Labette County, Kansas

Labette County is located in the southeastern corner of Kansas. With a population of around 19,000 residents, the county combines agriculture, industry, and education.

Oswego serves as the county seat, while Parsons is the largest community. It has a comfortable small-city atmosphere and offers more activity than you might expect. A state hospital and community college also bring a steady presence to the area.

The county has several good spots for fishing and outdoor recreation, with Big Hill Lake being a popular destination for boating. There’s a little bit of everything here—industry, farmland, small-town living, and plenty of community spirit. It’s a place with a whole lot of heart.

CategoryDetails
County NameLabette County
County SeatOswego
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesOswego, Parsons, Altamont, and several unincorporated communities
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 400
EtymologyNamed after Pierre La Bette, a French fur trapper
FIPS Code20-099
Total Area (Land and Water)1,093 square miles (land: 1,085 sq mi, water: 8 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Neosho County (North), Crawford County (Northeast), Cherokee County (East), Craig County, Oklahoma (South), Nowata County, Oklahoma (Southwest), Montgomery County (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateKansas
Coordinates37.17°N, 95.31°W
Major LandmarksLittle House on the Prairie Museum, Parsons Historical Museum, and the Labette County Courthouse
Population19,000
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