Salina
citySalina, Kansas, located in Saline County, is a regional hub in North Central Kansas at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135. As of 2024, the city has an estimated population of 46,109. Salina serves as a center for trade, transportation, and industry in the region. Salina's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Major employers include Great Plains Manufacturing, Salina Regional Health Center, and Schwan's Global Supply Chain. The city is also home to educational institutions such as Kansas Wesleyan University and Kansas State University Salina. Founded in 1858 and incorporated as a city in 1870, Salina's history is rooted in its role as a trading post on the Smoky Hill Trail. The city experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century with the establishment of Smoky Hill Army Airfield. Today, Salina offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, with a focus on quality of life and community development.
Salina, Kansas
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 20-62700
- Country
- United States
- County
- Saline County
- Region
- Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains
- Elevation
- 1,224 ft
- Total Area
- 25.15 sq mi
- Land Area
- 25.11 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.04 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.84028
- Longitude
- -97.611424
- Climate
- Humid subtropical/continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters
- Notable Features
- Smoky Hill River · Saline River
- Neighboring Areas
- Assaria · Brookville · Gypsum · New Cambria · Smolan
- Population (2020)
- 46,889
- Est. Population (2024)
- 46,109
- Median Age
- 39.3
- Median Income
- $61,783
- Poverty Rate
- 9.9%
- Family Households
- 56.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 68.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 76.2% White, 13.8% Hispanic, 4.3% Multiracial, 3.8% Black, 1.8% Asian
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- School District
- Salina USD 305
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Utilities
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.9%
- Economic Profile
- Diverse economy with manufacturing · agriculture · healthcare · and education
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Healthcare · Education · Retail
- Major Employers
- Great Plains Manufacturing · Salina Regional Health Center · Schwan's Global Supply Chain · Exide Battery
- Schools
- 12
- Students
- 7,144
- School Districts
- Salina USD 305
- Colleges & Universities
- Kansas Wesleyan University · Kansas State University Salina · Salina Area Technical College
- Transportation
- Interstate 70 · Interstate 135 · Salina CityGo Bus System · Salina Regional Airport · Rail Service
- Utilities
- Municipal Water · Fiber/Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Salina Regional Health Center · Salina Regional Airport · Tony's Pizza Events Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Indian Rock Park · Oakdale Park · Riverwoods Nature Area
- Parks & Trails
- City Park · Hike and Bike Trail Network
- Founded
- 1858
- Incorporated
- 1870
- Named After
- Saline River
- Historical Significance
- Important trading and industrial center in North Central Kansas
- Key Events
- Founded by William A. Phillips and settlers from Lawrence · Trading post on Smoky Hill Trail · Establishment of Smoky Hill Army Airfield in 1943 · Transformed into a cowtown in 1872 · Arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railroad in 1867