Hill City, Kansas

Hill City, Kansas
City and County seat
Location within Graham County and Kansas
KDOT map of Graham County (legend)
Coordinates: 39°22′02″N99°50′44″W / 39.36722°N 99.84556°W / 39.36722; -99.84556 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Graham
Founded	1876
Platted	1878
Incorporated	1888
Named for	W.R. Hill
Area [2]
• Total	1.00 sq mi (2.60 km2)
• Land	1.00 sq mi (2.60 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation [1]	2,185 ft (666 m)
Population  (2020) [3]
• Total	1,403
• Density	1,400/sq mi (540/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	67642
Area code	785
FIPS code	20-32175
GNIS ID	2394380 [1]
Website	City website

Hill City is a city and county seat of Graham County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,403. ^[3]

History

The first settlement at Hill City was made in 1876, making it the oldest town in Graham County. ^[4] The community was named after W. R. Hill, a first settler. ^[5] Hill City was platted in 1878. ^[6] The first post office in Hill City was established in September 1878. ^[7] Hill City was designated county seat in 1880. ^[4] By 1915, Hill City had 647 inhabitants. ^[8]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.00 square mile (2.59 km²), all land. ^[9]

Climate

On June 9, 2005, a large tornado passed 1 mile south of Hill City. ^[10] Another large tornado hit just north of the city on June 20, 2011.^{[ citation needed ]}

On June 26, 2012, the temperature reached 115 °F (46 °C), breaking the June record tied just 2 days earlier and during the Dust Bowl on June 30, 1933; the town was the hottest city in the United States for four days in a row, with temperatures of 114°, 111°, 115°, and 115 °F (46°, 44°, 46°, and 46 °C). ^{[11] [12]}

Climate data for Hill City, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1907–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	83 (28)	86 (30)	94 (34)	100 (38)	105 (41)	115 (46)	117 (47)	115 (46)	112 (44)	101 (38)	87 (31)	83 (28)	117 (47)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	68.1 (20.1)	73.2 (22.9)	81.3 (27.4)	88.5 (31.4)	95.3 (35.2)	103.8 (39.9)	105.7 (40.9)	102.9 (39.4)	99.7 (37.6)	90.5 (32.5)	78.8 (26.0)	66.4 (19.1)	106.9 (41.6)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	41.2 (5.1)	44.9 (7.2)	55.9 (13.3)	64.8 (18.2)	74.2 (23.4)	85.7 (29.8)	91.0 (32.8)	88.6 (31.4)	80.8 (27.1)	67.8 (19.9)	54.2 (12.3)	42.7 (5.9)	66.0 (18.9)
Daily mean °F (°C)	28.7 (−1.8)	31.5 (−0.3)	41.4 (5.2)	50.6 (10.3)	61.1 (16.2)	72.4 (22.4)	78.0 (25.6)	75.5 (24.2)	66.8 (19.3)	53.2 (11.8)	40.2 (4.6)	30.2 (−1.0)	52.5 (11.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	16.2 (−8.8)	18.0 (−7.8)	26.8 (−2.9)	36.3 (2.4)	48.0 (8.9)	59.1 (15.1)	64.9 (18.3)	62.4 (16.9)	52.7 (11.5)	38.5 (3.6)	26.2 (−3.2)	17.6 (−8.0)	38.9 (3.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−0.8 (−18.2)	1.5 (−16.9)	10.2 (−12.1)	21.6 (−5.8)	33.9 (1.1)	46.9 (8.3)	54.6 (12.6)	52.5 (11.4)	38.9 (3.8)	22.3 (−5.4)	11.1 (−11.6)	0.7 (−17.4)	−6.2 (−21.2)
Record low °F (°C)	−24 (−31)	−23 (−31)	−20 (−29)	4 (−16)	22 (−6)	33 (1)	44 (7)	39 (4)	19 (−7)	3 (−16)	−11 (−24)	−19 (−28)	−24 (−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.51 (13)	0.71 (18)	1.25 (32)	1.98 (50)	3.73 (95)	2.96 (75)	4.12 (105)	3.33 (85)	2.19 (56)	1.80 (46)	0.83 (21)	0.75 (19)	24.16 (615)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	3.3 (8.4)	5.5 (14)	2.1 (5.3)	0.3 (0.76)	0.2 (0.51)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.7 (1.8)	1.5 (3.8)	3.8 (9.7)	17.4 (44.27)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	2.7	3.7	4.9	7.1	9.3	8.5	7.8	7.7	5.5	6.0	4.0	3.2	70.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	1.6	1.9	0.9	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.8	1.7	7.3
Source: NOAA [13] [14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	545		—
1900	468		−14.1%
1910	983		110.0%
1920	732		−25.5%
1930	1,027		40.3%
1940	1,115		8.6%
1950	1,432		28.4%
1960	2,421		69.1%
1970	2,071		−14.5%
1980	2,028		−2.1%
1990	1,835		−9.5%
2000	1,604		−12.6%
2010	1,474		−8.1%
2020	1,403		−4.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 1,403 people, 625 households, and 359 families in Hill City. ^{[15] [16]} The population density was 1,397.4 per square mile (539.5/km²). There were 760 housing units at an average density of 757.0 per square mile (292.3/km²). ^{[16] [17]} The racial makeup was 92.3% (1,295) white or European American (90.81% non-Hispanic white), 2.0% (28) black or African-American, 0.43% (6) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.93% (13) Asian, 0.07% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.36% (5) from other races, and 3.92% (55) from two or more races. ^[18] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.92% (41) of the population. ^[19]

Of the 625 households, 26.1% had children under the age of 18; 45.0% were married couples living together; 27.8% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 37.6% of households consisted of individuals and 23.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[16] The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.8. ^[20] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 19.7% of the population. ^[21]

22.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. ^[16] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 107.0 males. ^[16]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $36,469 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,528) and the median family income was $52,639 (+/- $14,837). ^[22] Males had a median income of $34,194 (+/- $3,300) versus $28,194 (+/- $3,697) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,375 (+/- $2,111). ^[23] Approximately, 15.0% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under the age of 18 and 19.9% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[24] [25]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[26] of 2010, there were 1,474 people, 669 households, and 404 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,474.0 inhabitants per square mile (569.1/km²). There were 783 housing units at an average density of 783.0 per square mile (302.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.2% White, 4.5% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 669 households, of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.6% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 48 years. 20.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 29.9% were from 45 to 64; and 23.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[27] of 2000, there were 1,604 people, 696 households, and 448 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,716.3 inhabitants per square mile (662.7/km²). There were 795 housing units at an average density of 850.7 per square mile (328.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.33% White, 3.43% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.69% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 696 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 25.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,236, and the median income for a family was $36,500. Males had a median income of $26,207 versus $18,295 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,989. About 6.2% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.5% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The community is served by Graham County USD 281 public school district. The district elementary and junior/senior high school are located in Hill City. ^[28] It was previously known as Hill City USD 281. ^[29]

Notable people

• Charles V. Park (1885–1982), noted librarian for whom the Charles V. Park Library at Central Michigan University is named, was born in Hill City.

See also

• Kansas portal

• Hillsboro, Kansas, original name was Hill City

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hill City, Kansas
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
3. "Profile of Hill City, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 25, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
4. Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. Standard Publishing Company. pp.  844.
5. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp.  156.
6. "Origin of Town Names" (PDF). Solomon Valley Highway 24 Heritage Alliance. p. 5. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
7. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived)". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
8. Kansas State Historical Society (1916). Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society. Kansas State Printing Plant. pp.  196.
9. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
10. Tornado passed near Hill City, Kansas on June 9, 2005
11. Cities as Hot as Death Valley; Weather Channel; June 27, 2012 Archived June 28, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
12. "Hill City Nation's hot spot for four days in a row; The Wichita Eagle; June 28, 2012". Archived from the original on September 1, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
13. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Hill City 1E, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
14. "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
15. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
16. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
17. Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
24. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
25. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
26. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
27. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
28. "USD 281 Map" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation . Retrieved April 26, 2020.
29. "School consolidations in Kansas for past decade". The Topeka Capital-Journal . July 24, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2020.

Further reading

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

See also: List of books about Graham County, Kansas

External links

• City of Hill City
• Hill City - Directory of Public Officials
• Hill City map, KDOT