Comanche County, Kansas
Comanche County is tucked away in south-central Kansas and is one of the state’s least populated counties, with only about 1,700 residents. Its quiet landscape and small population give the area a distinctly rural character.
Ranching is a major part of life here, while Coldwater, the county seat, offers a charming small-town atmosphere with a historic feel. The Gyp Hills Scenic Drive provides scenic views of the rugged terrain and open countryside that make this part of Kansas unique.
Wildlife enthusiasts may spot pronghorn antelope roaming freely across the county’s open range. The community of Protection also has a notable place in local history, remembered for being among the first towns in the United States to become fully vaccinated against polio.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Comanche County |
| County Seat | Coldwater |
| Etymology | Named in honor of the Comanche Native American tribe |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Coldwater, Protection, Wilmore, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 160, Kansas Highway 34, Kansas Highway 41 |
| FIPS Code | 20-033 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,183 square miles (land: 1,182 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Kiowa County (North), Barber County (East), Woods County, Oklahoma (South), Harper County, Oklahoma (Southwest), Clark County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 37.15°N, 99.23°W |
| Major Landmarks | Comanche County Historical Museum, and the Big Basin Prairie Preserve |
| Population | 1,700 |
