped by its colorful history as a frontier town, complete with gunfighters, saloons, and cattle drives. Today, it balances its historical appeal with modern amenities, offering a unique blend of the Old West and contemporary living. The city's commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering growth makes it a notable destination in the Great Plains.
Dodge City, Kansas
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Ford
- Region
- High Plains region of the Great Plains
- Elevation
- 2,493 ft
- Total Area
- 14.55 sq mi
- Land Area
- 14.44 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.11 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.75972
- Longitude
- -100.01833
- Climate
- Dodge City is known as one of the windiest cities in the United States, with an average wind speed of 13.9 mph. It experiences occasional blizzards in the winter. January is the coldest month, July is the hottest, and June is the wettest.
- Notable Features
- Arkansas River · Ogallala Aquifer
- Population (2020)
- 27,788
- Est. Population (2026)
- 27,625
- Median Age
- 30.2
- Median Income
- $68,721
- Poverty Rate
- 14.64%
- Owner-Occupied
- 56.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The largest Dodge City racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (66.9%) followed by White (27.1%) and Black (2.9%).
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Dodge City USD 443
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.7%
- Economic Profile
- Commercial · Industrial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Boot Hill Casino & Resort · High Plains Mental Health Center · Western State Bank
- Schools
- 11
- Students
- 7,181
- Teachers
- 335
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- Graduation Rate
- 87%
- School Districts
- Dodge City USD 443
- Colleges & Universities
- Dodge City Community College · Newman University (branch campus)
- Transportation
- U.S. Routes 50, 56, and 283 · Rail service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal utilities
- Major Facilities
- Western Plains Medical Complex · Dodge City Regional Airport · United Wireless Arena
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Wright Park · Long Branch Lagoon · Mariah Hills Golf Course
- Parks & Trails
- 19 parks · 4 athletic field complexes · Trails and walking paths
- Founded
- 1872
- Incorporated
- 1875
- Named After
- Fort Dodge, which was named in honor of Grenville Dodge.
- Historical Significance
- Dodge City is historically significant as a frontier town of the Old West, known for its role in the cattle trade and its lawless reputation.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Fort Dodge in 1865. · Arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in 1872. · Becoming a major center for the cattle trade in the 1870s and 1880s.