Moving to Hoxie, Kansas

Hoxie, Kansas is located in the northern part of the state and is a small farming community. The city has a total area of 1.1 square miles and is situated at an elevation of 1,537 feet above sea level. The climate in Hoxie is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from around 40°F in the winter to just over 80°F in the summer months.

The earliest settlers of Hoxie arrived in the late 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. In 1887, a post office was opened and two years later, Hoxie was officially incorporated as a city. In its early years, Hoxie was known for its production of wheat and other agricultural products but gradually transitioned into more industrial pursuits such as oil production and manufacturing. Over time, much of this industry declined or moved away causing economic hardship for many of Hoxie’s residents.

Hoxie currently has a mayor-council form of government with five elected council members including a mayor who serves as chief executive officer for the city. The economy in Hoxie is mainly agricultural with some light manufacturing activities as well as retail businesses scattered throughout town.

The local school district includes two elementary schools and one high school – all within walking distance from each other – providing education to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Schools are supported by local tax revenue and receive additional funding through state grants which help to keep classes small so that teachers can give individual attention to each student’s needs.

Hoxie has several landmarks that draw visitors from near and far each year including Old Town Hall which dates back to 1905 when it served as the first official meeting place for city council meetings; Pioneer Park which features an old steam engine; National Register listed buildings such as Union Pacific Depot; and St John’s Catholic Church which was built in 1901 on land donated by one of Hoxie’s earliest settlers – John Bowerman who also served as mayor for eight years beginning in 1914.

Population: 1,244. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,149 (-7.6% change)
Males: 586 (47.1%), Females: 658 (52.9%)

Sheridan County

Zip code: 67740

Demographics

Median resident age: 45.4 years
Median household income: $33,810
Median house value: $59,000

Population by Race

Races in Hoxie:

• White Non-Hispanic (98.1%)
• Hispanic (1.4%)

Ancestries: German (36.2%), English (15.8%), United States (10.3%), Irish (9.3%), Dutch (4.1%), Scottish (4.0%).

Elevation: 2700 feet

Land area: 0.8 square miles

Population by Education

Hoxie, Kansas is a small rural town located in Sherman County with a population of 1,395 according to the 2010 census. The town has deep roots in agriculture and still relies on it as its primary industry. The majority of the population is white, with Hispanic and African American residents making up the rest. Most of the residents are between 25 and 44 years old, with a median age of 37. The median household income is just over $31,000 and the poverty rate is at 18%.

The educational attainment rate in Hoxie is higher than most other towns its size. Over 80% of adults 25 years or older have at least a high school diploma or equivalent while almost 20% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are several educational institutions in Hoxie including Hoxie High School, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and an adult learning center which offers GED classes and other courses for those seeking to further their education or obtain job skills training.

The economy of Hoxie relies heavily on agriculture, with farming being the main source of income for many families living in the area. The main crops grown are corn, wheat, soybeans and sorghum. There are also several businesses located within town limits including restaurants, grocery stores, automotive shops, gas stations and banks that provide employment opportunities for local residents as well as services for visitors to the area. Additionally there are several churches located throughout town that provide spiritual guidance to members of the community as well as support services such as food banks and clothing drives that benefit local families in need.

For population 25 years and over in Hoxie

• High school or higher: 84.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 6.0%
• Unemployed: 1.1%
• Mean travel time to work: 9.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Hoxie city

• Never married: 19.2%
• Now married: 59.4%
• Separated: 1.2%
• Widowed: 13.5%
• Divorced: 6.7%

0.4% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -101 (-7.5%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Hoxie:

• SHERIDAN COUNTY HOSPITAL (826 18TH STRET PO BOX 167)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Hoxie:

• GOVE COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 27 miles; QUINTER, KS)
• LOGAN COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 33 miles; OAKLEY, KS)
• DECATUR COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 34 miles; OBERLIN, KS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Hoxie:

• MC COOK MUNI (about 59 miles; MC COOK, NE; Abbreviation: MCK)
• RENNER FLD /GOODLAND MUNI/ (about 86 miles; GOODLAND, KS; Abbreviation: GLD)
• HAYS RGNL (about 89 miles; HAYS, KS; Abbreviation: HYS)

Other public-use airports nearest to Hoxie:

• HOXIE-SHERIDAN COUNTY (about 1 miles; HOXIE, KS; Abbreviation: 1F5)
• OAKLEY MUNI (about 31 miles; OAKLEY, KS; Abbreviation: OEL)
• OBERLIN MUNI (about 34 miles; OBERLIN, KS; Abbreviation: OIN)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Hoxie:

• FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 84 miles; HAYS, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,572)
• BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 134 miles; GREAT BEND, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,268)
• UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY (about 140 miles; KEARNEY, NE; Full-time enrollment: 5,588)
• CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 170 miles; GRAND ISLAND, NE; Full-time enrollment: 3,730)
• HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 197 miles; HUTCHINSON, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,268)
• WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 235 miles; WICHITA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 10,403)
• FRIENDS UNIVERSITY (about 243 miles; WICHITA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,983)

Schools

Public high school in Hoxie:

• HOXIE HIGH (Students: 131; Location: 1625 QUEEN AVE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Libraries

Library in Hoxie:

• HOXIE/SHERIDAN COUNTY LIBRARY (Operating income: $53,663; Location: 801 ROYAL; 16,256 books; 361 audio materials; 1,010 video materials; 63 serial subscriptions)