Editing Kensington, Kansas

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

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Kensington, KS 2.jpg
|image_caption            = Kensington in 2021
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =

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

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|39|46|00|N|99|01|58|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        = [[Smith County, Kansas|Smith]]
|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        = 1900
|named_for                =

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     =
|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         = 0.34
|area_land_sq_mi          = 0.34
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
|area_total_km2           = 0.87
|area_land_km2            = 0.87
|area_water_km2           = 0.00
|unit_pref                = Imperial

<!-- Elevation -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft             = 1778

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 399
|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              = 66951
|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               = 20-36550 
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 2395511<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|2395511}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.kensingtonks.net/|kensingtonks.net}}
}}

'''Kensington''' is a city in [[Smith County, Kansas|Smith County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 399.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Kensington, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2036550 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=March 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323235624/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2036550 |archive-date=March 23, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Kensington, KS.jpg|left|thumb|(2021)]]

Kensington was founded circa 1887.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_5zdAAQAAMAAJ | title=Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society | publisher=Kansas State Printing Plant | author=Kansas State Historical Society | year=1916 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_5zdAAQAAMAAJ/page/n408 301]}}</ref> It was incorporated as a city in 1900.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Qi9cXyTWt9EC | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Qi9cXyTWt9EC/page/n58 68]}}</ref>

Kensington was considered a discordant community in 1892. Many of the husbands and wives lived apart from each other and the society was deemed "broken up on account of it".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chronicling America - The Library of Congress |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87078321/1892-07-13/ed-1/seq-7/print/image_681x648_from_2107,5189_to_2966,6007/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=chroniclingamerica.loc.gov}}</ref>

Kensington was located on the [[Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VwgtAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA123 | title=A Gazetteer of Kansas | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1898 | pages=123}}</ref>

The first post office in Kensington was established in January 1888.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county:SM |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |accessdate=23 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009133615/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county%3ASM |archivedate= 9 October 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/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archivedate=2012-07-02 }}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1910= 497
|1920= 595
|1930= 546
|1940= 597
|1950= 635
|1960= 619
|1970= 653
|1980= 681
|1990= 553
|2000= 529
|2010= 473
|2020= 399
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}
===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 399 people, 181 households, and 109 families in Kensington.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,191.0 per square mile (459.9/km{{sup|2}}). There were 237 housing units at an average density of 707.5 per square mile (273.2/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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |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 94.74% (378) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (94.74% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 0.75% (3) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 0.25% (1) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.25% (1) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.25% (1) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 0.25% (1) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.51% (14) 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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 1.0% (4) 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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 181 households, 27.1% had children under the age of 18; 49.2% were married couples living together; 25.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 38.7% of households consisted of individuals and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 14.5% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

23.8% of the population was under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 20.6% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 29.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 109.7 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $52,083 (with a margin of error of +/- $9,186) and the median family income was $68,125 (+/- $24,243).<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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $48,750 (+/- $9,723) versus $26,406 (+/- $8,666) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $35,819 (+/- $6,414).<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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 1.4% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 4.3% of those under the age of 18 and 3.6% 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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |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=Kensington%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |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 473 people, 203 households, and 126 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1313.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 261 housing units at an average density of {{convert|725.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], and 2.1% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.2% of the population.

There were 203 households, of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.9% were non-families. 36.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 49.7 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 29% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.3% male and 53.7% 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 529 people, 231 households, and 140 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,652.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 264 housing units at an average density of {{convert|824.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.35% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.19% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.19% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.27% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 231 households, out of which 23.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 37.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 32.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,219, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $28,333 versus $16,607 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,131. About 3.4% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Government==
The Kensington government consists of a mayor and five council members.  The council meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 5:30PM.<ref name="gov1">[http://www.lkm.org/directory/cities.php?ID=350 Kensington - Directory of Public Officials]</ref>
* City Hall, 101 S Main.

==Education==
The community is served by [[Thunder Ridge USD 110]] public school district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/SchoolDistrict/School%20District_110.pdf|title=USD 110 Map|date=10 June 2016 |publisher=[[Kansas Department of Transportation]]|accessdate=2020-04-29}}</ref> In 2008 West Smith County USD 238 and Eastern Heights USD 324 combined to form Thunder Ridge USD 110.<ref name=KansasSchoolcons>{{cite web|url=https://www.cjonline.com/article/20110724/NEWS/307249967|title=School consolidations in Kansas for past decade|work=[[The Topeka Capital-Journal]]|date=2011-07-24|accessdate=2020-04-26}}</ref> The Thunder Ridge High School mascot is the Thunder Ridge Longhorns.<ref>{{cite web | title = USD 110 Thunder Ridge | publisher = USD 110 | url = http://www.usd110.net/ | accessdate = 1 January 2017}}</ref>

Prior to school unification, the Kensington High School mascot was Kensington Goldbugs.<ref>"Kengsington Has 28 Candidates", The Salina Journal, 27 November 1962, p.</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{See also|Smith County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Smith County, Kansas}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kensington, Kansas}}
* [https://www.kensingtonks.net/ City of Kensington]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260799 Kensington - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/kensington.pdf Kensington city map], KDOT

{{Smith County, Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Smith County, Kansas]]
[[Category:1887 establishments in Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1887]]