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Liberal, KS

Frequently asked questions

Liberal, KS

Liberal is the county seat of Seward County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 19,825. It is located in southwest Kansas, along U.S. Route 54 highway, near the Kansas-Oklahoma state line. Liberal is the home of Seward County Community College.

Liberal is located in southwestern Kansas at the intersection of U.S. Route 83 and U.S. Route 54, Liberal is 140 miles (225 km) north-northeast of Amarillo, Texas, 202 mi (325 km) west-southwest of Wichita, and 288 mi (463 km) southeast of Denver, Colorado. The city lies approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the Cimarron River in the High Plains region of the Great Plains. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.75 square miles (30.43 km²), of which 11.61 square miles (30.07 km²) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km²) is water.

Early settler Seymour S. Rogers built the first house in what would become Liberal in 1872. Rogers became famous in the region for giving free water to thirsty travelers. Reportedly, Liberal gained its name from the common response to his acts of kindness, "That's very liberal of you." In 1885 Rogers built a general store, and with it came an official U.S. Post Office. Rogers named the post office 'Liberal'. After the railroad was built close by, a plan for the town site was created in 1888. A year later the population was around 800.

Drought caused some farmers to give up and look for more fertile territory; however, when the nearby Indian Territory was opened, more settlers headed to the cheap land that would become Oklahoma.

Natural gas was discovered west of town, in what would become part of the massive Panhandle-Hugoton Gas Field, in 1920. Oil was discovered southwest of the town in 1951. In 1963 the largest helium plant in the world, National Helium, was opened.

Liberal has a commission-manager government with a city commission consisting of five members elected at-large. Elections occur every two years in the odd-numbered year, and commissioners serve two-year or four-year terms depending on the number of votes they receive. Each year, the commission appoints a member to serve as mayor and another to serve as vice-mayor. The city manager heads the city administration.

Health and wellness are integral to the Liberal community, with Genesis Family Health playing a pivotal role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Liberal 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 Rapid Fit Health Club, Lifelong Fitness, and SW Fitness & Racquetball. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Liberal, such as the Coyote Trail and Sandstone Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Liberal, KS are the Mid-America Air Museum, Dorothy's House and the Land of Oz, and Adventure Bay Family Water Park.

Population: 19,825 (2020). ZIP Codes: 67901. Area codes: 620. Elevation: 2,848 ft (868 m). Area: 11.65 sq mi (30.18 km²).

FAQs

What is Liberal, KS known for?

Liberal was known as the broom corn capital of the world. More broom corn was grown, marketed, and handled here than in any other place known. Hard winter wheat came to Seward County from the eastern counties and by 1910 it had replaced broom corn as the major crop.

Is Liberal, KS a good place to live?

Liberal is in Seward County. Living in Liberal offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Liberal and residents tend to have moderate political views.

Is Liberal, KS expensive?

Liberal is 23% less expensive than the national average and 7% 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 Liberal are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Liberal are more affordable than average in the United States.

Sources

Wikipedia

Seward County, KS

Genesis Family Health

Liberal Parks and Recreation Department 

Rapid Fit Health Club

Lifelong Fitness 

SW Fitness & Racquetball

Coyote Trail 

Sandstone Trail

Mid-America Air Museum

Dorothy's House and the Land of Oz

Adventure Bay Family Water Park

City of Liberal

Niche

Erieri

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