Hugoton, Kansas | |
|---|---|
City andCounty seat | |
 Stevens County Courthouse (2009) | |
| Nickname: Natural Gas Capital | |
 Location withinStevens County andKansas | |
 | |
| Coordinates:37°10′28″N101°20′41″W / 37.17444°N 101.34472°W /37.17444; -101.34472[1] | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Stevens |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Incorporated | 1910 |
| Named after | Victor Hugo |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| • Mayor | Matthew D. Rome |
| Area | |
• Total | 2.08 sq mi (5.39 km2) |
| • Land | 2.08 sq mi (5.39 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,107 ft (947 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 3,747 |
| • Density | 1,800/sq mi (700/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code | 67951 |
| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-33425 |
| GNIS ID | 2394441[1] |
| Website | cityofhugoton.com |
Hugoton/hjuːɡətən/ is a city in and thecounty seat ofStevens County,Kansas, United States.[1] As of the2020 census, the population of the city was 3,747.[3]
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Settlers fromMcPherson, Kansas established a settlement in what was then west-centralSeward County, Kansas in 1885.[4][5] They originally named this settlement Hugo in honor ofFrench writerVictor Hugo, but then changed its name to Hugoton to distinguish it fromHugo, Colorado.[6][7] Hugoton's first church, Hugoton United Methodist, was also the first in Stevens County and was founded in 1886; it is still active as of 2019.[8] The first post office in Hugoton was established in April 1886.[9]
In 1886, theKansas Legislature reestablished the surrounding area as Stevens County, andGov. John Martin designated Hugoton as the interim county seat. This set off a violentcounty seat war with nearbyWoodsdale. Hugoton became the permanent county seat in 1887, but the conflict continued, culminating in theHay Meadow Massacre of 1888.[5] Woodsdale founder and attorneySamuel Newitt Wood, heavily invested in the conflict for the county seat, was assassinated by James Brennen, one of the men involved in the Hay Meadow Massacre, outside the Hugoton courthouse on June 23, 1891.[10]
During the 1890s, economic decline drove many residents to leave for newly opened territories in theAmerican Southwest, and the population declined significantly.[5] TheSanta Fe Railway reached Hugoton in 1913, which spurred growth.[6][11]Natural gas was discovered southwest of the city in 1927, leading to the development of theHugoton Natural Gas Area and the transformation of Hugoton into a major center of natural gas extraction.[12]
Hugoton reportedly served as a temporary home for infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde.[13] They lived in the unincorporated areas near Hugoton, assuming the aliases of Jewell and Blackie Underwood. Jewell operated a cafe, Jewell's Cafe, and Blackie reportedly worked on area farms. Locals believed they ran a bootlegging operation out of the cafe.[14] Clyde was officially in prison during the time they are claimed to be in the Hugoton area,[15] but locals still insist Jewell and Blackie were Bonnie and Clyde. Receipts from Jewel's Cafe were found in the duo's vehicle after their deaths in a 1934 shoot-out.[16]
In the mid-1930s, Hugoton, along with much of Kansas and parts of other nearby states, suffered the effects of theDust Bowl, which ravaged the Great Plains in waves between 1934 and 1940.[17] Southwest Kansas was hit particularly hard between 1932 and 1936.[18] The famous"Black Sunday" dust storm that marks the naming of the Dust Bowl as a geographic area encompassing most of the mid-United States and affecting the entire country, hit Hugoton and neighboring towns in multiple counties and in Oklahoma early on April 14, 1935.[19]
Located in southwestern Kansas at the intersection ofU.S. Route 56,K-25, andK-51, Hugoton is approximately 136 miles (219 km) north ofAmarillo, 222 miles (357 km) west-southwest ofWichita, and 271 miles (436 km) southeast ofDenver.[20][21]
It lies in theHigh Plains region of theGreat Plains approximately 11 miles (18 km) southeast of theCimarron River.[20][22] It also lies within, and is the namesake of, theHugoton Natural Gas Area. The Hugotonnatural gas field is the largest such field in North America and the second largest in the world.[23]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.75 square miles (4.53 km2), all land.[24]
Hugoton has asemi-arid steppe climate (KöppenBSk) with hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters. The hottest temperature recorded in Hugoton was 116 °F (46.7 °C) on June 25, 1911, which along withClay Center on the same day, is the highest temperature recorded in Kansas in June. Hugoton also holds the state record high for March. The coldest temperature was −22 °F (−30.0 °C) on January 7, 1912.[25]
| Climate data for Hugoton, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1904–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 82 (28) | 88 (31) | 100 (38) | 100 (38) | 104 (40) | 116 (47) | 110 (43) | 114 (46) | 107 (42) | 97 (36) | 90 (32) | 84 (29) | 116 (47) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 70.1 (21.2) | 76.4 (24.7) | 83.8 (28.8) | 89.9 (32.2) | 95.3 (35.2) | 101.4 (38.6) | 102.9 (39.4) | 100.4 (38.0) | 97.1 (36.2) | 91.5 (33.1) | 79.6 (26.4) | 69.5 (20.8) | 104.1 (40.1) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 47.4 (8.6) | 51.5 (10.8) | 60.6 (15.9) | 69.0 (20.6) | 78.6 (25.9) | 88.3 (31.3) | 92.3 (33.5) | 89.7 (32.1) | 82.9 (28.3) | 70.5 (21.4) | 57.7 (14.3) | 47.1 (8.4) | 69.6 (20.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 33.7 (0.9) | 37.1 (2.8) | 45.6 (7.6) | 54.2 (12.3) | 64.4 (18.0) | 74.1 (23.4) | 78.4 (25.8) | 76.3 (24.6) | 68.8 (20.4) | 56.0 (13.3) | 43.5 (6.4) | 34.0 (1.1) | 55.5 (13.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 20.1 (−6.6) | 22.6 (−5.2) | 30.7 (−0.7) | 39.4 (4.1) | 50.2 (10.1) | 59.9 (15.5) | 64.6 (18.1) | 62.9 (17.2) | 54.8 (12.7) | 41.6 (5.3) | 29.3 (−1.5) | 21.0 (−6.1) | 41.4 (5.2) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 3.2 (−16.0) | 6.9 (−13.9) | 13.3 (−10.4) | 24.7 (−4.1) | 36.4 (2.4) | 49.2 (9.6) | 56.8 (13.8) | 54.8 (12.7) | 40.8 (4.9) | 25.9 (−3.4) | 12.4 (−10.9) | 3.5 (−15.8) | −2.3 (−19.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −22 (−30) | −21 (−29) | −5 (−21) | 14 (−10) | 19 (−7) | 38 (3) | 42 (6) | 38 (3) | 24 (−4) | 12 (−11) | −8 (−22) | −16 (−27) | −22 (−30) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 0.46 (12) | 0.31 (7.9) | 1.14 (29) | 1.58 (40) | 2.18 (55) | 3.40 (86) | 2.67 (68) | 3.17 (81) | 1.77 (45) | 1.61 (41) | 0.51 (13) | 0.93 (24) | 19.73 (501.9) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 2.9 (7.4) | 1.5 (3.8) | 2.8 (7.1) | 0.5 (1.3) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 1.1 (2.8) | 4.0 (10) | 12.9 (32.65) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 2.0 | 2.2 | 3.4 | 5.1 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 52.3 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 5.5 |
| Source 1: NOAA[26] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: National Weather Service[25] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 136 | — | |
| 1900 | 54 | −60.3% | |
| 1910 | 105 | 94.4% | |
| 1920 | 644 | 513.3% | |
| 1930 | 1,368 | 112.4% | |
| 1940 | 1,349 | −1.4% | |
| 1950 | 2,781 | 106.2% | |
| 1960 | 2,912 | 4.7% | |
| 1970 | 2,739 | −5.9% | |
| 1980 | 3,165 | 15.6% | |
| 1990 | 3,179 | 0.4% | |
| 2000 | 3,708 | 16.6% | |
| 2010 | 3,904 | 5.3% | |
| 2020 | 3,747 | −4.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The2020 United States census counted 3,747 people, 1,355 households, and 976 families in Hugoton.[27][28] The population density was 1,800.6 per square mile (695.2/km2). There were 1,573 housing units at an average density of 755.9 per square mile (291.8/km2).[28][29] The racial makeup was 61.84% (2,317)white orEuropean American (51.45%non-Hispanic white), 0.48% (18)black orAfrican-American, 1.44% (54)Native American orAlaska Native, 0.59% (22)Asian, 0.0% (0)Pacific Islander orNative Hawaiian, 23.81% (892) fromother races, and 11.85% (444) fromtwo or more races.[30]Hispanic orLatino of any race was 44.62% (1,672) of the population.[31]
Of the 1,355 households, 38.1% had children under the age of 18; 56.1% were married couples living together; 22.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 24.2% of households consisted of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[28] The average household size was 3.1 and the average family size was 3.6.[32] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 7.0% of the population.[33]
28.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.9 males.[28] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 105.1 males.[28]
The 2016-2020 5-yearAmerican Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $56,786 (with a margin of error of +/- $12,361) and the median family income was $61,318 (+/- $8,164).[34] Males had a median income of $35,417 (+/- $6,805) versus $17,364 (+/- $7,595) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,972 (+/- $4,981).[35] Approximately, 12.7% of families and 19.1% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 25.0% of those under the age of 18 and 16.1% of those ages 65 or over.[36][37]
As of the2010 census,[38] there were 3,904 people, 1,413 households, and 993 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,168.9 inhabitants per square mile (837.4/km2). There were 1,560 housing units at an average density of 866.7 per square mile (334.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.0%White, 0.8%American Indian, 0.3%African American, 0.2%Asian, 10.1% from some other race, and 1.6% from two or more races.Hispanics orLatinos of any race were 36.4% of the population.[39]
There were 1,413 households, of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71, and the average family size was 3.32.[39]
In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males age 18 and over.[39]
The median income for a household in the city was $52,161, and the median income for a family was $57,269. Males had a median income of $45,750 versus $33,188 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $20,851. About 11.6% of families and 14.8% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.[39]
As of the2000 census, there were 3,708 people, 1,380 households, and 968 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,084.6 inhabitants per square mile (804.9/km2). There were 1,579 housing units at an average density of 887.7 per square mile (342.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.53%White, 1.08%African American, 0.67%Native American, 0.32%Asian, 14.51% fromother races, and 1.89% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 22.92% of the population.[40]
There were 1,380 households, out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.25.[40]
In the city the population was spread out, with 30.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.[40]
The median income for a household in the city was $41,932, and the median income for a family was $50,225. Males had a median income of $37,930 versus $22,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,115. About 6.9% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.[39]
As of 2011, 67.5% of the population over the age of 16 was in the civilian labor force with 64.9% being employed and 2.6% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 27.2% in management, business, science, and arts; 25.2% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 25.0% in sales and office occupations; 14.3% in service occupations; 8.3% in production, transportation, and material moving. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (23.0%); educational services, health care, and social assistance (20.7%); and construction (8.3%).[39]
The cost of living in Hugoton is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 80.5.[41] As of 2011, the median home value in the city was $79,300, the median selected monthly owner cost was $991 for housing units with a mortgage and $445 for those without, and the median gross rent was $628.[39]
Hugoton is acity of the second class with amayor-council form of government. Thecity council consists of five members and meets on the first Monday after the 4th day of each month.[42] Themayor and the council members are elected for four-year terms.[43]
As thecounty seat, Hugoton is the administrative center of Stevens County. Thecounty courthouse is located downtown, and all departments of the county government base their operations in the city.[44]
Hugoton lies withinKansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District. For the purposes of representation in theKansas Legislature, the city is in the 39th district of theKansas Senate and the 124th district of theKansas House of Representatives.[42]
The community is served byHugoton USD 210 public school district, which operates five schools in Hugoton:[45]
Heritage Christian Academy, aChristian school, offerspreschool and classes for grades K-8.[46]
U.S. Route 56 andK-25 enter Hugotonconcurrently from the north, intersectingK-51, which runs east-west, in the southern part of the city. Both U.S. 56 and K-25 then run concurrently with K-51 to the west.[20]
Hugoton Municipal Airport is located on the south side of U.S. 56 less than a mile west of the city.[22] Publicly owned, it has two paved runways and is used forgeneral aviation.[47]
A line of theCimarron Valley Railroad passes through the northwestern corner of the city.[48]
The Hugoton Hermes is the city's solenewspaper, published weekly.[49]
Two radio stations arelicensed to Hugoton: K222AK, atranslator station ofNPR affiliateHigh Plains Public Radio inGarden City, Kansas, broadcasts from Hugoton on 92.3 FM; KFXX-FM broadcasts from Garden City on 106.7 FM, playing aClassic Hits format.[50]
Hugoton is in theWichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market.[51]
Municipalities and communities ofStevens County, Kansas,United States | ||
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