Editing Alta Vista, Kansas

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Short description|City in Wabaunsee County, Kansas}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                     = Alta Vista, Kansas
|settlement_type          = [[City]]

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Alta Vista, Kansas (1905).jpg
|image_caption            = Fourth of July Parade (1905)
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =

<!-- Maps -->
|image_map                = Wabaunsee_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Alta_Vista_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption              = Location within [[Wabaunsee County, Kansas|Wabaunsee County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1               = Map of Wabaunsee Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1             = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Wabaunsee County, Kansas|Wabaunsee County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|38|51|47|N|96|29|20|W|region:US-KS_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Wabaunsee County, Kansas|Wabaunsee]]
|subdivision_type3        = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3        =

<!-- Established -->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1887
|established_title1       = [[Platted]]
|established_date1        =
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1905 <ref name="gov1"/>
|named_for                =

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     = <ref name="gov1">{{cite web |title=City of Alta Vista |url=https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260518 |website=The League of Kansas Municipalities |date=May 26, 2019}}</ref>
|government_type          = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              =

<!-- Area -->
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_20.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi         = 0.35
|area_land_sq_mi          = 0.35
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
|area_total_km2           = 0.90
|area_land_km2            = 0.90
|area_water_km2           = 0.00
|unit_pref                = Imperial

<!-- Elevation -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft             = 1453

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 409
|pop_est_footnotes        =
|pop_est_as_of            =
|population_est           =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2   = auto

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 66834
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code                = [[Area code 785|785]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 20-01575 
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 2393931<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|2393931}}</ref>
|website                  =
}}

'''Alta Vista''' is a city in [[Wabaunsee County, Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 409.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Alta Vista, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2001575 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514100938/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2001575 |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
Alta Vista was founded in 1887, and it was incorporated as a city in 1905.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o8X5krq3fP8C&pg=PA66 | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=66| isbn=9780722249055 }}</ref> Alta Vista is derived from the Spanish word for "high view", and the city was so named from its lofty elevation.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KAMtAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA53 | title=Business Directory and History of Wabaunsee County  | publisher=Kansas Directory Company | year=1907 | pages=53}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=4421 | title=Profile for Alta Vista, Kansas | publisher=[[ePodunk]] | accessdate=27 June 2014}}</ref>

In 1887, the [[Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway]] built a main line from [[Topeka, Kansas|Topeka]] through Alta Vista to [[Herington, Kansas|Herington]].<ref name="Rock Island Rail History">{{Cite web |url=http://home.covad.net/~scicoatnsew/rihist4.htm |title=Rock Island Rail History |access-date=2011-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619230000/http://home.covad.net/~scicoatnsew/rihist4.htm |archive-date=2011-06-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  The [[Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway]] was foreclosed in 1891 and taken over by [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway]], which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as [[Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad]], merged in 1988 with [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]], merged in 1997 with [[Union Pacific Railroad]].  Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".

The first post office in Alta Vista was established in March 1887.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county:WB |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |accessdate=27 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009123651/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county%3AWB |archivedate=October 9, 2013 }}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|0.36|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all  land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archivedate=2012-01-25 }}</ref>

===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, Alta Vista has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=591041&cityname=Alta+Vista%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Alta Vista, Kansas]</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1910= 499
|1920= 484
|1930= 436
|1940= 461
|1950= 420
|1960= 400
|1970= 402
|1980= 430
|1990= 477
|2000= 442
|2010= 444
|2020= 409
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}
Alta Vista is part of the [[Topeka, Kansas]] [[Topeka metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 409 people, 182 households, and 116 families in Alta Vista.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,171.9 per square mile (452.5/km{{sup|2}}). There were 202 housing units at an average density of 578.8 per square mile (223.5/km{{sup|2}}).<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The racial makeup was 92.91% (380) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (90.71% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 0.73% (3) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 1.22% (5) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.0% (0) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.0% (0) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 1.47% (6) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.67% (15) from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 4.4% (18) of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 182 households, 28.0% had children under the age of 18; 51.6% were married couples living together; 23.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 30.8% of households consisted of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 8.3% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

23.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 104.6 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $39,205 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,168) and the median family income was $48,750 (+/- $23,089).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $31,442 (+/- $6,656) versus $30,417 (+/- $8,760) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,023 (+/- $5,440).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 12.3% of families and 23.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 38.1% of those under the age of 18 and 21.3% of those ages 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Alta%20Vista%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 444 people, 189 households, and 128 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1233.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 211 housing units at an average density of {{convert|586.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 98.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 0.7% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 189 households, of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.3% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 41.5 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 29.7% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.3% male and 47.7% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 442 people, 190 households, and 126 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,242.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 216 housing units at an average density of {{convert|607.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.29% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.36% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.68% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], and 0.68% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.07% of the population.

There were 190 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,159, and the median income for a family was $38,542. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $20,833 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,885. About 8.0% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.

==Education==
The community is served by [[Morris County USD 417]] public school district.<ref>[http://www.usd417.net/ USD 417 website.]</ref>

Alta Vista High School was closed through school unification.  The Alta Vista High School mascot was Bulldogs.<ref>{{cite web | title = Alta Vista High School - Bulldog Yearbook| publisher = E-YEARBOOK.COM| url = http://www.e-yearbook.com/Alta_Vista_High_School_Bulldog_Yearbook| accessdate = 10 January 2017}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===
Alta Vista is served by the [[Union Pacific Railroad]], formerly the [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]], and prior, the [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad]]. Alta Vista is located on UP's Golden State main line to [[El Paso, Texas]]. The line was originally built by the [[Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railroad]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{See also|Wabaunsee County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Wabaunsee County, Kansas}}
* ''Living in the Depot: The Two-Story Railroad Station''; H. Roger Grant; University of Iowa Press; 130 pages; 1993; {{ISBN|978-0877455882}}.  Contains historic images of Kansas stations at Alta Vista, Bucklin, Comiskey, Haddam, Hoyt, and Wakarusa.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Alta Vista, Kansas}}
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260518 Alta Vista - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/altavista.pdf Alta Vista city map], KDOT

{{Wabaunsee County, Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Wabaunsee County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Topeka metropolitan area, Kansas]]