Decatur County, Kansas - Revision history

imported>Aadirulez8: v2.05 - Autofix / Fix errors for CW project (Link equal to linktext)

2025-12-21T18:02:06Z

v2.05 - Autofix / Fix errors for CW project (Link equal to linktext)

← Previous revision		Revision as of 18:02, 21 December 2025
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	According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert\|894\|sqmi}}, of which {{convert\|894\|sqmi}} is land and {{convert\|0.6\|sqmi}} (0.07%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html\|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]\|access-date=April 23, 2011\|date=February 12, 2011\|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>		According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert\|894\|sqmi}}, of which {{convert\|894\|sqmi}} is land and {{convert\|0.6\|sqmi}} (0.07%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html\|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]\|access-date=April 23, 2011\|date=February 12, 2011\|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

	=== Geology and hydrology ===		===Geology and hydrology===
	The county is crossed by Beaver Creek and Long Branch Creek in the north, by Sappa Creek in the middle, and by Prairie Dog Creek and South Fork Solomon River in the south.{{sfn\|Blackmar\|1912a\|p=498}}{{sfn\|Sims\|Wheeler\|1887\|p=174}}		The county is crossed by Beaver Creek and Long Branch Creek in the north, by Sappa Creek in the middle, and by Prairie Dog Creek and South Fork Solomon River in the south.{{sfn\|Blackmar\|1912a\|p=498}}{{sfn\|Sims\|Wheeler\|1887\|p=174}}
	Sappa has two forks, north and south, and Prairie Dog's principal branch is Tom Cat.{{sfn\|Sims\|Wheeler\|1887\|p=174}}		Sappa has two forks, north and south, and Prairie Dog's principal branch is Tom Cat.{{sfn\|Sims\|Wheeler\|1887\|p=174}}
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	\|align-fn=center		\|align-fn=center
	\|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html\|title=U.S. Decennial Census\|publisher=United States Census Bureau\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu\|title=Historical Census Browser\|publisher=University of Virginia Library\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ks190090.txt\|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990\|publisher=United States Census Bureau\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf \|archive-date=March 27, 2010 \|url-status=live\|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000\|publisher=United States Census Bureau\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2020<ref name="QF"/>		\|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html\|title=U.S. Decennial Census\|publisher=United States Census Bureau\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu\|title=Historical Census Browser\|publisher=University of Virginia Library\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ks190090.txt\|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990\|publisher=United States Census Bureau\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf \|archive-date=March 27, 2010 \|url-status=live\|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000\|publisher=United States Census Bureau\|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2020<ref name="QF"/>
			\| align = right
	}}		}}

			===2020 census===

			As of the [[2020 United States census\|2020 census]], the county had a population of 2,764. The median age was 50.8 years. 20.4% of residents were under the age of 18 and 27.9% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 104.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 103.0 males age 18 and over. 0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web\|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)\|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=county%3A039&in=state%3A20\|website=United States Census Bureau\|year=2023\|access-date=December 15, 2025\|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web\|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)\|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=county%3A039&in=state%3A20\|website=United States Census Bureau\|year=2021\|access-date=December 15, 2025\|df=mdy}}</ref>

			The racial makeup of the county was 94.2% White, 0.3% [[African Americans\|Black or African American]], 0.3% [[Native Americans in the United States\|American Indian and Alaska Native]], 0.5% [[Asian Americans\|Asian]], 0.0% [[Native Hawaiians\|Native Hawaiian]] and [[Pacific Islander]], 0.3% from some other race, and 4.3% from [[Multiracial Americans\|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans\|Hispanic or Latino]] residents of any race comprised 2.7% of the population.<ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web\|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)\|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=county%3A039&in=state%3A20\|website=United States Census Bureau\|year=2021\|access-date=December 15, 2025\|df=mdy}}</ref>

			There were 1,295 households in the county, of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 23.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 38.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

			There were 1,640 housing units, of which 21.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 77.1% were owner-occupied and 22.9% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 14.2%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

	In 1879 the population was just over 1,500.{{sfn\|Blackmar\|1912a\|p=500}}		In 1879 the population was just over 1,500.{{sfn\|Blackmar\|1912a\|p=500}}
	By 1886 there were 6,300 people in the county, up from 4,067 in 1885.{{sfn\|Sims\|Wheeler\|1887\|p=174}}		By 1886 there were 6,300 people in the county, up from 4,067 in 1885.{{sfn\|Sims\|Wheeler\|1887\|p=174}}
	By the 1910 Census this had risen to 8.976.{{sfn\|Blackmar\|1912a\|p=501}}		By the 1910 Census this had risen to 8.976.{{sfn\|Blackmar\|1912a\|p=501}}

			===2000 census===

	As of the [[2000 United States census\|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.census.gov \|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] \|access-date=January 31, 2008 \|title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 3,472 people, 1,494 households, and 981 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert\|4\|/mi2\|/km2\|disp=preunit\|people \|people\|}}. There were 1,821 housing units at an average density of {{convert\|2\|/mi2\|/km2\|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)\|racial makeup]] of the county was 97.87% [[White American\|White]], 0.52% [[Black American\|Black]] or [[African American]], 0.09% [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]], 0.14% [[Asian American\|Asian]], 0.12% [[Pacific Islander American\|Pacific Islander]], 0.37% from other races, and 0.89% from [[Multiracial\|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans\|Latino]] of any race were 0.98% of the population.		As of the [[2000 United States census\|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web \|url=https://www.census.gov \|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] \|access-date=January 31, 2008 \|title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 3,472 people, 1,494 households, and 981 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert\|4\|/mi2\|/km2\|disp=preunit\|people \|people\|}}. There were 1,821 housing units at an average density of {{convert\|2\|/mi2\|/km2\|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)\|racial makeup]] of the county was 97.87% [[White American\|White]], 0.52% [[Black American\|Black]] or [[African American]], 0.09% [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]], 0.14% [[Asian American\|Asian]], 0.12% [[Pacific Islander American\|Pacific Islander]], 0.37% from other races, and 0.89% from [[Multiracial\|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans\|Latino]] of any race were 0.98% of the population.
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	The [[Median household income\|median income for a household]] in the county was $30,257, and the median income for a family was $34,982. Males had a median income of $25,139 versus $17,368 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $16,348. About 8.00% of families and 11.60% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.20% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over.		The [[Median household income\|median income for a household]] in the county was $30,257, and the median income for a family was $34,982. Males had a median income of $25,139 versus $17,368 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $16,348. About 8.00% of families and 11.60% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.20% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over.

	==Government==		==Government==
	Decatur County is heavily Republican. The last time a Democratic candidate carried the county was [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] in [[1936 United States presidential election\|1936]].		Decatur County is heavily Republican. The last time a Democratic candidate carried the county was [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] in [[1936 United States presidential election\|1936]].
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	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

	=== Sources ===		===Sources===
	{{refbegin}}		{{refbegin}}
	* {{cite encyclopaedia\|encyclopaedia=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History\|volume=1\|author1-first=Frank Wilson\|author1-last=Blackmar\|author1-link=Frank W. Blackmar\|ol=13489994M\|lccn=12015729\|location=Chicago\|publisher=Standard publishing Company\|year=1912\|article=Decator County\|pages=498–501\|ref={{harvid\|Blackmar\|1912a}}}} ({{Internet Archive\|id=kansascyclopedia01blac\|name=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History}})		* {{cite encyclopaedia\|encyclopaedia=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History\|volume=1\|author1-first=Frank Wilson\|author1-last=Blackmar\|author1-link=Frank W. Blackmar\|ol=13489994M\|lccn=12015729\|location=Chicago\|publisher=Standard publishing Company\|year=1912\|article=Decator County\|pages=498–501\|ref={{harvid\|Blackmar\|1912a}}}} ({{Internet Archive\|id=kansascyclopedia01blac\|name=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History}})

imported>Electricmemory: /* Demographics */ Fixing miscapitalized links, replaced: 2000 United States Census → 2000 United States census

2025-10-07T18:15:28Z

Demographics: Fixing miscapitalized links, replaced: 2000 United States Census → 2000 United States census

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 By the 1910 Census this had risen to 8.976.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=501}}
-As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 3,472 people, 1,494 households, and 981 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 1,821 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2|/mi2|/km2|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the county was 97.87% [[White American|White]], 0.52% [[Black American|Black]] or [[African American]], 0.09% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 0.14% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.12% [[Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]], 0.37% from other races, and 0.89% from [[Multiracial|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race were 0.98% of the population.
+As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 3,472 people, 1,494 households, and 981 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 1,821 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2|/mi2|/km2|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the county was 97.87% [[White American|White]], 0.52% [[Black American|Black]] or [[African American]], 0.09% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 0.14% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.12% [[Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]], 0.37% from other races, and 0.89% from [[Multiracial|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race were 0.98% of the population.
 There were 1,494 [[household]]s, out of which 25.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.00% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.30% were non-families. 32.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.83.
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 {{PresHead|place=Decatur County, Kansas|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title = Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections}}</ref>}}
 <!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
 {{PresRow|2024|Republican|1,217|215|22|Kansas}}
-{{PresRow|2020|Republican|1,260|218|20|Kansas}}
+{{PresFoot}}
 }}<!-- End of Hidden template -->

imported>Sbmeirow: /* External links */ update map links

2025-06-27T11:32:43Z

External links: update map links

← Previous revision		Revision as of 11:32, 27 June 2025
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	* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260420 Decatur County - Directory of Public Officials]		* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260420 Decatur County - Directory of Public Officials]
	;Maps		;Maps
	* ~~Decatur County Maps:~~ [~~http~~://www.ksdot.~~org~~/~~Assets~~/~~wwwksdotorg~~/~~bureaus~~/~~burTransPlan/maps/county~~-~~pdf/decatur.PDF Current], [http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/maps/PastPublishedCounty.asp Historic], KDOT~~		* [https://www.ksdot.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5017/638724475980030000 Decatur County Township Map] - Kansas Department of Transportation
	* ~~Kansas Highway Maps:~~ [~~http~~://www.ksdot.~~org~~/~~burtransplan~~/~~maps~~/~~MapsState.asp Current], [http:~~//~~www.ksdot.org/burtransplan~~/maps~~/HistoricStateMaps.asp Historic~~]~~, KDOT~~		* [https://www.ksdot.gov/about/our-organization/divisions/planning-and-development/kansas-maps-and-gis-resources/past-published-county-maps Decatur County Road Maps] - Kansas Department of Transportation
	* ~~Kansas Railroad Maps:~~ [~~http~~://www.ksdot.~~org~~/~~BurTransPlan~~/~~maps~~/~~RRStateMap.asp Current], [http:~~//~~www.kansasmemory.org~~/~~item/227379 1996~~]~~, [http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/227380 1915], KDOT and~~ Kansas ~~Historical Society~~		* [https://www.ksdot.gov/about/our-organization/divisions/planning-and-development/kansas-maps-and-gis-resources/historic-state-maps Kansas State Highway Maps] - Kansas Department of Transportation

	{{Geographic Location		{{Geographic Location

imported>Panamitsu: add {{Use American English}} template per MOS:TIES

2025-06-07T06:57:59Z

add {{Use American English}} template per MOS:TIES

← Previous revision		Revision as of 06:57, 7 June 2025
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	{{short description\|County in Kansas, United States}}		{{short description\|County in Kansas, United States}}
			{{Use American English\|date=June 2025}}
	{{Use mdy dates\|date=April 2024}}		{{Use mdy dates\|date=April 2024}}
	{{Infobox U.S. county		{{Infobox U.S. county

imported>Electricmemory: cleanup, replaced: 2020 United States Census → 2020 United States census

2025-02-28T17:41:53Z

cleanup, replaced: 2020 United States Census → 2020 United States census

New page

{{short description|County in Kansas, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
|county = Decatur County
|state = Kansas
|type = [[County (United States)|County]]
|ex image = Bank of Oberlin from SE 1.JPG
|ex image cap = [[Bank of Oberlin]] (2014)
|founded = March 20, 1873
|named for = [[Stephen Decatur, Jr.]]
|seat wl = Oberlin
|largest city wl = Oberlin
|area_total_sq_mi = 894
|area_land_sq_mi = 894
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.6
|area percentage = 0.07%

|population_footnotes = <ref name="QF"/>
|population_as_of = 2020
|population_total = 2764
|pop_est_footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_est =
|population_density_sq_mi = 3.1

|area codes = [[Area code 785|785]]
|district = 1st
|time zone = Central
|website = https://www.dccoks.org/
|coordinates = {{coord|39|48|N|100|28|W|region:US-KS_type:adm2nd_source:GNIS|display=inline,title}}
}}

'''Decatur County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in Northwest [[Kansas]]. Its [[county seat]] and most populous city is [[Oberlin, Kansas|Oberlin]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the county population was 2,764.<ref name="QF">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts; Decatur County, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/decaturcountykansas/POP010220 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816005400/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/decaturcountykansas/POP010220 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The county was named in honor of [[Stephen Decatur|Stephen Decatur, Jr.]], a commodore in the United States Navy who served during both [[Barbary Wars]] in North Africa, the [[Quasi-War]] with France, and the [[War of 1812]] with Britain.

==History==
{{See also|History of Kansas}}

===19th century===
In 1854, the [[Kansas Territory]] was organized, then in 1861 [[Kansas]] became the 34th [[U.S. state]].

Decatur County was established by an act of the state legislature on 1873-03-20,{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}} which defined the original borders of the county as: {{blockquote|Commencing where the east line of range 26 west, intersects the fortieth degree of north latitude; thence south, with the range line, to the first standard parallel; thence west with said parallel to the east line of range 31 west; thence north with said range line to the fortieth degree of north latitude; thence east with said parallel to the place of beginning.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}|}}
The county had been surveyed the previous year, and its first settlers had been arriving since then.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}

Independent county government was established on 1879-12-11, by proclamation of Governor [[John Martin (Governor of Kansas)|John A. Martin]] in response to a petition.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}
Martin originally proclaimed Oberlin as the county seat, as an initial temporary arrangement.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}
It was chosen as the permanent seat by an election on 1880-02-03.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}

The county is named for the Navy war hero Commodore [[Stephen Decatur|Stephen Decatur, Jr.]],{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA102 | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=102}}</ref> who served during the [[First Barbary War]] and the [[Second Barbary War]] and the [[War of 1812]].

In 1878, the [[Sappa Creek]] valley in Decatur county was the scene of the last raid by [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] (Indians) in Kansas. In the [[Northern Cheyenne Exodus]] after the [[Battle of Punished Woman's Fork]], a band of [[Cheyenne]] needing horses and provisions raged through the valley, killing more than 30 civilians and raping several woman. Several Cheyenne elderly, women, and children were also killed in the region by soldiers and civilians.<ref name="Leiker and Powers">{{cite book |last1=Leiker |first1=James N. |last2=Powers |first2=Ramon |title=The Northern Cheyenne Exodus in History and Memory |date=2011 |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman |isbn=9780806142210 |pages=59–67}}</ref> In Oberlin, the Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum commemorates the Cheyenne raid.<ref name="Decatur County">{{cite web |title=Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum |url=https://www.dclirm.com/ |website=Decatur County |access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.legendsofkansas.com/cheyenneraid.html|title=Cheyenne Raid in Kansas|last=Weiser|first=Kathy|date=March 2012|website=Legendsofkansas.com|access-date=November 10, 2016}}</ref>

The county's first newspaper was the ''Oberlin Herald'', established on 1879-06-12 by Humphrey & Counter.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=500}}
Later Oberlin newspapers included the ''Oberlin Eye'' and the ''Oberlin Opinion''.{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=177}}
The ''Norcatur Register'' was published in Norcatur,{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=177}} and there were two more newspapers in Dresden and Jennings as of 1909.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=500}}

==Geography==
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|894|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|894|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.6|sqmi}} (0.07%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

=== Geology and hydrology ===
The county is crossed by Beaver Creek and Long Branch Creek in the north, by Sappa Creek in the middle, and by Prairie Dog Creek and South Fork Solomon River in the south.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=498}}{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=174}}
Sappa has two forks, north and south, and Prairie Dog's principal branch is Tom Cat.{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=174}}

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Red Willow County, Nebraska|Red Willow County]], [[Nebraska]] (north)
* [[Furnas County, Nebraska|Furnas County]], [[Nebraska]] (northeast)
* [[Norton County, Kansas|Norton County]] (east)
* [[Sheridan County, Kansas|Sheridan County]] (south)
* [[Thomas County, Kansas|Thomas County]] (southwest)
* [[Rawlins County, Kansas|Rawlins County]] (west)

==Demographics==
[[Image:USA Decatur County, Kansas age pyramid.svg|thumb|175px|left|[[Population pyramid]] based on 2000 census age data]]
{{US Census population
|1880= 4180
|1890= 8414
|1900= 9234
|1910= 8976
|1920= 8121
|1930= 8866
|1940= 7434
|1950= 6185
|1960= 5778
|1970= 4988
|1980= 4509
|1990= 4021
|2000= 3472
|2010= 2961
|2020= 2764
|estyear=2023
|estimate=2712
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ks190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2020<ref name="QF"/>
}}
In 1879 the population was just over 1,500.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=500}}
By 1886 there were 6,300 people in the county, up from 4,067 in 1885.{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=174}}
By the 1910 Census this had risen to 8.976.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=501}}

As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 3,472 people, 1,494 households, and 981 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|4|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|}}. There were 1,821 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2|/mi2|/km2|}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the county was 97.87% [[White American|White]], 0.52% [[Black American|Black]] or [[African American]], 0.09% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 0.14% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.12% [[Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]], 0.37% from other races, and 0.89% from [[Multiracial|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race were 0.98% of the population.

There were 1,494 [[household]]s, out of which 25.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.00% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.30% were non-families. 32.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.60% under the age of 18, 4.70% from 18 to 24, 22.90% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 26.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.40 males.

The [[Median household income|median income for a household]] in the county was $30,257, and the median income for a family was $34,982. Males had a median income of $25,139 versus $17,368 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $16,348. About 8.00% of families and 11.60% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.20% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over.

==Government==
Decatur County is heavily Republican. The last time a Democratic candidate carried the county was [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] in [[1936 United States presidential election|1936]].

===Presidential elections===
{{Hidden
|headercss = background: #ccccff; font-size: 100%; width: 100%;
|contentcss = text-align: left; font-size: 100%; width: 100%;
|header = Presidential election results
|content =
{{PresHead|place=Decatur County, Kansas|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title = Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections}}</ref>}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|1,217|215|22|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|1,260|218|20|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|1,210|178|69|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|1,218|266|48|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|1,189|343|16|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|1,355|355|30|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|1,255|424|80|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|1,255|417|172|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|940|576|573|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|1,291|793|64|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|1,770|467|28|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|1,642|443|165|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|1,232|1,011|93|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|1,707|616|108|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|1,654|652|210|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1964|Republican|1,382|1,314|16|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|1,846|1,038|8|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|2,028|920|9|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|2,451|821|16|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|1,545|1,402|58|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|1,758|1,159|17|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|2,018|1,546|29|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|1,727|2,362|15|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,439|2,422|108|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|2,314|1,129|35|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|1,621|1,218|618|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|1,448|1,221|140|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|1,007|2,431|193|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|256|955|509|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|898|1,250|135|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|1,215|411|409|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1900|Democratic|848|1,158|24|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|594|1,032|7|Kansas}}
{{PresRow|1892|Populist|619|0|985|Kansas}}
{{PresFoot|1888|Republican|1,224|731|177|Kansas}}
}}

===Laws===
Following amendment to the [[Kansas Constitution]] in 1986, the county remained a prohibition, or [[dry county|"dry"]], county until 2002, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ksrevenue.org/abcwetdrymap.htm |title=Map of Wet and Dry Counties |publisher=Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue |date=November 2006 |access-date=December 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008013617/http://www.ksrevenue.org/abcwetdrymap.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2007 }}</ref>

==Education==
There were 101 school districts in the county in 1909.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=500}}

===Unified school districts===
* [[Oberlin USD 294]]

==Communities==
[[File:Map of Decatur Co, Ks, USA.png|thumb|300px|right|2005 map of Decatur County<ref name="County-Map-Current"/> ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|map legend]])]]
List of townships / incorporated cities / unincorporated communities / extinct former communities within Decatur County.<ref name="County-Map-Current">{{cite web |title=General Highway Map of Decatur County, Kansas |url=https://www.ksdot.gov/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/county-pdf/decatur.PDF |publisher=[[Kansas Department of Transportation]] (KDOT) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415151639/https://www.ksdot.gov/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/county-pdf/decatur.PDF |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |date=November 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Cities===
‡ means a community has portions in an adjacent county.
{{div col}}
* [[Clayton, Kansas|Clayton]]‡
* [[Dresden, Kansas|Dresden]]
* [[Jennings, Kansas|Jennings]]
* [[Norcatur, Kansas|Norcatur]]
* [[Oberlin, Kansas|Oberlin]] (county seat)
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col}}
* [[Allison, Kansas|Allison]]
* [[Cedar Bluffs, Kansas|Cedar Bluffs]]
* [[Kanona, Kansas|Kanona]]
* [[Leoville, Kansas|Leoville]]
* [[Lyle, Kansas|Lyle]]
* [[Traer, Kansas|Traer]]
{{div col end}}

===Ghost towns===
{{div col}}
* [[Bassetville, Kansas|Bassetville]]
* [[Decatur, Kansas|Decatur]]
* [[Hawkeye, Kansas|Hawkeye]]
* [[Hooker, Kansas|Hooker]]
* [[Jackson, Kansas|Jackson]]
* [[Lund, Kansas|Lund]]
* [[Sheffield, Kansas|Sheffield]]
* [[Shibboleth, Kansas|Shibboleth]]
* [[Stephen, Kansas|Stephen]]
* [[Vallonia, Kansas|Vallonia]]
{{div col end}}

===Post offices===
The first post office in the county was Sappa, established in April 1874 by postmaster J. A. Rodehaver.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=499}} It was located where Oberlin now is.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=499}} In 1886 there were seventeen post offices in the county: Allison, Altory, Bassettville, Cedar Bluffs, Decatur, Hawkeye, Hooker, Jackson, Jenings, Lyle, Oberlin, Norcatur, Sheffield, Shibboleth, Stephen, Traer, and Vallonia.{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=178}}

===Townships===
Decatur County is divided into twenty-five [[Civil township|townships]]. The city of [[Oberlin, Kansas|Oberlin]] is considered ''governmentally independent'' and is excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.

{| class="toccolours" border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%;"
|- style="background:#ccccff"
! Township !! [[FIPS place code|FIPS]] !! Population center
! Population !! Population density /km2 (/sq mi)
! Land area km2 (sq mi) !! Water area km2 (sq mi) !! Water %
! Geographic coordinates
|-
| [[Allison Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Allison]]|| 01300 || || 39 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.01% || {{coord|39|35|36|N|100|12|24|W|}}
|-
| [[Altory Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Altory]]|| 01650 || || 16 || 0 (0) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0% || {{coord|39|47|22|N|100|21|15|W|}}
|-
| [[Bassettville Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Bassettville]]|| 04475 || || 26 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0% || {{coord|39|41|12|N|100|40|38|W|}}
|-
| [[Beaver Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Beaver]]|| 05050 || || 86 || 1 (2) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.11% || {{coord|39|58|42|N|100|34|2|W|}}
|-
| [[Center Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Center]]|| 11650 || || 60 || 1 (2) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.03% || {{coord|39|47|5|N|100|27|38|W|}}
|-
| [[Cook Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Cook]]|| 15375 || || 44 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.08% || {{coord|39|36|16|N|100|40|32|W|}}
|-
| [[Custer Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Custer]]|| 16850 || || 27 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.04% || {{coord|39|41|17|N|100|26|59|W|}}
|-
| [[Dresden Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Dresden]]|| 18625 || || 141 || 2 (4) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.01% || {{coord|39|36|39|N|100|27|5|W|}}
|-
| [[Finley Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Finley]]|| 23425 || || 39 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0% || {{coord|39|57|42|N|100|41|20|W|}}
|-
| [[Garfield Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Garfield]]|| 25525 || || 41 || 0 (1) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0% || {{coord|39|46|38|N|100|14|44|W|}}
|-
| [[Grant Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Grant]]|| 27600 || || 31 || 0 (1) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.07% || {{coord|39|57|36|N|100|14|11|W|}}
|-
| [[Harlan Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Harlan]]|| 30050 || || 51 || 1 (1) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.05% || {{coord|39|56|50|N|100|20|56|W|}}
|-
| [[Jennings Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Jennings]]|| 35400 || || 173 || 2 (5) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.34% || {{coord|39|40|35|N|100|18|56|W|}}
|-
| [[Liberty Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Liberty]]|| 39975 || || 48 || 1 (1) || 91 (35) || 0 (0) || 0.03% || {{coord|39|53|2|N|100|33|31|W|}}
|-
| [[Lincoln Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Lincoln]]|| 40600 || || 203 || 2 (6) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.02% || {{coord|39|50|58|N|100|12|21|W|}}
|-
| [[Logan Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Logan]]|| 41825 || || 52 || 1 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0% || {{coord|39|52|38|N|100|42|42|W|}}
|-
| [[Lyon Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Lyon]]|| 43450 || || 24 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0% || {{coord|39|36|52|N|100|21|8|W|}}
|-
| [[Oberlin Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Oberlin]]|| 52025 || || 91 || 1 (3) || 89 (34) || 0 (0) || 0.08% || {{coord|39|47|32|N|100|34|20|W|}}
|-
| [[Olive Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Olive]]|| 52675 || || 68 || 1 (2) || 92 (35) || 1 (0) || 0.65% || {{coord|39|51|43|N|100|28|18|W|}}
|-
| [[Pleasant Valley Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Pleasant Valley]]|| 56525 || || 46 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.05% || {{coord|39|41|53|N|100|13|59|W|}}
|-
| [[Prairie Dog Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Prairie Dog]]|| 57475 || || 50 || 1 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.01% || {{coord|39|36|33|N|100|33|49|W|}}
|-
| [[Roosevelt Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Roosevelt]]|| 61025 || || 32 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.07% || {{coord|39|53|1|N|100|21|43|W|}}
|-
| [[Sappa Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Sappa]]|| 63050 || || 43 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.04% || {{coord|39|45|57|N|100|41|48|W|}}
|-
| [[Sherman Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Sherman]]|| 64900 || || 25 || 0 (1) || 92 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.01% || {{coord|39|57|5|N|100|28|7|W|}}
|-
| [[Summit Township, Decatur County, Kansas|Summit]]|| 69075 || || 22 || 0 (1) || 93 (36) || 0 (0) || 0.09% || {{coord|39|41|27|N|100|34|37|W|}}
|-
|colspan=9|Sources: {{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/places2k.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020802223743/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/places2k.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 2, 2002 |title=Census 2000 U.S. Gazetteer Files |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division }}
|}
This list has remained the same since 1910.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=501}}
In 1886 there had been just eleven: Bassettville, Beaver, Center, Custer. Garfield, Grant, Jennings, Logan, Oberlin, Olive, and Prairie Dog.{{sfn|Sims|Wheeler|1887|p=174}}
Originally in 1879, the county commissioners established just six townships: Grant, Beaver, Bassettville, Oberlin, Prairie Dog, and Jennings.{{sfn|Blackmar|1912a|p=500}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Kansas}}
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Decatur County, Kansas]]
{{See also Kansas counties}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite encyclopaedia|encyclopaedia=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History|volume=1|author1-first=Frank Wilson|author1-last=Blackmar|author1-link=Frank W. Blackmar|ol=13489994M|lccn=12015729|location=Chicago|publisher=Standard publishing Company|year=1912|article=Decator County|pages=498–501|ref={{harvid|Blackmar|1912a}}}} ({{Internet Archive|id=kansascyclopedia01blac|name=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History}})
* {{cite book|title=Fifth Biennial Report of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, for the years 1885–1886|author1-first=Wm.|author1-last=Sims|author2-first=Joshua|author2-last=Wheeler|location=Topeka, Kansas|publisher=T. S. Thacher|chapter=Decatur County|year=1887|pages=173–178}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
{{Kansas books}}
* [https://www.kansasmemory.org/item/223989/ ''Standard Atlas of Decatur County, Kansas'']; Geo. A. Ogle & Co; 80 pages; 1921.
* [https://www.kansasmemory.org/item/223988/ ''Standard Atlas of Decatur County, Kansas'']; Geo. A. Ogle & Co; 69 pages; 1905.
* [https://www.kansasmemory.org/item/225067/ ''Handbook of Decatur County, Kansas'']; C.S. Burch Publishing Co; 25 pages; 1885.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Decatur County, Kansas}}
;County
* {{Official website|http://oberlinks.com/|Decatur County - Official}}
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260420 Decatur County - Directory of Public Officials]
;Maps
* Decatur County Maps: [http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/county-pdf/decatur.PDF Current], [http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/maps/PastPublishedCounty.asp Historic], KDOT
* Kansas Highway Maps: [http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/MapsState.asp Current], [http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/HistoricStateMaps.asp Historic], KDOT
* Kansas Railroad Maps: [http://www.ksdot.org/BurTransPlan/maps/RRStateMap.asp Current], [http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/227379 1996], [http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/227380 1915], KDOT and Kansas Historical Society

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Decatur County, Kansas
|North = [[Red Willow County, Nebraska]]
|Northeast = [[Furnas County, Nebraska]]
|East = [[Norton County, Kansas|Norton County]]
|Southeast = [[Graham County, Kansas|Graham County]]
|South = [[Sheridan County, Kansas|Sheridan County]]
|Southwest = [[Thomas County, Kansas|Thomas County]]
|West = [[Rawlins County, Kansas|Rawlins County]]
|Northwest = [[Hitchcock County, Nebraska]]
}}

{{Decatur County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Decatur County, Kansas| ]]
[[Category:Kansas counties]]
[[Category:1873 establishments in Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1873]]