Anderson County is located in the east-central region of Kansas. Its county seat is Garnett and its largest city is Greeley. The county borders the counties of Osage to the north, Franklin to the east, Coffey to the south, and Woodson to the west. See Countryaah – Counties in Kansas. Anderson County covers an area of 562 square miles and has a population of 8,102 (as of 2020). The county is mainly rural with most of its land being used for agricultural purposes. It also contains parts of two major recreational lakes: Melvern Lake and Pomona Lake. The county also includes several small towns such as Welda, Kincaid, Greeley, Westphalia, Colony, Rantoul and Richmond.
The terrain in Anderson County ranges from flat grasslands in the east to rolling hills in the west. There are also several rivers flowing through Anderson County including the Marais des Cygnes River which forms part of its eastern border with Franklin County. In addition to these rivers there are also numerous streams and creeks that run through Anderson County providing additional sources of water for local wildlife as well as recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Much of Anderson County’s land is covered by forests providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hunting, hiking and camping.
Demographics of Anderson County, Kansas
Anderson County is a predominantly rural county with a population of 8,102, as of 2020. The racial makeup of the county is 93.9% White, 0.7% African-American, 1.0% Native American, 0.2% Asian and 3.4% from other races. The median household income in Anderson County is $49,301 with 16.3% of the population living below the poverty line (as of 2018). The largest employers in Anderson County are in the health care and educational sectors as well as manufacturing and retail trade industries.
The largest cities in Anderson County are Greeley (1,318), Welda (436) and Colony (390). Anderson County also contains several small towns such as Kincaid, Westphalia, Rantoul and Richmond among others with populations ranging from 200 to 500 people each. The majority of residents in Anderson County identify as Christian with smaller numbers identifying as non-religious or belonging to other religions including Islam and Buddhism.
Anderson County has an educated workforce with over 85% of adults having completed at least some college education or higher while nearly one-third have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median age of Anderson County residents is 39 years old with around 15% being under 18 years old and 13% being over 65 years old (as of 2018). Overall, Anderson County has a diverse population that is highly educated and provides a wide range of services for its citizens.
Places of Interest in Anderson County, Kansas
Anderson County, Kansas is home to a variety of interesting places and attractions. Tourists can explore historical sites such as the Anderson County Courthouse and Museum, which was built in 1883 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is home to a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Anderson County, including Native American artifacts and early settler memorabilia.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Anderson County’s abundance of natural beauty with activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Popular spots for these activities include Kincaid Lake State Park, which offers a wide range of recreational opportunities with its 860-acre lake; Welda Nature Trail, which has several miles of trails for hiking; and Welda City Park which has several picnic areas available for visitors.
The county also offers many cultural attractions such as the Welda Art Gallery which showcases works from local artists. Other attractions include the Welda Opera House where visitors can watch live performances; the Richmond Rodeo Grounds where rodeos are held during summer months; and the Anderson County Fairgrounds where various events are held year-round.
Overall, Anderson County offers something for everyone with its diverse array of attractions ranging from historical sites to outdoor activities to cultural events. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, you’ll find it in Anderson County.
Notable People of Anderson County, Kansas
Anderson County, Kansas has produced a number of notable people over the years. One of the most prominent figures is John Anderson, who was the first governor of Kansas from 1861 to 1863. He was known for his strong support of the Union during the Civil War and is considered one of the most important figures in Kansas history.
Another notable figure is novelist and short story writer William Inge, who was born in Independence, Kansas and raised in Anderson County. Inge won a Pulitzer Prize for his novel Picnic and wrote several other works including Bus Stop and Come Back Little Sheba.
The county also produced acclaimed author Zane Grey, who wrote over 90 novels including Riders of the Purple Sage and The Vanishing American. Grey was born in Pennsylvania but spent much of his childhood living on a farm near Welda, Kansas.
Other notable people from Anderson County include actor Dennis Weaver who starred in Gunsmoke; actress Margaret O’Brien who won an Academy Award for her role in Meet Me in St Louis; musician Sammy Davis Jr; former U.S Senator Bob Dole; and former U.S Representative Jan Meyers.
Overall, Anderson County has been home to some very influential figures over the years whose contributions have had a lasting impact on our culture and society today.