Preston, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Preston, Kansas
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Location within Pratt County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Pratt |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Incorporated | 1909 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.43 sq mi (1.13 km2) |
| • Land | 0.43 sq mi (1.13 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,834 ft (559 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 115 |
| • Density | 267/sq mi (101.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-57675 |
| GNIS ID | 2396274 |
Preston is a small city located in Pratt County, Kansas, in the United States. It is a quiet community with a rich history. According to the 2020 census, about 115 people live in Preston.
Contents
History of Preston
Early Days and Railroads
Preston was officially started in 1887. In the same year, a major railway line was built through Preston. This line connected Herington to Pratt. The railway was later extended to Liberal in 1888. Eventually, it reached as far as Tucumcari, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
The original railway company faced financial trouble and was taken over by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway. Even though the railway changed hands many times over the years, many local people still call it the "Rock Island" line. Preston also had its own post office, which operated from 1887 until 1990.
Preston's New Beginning
For a while, Preston was thought to be a shrinking city. However, it is now seeing a new wave of growth and development. New businesses have started to open, helping to bring more activity and jobs to the area. This includes a mortuary, a fabric store, a used car lot, a diner, and a convenience store. This new energy is helping Preston to become a lively place once again.
Geography of Preston
Preston is located in Pratt County. The city covers a total area of about 0.47 square miles (1.22 square kilometers). All of this area is land, meaning there are no large bodies of water within the city limits.
Population and People
Preston's population has changed over the years. Here is a look at how many people have lived in Preston during different census years:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 278 | — | |
| 1920 | 401 | 44.2% | |
| 1930 | 383 | −4.5% | |
| 1940 | 328 | −14.4% | |
| 1950 | 307 | −6.4% | |
| 1960 | 278 | −9.4% | |
| 1970 | 239 | −14.0% | |
| 1980 | 227 | −5.0% | |
| 1990 | 177 | −22.0% | |
| 2000 | 164 | −7.3% | |
| 2010 | 158 | −3.7% | |
| 2020 | 115 | −27.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
What the 2020 Census Shows
The 2020 United States census counted 115 people living in Preston. There were 58 households and 29 families. Most residents, about 81.74%, identified as white. About 11.3% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
About 24.1% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.0 people. The average family had 2.8 people. The median age in Preston was 52.5 years old. This means half the people were older than 52.5 and half were younger.
What the 2010 Census Showed
In 2010, the census showed that 158 people lived in Preston. The city had 67 households and 43 families. Most people (98.1%) were White.
About 26.9% of households had children under 18. The average household size was 2.36 people. The average family size was 2.95 people. The median age in 2010 was 40.5 years. This means the population was a bit younger than in 2020.
Education in Preston
Students in Preston attend public schools managed by the Pratt USD 382 school district. In the past, Preston had its own high school, known as Preston High School. Their mascot was the Wildcats. However, this high school later closed as part of a school consolidation plan.
See also
In Spanish: Preston (Kansas) para niños
