Greenwood County
countyGreenwood County, located in southeastern Kansas, is characterized by its rolling Flint Hills and tallgrass prairie. As of 2024, the population was estimated to be around 5,871. The county seat and largest city is Eureka. Greenwood County offers a blend of rural charm and natural beauty, attracting those who appreciate outdoor activities and a close-knit community. The economy of Greenwood County is largely based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. The agriculture sector significantly contributes to the county's output and employment. Other sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The county also has a historical connection to the oil industry, though its prominence has declined over time. Greenwood County is distinctive for its location within the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. This unique natural feature supports a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and camping. The county's history is rooted in early settlement and agriculture, with several historical sites and ghost towns that reflect its past.
Greenwood County, Kansas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 20073
- Country
- United States
- County
- Greenwood County
- Region
- Flint Hills
- Total Area
- 1,153 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,143 sq mi
- Water Area
- 9.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.8667
- Longitude
- -96.2667
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with hot summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- Flint Hills · Tallgrass Prairie
- Neighboring Areas
- Lyon County · Coffey County · Woodson County · Wilson County · Elk County · Butler County · Chase County
- Population (2020)
- 6,016
- Est. Population (2024)
- 5,871
- Median Age
- 48.4
- Median Income
- $58,276
- Poverty Rate
- 12.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is approximately 91.2% White, 3.9% Hispanic, and 3.1% Two or More Races.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- Municipal Services
- Appraiser's Office · Attorney's Office · County Clerk · Court Services · EMS · Economic Development · Emergency Management · Fire District #1 · Health Department · Noxious Weed · Register of Deeds · Road & Bridge, Landfill, Recycle · Senior Services · Sheriff · Treasurer's Office
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.6%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Ranching · Small businesses
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing · Educational Services · Agriculture
- Major Employers
- Beef cattle ranching and farming · Feedlots and dual-purpose ranching and farming
- School Districts
- Madison-Virgil USD 386 · Eureka USD 389 · Hamilton USD 390 · West Elk USD 282 · Fredonia USD 484 · Bluestem USD 205 · Flinthills USD 492 · Leroy-Gridley USD 245
- Transportation
- Highways · Railroads
- Utilities
- Rural water districts · Electric cooperatives
- Major Facilities
- Greenwood County Courthouse · Hospitals
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Fall River State Park · Toronto Lake · Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
- Parks & Trails
- City parks in Eureka, Madison, and other towns · Various trails and access points in the Flint Hills
- Founded
- 1855
- Named After
- Alfred B. Greenwood, U.S. Congressman from Arkansas
- Historical Significance
- Greenwood County represents the historical patterns of settlement and agricultural development in Kansas, particularly within the unique Flint Hills region. Its early history was shaped by the conflicts over slavery and the challenges of frontier life.
- Key Events
- Establishment of the county in 1855 · Early settlement by pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions · Conflicts during the Civil War · Development of agriculture and ranching · Construction of railroads in the late 19th century






