Lane County, Kansas
Lane County lies in far western Kansas, with Dighton serving as the county seat and primary community. It’s an especially rural part of the state, with vast wheat fields stretching across the horizon.
With a population of just over 1,500 people, Lane County is one of the least populated counties in Kansas. Like many rural parts of the state, its population has continued to decline over time.
Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, with wheat and sorghum among the most common crops. Cattle ranching is also part of the landscape. This is rural Kansas at its purest, defined by open spaces, farming, and a quiet pace of life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lane County |
| County Seat | Dighton |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dighton, Healy, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 283, Kansas State Highway 96 |
| Etymology | Named in honor of James H. Lane, a U.S. Senator from Kansas |
| FIPS Code | 20-101 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,277 square miles (land: 1,274 sq mi, water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Gove County (North), Ness County (East), Finney County (South), Scott County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.54°N, 101.30°W |
| Major Landmarks | Lane County Courthouse, Dighton City Park, and local historical sites |
| Population | 1,500 |
