Moving to Blue Mound, Kansas

Blue Mound, Kansas is a small rural town located in the northwest corner of the state. It is part of the larger Fort Riley Military Reservation, and as such has a rich history in relation to military service and patriotism. With a population of just over 400 people, Blue Mound is a tight-knit community that prides itself on its strong sense of community spirit.

Blue Mound was originally founded in 1858 as a trading post for settlers traveling along the Oregon Trail. The town quickly grew into an important stop over point for travelers and was an important site during the Civil War due to its proximity to the nearby Fort Riley Military Reservation. Although it has since been replaced by nearby Junction City as the primary hub for travelers, Blue Mound has remained an important part of local history and culture due to its unique place in American history.

Today, Blue Mound remains an oasis away from big city life with its mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. Residents enjoy beautiful parks, fishing ponds, hunting grounds, and other outdoor activities that make it perfect for those looking to escape from hectic city life. There are also several churches located within town limits which provide spiritual guidance and fellowship for local residents.

The town also offers plenty of shopping opportunities including two convenience stores, two gas stations, two restaurants, one bar/grill, one pizza shop/deli/ice cream parlor and one gift shop/antique store/thrift store combination. In addition to these local businesses there are several other services such as auto repair shops and real estate offices available for those who need them.

Blue Mound is an ideal place for those looking to get away from it all while still enjoying some modern conveniences or those who simply want to experience the unique atmosphere that comes with living in such a historically significant area. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities this small rural town provides something special that can’t be found anywhere else in Kansas.

Population: 277. Estimated population in July 2024: 291 (+5.1% change)
Males: 141 (50.9%), Females: 136 (49.1%)

Linn County

Zip code: 66010

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.8 years
Median household income: $21,364
Median house value: $24,300

Population by Race

Races in Blue Mound:

• White Non-Hispanic (98.6%)
• American Indian (1.4%)
• Two or more races (0.7%)

Ancestries: German (19.9%), United States (13.0%), Irish (7.6%), English (3.6%), Dutch (2.5%), French (2.5%).

Elevation: 1040 feet

Land area: 0.6 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Blue Mound

• High school or higher: 67.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 1.2%
• Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%
• Unemployed: 3.4%
• Mean travel time to work: 29.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Blue Mound city

• Never married: 35.9%
• Now married: 38.2%
• Separated: 0.9%
• Widowed: 8.2%
• Divorced: 16.8%

0.7% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +26 (+10.4%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Blue Mound:

• ANDERSON COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 22 miles; GARNETT, KS)
• MERCY HOSPITAL (about 27 miles; FORT SCOTT, KS)
• OSAWATOMIE STATE HOSP PSYCHIATRIC (about 28 miles; OSAWATOMIE, KS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Blue Mound:

• FORBES FIELD (about 74 miles; TOPEKA, KS; Abbreviation: FOE)
• JOPLIN REGIONAL (about 75 miles; JOPLIN, MO; Abbreviation: JLN)
• CHARLES B. WHEELER DOWNTOWN (about 77 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Abbreviation: MKC)

Other public-use airports nearest to Blue Mound:

• GARNETT MUNI (about 19 miles; GARNETT, KS; Abbreviation: K68)
• GILMORE (about 20 miles; PLEASANTON, KS; Abbreviation: 57K)
• FORT SCOTT MUNI (about 27 miles; FORT SCOTT, KS; Abbreviation: FSK)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Blue Mound:

• PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY (about 52 miles; PITTSBURG, KS; Full-time enrollment: 5,566)
• JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 62 miles; OVERLAND PARK, KS; Full-time enrollment: 8,857)
• UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MAIN CAMPUS (about 63 miles; LAWRENCE, KS; Full-time enrollment: 22,506)
• DEVRY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 68 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,189)
• METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 71 miles; LEES SUMMIT, MO; Full-time enrollment: 4,576)
• UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER (about 72 miles; KANSAS CITY, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,168)
• UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY (about 72 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 8,830)

Public primary/middle school in Blue Mound:

• BLUE MOUND ELEM (Students: 56; Location: 303 S 3RD STREET; Grades: 01 – 06)

Libraries

Library in Blue Mound:

• LINN COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT #3 (Operating income: $12,922; Location: 316 E. MAIN ST.; 5,519 books; 31 audio materials; 419 video materials; 2 serial subscriptions)