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Emporia, KS

Frequently asked questions

Emporia, KS

Emporia is a city in and the county seat of Lyon County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 24,139. Emporia lies between Topeka and Wichita at the intersection of highways K-99, U.S. Route 50, and Interstates 335 and 35 (Kansas Turnpike). Emporia is also a college town, home to Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College. It is home to two annual sporting events: Unbound Gravel (ranked as one of the top gravel bicycle races) and Dynamic Discs Open (disc golf tournaments).

Emporia is located in east-central Kansas. It lies along the Kansas Turnpike at its intersection with Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 50, 108 miles (174 km) southwest of Kansas City, 58 miles (93 km) southwest of Topeka, and 87 miles (140 km) northeast of Wichita on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.94 square miles (30.92 km²), of which 11.83 square miles (30.64 km²) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km²) is water. The Neosho River flows along the northern side of the city. The Cottonwood River, one of its tributaries, flows along the city's southern edge and of two large city parks, Peter Pan and Soden's Grove; the two rivers meet near the eastern boundary of Emporia and flow southeast to join the Arkansas River in Oklahoma.

Located on an upland prairie, Emporia was founded in 1857, drawing its name from ancient Carthage, a place known in history as a prosperous center of commerce.

In 1864 the Union Pacific Railway, Southern Branch (later incorporated into the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad) received land grants to build from Fort Riley to Emporia. The road eventually reached Emporia in 1869, becoming the first railroad to serve the burgeoning town. In July 1870, a second railroad, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway reached Emporia, and in the years following the American Civil War, the city became a booming railroad hub. In 1888, railroad executive and educator John Byers Anderson donated his library to the College of Emporia to commemorate his 50th wedding anniversary, and his former mentee Andrew Carnegie donated additional funds to build a library in Anderson's honor (conditioned upon the new college paying off its mortgage).

In 1953, Emporia was the site of the first Veterans Day observance in the United States. At the urging of local shoe cobbler Alvin J. King, U.S. Representative Edward Rees introduced legislation in The United States Congress to rename Armistice Day as Veterans Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law on October 8, 1954.

The city places a significant emphasis on health and wellness, with Newman Regional Health serving as a cornerstone for comprehensive healthcare services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Emporia Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Health Genesis Clubs and Emporia Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Emporia, such as the Peter Pan Park Walk and Cottonwood River Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Emporia, KS are David Traylor Zoo of Emporia, William Allen White House State Historic Site, and Lyon County History Center and Museum.

Population: 24,105 (2023). ZIP code: 66801. Area code: 620. Elevation: 1,142 ft (348 m). Area: 12.11 sq mi (31.37 km²).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Emporia, KS?

Emporia, KS is home to a population of 24.1k people, of which 90.9% are citizens. As of 2022, 13.4% of Emporia, KS residents were born outside of the country (3.23k people). In 2022, there were 4.98 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (15.1k people) in Emporia, KS than any other race or ethnicity. There were 3.02k White (Hispanic) and 2.85k Two+ (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Emporia, KS expensive?

Emporia is 21% less expensive than the national average and 5% less expensive to live in than the average city in Kansas. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Emporia are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Emporia are more affordable than average in the United States.

What is Emporia, KS famous for?

Unique to Emporia are Disc Golf and Gravel Racing. Emporia is known as the Disc Golf Capital of the World and is home to Dynamic Discs and the Dynamic Discs Open which takes place every April in Emporia. Jeremy Rusco, founder and CEO of Dynamic Discs started his business for a class as a student in the School of Business.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Emporia

Newman Regional Health 

Emporia Parks and Recreation Department 

Health Genesis Clubs 

Emporia Fitness

Peter Pan Park Walk 

Cottonwood River Trail

David Traylor Zoo of Emporia

William Allen White House State Historic Site

Lyon County History Center and Museum

Data USA

Erieri

Emporia

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