Valley Center
cityValley Center, Kansas, is a city located in Sedgwick County and is considered a suburb of Wichita. As of 2020, the city's population was 7,340, but current estimates place it closer to 8,590. Valley Center offers a blend of small-town charm and access to the amenities of a larger city, making it an attractive place for families and young professionals. The city's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including technology, healthcare, retail, and education. The median household income is approximately $77,020, and the poverty rate is relatively low. Valley Center is served by the Valley Center Unified School District (USD 262), which is a significant employer and provides education to students from Valley Center, Park City, Kechi, and Wichita. Valley Center was incorporated in 1885 and named for its location in the valley of the Arkansas River. The city has a rich history tied to the expansion of the railroad and has maintained a strong sense of community throughout its development. Today, Valley Center offers a mix of parks, community events, and local businesses, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents.
Valley Center, Kansas
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 20-73250
- Country
- United States
- County
- Sedgwick
- Region
- Great Plains
- Elevation
- 1,345 ft
- Total Area
- 7.11 sq mi
- Land Area
- 7.1 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.004 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.829719
- Longitude
- -97.369341
- Climate
- Continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall
- Notable Features
- Arkansas River Valley
- Neighboring Areas
- Park City · Wichita · Kechi
- Population (2020)
- 7,340
- Est. Population (2024)
- 8,590
- Median Age
- 33.8
- Median Income
- $77,020
- Poverty Rate
- 3.65%
- Owner-Occupied
- 72.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city is 86.9% White, 6.1% Hispanic, 4.6% Two or More Races, 1.21% Asian, 0.59% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, and 0.27% Other Race.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 8 members
- School District
- Valley Center USD 262
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Public Buildings · Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.6%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- None found
- Major Employers
- None found
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 3,200
- Teachers
- 600
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- School Districts
- Valley Center USD 262
- Transportation
- Interstate 135 · U.S. Route 81 · K-15
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- None found
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lions Park
- Parks & Trails
- Lions Park · Valley Center Recreation Commission
- Founded
- 1870s
- Incorporated
- 1885
- Named After
- Valley of the Arkansas River
- Historical Significance
- Valley Center's history is tied to the expansion of the railroad and its location in the Arkansas River valley, contributing to its development as a center for the surrounding agricultural area.
- Key Events
- Incorporated on September 29, 1885 · Railroad expansion brought settlers · Barton Solvents chemical plant explosion in 2007






