Dorrance, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorrance, Kansas
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Location within Russell County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Russell |
| Founded | 1860s |
| Platted | 1880 |
| Incorporated | 1910 |
| Named for | Oliver Dorrance |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.34 sq mi (0.88 km2) |
| • Land | 0.34 sq mi (0.88 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,732 ft (528 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 146 |
| • Density | 429/sq mi (165.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67634
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| Area code | 785 |
| FIPS code | 20-18325 |
| GNIS ID | 475332 |
Dorrance is a small city located in Russell County, Kansas, in the United States. In 2020, about 146 people lived there.
Contents
History of Dorrance
The area where Dorrance is now located first saw the Kansas Pacific Railway arrive in June 1867. Soon after, settlers from Germany, England, and Ireland moved to the area. By 1870, they had formed a small community.
In 1872, more settlers came from Pennsylvania. A big prairie fire in March 1879 destroyed many businesses in the community. The town of Dorrance was officially planned out in 1880. It was named after Oliver Dorrance, who was a superintendent for the railroad.
The first post office opened in July 1883. Dorrance officially became a city in April 1910. After that, it grew into an important place for goods and services in eastern Russell County.
Geography of Dorrance
Dorrance is in the north-central part of Kansas. It is about 102 miles (164 km) northwest of Wichita. It is also about 214 miles (344 km) west of Kansas City.
The city is located about half a mile (0.8 km) south of Interstate 70. It is also about 15 miles (24 km) east-southeast of Russell, which is the main city of the county.
Dorrance is part of the Smoky Hills region, which is a hilly area within the Great Plains. It is about 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the Smoky Hill River. It is also about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Wilson Lake.
The United States Census Bureau says that Dorrance covers a total area of 0.34 square miles (0.88 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Dorrance's Climate
The weather in Dorrance has hot and humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, it is shown as "Cfa."
Population of Dorrance
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 281 | — | |
| 1920 | 299 | 6.4% | |
| 1930 | 325 | 8.7% | |
| 1940 | 414 | 27.4% | |
| 1950 | 385 | −7.0% | |
| 1960 | 331 | −14.0% | |
| 1970 | 234 | −29.3% | |
| 1980 | 220 | −6.0% | |
| 1990 | 195 | −11.4% | |
| 2000 | 205 | 5.1% | |
| 2010 | 185 | −9.8% | |
| 2020 | 146 | −21.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 Census Information
The 2020 United States census counted 146 people living in Dorrance. There were 75 households and 42 families. Most of the people were white.
About 11% of the population was under 18 years old. About 28% of the people were 65 years or older. The average age in Dorrance was 55.5 years.
2010 Census Information
In 2010, there were 185 people living in Dorrance. There were 85 households. Most people were white.
About 21.6% of the people were under 18 years old. About 22.7% were 65 years or older. The average age was 46.5 years.
Economy in Dorrance
In 2012, about 64.8% of people over 16 years old had jobs or were looking for work. Many people worked in management, business, or science. Others worked in sales, office jobs, or service jobs.
The main industries where people worked were farming, fishing, and mining. Education, healthcare, and manufacturing were also important.
The cost of living in Dorrance is lower than the average for the U.S. For example, the average home value in 2012 was $51,300. This is much less than in many other parts of the country.
Education in Dorrance
Students in Dorrance go to schools in the Central Plains USD 112 public school district. They attend schools in Wilson.
Years ago, Dorrance had its own schools. The Dorrance Cardinals, a high school basketball team, won the state championship in 1956. This was for the boys' class BB basketball.
Transportation in Dorrance
Roads and Highways
Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 both run together just north of Dorrance. An older road, also called U.S. 40, goes through Dorrance itself.
A paved county road, 200th Boulevard, runs along the eastern side of the city. This road used to be known as K-231.
Railroad Lines
The Union Pacific Railroad has a freight train line that goes through Dorrance. This line is called the Kansas Pacific (KP) line. It runs next to the old U.S. 40 road.
Utilities in Dorrance
Western Electric provides electricity to the people living in Dorrance. H & B Communications offers phone service, cable TV, and internet. Most homes use natural gas for heating, which is provided by Midwest Energy, Inc.
Media in Dorrance
Dorrance is part of the Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market. This means people in Dorrance watch TV channels from that area.
Culture and Fun Things to See
Points of Interest
The Dorrance Historical Society Museum is located downtown. It has many old items and stories from the community's past. It's a great place to learn about Dorrance's history.
See also
In Spanish: Dorrance para niños
