Jefferson County, Kansas
Jefferson County is located in northeast Kansas, not far from Topeka. Oskaloosa serves as the county seat. The area combines farmland and bedroom communities, with many residents commuting to nearby Topeka or Lawrence for work.
Perry Lake is a major attraction for fishing and boating and ranks as the fourth-largest lake in Kansas. Nearby Perry State Park adds scenic outdoor spaces for visitors and locals to enjoy.
The county is home to several small towns with a classic Midwestern atmosphere. U.S. Highways 59 and 24 pass through the area, which has a population of around 19,000 residents. Hunting is also a popular outdoor activity in parts of Jefferson County.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Jefferson County |
| County Seat | Oskaloosa |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Oskaloosa, Perry, McLouth, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 24, U.S. Highway 59, Kansas Highway 4 |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. |
| FIPS Code | 20-087 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 543 square miles (land: 540 sq mi, water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Atchison County (North), Leavenworth County (East), Douglas County (South), Shawnee County (Southwest), Jackson County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39.16°N, 95.38°W |
| Major Landmarks | Perry Lake, Jefferson County Historical Society Museum, and the K-4 Trail |
| Population | 19,000 |
