Shawnee County, KS

Shawnee County, located in northeastern Kansas, serves as a pivotal administrative and governmental hub within the state. Established on August 25, 1855, it was one of the original 33 counties created by the first territorial legislature and named after the Shawnee tribe.

The county encompasses a total area of 556 square miles, including 544 square miles of land and 12 square miles of water, accounting for 2.1% of its total area. Its county seat and most populous city is Topeka, the state capital, located just north of the Kansas River.

As of the 2020 census, Shawnee County had a population of 178,909, making it the third-most populous county in Kansas.

Geography

Shawnee County is bordered by several counties, including:

• Jackson County to the north
• Jefferson County to the northeast
• Douglas County to the southeast
• Osage County to the south
• Wabaunsee County to the west
• Pottawatomie County to the northwest

The landscape includes the Flint Hills along the western border and the Wakarusa River in the northeastern part. The Kansas River runs east across the county just north of the center, offering vital water resources and recreational opportunities.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Shawnee County is strong, featuring major highways such as:

• Interstate 70
• Kansas Turnpike
• U.S. Route 75
• U.S. Route 24
• U.S. Route 40

For air travel, the region is served by Forbes Field Air National Guard base and airport, located south of Topeka near Pauline, as well as the Philip Billard Municipal Airport in Topeka, which provides general aviation services.

Administrative Divisions

The county is divided into 12 townships:

• North of the Kansas River: Soldier, Menoken, Silver Lake, Grove, Rossville
• South of the river: Tecumseh, Topeka, Mission, Dover
• Southernmost tier (Wakarusa River valley): Monmouth, Williamsport, Auburn

As a city of the first class, Topeka is governmentally independent and excluded from township census figures.

Services

Shawnee County offers services such as property appraisal and tax information, interactive mapping tools, job postings, and solid waste management.

The county website provides access to these resources, ensuring transparency and accessibility for residents.

Locations

• Topeka, KS, USA - County seat and capital city with administrative significance.

Summary

Overall, Shawnee County is a dynamic and diverse region that plays a crucial role in Kansas's governance, economy, and culture.

Its strategic location, comprehensive infrastructure, and commitment to public service make it a vital component of the state's framework.