Meade County
countyMeade County, located in southwestern Kansas, is a predominantly rural county characterized by its agricultural roots and small-town charm. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,055. The county's landscape features expansive prairies and the Cimarron River breaks, reflecting its location within the High Plains and Plains Border regions. Agriculture and related industries form the backbone of Meade County's economy, with grain farming and livestock production being significant contributors. The county also has some activity in oil and gas production. Key institutions include Meade District Hospital and various local schools. Meade County offers a glimpse into the pioneer history of the American West, with attractions like the Dalton Gang Hideout and Museum. Outdoor recreation is readily available at Meade State Park and Meade City Park. The county's history is intertwined with cattle drives, homesteading, and the challenges of the Dust Bowl era.
Meade County, Kansas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 20119
- Country
- United States
- County
- Meade County
- Region
- Great Plains
- Elevation
- 2,800 ft
- Total Area
- 979 sq mi
- Land Area
- 978 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.233
- Longitude
- -100.367
- Climate
- The climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, typical of the Great Plains.
- Notable Features
- Cimarron River · Crooked Creek · High Plains · Red Hills
- Neighboring Areas
- Clark County, KS · Ford County, KS · Gray County, KS · Haskell County, KS · Seward County, KS · Beaver County, OK
- Population (2020)
- 4,055
- Est. Population (2024)
- 3,892
- Median Age
- 37.5
- Median Income
- $74,868
- Poverty Rate
- 6.62%
- Owner-Occupied
- 72.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 72.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 9.12% Other (Hispanic), 7.77% White (Hispanic), 5.87% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), and 2.41% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Municipal Services
- Road and Bridge Maintenance · Public Works · Law Enforcement · Emergency Management · Landfill · Recycling
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.5%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Oil and Gas Production
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture · Healthcare · Education · Utilities
- Major Employers
- ANR Pipeline Co. · Allegiance Communications · CMS Electric Cooperative · Coop Elevator and Supply · Fowler State Bank · Great Plains Christian Radio · Lone Tree Retirement Center · Meade Auto Truck Plaza · Meade City · Meade County · Meade District Hospital · Meade Medical Clinic · Meade State Bank · USD 226
- School Districts
- Fowler USD 225 · Meade USD 226
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 54 · U.S. Route 160 · Kansas Route 23 · Union Pacific Railroad (UP) · Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) RR · Meade Municipal Airport
- Utilities
- CMS Electric Cooperative
- Major Facilities
- Meade County Courthouse · Meade District Hospital · Meade Municipal Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Meade State Park · Meade City Park
- Parks & Trails
- Meade City Park
- Founded
- 1873
- Incorporated
- 1885
- Named After
- General George G. Meade
- Historical Significance
- Meade County represents a slice of the American West, with a history shaped by pioneer settlement, agriculture, and notable events like the Dust Bowl.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Meade County in 1873 · Settlement of Meade City in 1878 · Railroad arrival in 1887 · Dalton Gang Hideout