Oakley, Kansas

Oakley, Kansas
City and County seat
Gas station on US Route 40 near I-70 (2011)
Location within Logan County and Kansas
KDOT map of Logan County (legend)
Coordinates: 39°7′41″N100°51′16″W / 39.12806°N 100.85444°W / 39.12806; -100.85444 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
Counties	Logan, Thomas, Gove
Founded	1884
Incorporated	1887
Named for	Elizabeth Oakley Gardner Hoag
Area [2]
• Total	1.93 sq mi (4.99 km2)
• Land	1.93 sq mi (4.99 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation [1]	3,051 ft (930 m)
Population  (2020) [3]
• Total	2,046
• Density	1,100/sq mi (410/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	67748
Area code	785
FIPS code	20-51825 [1]
GNIS ID	2395293 [1]
Website	discoveroakley.com

Oakley is a city in Gove, Logan, and Thomas counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. ^[1] It is the county seat of Logan County. ^[4] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,046. ^[3]

History

The area that would later become Oakley was settled in the 1870s and 1880s by travelers from the Smoky Hill Trail. Oakley was founded in 1884 by Judge Fredman and David D. Hoag. Originally named Carlyle, its name was changed to Cleveland, before settling on its final name of Oakley in 1885, named after Hoag's mother, Elizabeth Oakley Gardner Hoag. ^[5]

Geography

Oakley lies roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the South Fork of the Saline River in the High Plains region of the Great Plains.

The city is located at the intersection of Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40, and U.S. Route 83 in northwest Kansas. It is in the northeast corner of Logan County, and portions of it extend into Gove County (between 8th and 9th Streets) and Thomas County (from the northeast corner of Oakley Municipal Airport (FAA: OEL; ICAO: KOEL)). Oakley is approximately 211 miles (340 km) northwest of Wichita, 227 miles east-southeast of Denver, and 335 miles (539 km) west of Kansas City. ^[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.94 square miles (5.02 km²), all of it land. ^[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, Oakley has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps. ^[8]

Climate data for Oakley, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1920–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	82 (28)	85 (29)	92 (33)	96 (36)	103 (39)	111 (44)	111 (44)	108 (42)	105 (41)	96 (36)	87 (31)	84 (29)	111 (44)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	66.0 (18.9)	70.9 (21.6)	80.6 (27.0)	87.0 (30.6)	93.9 (34.4)	101.2 (38.4)	103.3 (39.6)	101.4 (38.6)	98.0 (36.7)	90.3 (32.4)	77.1 (25.1)	66.8 (19.3)	104.6 (40.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	42.4 (5.8)	45.3 (7.4)	55.9 (13.3)	64.5 (18.1)	74.2 (23.4)	86.3 (30.2)	91.6 (33.1)	89.0 (31.7)	81.4 (27.4)	68.0 (20.0)	53.9 (12.2)	43.5 (6.4)	66.3 (19.1)
Daily mean °F (°C)	28.9 (−1.7)	31.5 (−0.3)	40.6 (4.8)	49.2 (9.6)	59.6 (15.3)	71.4 (21.9)	76.7 (24.8)	74.4 (23.6)	66.0 (18.9)	52.5 (11.4)	39.5 (4.2)	30.2 (−1.0)	51.7 (11.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	15.5 (−9.2)	17.6 (−8.0)	25.3 (−3.7)	33.9 (1.1)	45.0 (7.2)	56.5 (13.6)	61.8 (16.6)	59.7 (15.4)	50.5 (10.3)	37.0 (2.8)	25.1 (−3.8)	16.9 (−8.4)	37.1 (2.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−2.4 (−19.1)	0.0 (−17.8)	8.0 (−13.3)	20.1 (−6.6)	31.4 (−0.3)	44.0 (6.7)	52.9 (11.6)	50.9 (10.5)	36.4 (2.4)	20.8 (−6.2)	9.1 (−12.7)	−1.2 (−18.4)	−8.4 (−22.4)
Record low °F (°C)	−20 (−29)	−27 (−33)	−19 (−28)	−2 (−19)	23 (−5)	33 (1)	41 (5)	41 (5)	22 (−6)	2 (−17)	−10 (−23)	−21 (−29)	−27 (−33)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.36 (9.1)	0.52 (13)	1.02 (26)	1.79 (45)	3.03 (77)	2.66 (68)	3.75 (95)	2.93 (74)	1.76 (45)	1.58 (40)	0.76 (19)	0.51 (13)	20.67 (524.1)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	4.5 (11)	6.6 (17)	4.2 (11)	1.8 (4.6)	0.4 (1.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	1.2 (3.0)	2.5 (6.4)	4.5 (11)	25.7 (65)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	3.1	3.9	4.8	7.1	9.7	8.8	9.1	8.8	6.2	5.6	3.2	3.0	73.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	2.6	3.2	1.9	1.0	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	1.4	2.7	13.4
Source 1: NOAA [9]
Source 2: National Weather Service [10]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	176		—
1900	269		52.8%
1910	681		153.2%
1920	768		12.8%
1930	1,159		50.9%
1940	1,138		−1.8%
1950	1,915		68.3%
1960	2,190		14.4%
1970	2,327		6.3%
1980	2,343		0.7%
1990	2,045		−12.7%
2000	2,173		6.3%
2010	2,045		−5.9%
2020	2,046		0.0%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 2,046 people, 896 households, and 540 families in Oakley. ^{[11] [12]} The population density was 1,064.0 per square mile (410.8/km²). There were 1,006 housing units at an average density of 523.1 per square mile (202.0/km²). ^{[12] [13]} The racial makeup was 89.98% (1,841) white or European American (87.78% non-Hispanic white), 0.1% (2) black or African-American, 0.05% (1) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.54% (11) Asian, 0.1% (2) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.86% (79) from other races, and 5.38% (110) from two or more races. ^[14] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 8.31% (170) of the population. ^[15]

Of the 896 households, 29.1% had children under the age of 18; 48.8% were married couples living together; 26.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 34.4% of households consisted of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[12] The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9. ^[16] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 11.8% of the population. ^[17]

24.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males. ^[12] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 104.5 males. ^[12]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $46,042 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,884) and the median family income was $60,179 (+/- $13,943). ^[18] Males had a median income of $35,641 (+/- $5,149) versus $21,122 (+/- $4,807) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,514 (+/- $3,763). ^[19] Approximately, 6.5% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under the age of 18 and 3.8% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[20] [21]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[22] of 2010, there were 2,045 people, 920 households, and 562 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,054.1 inhabitants per square mile (407.0/km²). There were 1,035 housing units at an average density of 533.5 per square mile (206.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.6% White, 0.4% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

There were 920 households, of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% 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 2.78.

The median age in the city was 44.8 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[23] of 2000, there were 2,173 people, 904 households, and 603 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,149.9 inhabitants per square mile (444.0/km²). There were 1,009 housing units at an average density of 533.9 per square mile (206.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.59% White, 0.55% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.46% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 904 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,781, and the median income for a family was $41,066. Males had a median income of $30,179 versus $19,886 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,882. About 3.1% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Museums

The Fick Fossil and History Museum is a museum that displays large dinosaur fossils from Kansas, many old tools, mineral specimens, and shell and mineral folk art. The museum is free (donations) and open seven days a week in the summer, with shorter hours during the winter. ^[24]

Education

The community is served by Oakley USD 274 public school district, which operates three schools in the city: ^[25]

• Oakley Elementary School (Grades Pre-K-5)
• Oakley Middle School (6-8)
• Oakley High School (9-12)

There is also one Catholic school in Oakley, St. Joseph School (Pre-K-5). ^[26]

The Oakley Plainsmen have won the following Kansas State High School championships:

• 1974 Wrestling - Class 2-1A ^[27]
• 1970, 1971 Cross Country Boys - Class 2-1A
• 1976 Boys Basketball - Class 2A ^[28]
• 2005 Girls Cross Country - Class 2A
• 2007 Girls Basketball - Class 2A
• 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1993 Volleyball - Class 3A ^[29]
• 2000 Speech and Drama - Class 3A ^[30]
• 1998 Two Speaker Debate - Class 3-2-1A ^[31]

Media

Oakley has a weekly newspaper, The Oakley Graphic, the first edition of which was published on November 22, 1889. ^[32]

KDOT map of Logan County (legend)

Transportation

U.S. Route 40 runs east–west along the southern edge of the city. U.S. Route 83, which runs north–south, intersects U.S. 40 south of the city, runs concurrently with it for one mile going west, then turns north, running along the western edge of the city. East of the city, U.S. 40 merges with Interstate 70, which approaches from the northwest, and continues east.

Oakley Municipal Airport, located southeast of the city, hosts general aviation. ^[33]

The Kansas Pacific (KP) Line of the Union Pacific Railroad runs east–west through town. A branch line splits off to the northwest toward Colby. ^[34]

In Popular Culture

• Oakley, Kansas, is the site of an Earth Federation base in Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, located near the impact site of a destructive colony drop. In the show, the town is transliterated as "Oakly."

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Oakley, Kansas
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
3. "Profile of Oakley, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
5. "History of Oakley". City of Oakley, Kansas. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
6. "City Distance Tool". Geobytes. Archived from the original on October 5, 2010. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
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 Oakley, Kansas
9. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Oakley 4W, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
10. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Goodland". National Weather Service. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
11. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
12. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
13. Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
14. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
15. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
16. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
17. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
22. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
23. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
24. Fick Fossil and History Museum
25. "Oakley School District". Oakley School District. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
26. "St. Joseph Church & School - Classrooms". St. Joseph Church & School. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
27. "Wrestling". KSHSAA. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
28. "Basketball". KSHSAA. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
29. "Volleyball" (PDF). KSHSAA. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
30. "Speech and Drama" (PDF). KSHSAA. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
31. "Debate" (PDF). KSHSAA. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
32. "About this Newspaper: The Oakley graphic". Chronicling America. Library of Congress . Retrieved September 27, 2009.
33. "KOEL - Oakley Municipal Airport". AirNav.com. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
34. "UPRR Common Line Names" (PDF). Union Pacific Railroad . Retrieved May 22, 2010.

Further reading

• Kansas portal

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

See also: List of books about Gove County, Kansas

See also: List of books about Logan County, Kansas

See also: List of books about Thomas County, Kansas

External links

City

• City of Oakley
• Oakley - Directory of Public Officials

Schools

• USD 274, local school system

Historical

• Fick Museum
• Historic Images - Wichita State University Libraries

Maps

• Oakley City Map, KDOT