Ness County, Kansas
Ness County is located in west-central Kansas, where the landscape is mostly flat. Farming is the main business here, with wheat and cattle being the usual staples.
Ness City serves as the county seat. It’s known for the striking Old Ness County Bank building, nicknamed the “Skyscraper of the Plains,” even though it’s only three stories tall.
U.S. Highway 283 runs through the county, keeping the area connected. With a population of just under 3,000, life moves at its own pace here. Ness County offers quiet landscapes, friendly communities, and a taste of classic Kansas living.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Ness County |
| County Seat | Ness City |
| Etymology | Named after Noah V. Ness |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ness City, Bazine, Ransom, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 283, U.S. Highway 96, Kansas Highway 4 |
| FIPS Code | 20-135 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,087 square miles (land: 1,085 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Trego County (North), Ellis County (Northeast), Rush County (East), Pawnee County (Southeast), Hodgeman County (South), Finney County (Southwest), Lane County (West), Gove County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 2,700 |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.51°N, 99.98°W |
| Major Landmarks | Ness County Historical Museum, Monument Rocks (a natural landmark), and the Sand Hills Scenic Byway |
