Smith County, Kansas
Smith County is located in north-central Kansas and is home to the geographical center of the contiguous United States. The county seat, Smith Center, is a town with deep history and a strong sense of tradition.
U.S. Highway 36 slices through the county. With a population of around 3,600, Smith County is small but full of heart.
Farming is the backbone of the area, with wheat, corn, and cattle playing major roles. Smith Center also has a nice little museum for those interested in local history. The county itself also takes the shape of a nearly perfect square.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Smith County |
| County Seat | Smith Center |
| Etymology | Named after J. Nelson Smith, Union major and Civil War hero |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Smith Center (county seat), Athol, Kensington, and Lebanon |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 36, U.S. Highway 281, Kansas Highway 8 |
| FIPS Code | 20-183 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 895 square miles (land: 894 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Webster County, Nebraska (Northeast), Jewell County (East), Osborne County (South), Rooks County (Southwest), Phillips County (West), Franklin County, Nebraska (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 3,900 |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39.51°N, 98.87°W |
| Major Landmarks | Smith County Courthouse, Smith Center Historic District, and the replica of the first railroad depot |
