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Junction City, KS

Frequently asked questions

Junction City, KS

Junction City is a city in and the county seat of Geary County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 22,932. Fort Riley, a major U.S. Army post, is nearby.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.22 square miles (31.65 km²), of which 12.15 square miles (31.47 km²) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km²) is water.

Junction City is so named from its position at the confluence of the Smoky Hill and Republican rivers, which form the Kansas River. In 1854, Andrew J. Mead of New York of the Cincinnati-Manhattan Company, Free Staters connected to the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Company planned a community there called Manhattan (there was also a discussion to call it New Cincinnati). When the steamship Hartford delivering the immigrants could not reach the community because of low water on the Kansas River, the Free Staters settled 20 miles east in what today is Manhattan, Kansas. The community was renamed Millard City for Captain Millard of Hartford on October 3, 1855. It was renamed briefly Humboldt in 1857 by local farmers and renamed again later that year to Junction City. It was formally incorporated in 1859.

In 1923, John R. Brinkley established radio station KFKB (which adopted the slogan Kansas First, Kansas Best) in nearby Milford, Kansas, using a 1 kW transmitter. It was one of the first radio stations in Kansas. Brinkley used the station to espouse his belief that goat testicles could be implanted in men to enhance their virility.

Among Junction City's residents is film director Kevin Wilmott, whose movies, including Ninth Street, are set in Junction City. Ninth Street specifically refers to a bawdy area of the community that was frequented by Fort Riley soldiers in the 1960s. In the 1980s a major initiative was undertaken to clean up the Ninth St. area. Timothy McVeigh rented the Ryder truck he used in the Oklahoma City bombing from an auto body shop in Junction City.

In terms of health and wellness, Junction City prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The Geary Community Hospital serves as a cornerstone of healthcare services, providing comprehensive medical care to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Junction City 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 Junction City CrossFit, 448 Fitness, and Spin Fitness Studio. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Junction City, such as the Republican River Trail and Geary Falls Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Junction City, KS are Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery, Geary County Historical Society and Museum, and Milford Nature Center.

Population: 22,932 (2020). ZIP Codes: 66441. Area code: 785. Elevation: 1,106 ft (337 m). Area: 11.21 sq mi (29.02 km²).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Junction City, KS?

Junction City, KS is home to a population of 22.7k people, of which 96.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 7.69% of Junction City, KS residents were born outside of the country (1.75k people). In 2022, there were 2.75 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (11.5k people) in Junction City, KS than any other race or ethnicity. There were 4.19k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 1.99k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

What is Junction City, KS known for?

One of the older and most notable communities in Kansas, Junction City is a great place to visit with its small-town atmosphere, rural charm, and big-city culture. Junction City is recognized for its service and hospitality and is proud to be known as Fort Riley’s “Hometown”. Situated at the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers, which merge to form the Kansas River, Junction City offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, historic sites, dining, and shopping.

Is Junction City, KS expensive?

Junction City, Kansas's cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. Junction City's housing expenses are 17% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 1% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 2% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Junction City

Geary Community Hospital 

Junction City Parks and Recreation Department

Junction City CrossFit 

448 Fitness 

Spin Fitness Studio

Republican River Trail 

Geary Falls Trail

Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery

Geary County Historical Society and Museum

Milford Nature Center

Data USA

Travel KS

Payscale

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