Bird City is a city located in Cheyenne County, Kansas, United States. Cheyenne County is located in northwest Kansas, bordering Nebraska and Colorado.
Bird City is a small town located in northwest Kansas. With a population of around 449 people as of the 2010 census, Bird City is considered a rural farming community. The town was founded in 1885 and was named after the abundance of prairie birds in the area. Bird City is the county seat of Cheyenne County.
About Cheyenne County, Kansas
Cheyenne County is located in northwest Kansas, bordering Nebraska to the north and Colorado to the west. According to the 2010 census, the population of Cheyenne County was 2,726 people. The county covers 1,137 square miles of land. The county was formed in 1873 and named for the Cheyenne Native American tribe.
Some quick facts about Cheyenne County:
- County seat: Bird City
- Largest city: St. Francis
- Population: 2,726 (2010 census)
- Area: 1,137 square miles
- Zip codes: 67731, 67752
The economy of Cheyenne County is dominated by agriculture. The main crops grown are wheat, sorghum, and corn. Ranching is also prevalent, with cattle production being an important part of the local economy.
Geography and Climate
Cheyenne County has a semi-arid climate, characterized by low precipitation and large variations in temperature. The average annual precipitation is only about 16 inches. Summers are hot with average highs around 90°F, while winters are cold with average lows in the teens.
The county’s terrain consists of rolling hills, plains, and tablelands. The landscape is made up of mixed grass prairie vegetation. The Republican River flows east through the southern part of the county. There are no large towns or cities in Cheyenne County. Agriculture and ranching operations are scattered throughout the rural county.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the racial makeup of Cheyenne County was:
- 94.5% White
- 0.7% Black or African American
- 0.5% Native American
- 0.3% Asian
- 3.2% Other race
- 0.8% Two or more races
- 3.8% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
The largest ancestry groups were German (36.3%), English (13.3%), Irish (12.8%), American (6.9%), and Swedish (6.2%).
Some key census facts about Cheyenne County:
- Total population: 2,726 (2010)
- Population density: 2.4 people per square mile
- Households: 1,132
- Median household income: $46,298
- Persons below poverty line: 9.5%
Government and Infrastructure
Cheyenne County has a Commissioner-Administrator form of government. The county is governed by a 3-member Board of County Commissioners, with one member elected from each of the county’s 3 districts. The commissioners serve 4-year terms. The Commissioners appoint a County Administrator to oversee day-to-day operations.
Some key government facilities and services in Cheyenne County include:
- Cheyenne County Courthouse in Bird City
- Cheyenne County Jail
- Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis
- Cheyenne County Library in St. Francis
- Cheyenne County Airport
- Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office
Law enforcement in the county is provided by the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office and city police departments in Bird City and St. Francis. There are 9 fire stations and districts serving the county.
Education
There are 3 public school districts based in Cheyenne County:
- USD 103 Cheylin – Serves Bird City and St. Francis
- USD 106 DLC – Serves the northwest part of the county
- USD 467 Healy – Serves the southern part of the county
The county has one private school, Sacred Heart Catholic School in St. Francis. Post-secondary education opportunities are available at Colby Community College in nearby Thomas County.
Recreation and Tourism
Cheyenne County is home to a few attractions and recreational sites, including:
- Homestead National Monument – Historic homestead site near St. Francis
- Keith Sebelius Reservoir – Boating, fishing, camping, and hunting
- Prairie Dog State Park – Hiking, wildlife viewing
- Old Stone Barn – Historic stone barn built in 1888
Annual events that draw visitors include the Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo in August. Main street festivals and celebrations also take place in the towns of Bird City and St. Francis throughout the year.
Bird City, Kansas
Bird City is the largest city and county seat of Cheyenne County. According to the 2010 census, the population of Bird City was 449 people. It was founded in 1885 and named for the abundance of prairie birds in the area.
Some more details on Bird City:
- Zip Code: 67731
- Elevation: 2,862 feet
- Area: 0.51 square miles
- Median Household Income: $37,083
- Median Home Value: $69,000
The local economy of Bird City is agriculture-based, with the town serving as a hub for area farmers and ranchers. Major employers include the school district, county government, and agriculture-related businesses. Bird City High School serves students in grades 7-12.
Bird City has a few local attractions, including the Cheyenne County Courthouse, a 9-hole golf course, and city park. Annual events include Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo, Bird City Days celebration, and a Christmas lighting festival. The town offers basic amenities and services for residents and visitors.
Conclusion
In summary, Bird City is a small rural farming town located in Cheyenne County in northwest Kansas. Cheyenne County covers over 1,100 square miles and had a population around 2,700 people as of 2010. The county’s economy is driven by agriculture, especially cattle ranching and crops like wheat and sorghum. Bird City serves as the county seat and is home to government offices, the county courthouse, and the central high school. The town has under 500 residents and provides basic amenities serving area farms and ranches. Both Cheyenne County and the town of Bird City are sparsely populated rural communities dominated by agricultural production.