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Gove County

county

Gove County, located in northwest Kansas, is a predominantly rural county known for its agricultural heritage and striking natural landmarks. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,718. The county seat is Gove City, while Quinter is the most populous city. Gove County offers a tranquil, community-focused environment rooted in the traditions of the Great Plains. The economy of Gove County is largely based on agriculture, including dryland wheat farming and cattle ranching. Other key sectors include agricultural equipment manufacturing and healthcare, with Gove County Medical Center serving as a regional critical access hospital. The county benefits from its location along Interstate 70, facilitating transportation and commerce. Gove County's unique geological formations, such as Castle Rock and Monument Rocks, draw tourists and fossil enthusiasts. These landmarks, remnants of an ancient inland sea, provide a glimpse into the area's prehistoric past. The county's history is also reflected in its early settlements along the Smoky Hill Trail and its role in the westward expansion of the United States.

Gove County, Kansas

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
20-063
Country
United States
County
Gove County
Geography
Region
Northwest Kansas
Elevation
3,000 ft
Total Area
1,072 sq mi
Land Area
1,072 sq mi
Water Area
0.1 sq mi
Latitude
38.92
Longitude
-100.4967
Climate
The county's surface was undulating with bluffs and rough lands along the streams.
Notable Features
Castle Rock · Monument Rocks · Smoky Hill River
Neighboring Areas
Thomas County · Sheridan County · Logan County · Trego County · Lane County · Scott County
Demographics
Population (2020)
2,718
Est. Population (2025)
2,742
Median Age
43
Median Income
$64,286
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Owner-Occupied
76%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of the county was 92.6% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.1% from some other race, and 5.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 3.1% of the population.
Governance
Government Type
County
Governing Body
Board of County Commissioners
Body Size
3 members
Municipal Services
County Clerk's Office · Treasurer's Office · Sheriff's Office · Road and Bridge Department · District Court
Economy
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Economic Profile
Agriculture · Agricultural equipment manufacturing · Healthcare
Employment Sectors
Retail Trade · Other Service excl Pub Admin · Public Administration · Agric/Forestry/Fish/Hunt · Transportation/Warehouse
Education
School Districts
Grinnell Public Schools USD 291 · Quinter Public Schools USD 293 · Wheatland USD 292
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 40 · Kansas Highway 23 · Union Pacific Railroad
Major Facilities
Gove County Medical Center · Gove County Courthouse
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Castle Rock · Monument Rocks
History
Founded
1868
Incorporated
1886
Named After
Granville Llewellyn Gove
Historical Significance
Gove County's history is tied to westward expansion, agriculture, and the unique geological formations that define its landscape.
Key Events
Establishment after the completion of the Kansas Pacific Railroad · Early settlements along the Smoky Hill Trail · COVID-19 pandemic