Burlington, Kansas

Burlington, Kansas
City and County seat
Burlington Carnegie Library (2016)
Location within Coffey County and Kansas
KDOT map of Coffey County (legend)
Coordinates: 38°11′37″N95°44′43″W / 38.19361°N 95.74528°W / 38.19361; -95.74528 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Coffey
Founded	1857
Incorporated	1870
Named for	Burlington, Vermont
Area [2]
• Total	2.23 sq mi (5.76 km2)
• Land	2.21 sq mi (5.72 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation [1]	1,034 ft (315 m)
Population  (2020) [3]
• Total	2,634
• Density	1,200/sq mi (460/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	66839
Area code	620
FIPS code	20-09400
GNIS ID	485549 [1]
Website	burlingtonkansas.gov

Burlington is a city in and the county seat of Coffey County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,634. ^[3]

History

See also: History of Kansas

Burlington was founded in 1857. ^[4] It was named after Burlington, Vermont, the native home of one of its founders. ^[5]

The first post office in Burlington was established in 1858, when it was removed from the now extinct town of Hampden. ^[6]

The population increased significantly as Wolf Creek Generating Station was constructed from 1977 to 1985.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.21 square miles (5.72 km²), of which 2.20 square miles (5.70 km²) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) is water. ^[7]

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, Burlington has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[8]

Climate data for Burlington, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1894–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	79 (26)	86 (30)	94 (34)	95 (35)	102 (39)	110 (43)	117 (47)	117 (47)	110 (43)	97 (36)	85 (29)	76 (24)	117 (47)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	63.4 (17.4)	68.8 (20.4)	78.0 (25.6)	84.4 (29.1)	87.9 (31.1)	94.4 (34.7)	99.7 (37.6)	99.0 (37.2)	94.3 (34.6)	86.4 (30.2)	74.4 (23.6)	64.4 (18.0)	101.1 (38.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	41.2 (5.1)	46.3 (7.9)	57.1 (13.9)	67.4 (19.7)	75.9 (24.4)	85.3 (29.6)	90.2 (32.3)	89.5 (31.9)	81.5 (27.5)	69.7 (20.9)	56.1 (13.4)	44.7 (7.1)	67.1 (19.5)
Daily mean °F (°C)	30.2 (−1.0)	34.6 (1.4)	45.0 (7.2)	55.6 (13.1)	65.5 (18.6)	74.9 (23.8)	79.4 (26.3)	78.2 (25.7)	69.8 (21.0)	57.6 (14.2)	44.8 (7.1)	34.2 (1.2)	55.8 (13.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	19.2 (−7.1)	22.8 (−5.1)	32.8 (0.4)	43.8 (6.6)	55.1 (12.8)	64.4 (18.0)	68.7 (20.4)	66.9 (19.4)	58.1 (14.5)	45.6 (7.6)	33.5 (0.8)	23.7 (−4.6)	44.6 (7.0)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−1.2 (−18.4)	6.6 (−14.1)	14.5 (−9.7)	27.4 (−2.6)	39.1 (3.9)	52.0 (11.1)	60.0 (15.6)	57.1 (13.9)	44.2 (6.8)	28.0 (−2.2)	15.8 (−9.0)	5.8 (−14.6)	−5.5 (−20.8)
Record low °F (°C)	−22 (−30)	−27 (−33)	−6 (−21)	13 (−11)	24 (−4)	39 (4)	41 (5)	43 (6)	29 (−2)	13 (−11)	−1 (−18)	−21 (−29)	−27 (−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.94 (24)	1.31 (33)	2.20 (56)	3.68 (93)	5.32 (135)	4.58 (116)	4.46 (113)	4.06 (103)	3.76 (96)	3.42 (87)	1.90 (48)	1.55 (39)	37.18 (943)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	3.1	4.1	5.7	7.5	8.6	7.6	7.3	6.9	6.5	6.2	4.5	3.7	71.7
Source: NOAA [9] [10] [11]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1860	118		—
1870	960		713.6%
1880	2,011		109.5%
1890	2,239		11.3%
1900	2,418		8.0%
1910	2,180		−9.8%
1920	2,236		2.6%
1930	2,273		1.7%
1940	2,379		4.7%
1950	2,304		−3.2%
1960	2,113		−8.3%
1970	2,099		−0.7%
1980	2,901		38.2%
1990	2,735		−5.7%
2000	2,790		2.0%
2010	2,674		−4.2%
2020	2,634		−1.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

Welcome sign on north side of Burlington (2013)

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 2,634 people, 1,136 households, and 648 families in Burlington. ^{[12] [13]} The population density was 1,192.9 per square mile (460.6/km²). There were 1,325 housing units at an average density of 600.1 per square mile (231.7/km²). ^{[13] [14]} The racial makeup was 90.66% (2,388) white or European American (88.99% non-Hispanic white), 0.99% (26) black or African-American, 0.46% (12) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.91% (24) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.84% (22) from other races, and 6.15% (162) from two or more races. ^[15] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.34% (88) of the population. ^[16]

Of the 1,136 households, 26.6% had children under the age of 18; 42.3% were married couples living together; 33.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.6% of households consisted of individuals and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[13] The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 2.9. ^[17] The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 14.4% of the population. ^[18]

23.8% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 22.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.7 males. ^[13] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 118.0 males. ^[13]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $46,800 (with a margin of error of +/- $8,382) and the median family income was $59,743 (+/- $7,916). ^[19] Males had a median income of $36,923 (+/- $8,550) versus $23,750 (+/- $5,248) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,026 (+/- $3,565). ^[20] Approximately, 13.3% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under the age of 18 and 8.2% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[21] [22]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[23] of 2010, there were 2,674 people, 1,138 households, and 699 families living in the city. The population density was 1,215.5 inhabitants per square mile (469.3/km²). There were 1,296 housing units at an average density of 589.1 per square mile (227.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.7% White, 1.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 1,138 households, of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.7% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.6% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 41.1 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.4% male and 52.6% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[24] of 2000, there were 2,790 people, 1,122 households, and 713 families living in the city. The population density was 1,354.7 inhabitants per square mile (523.1/km²). There were 1,277 housing units at an average density of 620.1 per square mile (239.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.95% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.57% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.61% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. 1.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,122 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,174, and the median income for a family was $43,021. Males had a median income of $30,946 versus $20,357 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,443. About 5.2% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Wolf Creek

Located just northeast of Burlington is the Wolf Creek Generating Station, the only nuclear power plant in Kansas. This plant is situated on Coffey County Lake, which was constructed as the cooling lake for the plant. The plant has been generating electricity since 1985, and is a local landmark. Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation ("WCNOC") operates the plant, and is a subsidiary of the plant's owners Kansas Gas & Electric (part of Westar Energy), Kansas City Power & Light (part of Great Plains Energy), and KEPCO (an association of Kansas electric power cooperatives). ^[25] Westar and Great Plains Energy merged in 2018 to form Evergy, while maintaining the Westar and KCP&L names until October 2019. ^{[26] [27]}

Education

The community is served by Burlington USD 244 public school district, and has three schools: Burlington High School, Burlington Middle School, Burlington Elementary School.

Allen County Community College offers classes at Burlington High School, both for adults and for high school students who may earn concurrent credits.

Burlington is home to the Burlington Carnegie Free Library, although the building no longer houses a library and is now used as an office space. The Burlington branch of the Coffey County Library meets the community's information needs.

Notable people

• Christian Braun – former college basketball player for University of Kansas and NBA player for the Denver Nuggets
• Harrison Kelley (1836–1897) – U.S. Representative from Kansas
• Tyrel Reed – former professional basketball player; former college basketball player for University of Kansas

See also

• Kansas portal

• John Redmond Reservoir
• Great Flood of 1951

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Burlington, Kansas
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
3. "Profile of Burlington, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
4. Kansas State Historical Society (1916). Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society. Kansas State Printing Plant. pp.  164.
5. Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. Standard Publishing Company. pp.  257.
6. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828–1961 (archived)". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
7. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
8. Climate Summary for Burlington, Kansas
9. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: John Redmond Lake, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
10. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Topeka". National Weather Service. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
11. "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
12. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
13. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
14. Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
15. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
16. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
17. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
23. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
24. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
25. "Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation". Archived from the original on January 18, 2010. Retrieved October 20, 2008.
26. "Merger". www.evergy.com. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
27. "KCP&L and Westar Energy are now Evergy". www.evergy.com. Retrieved July 13, 2020.

Further reading

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

See also: List of books about Coffey County, Kansas

External links

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