Beloit, Kansas

Beloit, Kansas
City and County seat
Mitchell County Courthouse (2014)
Nickname:  "The Heart of the Solomon Valley"
Motto(s):  "We're glad you're here, and we hope you stay for awhile." [1]
Location within Mitchell County and Kansas
KDOT map of Mitchell County (legend)
Coordinates: 39°27′52″N98°06′30″W / 39.46444°N 98.10833°W / 39.46444; -98.10833 [2]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Mitchell
Platted	1872
Incorporated	1872
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
•  Mayor	Tom Naasz [ citation needed ]
Area [3]
• Total	3.94 sq mi (10.21 km2)
• Land	3.92 sq mi (10.14 km2)
• Water	0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2)
Elevation [2]	1,434 ft (437 m)
Population  (2020) [4]
• Total	3,404
• Density	860/sq mi (330/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	67420
Area code	785
FIPS code	20-05775
GNIS ID	485547 [2]
Website	beloitks.org

Beloit is a city in and the county seat of Mitchell County, Kansas, United States. ^[2] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 3,404. ^[4]

History

On permanent organization of the county in 1870, Beloit was selected as the county seat of Mitchell County, Kansas, and is located northeast of the center of the county on the Solomon River. In 1873, an iron bridge was built across the river, costing $10,000, equivalent to $254,333in 2023. ^[5] The town site of Beloit was first settled by A.A. Bell in 1868 with the idea of improving the water power and for some time was known as Willow Springs. ^[6] The town was renamed to Beloit by Tim Hersey, one of the original founders and the first mayor, and is named after his hometown, Beloit, Wisconsin. ^{[7] [8]} A.A. Bell was appointed postmaster in 1870, and the first school was built in 1871. ^[5] By 1898, the population was around 2500. ^[5] Beloit sits at the junction of the Union Pacific and the Missouri Pacific Railroads. Local legend has it that the local Indians advised Bell to locate the town at a certain bend of the Solomon river to protect the town from tornadoes. As of 2022, downtown Beloit has been hit with a tornado only once, in November 1922. ^[9]

The town of Beloit was platted March 26, 1872, and the original description as found in the recorder's office covers all of Section 9, and the south half of the southeast quarter and south half of the southwest quarter of Section 4, Town 7 and Range 7 west. The proprietors of the town were T.F. Hersey, A.A. Bell, George Campbell, Alexander Campbell, C.H. Morrill, Edward Valentine, W.C. Ingram, Daniel Kepler and Vinton Whitehurst. The town grew very rapidly, and in July 1872, was incorporated as a city of the third class. On March 10, 1879, Gov. John P. St. John proclaimed Beloit a city of the second class. ^{[5] [7]}

Beloit was home to the Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility of the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority. ^[10]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.05 square miles (10.49 km²), of which, 4.02 square miles (10.41 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water. ^[11]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Beloit has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[12]

Climate data for Beloit, Kansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	77 (25)	86 (30)	93 (34)	100 (38)	103 (39)	112 (44)	113 (45)	113 (45)	109 (43)	99 (37)	87 (31)	83 (28)	113 (45)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	63.1 (17.3)	69.4 (20.8)	79.8 (26.6)	86.6 (30.3)	92.8 (33.8)	99.2 (37.3)	103.1 (39.5)	101.2 (38.4)	97.4 (36.3)	88.9 (31.6)	75.2 (24.0)	63.7 (17.6)	104.2 (40.1)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	39.5 (4.2)	44.1 (6.7)	55.7 (13.2)	65.7 (18.7)	75.4 (24.1)	86.9 (30.5)	91.8 (33.2)	89.1 (31.7)	81.6 (27.6)	68.6 (20.3)	54.2 (12.3)	42.1 (5.6)	66.2 (19.0)
Daily mean °F (°C)	28.2 (−2.1)	32.4 (0.2)	42.8 (6.0)	53.2 (11.8)	63.9 (17.7)	75.2 (24.0)	80.1 (26.7)	77.6 (25.3)	69.3 (20.7)	55.7 (13.2)	42.1 (5.6)	31.1 (−0.5)	54.3 (12.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	16.9 (−8.4)	20.7 (−6.3)	29.9 (−1.2)	40.7 (4.8)	52.4 (11.3)	63.4 (17.4)	68.4 (20.2)	66.1 (18.9)	57.0 (13.9)	42.7 (5.9)	30.0 (−1.1)	20.1 (−6.6)	42.4 (5.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−0.9 (−18.3)	3.4 (−15.9)	11.9 (−11.2)	25.1 (−3.8)	36.5 (2.5)	50.4 (10.2)	57.4 (14.1)	55.1 (12.8)	41.0 (5.0)	25.9 (−3.4)	14.1 (−9.9)	3.8 (−15.7)	−5.1 (−20.6)
Record low °F (°C)	−27 (−33)	−21 (−29)	−12 (−24)	7 (−14)	27 (−3)	40 (4)	46 (8)	40 (4)	24 (−4)	12 (−11)	−8 (−22)	−26 (−32)	−27 (−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.68 (17)	0.82 (21)	1.45 (37)	2.60 (66)	4.39 (112)	3.77 (96)	4.84 (123)	3.58 (91)	2.72 (69)	1.98 (50)	1.21 (31)	1.04 (26)	29.08 (739)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	4.0 (10)	3.7 (9.4)	1.7 (4.3)	0.7 (1.8)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.3 (0.76)	1.3 (3.3)	3.9 (9.9)	15.6 (40)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	3.5	4.0	6.0	7.5	10.9	9.3	9.8	8.1	6.6	6.4	4.4	4.0	80.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	2.2	2.0	1.0	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.6	1.9	8.0
Source: NOAA [13] [14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	1,835		—
1890	2,455		33.8%
1900	2,359		−3.9%
1910	3,082		30.6%
1920	3,315		7.6%
1930	3,502		5.6%
1940	3,765		7.5%
1950	4,085		8.5%
1960	3,837		−6.1%
1970	4,121		7.4%
1980	4,367		6.0%
1990	4,066		−6.9%
2000	4,019		−1.2%
2010	3,835		−4.6%
2020	3,404		−11.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 3,404 people, 1,471 households, and 855 families in Beloit. ^{[15] [16]} The population density was 869.0 per square mile (335.5/km²). There were 1,788 housing units at an average density of 456.5 per square mile (176.2/km²). ^{[16] [17]} The racial makeup was 94.45% (3,215) white or European American (93.21% non-Hispanic white), 0.44% (15) black or African-American, 0.29% (10) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.24% (8) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.85% (29) from other races, and 3.73% (127) from two or more races. ^[18] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.26% (111) of the population. ^[19]

Of the 1,471 households, 24.0% had children under the age of 18; 48.1% were married couples living together; 27.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.1% of households consisted of individuals and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[16] The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.7. ^[20] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 19.8% of the population. ^[21]

23.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.8 males. ^[16] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 112.5 males. ^[16]

The 2016–2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $46,196 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,878) and the median family income was $51,765 (+/- $3,192). ^[22] Males had a median income of $35,960 (+/- $4,983) versus $24,554 (+/- $6,200) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,283 (+/- $5,552). ^[23] Approximately, 5.4% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under the age of 18 and 12.8% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[24] [25]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[26] of 2010, there were 3,835 people, 1,647 households, and 964 families residing in the city. The population density was 954.0 inhabitants per square mile (368.3/km²). There were 1,842 housing units at an average density of 458.2 per square mile (176.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.1% White, 0.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 1,647 households, of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 42.8 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.8% were from 45 to 64; and 21% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[27] of 2000, there were 4,019 people, 1,623 households, and 994 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,012.2 inhabitants per square mile (390.8/km²). There were 1,851 housing units at an average density of 466.2 per square mile (180.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.94% White, 0.77% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.07% of the population.

There were 1,623 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,227, and the median income for a family was $43,030. Males had a median income of $26,099 versus $20,694 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,713. About 5.5% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Local

Beloit has a Mayor/City Council form of government. Voters elect eight city council members, two from each of the City's four wards, to four-year terms. Also, the voters elect a Mayor. The Mayor and the 8 City Councilors form the City of Beloit Governing Body. ^[28]

The Beloit Governing Body meets in business session at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Meetings take place in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. Cable channel 12 televises regular meetings. ^[28]

Districts

Beloit lies within Kansas's 1st congressional district, currently represented by Roger Marshall (politician). For the purpose of representation in the Kansas Legislature, the city is located in the 36th Senate District, currently represented by Elaine Bowers, and the 107th House District, currently represented by Susan Concannon. On the local level, Beloit is in both the first, represented by Tom Claussen, and second, represented by Mike Cooper, Mitchell County Commissioner Districts. Beloit is mostly in Beloit Township, but the very far north side of the city is located in Plum Creek Township.

Education

The community is served by Beloit USD 273 public school district, where two of its three schools are located: Beloit Elementary School and Beloit Junior/Senior High School. Beloit Junior/Senior High School contains an average of 230 students per school year. This high school participates in the 3A division for extracurricular activities. The mascot for Beloit Junior/Senior High is the "Trojans."

Beloit also is home to St. John's Catholic Grade School and St. John's Catholic High School (Beloit, Kansas). St. John's Catholic High School contains an average of 60 students total each school year. This high school participates in the 1A, Division II category for extracurricular activities. The mascot for St. John's is the "Bluejay."

Beloit is home to the North Central Kansas Technical College and was home, until 2009, to the Kansas Industrial School for Girls.

Notable people

• Sam Colson, former javelin thrower. ^[29]
• Scott Fulhage, professional football punter with the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals.
• Margaret H'Doubler, educator.
• Gene Keady, college and professional basketball coach.
• Waldo McBurney, former oldest living worker in the United States.
• Nancy Moritz, United States circuit judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and former justice on the Kansas Supreme Court. She was born in Beloit and lived in nearby Tipton, Kansas, until the age of 15.
• Mathew Pitsch, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Fort Smith since 2015; former resident of Beloit. ^[30]
• Dean Sturgis, baseball player.
• Rodger Ward, professional race car driver. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

See also

• Kansas portal

• St. John's Catholic High School

References

1. welcome Archived November 10, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Beloit, Kansas
3. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
4. "Profile of Beloit, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
5. "Mitchell County And The Old Settler's Reunion". The Beloit Weekly Times. Vol. 4, no. 13. November 10, 1898. p. 1.
6. Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. Standard Publishing Company. pp.  171.
7. Mrs. W. E. Hockett (November 14, 1921). "Early History Of Beloit". The Beloit Daily Call. p. 4.
8. "Origin of Town Names" (PDF). Solomon Valley Highway 24 Heritage Alliance. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
9. "The Storm". The Beloit Daily Call. Vol. 22, no. 10. November 6, 1922. p. 1.
10. Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility Archived October 27, 2009, at archive.today
11. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
12. Climate Summary for Beloit, Kansas
13. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
14. "Station: Beloit, KS". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on January 15, 2022. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
15. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
16. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
17. US Census Bureau. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
24. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
25. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
26. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
27. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
28. "Beloit Government". Archived from the original on July 9, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
29. "Sam Colson". Sports-Reference. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2018.
30. "Mathew W. Pitsch". intelius.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.

Further reading

See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities

See also: List of books about Mitchell County, Kansas

External links

• City of Beloit
• Beloit – Directory of Public Officials
• Beloit city map, KDOT