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Dexter, Kansas facts for kids

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Dexter, Kansas
Location within Cowley County and Kansas
Location within Cowley County and Kansas
KDOT map of Cowley County (legend)
Country United States
State Kansas
County Cowley
Founded 1870
Platted 1875
Incorporated 1884
Area
 • Total 0.28 sq mi (0.72 km2)
 • Land 0.28 sq mi (0.72 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,207 ft (368 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 224
 • Density 800/sq mi (311.1/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
67038
Area code 620
FIPS code 20-17925
GNIS ID 469581

Dexter is a city in Cowley County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 224.

History

The first post office at Dexter was established in July, 1870.

Dexter was platted in 1875. Dexter is named for a trotting horse belonging to Robert Bonner of New York.

Early in the 20th century Dexter became the focus of research that would confirm the existence of an abundance of naturally occurring and readily available helium. In May 1903, a newly drilled natural gas well was found to contain a nonflammable gas. Researchers at the University of Kansas found the “Dexter gas” contained only 15 percent methane and 72 percent nitrogen, causing the gas to be nonflammable. In addition they discovered helium within an “inert residue” in the gas and, after expanding their research to other wells throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, published a paper in 1907 saying that helium could be extracted from natural gas. Helium did not have any practical applications at the time, but by 1917 the federal government was sponsoring extensive research into the possibility of using helium in airships.

Geography

Dexter is located at 37°10′46″N 96°42′58″W / 37.179373°N 96.715987°W / 37.179373; -96.715987 (37.179373, -96.715987). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.29 square miles (0.75 km2), all of it land.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Dexter has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Area events

Area attractions

  • The "Oh Henry!" Candy Bar was invented by a man named Tom Henry of Arkansas City, whose family now runs a candy factory on route K-15 in Dexter, Kansas called "Henry's Candies". The factory sells "Momma Henry" bars, which are near identical to the original "Oh Henry!" candy bar.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 146
1890 371 154.1%
1900 380 2.4%
1910 512 34.7%
1920 497 −2.9%
1930 484 −2.6%
1940 424 −12.4%
1950 354 −16.5%
1960 291 −17.8%
1970 286 −1.7%
1980 366 28.0%
1990 320 −12.6%
2000 364 13.8%
2010 278 −23.6%
2020 224 −19.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 278 people, 105 households, and 77 families residing in the city. The population density was 958.6 inhabitants per square mile (370.1/km2). There were 128 housing units at an average density of 441.4 per square mile (170.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 3.6% Native American, 0.4% Pacific Islander, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 105 households, of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.7% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 47.4 years. 20.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.1% were from 45 to 64; and 25.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

Education

The community is served by Dexter USD 471 public school district.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Dexter (Kansas) para niños

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