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Moving to Atchison, Kansas

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The current estimated population of Atchison is 10,800, with approximately 48% male and 52% female. The population has seen moderate growth, supported by local industries, education, and its historical significance.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1854
  • County Affiliated: Atchison County
  • Land Area: 7.83 square miles
  • Population Density: 1,379 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 913
  • Zip Codes: 66002

Geography and Location

Atchison is located in northeastern Kansas, along the western bank of the Missouri River. The town sits approximately 50 miles northwest of Kansas City, making it part of the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area while retaining its small-town charm. Atchison’s location along the Missouri River has historically made it an important hub for transportation and trade. The town is built on bluffs overlooking the river, providing scenic vistas and a rich landscape of rolling hills and wooded areas. The Missouri River plays a central role in the town’s geography and economy, influencing local industry and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking along the riverbanks. Atchison experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The town is known for its historical significance as the birthplace of famed aviator Amelia Earhart and has become a cultural and historical center, attracting tourists to its museums, landmarks, and annual events. Its proximity to Kansas City offers residents access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining a quieter, rural atmosphere.

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.7 years
Median household income: $31,109
Median house value: $52,200

Population by Race

Races in Atchison:

  • White Non-Hispanic (87.1%)
  • Black (7.8%)
  • Hispanic (2.6%)
  • Two or more races (2.0%)
  • American Indian (1.3%)
  • Other race (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (27.5%), Irish (15.6%), United States (9.1%), English (8.8%), Dutch (3.1%), Italian (2.6%).

Elevation: 950 feet

Land area: 6.8 square miles

Map of Atchison, KS

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Atchison

  • High school or higher: 84.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 9.0%
  • Unemployed: 7.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 17.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Atchison city

  • Never married: 30.1%
  • Now married: 48.2%
  • Separated: 1.1%
  • Widowed: 7.9%
  • Divorced: 12.7%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -542 (-5.0%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Atchison:

  • ATCHISON HOSPITAL (1301 NORTH SECOND STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Atchison:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atchison:

  • ROSECRANS MEMORIAL (about 22 miles; ST JOSEPH, MO; Abbreviation: STJ)
  • KANSAS CITY INTL (about 36 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Abbreviation: MCI)
  • CHARLES B. WHEELER DOWNTOWN (about 49 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Abbreviation: MKC)

Other public-use airports nearest to Atchison:

  • AMELIA EARHART (about 3 miles; ATCHISON, KS; Abbreviation: K59)
  • SHERMAN AAF (about 21 miles; FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS; Abbreviation: FLV)
  • RAINBOW AIR VILLAGE (about 26 miles; DEARBORN, MO; Abbreviation: 0C1)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/Universities in Atchison:

  • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 1,060; Location: 1020 N 2ND ST; Private, not-for-profit; Website: www.benedictine.edu; Offers Master’s degree)
  • NORTHEAST KANSAS AREA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL (Full-time enrollment: 108; Location: 1501 W RILEY ST; Public)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atchison:

  • MISSOURI WESTERN STATE COLLEGE (about 26 miles; ST JOSEPH, MO; Full-time enrollment: 4,329)
  • PARK UNIVERSITY (about 38 miles; PARKVILLE, MO; Full-time enrollment: 4,180)
  • KANSAS CITY KANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 40 miles; KANSAS CITY, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,837)
  • UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER (about 42 miles; KANSAS CITY, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,168)
  • UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MAIN CAMPUS (about 44 miles; LAWRENCE, KS; Full-time enrollment: 22,506)
  • METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 47 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,998)
  • METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGES (about 51 miles; KANSAS CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,259)

Schools

Public high schools in Atchison:

  • ATCHISON HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 497; Location: 1500 W. RILEY ST; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • BERT NASH INTERMEDIATE (Students: 62; Location: 1900 NORTH 2ND; Grades: 07 – 12)

Private high schools in Atchison:

  • MAUR HILL PREP SCHOOL-BOYS (Students: 197; Location: 1000 GREEN STREET; Grades: 9 – 12; Boys only)
  • MT ST SCHOLASTICA HIGH (Students: 109; Location: 810 R ST; Grades: 9 – 12; Girls only)

Public primary/middle schools in Atchison:

  • ATCHISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 775; Location: 825 N 17TH STREET; Grades: KG – 05)
  • ATCHISON MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 404; Location: 301 N 5TH; Grades: 06 – 08)

Private primary/middle schools in Atchison:

  • ATCHISON CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY S (Students: 390; Location: 1034 GREEN ST; Grades: PK – 8)
  • TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Students: 160; Location: 609 NORTH 8TH STREET; Grades: KG – 8)

Libraries

Library in Atchison:

  • ATCHISON LIBRARY (Operating income: $306,869; Location: 401 KANSAS AVENUE; 79,196 books; 809 audio materials; 1,915 video materials; 134 serial subscriptions)

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