Rush County
countyRush County, located in central Kansas, is characterized by its vast, gently rolling prairie and agricultural landscape. As of 2020, the population was 2,956. The county seat and largest city is La Crosse. Rush County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The economy of Rush County is largely based on agriculture, with key industries including farming and ranching. The county also has some manufacturing and service sectors. Major institutions include Rush County Memorial Hospital and the unified school districts. Rush County is known as the "Barbed Wire Capital of the World" due to its unique museum dedicated to this invention. The county has a rich history, including early settlement by Volga-German immigrants. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, and parks.
Rush County, Kansas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 20-165
- Country
- United States
- County
- Rush County
- Region
- Great Plains
- Total Area
- 718 sq mi
- Land Area
- 718 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.2 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.5167
- Longitude
- -99.3
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with hot summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- Walnut Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Ellis County · Russell County · Barton County · Pawnee County · Ness County
- Population (2020)
- 2,956
- Est. Population (2026)
- 2,764
- Median Age
- 45.2
- Median Income
- $59,970
- Poverty Rate
- 11.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 77.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 87.4% White, 6.5% Hispanic, and 5.2% Two or More Races.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Municipal Services
- County Clerk's Office · Treasurer's Office · Sheriff's Office · District Court
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.8%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Small businesses
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture · Healthcare
- School Districts
- La Crosse USD 395 · Otis-Bison USD 403
- Colleges & Universities
- Fort Hays State University · Barton Community College · North Central Kansas Technical College
- Transportation
- US Hwy 183 · K-96 · K-4 · Short-line rail
- Utilities
- Dependable electric · Natural gas services · Fiber optics · High-speed internet
- Major Facilities
- Rush County Memorial Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Stone Lake · City Park
- Parks & Trails
- City Park
- Founded
- 1867
- Incorporated
- 1874
- Named After
- Captain Alexander Rush
- Historical Significance
- Settled in the late 19th century, primarily by people from throughout the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Bohemia, Canada, and Russia.
- Key Events
- County organized in 1874 · County seat battle between La Crosse and Rush Center