Labette County

Labette County is located in Southeast Kansas. As of 2020, the population was 20,184. The county seat is Oswego, while the most populous city is Parsons. Labette County is characterized by its undulating prairies, numerous streams, and fertile bottomlands, contributing to its agricultural significance. Key industries in Labette County include healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Labette Health, located in Parsons, is a major employer and regional medical center. Labette Community College provides workforce training and education programs tailored to local industry needs. The county's economy also benefits from its location near major markets and transportation routes. Labette County's history is rich with Native American heritage and early Euro-American settlement. Named after LaBette Creek, which in turn was named for French-Canadian fur trapper Pierre LaBette, the county has evolved from its early days as a trading post for the Osage Nation to a predominantly Republican-leaning community with a strong agricultural base.