Abilene, Kansas Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Abilene is 6,400, including 48% male and 52% female. The town has experienced slight population growth due to its historical significance and appeal to tourists and retirees.

City Facts

  • Founded: 1857
  • County: Dickinson County
  • Land Area: 4.7 square miles
  • Population Density: 1,362 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 785
  • Zip Code: 67410

Geography and Location

Abilene, Kansas, is situated in central Kansas, along the banks of the Smoky Hill River. The city is located approximately 25 miles east of Salina and 95 miles north of Wichita, making it a small but significant stop in the region. Known as the boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Abilene boasts a rich history as a Wild West cattle town. Today, it is a quiet, family-friendly community with strong ties to its historical roots, offering attractions such as the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland, making agriculture a key component of its economy. Its central location and deep historical significance make Abilene a well-preserved and charming small city in the heart of Kansas.

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.8 years
Median household income: $33,778
Median house value: $65,800

Population by Race

Races in Abilene:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.0%)
  • Hispanic (2.7%)
  • Two or more races (1.6%)
  • American Indian (1.3%)
  • Black (1.0%)
  • Other race (1.0%)

Ancestries: German (29.7%), Irish (13.6%), English (11.3%), United States (10.5%), Swedish (4.6%), Dutch (4.0%).

Elevation: 1153 feet

Land area: 4.1 square miles

Map of Abilene, KS

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Abilene

  • High school or higher: 84.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.4%
  • Unemployed: 3.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 17.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Abilene city

  • Never married: 18.5%
  • Now married: 57.1%
  • Separated: 1.1%
  • Widowed: 11.9%
  • Divorced: 11.5%

2.1% Foreign born (1.0% Europe, 0.9% Latin America, 0.2% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +201 (+3.2%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Abilene:

  • MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (511 NE TENTH ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Abilene:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Abilene:

  • SALINA MUNI (about 32 miles; SALINA, KS; Abbreviation: SLN)
  • MANHATTAN RGNL (about 41 miles; MANHATTAN, KS; Abbreviation: MHK)
  • HUTCHINSON MUNI (about 75 miles; HUTCHINSON, KS; Abbreviation: HUT)

Other public-use airports nearest to Abilene:

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Abilene:

  • KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 49 miles; MANHATTAN, KS; Full-time enrollment: 19,210)
  • HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 79 miles; HUTCHINSON, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,268)
  • EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 79 miles; EMPORIA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,528)
  • BUTLER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 80 miles; EL DORADO, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,250)
  • WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 87 miles; WICHITA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 10,403)
  • FRIENDS UNIVERSITY (about 87 miles; WICHITA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,983)
  • WASHBURN UNIVERSITY OF TOPEKA (about 101 miles; TOPEKA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,472)

Schools

Public high school in Abilene:

  • ABILENE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 493; Location: 1300 N CEDAR; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Abilene:

  • ABILENE BAPTIST ACADEMY (Students: 31; Location: 409 N VAN BUREN; Grades: KG – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Abilene:

  • ABILENE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 369; Location: 500 NORTHWEST 14TH; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • KENNEDY ELEM (Students: 212; Location: 1501 N KUNEY; Grades: KG – 01)
  • GARFIELD ELEM (Students: 209; Location: 300 N W 7TH; Grades: 04 – 05)
  • MCKINLEY ELEM (Students: 195; Location: 112 N ROGERS; Grades: 02 – 03)
  • BLUE RIDGE ELEM (Students: 63; Location: 1539 HWY 18; Grades: KG – 05)
  • RURAL CENTER ELEM (Students: 37; Location: 902 1400 AVENUE; Grades: KG – 04)

Private primary/middle school in Abilene:

  • ST ANDREW S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 82; Location: 301 SOUTH BUCKEYE AVENUE; Grades: PK – 5)

Libraries

Library in Abilene:

  • ABILENE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $196,432; Location: 209 NW 4TH; 66,038 books; 532 audio materials; 1,022 video materials; 104 serial subscriptions)