Pratt, Kansas

Pratt, Kansas
City and county seat
U.S. Post Office (2009)
Location within Pratt County and Kansas
KDOT map of Pratt County (legend)
Coordinates: 37°39′1″N98°44′17″W / 37.65028°N 98.73806°W / 37.65028; -98.73806 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Pratt
Founded	1884
Incorporated	1884
Named for	Caleb Pratt
Government
•  Mayor	Zach Deeds
• City Manager	Bruce Pinkall
Area [2]
• Total	7.83 sq mi (20.29 km2)
• Land	7.71 sq mi (19.97 km2)
• Water	0.12 sq mi (0.32 km2)
Elevation [1]	1,952 ft (595 m)
Population  (2020) [3] [4]
• Total	6,603
• Density	840/sq mi (330/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	67124
Area code	620
FIPS code	20-57625
GNIS ID	485645 [1]
Website	cityofprattks.com

Pratt is a city in and the county seat of Pratt County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 6,603. ^{[3] [4]} It is home to Pratt Community College.

History

19th century

Pratt was founded in 1884 ^[5] and named after Caleb S. Pratt, a young Civil War officer from the Kansas Infantry, who was killed in the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, Missouri ^[6] The first post office in Pratt was established in June 1884. ^[7]

In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Herington to Pratt. ^[8] In 1888, this line was extended to Liberal. Later, it was extended to Tucumcari, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. It foreclosed in 1891 and was taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as St. Louis and Southwestern "Cotton Belt" Railroad, a subsidiary of Southern Pacific Railroad which merged in 1996 with Union Pacific. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".

20th century

Built in 1930, Hotel Roberts is the largest and most highly styled historic hotel in Pratt. Construction of the hotel was initiated by the Pratt Chamber of Commerce, which formed a committee in the late 1920s specifically to facilitate the construction of a large new hotel. Seen as a potentially valuable asset for the community, the hotel was financed in part through a public subscription campaign, and constructed on land provided by the Chamber. The Pratt Hotel Company owned and operated the hotel and hired Wichita architect Samuel S. Voigt and Kansas City contractor Webster L. Elson to design and build the building. Elson not only supervised the rapid construction of the "fire-proof" building, he was a founding member of the Pratt Hotel Company, and he retained an ownership interest in the property for many years. The community hospital was established on the eighth floor of the building in 1932, complete with an operating room and an x-ray machine. Architecturally, the building is significant as an early and sophisticated example of the Art Deco style in central Kansas. The hotel opened as the Hotel Roberts in 1930, and continued under that name until 1959, when it was purchased by Monte Parrish and renamed the Hotel Parrish. In January 2015 it was listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places for its local significance in the areas of architecture and community planning and development. ^[9]

During World War II, the nearby Pratt Army Airfield was the first base used for training Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber crews and also served as a staging area for getting early aircraft combat-ready, in what became known as the Battle of Kansas. ^[6]

The Miss Kansas Parade and Pageant are held here. ^[10]

The state headquarters of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks was constructed southeast of the town.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.49 square miles (19.40 km²), of which 7.37 square miles (19.09 km²) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.31 km²) is water. ^[11] Pratt is located approximately eighty miles west of Wichita.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Pratt has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Pratt was 115 °F (46.1 °C) on June 25, 1911, July 18, 1936, and August 12–13, 1936, while the coldest temperature recorded was −25 °F (−31.7 °C) on February 12, 1899. ^[12]

Climate data for Pratt, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1895–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	80 (27)	89 (32)	98 (37)	106 (41)	107 (42)	115 (46)	115 (46)	115 (46)	111 (44)	98 (37)	89 (32)	85 (29)	115 (46)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	68.4 (20.2)	73.3 (22.9)	82.3 (27.9)	89.1 (31.7)	94.0 (34.4)	98.8 (37.1)	104.1 (40.1)	102.1 (38.9)	98.0 (36.7)	89.5 (31.9)	77.5 (25.3)	66.7 (19.3)	106.1 (41.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	43.1 (6.2)	47.7 (8.7)	57.5 (14.2)	66.7 (19.3)	76.5 (24.7)	86.7 (30.4)	91.5 (33.1)	89.7 (32.1)	81.9 (27.7)	69.8 (21.0)	55.9 (13.3)	44.6 (7.0)	67.6 (19.8)
Daily mean °F (°C)	31.1 (−0.5)	35.0 (1.7)	44.3 (6.8)	53.6 (12.0)	64.3 (17.9)	74.6 (23.7)	79.2 (26.2)	77.5 (25.3)	69.3 (20.7)	56.6 (13.7)	43.4 (6.3)	33.1 (0.6)	55.2 (12.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	19.1 (−7.2)	22.4 (−5.3)	31.1 (−0.5)	40.5 (4.7)	52.2 (11.2)	62.5 (16.9)	66.9 (19.4)	65.3 (18.5)	56.7 (13.7)	43.4 (6.3)	30.8 (−0.7)	21.6 (−5.8)	42.7 (5.9)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	3.6 (−15.8)	5.7 (−14.6)	13.1 (−10.5)	25.6 (−3.6)	36.1 (2.3)	50.0 (10.0)	56.6 (13.7)	55.2 (12.9)	41.0 (5.0)	27.1 (−2.7)	15.5 (−9.2)	5.6 (−14.7)	−1.6 (−18.7)
Record low °F (°C)	−16 (−27)	−25 (−32)	−12 (−24)	12 (−11)	20 (−7)	38 (3)	45 (7)	42 (6)	26 (−3)	12 (−11)	−2 (−19)	−20 (−29)	−25 (−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.64 (16)	0.99 (25)	1.97 (50)	2.67 (68)	3.80 (97)	4.10 (104)	3.25 (83)	3.36 (85)	2.32 (59)	2.23 (57)	1.18 (30)	1.11 (28)	27.62 (702)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	3.6 (9.1)	3.9 (9.9)	4.1 (10)	0.4 (1.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.1 (0.25)	0.4 (1.0)	2.6 (6.6)	15.1 (37.85)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	2.3	3.2	4.1	6.0	7.3	7.2	5.8	6.1	4.5	4.6	3.2	2.9	57.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	1.5	1.5	0.8	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.3	1.0	5.3
Source 1: NOAA [13]
Source 2: National Weather Service [12]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	1,418		—
1900	1,213		−14.5%
1910	3,302		172.2%
1920	5,183		57.0%
1930	6,322		22.0%
1940	6,591		4.3%
1950	7,523		14.1%
1960	8,156		8.4%
1970	6,736		−17.4%
1980	6,885		2.2%
1990	6,687		−2.9%
2000	6,570		−1.7%
2010	6,835		4.0%
2020	6,603		−3.4%
U.S. Decennial Census 2010-2020 [4]

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 6,603 people, 2,646 households, and 1,545 families in Pratt. ^{[14] [15]} The population density was 856.2 per square mile (330.6/km²). There were 3,132 housing units at an average density of 406.1 per square mile (156.8/km²). ^{[15] [16]} The racial makeup was 86.28% (5,697) white or European American (83.23% non-Hispanic white), 1.59% (105) black or African-American, 0.85% (56) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.67% (44) Asian, 0.11% (7) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 4.41% (291) from other races, and 6.1% (403) from two or more races. ^[17] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 9.57% (632) of the population. ^[18]

Of the 2,646 households, 28.6% had children under the age of 18; 42.9% were married couples living together; 29.8% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 37.6% of households consisted of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[15] The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 3.0. ^[19] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 17.4% of the population. ^[20]

23.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. ^[15] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 105.2 males. ^[15]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,243 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,294) and the median family income was $61,210 (+/- $8,138). ^[21] Males had a median income of $30,817 (+/- $3,087) versus $17,577 (+/- $4,284) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,487 (+/- $1,386). ^[22] Approximately, 6.6% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under the age of 18 and 12.1% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[23] [24]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[25] of 2010, there were 6,835 people, 2,837 households, and 1,713 families living in the city. ^[26] The population density was 927.4 inhabitants per square mile (358.1/km²). There were 3,201 housing units at an average density of 434.3 per square mile (167.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.3% White, 1.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 2.3% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 6.2% of the population.

There were 2,837 households, of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.6% were non-families. 34.4% 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 2.28 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 39 years. 22.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 12% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 19.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[27] of 2000, there were 6,570 people, 2,839 households, and 1,780 families living in the city. The population density was 886.0 inhabitants per square mile (342.1/km²). There were 3,312 housing units at an average density of 446.6 per square mile (172.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.87% White, 1.00% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.95% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.46% of the population.

There were 2,839 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% 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 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,646, and the median income for a family was $42,412. Males had a median income of $31,186 versus $20,640 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,486. About 7.1% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Pratt County Courthouse (2009)

Colleges

• Pratt Community College

Public schools

The community is served by Pratt USD 382 and Skyline USD 438 public school districts. ^[28]

Pratt USD 382

• Pratt High School (9-12) ^[29]
• Liberty Middle School (5-8) ^[30]
• Southwest Elementary School (PreK-4) ^[31]
• Haskins Elementary School & Bridges to Learning (K-4) ^[32]

Skyline USD 438 (west of Pratt)

• Skyline High School (K-12)

Private schools

• Sacred Heart/Holy Child ^[33] (PreK-5)
• Our Savior Lutheran Preschool

Media

Pratt Presbyterian Church (2009)

Radio stations

• KHMY 93.1FM—Hot Adult Contemporary
• KMMM 1290AM — broadcasting a News, Sports, Information and Music format, owned by MURFIN MEDIA, INC., based in Wichita, Kansas.
• KQZQ 98.3FM - broadcasting a Country, Red Dirt Country format, owned by MURFIN MEDIA, INC., based in Wichita, Kansas.

Newspaper

• Pratt Tribune ^[34]

Infrastructure

Parrish Hotel (2018)

Transportation

Highways

Pratt is served by U.S. Route 54, U.S. Route 400, and U.S. Route 281. It is also served by K-61.

Bus

Bus service is provided daily eastward to Wichita and westward to Pueblo, Colorado by BeeLine Express (subcontractor of Greyhound Lines). ^{[35] [36]}

Notable people

See also: List of Pratt Community College people

• Bill Farmer, voice actor and comedian
• William Marriott, baseball player
• Vera Miles, actress
• John Redwine, physician and politician
• Pearl Farmer Richardson, clubwoman, United Nations promoter
• Charles Stokes, politician
• Brad Ziegler, relief pitcher for Major League Baseball

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Pratt, Kansas
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
3. "Profile of Pratt, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
4. "QuickFacts; Pratt, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
5. City of Pratt, Kansas Web Site, 2008, retrieved September 11, 2009
6. Pratt Chamber of Congress, retrieved August 24, 2009 Archived July 20, 2007, at archive.today
7. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
8. "Rock Island Rail History". Archived from the original on June 19, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
9. "Pratt County, National and State Registers of Historic Places". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on February 16, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
10. Miss Kansas Pageant
11. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
12. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Dodge City". National Weather Service. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
13. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Pratt 3NW, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
14. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
15. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
16. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
17. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
24. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
25. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
26. "2010 City Population and Housing Occupancy Status". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 27, 2011.^{[ dead link ]}
27. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
28. Unified School District 438 Archived 2009-12-19 at the Wayback Machine
29. Pratt High School
30. Liberty Middle School
31. Elementary School
32. Haskins Elementary School
33. Sacred Heart/Holy Child
34. Pratt Tribune
35. BeeLine Express
36. "Greyhound Lines". Archived from the original on September 6, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2016.

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 Pratt County, Kansas

External links

• City of Pratt
• Pratt - Directory of Public Officials
• Pratt Chamber of Commerce
• Pratt history
• Pratt city map, KDOT