Editing Liberal, Kansas

{{Short description|City in Seward County, Kansas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                     = Liberal, Kansas
|settlement_type          = [[City]] and [[county seat]]
|motto                    = "Crossroads of Commerce"

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Seward County, KS, Courthouse IMG_5985.JPG
|image_caption            = Seward County Courthouse
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =
|image_blank_emblem       = Logo of Liberal, Kansas.png
|blank_emblem_link        = List of U.S. county and city insignia
|blank_emblem_size        =
|blank_emblem_alt         =
|blank_emblem_type        = Logo

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

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name=gnis/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|37|02|48|N|100|55|40|W|region:US-KS_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Seward County, Kansas|Seward]]
|subdivision_type3        = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3        =

<!-- Established -->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1888
|established_title1       = [[Platted]]
|established_date1        =
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1888
|named_for                =

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     =
|government_type          = <!-- [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]] -->
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Jose Lara<ref name="City Commission">{{cite web |title=City Commission; City of Liberal. |url= http://www.cityofliberal.org/210/City-Commission }}</ref>
|leader_title1            = [[City Manager]]
|leader_name1             = Rusty Varnado

<!-- 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|access-date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi         = 11.65
|area_land_sq_mi          = 11.43
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.22
|area_total_km2           = 30.18
|area_land_km2            = 29.60
|area_water_km2           = 0.57
|unit_pref                = Imperial

<!-- Elevation -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 2848

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Liberal, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2039825 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122150224/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2039825 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Census-2020-QF">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts; Liberal, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/liberalcitykansas/POP010220 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825100443/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/liberalcitykansas/POP010220 |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 19825
|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]]s
|postal_code              = 67901, 67905
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code                = [[Area code 620|620]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 20-39825
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 485613<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|485613}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.cityofliberal.org/|cityofliberal.org}}
}}

'''Liberal''' is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Seward County, Kansas]], United States.<ref name=gnis/>  As of 2024, the population of the city was 18,743.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liberal, Kansas Population 2024 |url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/kansas/liberal |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=worldpopulationreview.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Liberal Demographics {{!}} Current Kansas Census Data |url=https://www.kansas-demographics.com/liberal-demographics |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=www.kansas-demographics.com}}</ref> It is located in southwestern Kansas, along [[U.S. Route 54 in Kansas|U.S. Route 54]] highway, near the Kansas-[[Oklahoma]] state line.  Liberal is the home of [[Seward County Community College]].

== History ==
{{See also|History of Kansas}}

Early settler Seymour S. Rogers built the first house in what would become Liberal in 1872. Rogers became famous in the region for giving free water to thirsty travelers.  Reportedly, Liberal gained its name from the common response to his acts of kindness, "That's very liberal of you."<ref name=CofL-History>[http://www.cityofliberal.com/a_history.htm ''History: Over One Hundred Years of Being "Liberal"''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318001122/http://www.cityofliberal.com/a_history.htm |date=2009-03-18 }} - at City of Liberal.com</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/12/a-militias-plot-to-bomb-somali-refugees-in-garden-city-ks.html|title=A Militia's Plot to Bomb Somali Refugees in a Kansas Town|last=Pressler|first=Jessica|date=12 December 2017|work=New York Magazine|access-date=2017-12-29|language=en}}</ref> In 1885 Rogers built a [[general store]], and with it came an official [[United States Postal Service|U.S. Post Office]]. Rogers named the post office 'Liberal'. After the railroad was built close by, a plan for the town site was created in 1888. A year later the population was around 800.<ref name=CofL-History />

Drought caused some farmers to give up and look for more fertile territory; however, when the nearby [[Indian Territory]] was opened, more settlers headed to the cheap land that would become [[Oklahoma]].<ref name=CofL-History />

[[Natural gas]] was discovered west of town, in what would become part of the massive [[Hugoton Natural Gas Area|Panhandle-Hugoton Gas Field]], in 1920. [[Petroleum|Oil]] was discovered southwest of town in 1951. In 1963 the largest [[helium]] plant in the world, National Helium, was opened.<ref name=CofL-History />

==Geography==
Liberal is located in southwestern Kansas at the intersection of [[U.S. Route 54 in Kansas|U.S. routes 54]] and [[U.S. Route 83 in Kansas|83]]. Liberal is {{convert|140|mi|0}} north-northeast of [[Amarillo, Texas]], {{convert|202|mi|abbr=on}} west-southwest of [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], and {{convert|288|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Denver]], [[Colorado]].<ref name=KDOT/><ref>{{cite web | title = City Distance Tool | publisher = [[Geobytes]] | url = http://www.geobytes.com/citydistancetool.htm | access-date = 2010-03-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101005175701/http://geobytes.com/CityDistanceTool.htm | archive-date = 2010-10-05 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The city lies approximately {{convert|10|mi|km}} southwest of the [[Cimarron River (Arkansas River)|Cimarron River]] in the [[High Plains (United States)|High Plains]] region of the [[Great Plains]].<ref name=KDOT>{{cite web | title = 2003-2004 Official Transportation Map | publisher = [[Kansas Department of Transportation]] | year = 2003 | url = http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/HistoricStateMaps/2003-04Mapside.pdf | access-date = 2011-06-02}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|11.75|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|11.61|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.14|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<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]] |access-date=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 12, 2012 }}</ref>

===Climate===
Liberal has a [[Semi-arid climate|semi-arid steppe climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSk'') characterized by hot, dry summers, cool, dry winters, and large [[diurnal temperature variation]] year-round; [[relative humidity]] averages 63%.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Peel | first1 = M. C. | last2 = Finlayson | first2 = B. L. | last3 = McMahon | first3 = T. A. | date = 2007-03-01 | title = Updated Köppen-Geiger climate classification map | journal = Hydrology and Earth System Sciences | issue = 4 | pages = 439–473 |  publisher = Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions | url = http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/4/439/2007/hessd-4-439-2007.pdf | access-date = 2012-01-25}}</ref><ref name=Weatherbase>{{cite web | title = Historical Weather for Liberal, Kansas, United States of America | publisher = Weatherbase | url = http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=2137&refer=&units=us | access-date = 2010-02-28}}</ref> On average, January is the coldest month, July is the hottest month, February is the driest month and June is the wettest month.<ref name=TWC>{{cite web | url  = http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USKS0332 | title = Average weather for Liberal, KS | access-date = 2014-01-14 | publisher = [[The Weather Channel]]}}</ref>

The high temperature reaches or exceeds {{convert|90|°F|0}} an average of 80.1 days a year and {{convert|100|°F|0}} an average of 16.5 days. The minimum temperature falls to or below {{convert|0|°F|1}} on an average of 1.6 days a year. The highest temperature recorded in Liberal was {{convert|114|°F|1}} on June 10, 1981; the coldest temperature recorded was {{convert|-20|°F|1}} on February 27, 1930.<ref name=NOWData/>

{{Weather box
|location = Liberal, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 85
|Feb record high F = 90
|Mar record high F = 93
|Apr record high F = 103
|May record high F = 106
|Jun record high F = 114
|Jul record high F = 113
|Aug record high F = 111
|Sep record high F = 108
|Oct record high F = 99
|Nov record high F = 90
|Dec record high F = 85

|Jan avg record high F = 71.2
|Feb avg record high F = 77.2
|Mar avg record high F = 85.2
|Apr avg record high F = 90.8
|May avg record high F = 96.6
|Jun avg record high F = 101.7
|Jul avg record high F = 104.5
|Aug avg record high F = 101.8
|Sep avg record high F = 99.2
|Oct avg record high F = 93.0
|Nov avg record high F = 79.8
|Dec avg record high F = 70.6
|year avg record high F = 105.6

|Jan high F = 47.6
|Feb high F = 51.0
|Mar high F = 60.7
|Apr high F = 69.6
|May high F = 78.7
|Jun high F = 88.8
|Jul high F = 93.2
|Aug high F = 91.2
|Sep high F = 83.9
|Oct high F = 71.5
|Nov high F = 58.3
|Dec high F = 47.4
|year high F = 

|Jan mean F = 33.7
|Feb mean F = 36.6
|Mar mean F = 45.5
|Apr mean F = 54.2
|May mean F = 64.2
|Jun mean F = 74.6
|Jul mean F = 79.1
|Aug mean F = 77.4
|Sep mean F = 69.5
|Oct mean F = 56.8
|Nov mean F = 43.4
|Dec mean F = 34.1
|year mean F = 

|Jan low F = 19.7
|Feb low F = 22.2
|Mar low F = 30.3
|Apr low F = 38.7
|May low F = 49.8
|Jun low F = 60.3
|Jul low F = 65.1
|Aug low F = 63.6
|Sep low F = 55.0
|Oct low F = 42.2
|Nov low F = 28.6
|Dec low F = 20.8
|year low F = 

|Jan avg record low F = 5.5
|Feb avg record low F = 9.0
|Mar avg record low F = 14.7
|Apr avg record low F = 26.0
|May avg record low F = 37.7
|Jun avg record low F = 50.9
|Jul avg record low F = 57.9
|Aug avg record low F = 57.0
|Sep avg record low F = 42.3
|Oct avg record low F = 27.5
|Nov avg record low F = 14.1
|Dec avg record low F = 6.4
|year avg record low F = 0.1

|Jan record low F = -19
|Feb record low F = -20
|Mar record low F = -12
|Apr record low F = 10
|May record low F = 20
|Jun record low F = 38
|Jul record low F = 48
|Aug record low F = 40
|Sep record low F = 29
|Oct record low F = 8
|Nov record low F = -2
|Dec record low F = -15

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.47
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.40
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.20
|Apr precipitation inch = 1.80
|May precipitation inch = 2.66
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.31
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.20
|Aug precipitation inch = 2.72
|Sep precipitation inch = 1.53
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.29
|Nov precipitation inch = 0.73
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.80
|year precipitation inch = 

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 2.2
|Feb precipitation days = 2.3
|Mar precipitation days = 3.8
|Apr precipitation days = 5.1
|May precipitation days = 6.1
|Jun precipitation days = 6.8
|Jul precipitation days = 7.0
|Aug precipitation days = 6.5
|Sep precipitation days = 4.1
|Oct precipitation days = 3.8
|Nov precipitation days = 2.7
|Dec precipitation days = 2.8

|Jan snow inch = 3.5
|Feb snow inch = 1.8
|Mar snow inch = 2.3
|Apr snow inch = 0.4
|May snow inch = 0.1
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.7
|Nov snow inch = 1.0
|Dec snow inch = 4.6
|year snow inch = 

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 1.7
|Feb snow days = 1.4
|Mar snow days = 1.1
|Apr snow days = 0.2
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.3
|Nov snow days = 0.5
|Dec snow days = 1.6

|Jan snow depth inch = 
|Feb snow depth inch = 
|Mar snow depth inch = 
|Apr snow depth inch = 
|May snow depth inch = 
|Jun snow depth inch = 
|Jul snow depth inch = 
|Aug snow depth inch = 
|Sep snow depth inch = 
|Oct snow depth inch = 
|Nov snow depth inch = 
|Dec snow depth inch = 
|year snow depth inch = 

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00144695&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Liberal, KS
|access-date = November 27, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ddc
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Dodge City
|access-date = November 27, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1900 = 426
| 1910 = 1716
| 1920 = 3613
| 1930 = 5294
| 1940 = 4410
| 1950 = 7134
| 1960 = 13813
| 1970 = 13862
| 1980 = 14911
| 1990 = 16573
| 2000 = 19666
| 2010 = 20525
| 2020 = 19825
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 18999
| estref = <ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html |access-date=March 24, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
| align-fn = center
| footnote = [https://web.archive.org/web/20060208103743/http://www.census.gov:80/prod/www/abs/decennial/ U.S. Decennial Census]<br />2010–2020<ref name="Census-2020-QF"/>
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 19,825 people, 6,618 households, and 4,771 families in Liberal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 1,734.5 per square mile (669.7/km{{sup|2}}). There were 7,389 housing units at an average density of 646.5 per square mile (249.6/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=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-03 |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 38.79% (7,690) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (24.25% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 3.31% (657) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 2.47% (489) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 2.59% (514) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% (6) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 28.82% (5,714) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 23.98% (4,755) 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=Liberal%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 68.09% (13,499) 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=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 6,618 households, 44.7% had children under the age of 18; 48.4% were married couples living together; 25.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 23.2% of households consisted of individuals and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.9 and the average family size was 3.5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Liberal%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 6.6% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

30.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 101.8 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $48,434 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,385) and the median family income was $54,167 (+/- $9,562).<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=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $34,371 (+/- $2,664) versus $26,005 (+/- $1,722) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,586 (+/- $1,873).<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=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 10.1% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 18.5% of those under the age of 18 and 9.2% 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=Liberal%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=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]],<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> there were 20,525 people, 6,623 households, and 4,838 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,832.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 7,118 housing units at an average density of {{convert|641.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 68.6% [[White American|White]], 3.7% [[African American]], 2.9% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.8% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]], 0.2% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 20.6% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.2% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics and Latinos]] of any race made up 58.7% of the population.<ref name=Census2010>{{cite web | title = U.S. Census website | publisher = [[United States Census Bureau]] | url = https://www.census.gov | access-date = 2011-08-30}}</ref>

There were 6,623 households, of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03, and the average family size was 3.54.<ref name=Census2010/>

The median age was 28.4 years. 32.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.8% were from 25 to 44; 19.4% were from 45 to 64; and 8.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city population was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.<ref name=Census2010/>

The median income for a household in the city was $40,247, and the median income for a family was $44,167. Males had a median income of $31,435 versus $25,208 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $17,668. About 15.3% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 23.6% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2010/>

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 19,666 people, 6,498 households, and 4,756 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,778.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 7,014 housing units at an average density of {{convert|634.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 63.56% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 4.21% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.72% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 3.25% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.06% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 23.93% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.27% from two or more races. 43.30% of the population were [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 6,498 households, out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.0% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.46.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 16.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,482, and the median income for a family was $41,134. Males had a median income of $29,315 versus $22,017 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,108. About 14.3% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="GR2" />

== Economy ==
[[File:Grain elevator, Liberal, KS IMG 6000.JPG|thumb|right|[[Grain elevator]] in Liberal (2010)]]
{{see also|Golden Triangle of Meat-packing}}
[[Energy]] and [[agriculture]] are the main economic drivers of the area. Natural resources include oil, natural gas, water, gravel and sand. The beef industry (ranches, feed lots and packing plants) is Liberal's largest source of employment. Hard [[winter wheat]], corn, [[sorghum|milo]], [[alfalfa]] and cotton are common crops. Trucking is a major industry. Dairies and pork processors are a growing business.

{{As of|2012}}, 70.2% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 70.2% was in the civilian labor force with 63.4% being employed and 6.9% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was:  28.5% in production, transportation, and material moving; 20.0% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 19.9% in sales and office occupations; 18.9% in management, business, science, and arts; and 12.6% in service occupations. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were:  manufacturing (24.4%); educational services, health care, and social assistance (19.4%); and retail trade (10.5%).<ref name=Census2010/>

The cost of living in Liberal is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 80.8.<ref name=CityData>{{cite web | title = Liberal, Kansas | publisher = City-Data.com | url = http://www.city-data.com/city/Liberal-Kansas.html | access-date = 2014-01-14}}</ref> {{As of|2012}}, the median home value in the city was $85,600, the median selected monthly owner cost was $961 for housing units with a mortgage and $383 for those without, and the median gross rent was $648.<ref name=Census2010/>

===Top employers===
According to Liberal's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top 10 employers in the city are:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://chooseliberal.com/profile/56/labor-market |title=Labor Market; City of Liberal. |access-date=2017-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313153804/http://chooseliberal.com/profile/56/labor-market |archive-date=2017-03-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer 
! Employees
|-
| 1
| [[National Beef Packing Company]]
| 3,500
|-
|2
| [[Liberal USD 480]]
| 800
|-
|3
| [[Seward County Community College]]
| 450
|-
|4
| Southwest Medical Center
| 425
|-
|5
| [[Walmart Stores]] 
| 350
|-
|6
| [[Seaboard Foods]] 
| 275
|-
|7
| Seward County
| 200
|-
|8
| City of Liberal
| 200
|-
|9
| National Carriers
| 200
|-
|10
| Panhandle Oilfield Services
| 175
|}

==Arts and culture==
[[File:Baker Arts Center, Liberal, KS IMG_6001.JPG|thumb|Baker Arts Center]]

===Events===
Liberal is famous for its annual [[Pancake Day]] race that is held in competition with the town of [[Olney, Buckinghamshire|Olney, United Kingdom]] for the fastest time between both cities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Olney, England narrowly beats Liberal, Kan. in Pancake Day Race |url=https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Olney-England-narrowly-beats-Liberal-Kan-in-Pancake-Day--568193491.html |access-date=22 December 2021 |work=KWCH |date=25 February 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211222163857/https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Olney-England-narrowly-beats-Liberal-Kan-in-Pancake-Day--568193491.html |archive-date=22 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

===Points of interest===
[[File:Adventure Bay Water Park, Liberal, KS IMG 5977.JPG|thumb|Liberal's Adventure Bay water park in 2010]]
Liberal has a water park known as Adventure Bay.

The fifth largest collection of [[general aviation|civilian]] and [[military aircraft]] in the United States is located at the [[Mid-America Air Museum]]. Started with a gift of fifty planes by General Tom (Thomas) Welch, Jr., the museum has more than one hundred aircraft.<ref>[http://www.cityofliberal.com/airmuseum/index.html Mid-America Air Museum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509144501/http://www.cityofliberal.com/airmuseum/index.html |date=2008-05-09 }} - at CityofLiberal.com</ref>

The Coronado Museum has items from the [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] that lived in the area, as well as items from [[Francisco Vásquez de Coronado]]'s expedition to the area in 1541, and the history of farming and ranching in the county in more recent times.<ref>[http://www.sewardcountymuseum.com/ Seward County Museum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815112725/http://www.sewardcountymuseum.com/ |date=2009-08-15 }}</ref>

Liberal is home to "The Land of Oz" exhibit from ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]'', a recreation of [[Dorothy Gale]]'s house and the famed Yellow Brick Road, featuring donated bricks bearing the names of former [[U.S. Senator]] [[Bob Dole]], [[Ronald Reagan|Ronald]] and [[Nancy Reagan]], and [[Liza Minnelli]] ([[Judy Garland]]'s daughter). This exhibit was originally designed and displayed for [[Topeka, Kansas|Topeka]] in 1981, but relocated here eleven years later by its creator Linda Windler.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/customsresults.php?id=215 |title=The 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs - A Kansas Sampler Foundation Project |website=www.kansassampler.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516165950/http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/customsresults.php?id=215 |archive-date=2012-05-16}}</ref>

Liberal Memorial Library is located on North Kansas Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets in Cooper Park.  The Book Front entrance was completed in April 1955 and designed by the building's architect George L. Pitcher.  Wheeler Williams, a sculptor from New York, signed an agreement in October 1960 to mold the "Pioneer Mother of Kansas."  This six foot statue, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Baty, was to be erected in Cooper Park on [[Memorial Day]], May 30, 1961.  It was placed opposite of the "Statue of Liberty," which was donated and placed in Cooper Park by the [[Boy Scouts of America]].

==Sports==
The Liberal Bee Jays, a semi-professional baseball team, have won five national championships and 13 state championships. The Bee Jays have been coached by three major league managers and have sent 165 players to the major leagues.<ref>[https://www.cityofliberal.org/197/Bee-Jays-Semi-Pro-Baseball Liberal Bee Jays]</ref>

==Government==
[[File:Liberal, KS, Chamber of Commerce IMG_5990.JPG|thumb|Chamber of Commerce]]

Liberal has a [[commission-manager government]] with a [[city commission]] consisting of five members elected [[Plurality-at-large voting|at-large]]. Elections occur every two years in the odd numbered year, and commissioners serve two-year or four-year terms depending on the number of votes they receive. Each year, the commission appoints a member to serve as [[mayor]] and another to serve as [[vice-mayor]].<ref>{{cite web | title = City Commissioners | publisher = City of Liberal | url = http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_commissioners.htm | access-date = 2010-06-05 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100219091022/http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_commissioners.htm | archive-date = 2010-02-19 }}</ref> The [[city manager]] heads the city administration.<ref>{{cite web | title = City Administration | publisher = City of Liberal | url = http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_administration.htm | access-date = 2010-06-05 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100219091016/http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_administration.htm | archive-date = 2010-02-19 }}</ref>

==Education==

===Colleges===
* [[Seward County Community College]]

===Primary and secondary===
The community is served by [[Liberal USD 480]] public school district, which operates twelve schools in the city:<ref>{{cite web |title=USD 480 Schools |publisher=Unified School District 480 |url=http://www.usd480.net/schools/ |access-date= 2010-05-26}}</ref>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Bright Start Pre-K Center (Pre-K)
* Cottonwood Elementary School (K–5)
* MacArthur Elementary School (K–5)
* Meadowlark Elementary School (K–5)
* Prairie View Elementary School (K–5)
* Sunflower Intermediate School (K–5)
{{col-break}}
* Eisenhower Middle School (6–8)
* Seymour Rogers Middle School (6–8)
* [[Liberal High School (Kansas)|Liberal High School]] (9–12)
{{col-break}}
{{col-end}}

There is also a [[Christian school]] in Liberal: Fellowship Baptist School (K–12).<ref>{{cite web |title=City of Liberal, Education, Schools, Colleges |publisher=City of Liberal |year=2008 |url=http://www.cityofliberal.com/c_education.htm |access-date=2010-05-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409220739/http://cityofliberal.com/c_education.htm |archive-date=2010-04-09}}</ref>

==Media==
{{main|Media in Liberal, Kansas}}
Four newspapers are published in Liberal. The ''Leader & Times'' is the city's main daily newspaper, published six days a week.<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Details - Leader & Times | publisher = Kansas Press Association | url = http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=3298 | access-date = 2013-07-14}}</ref> It is the result of the merger between the city's two previous dailies, the ''High Plains Daily Leader'' and the ''Southwest Daily Times''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Liberal Leader & Times | publisher = Mondo Times | url = http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us/16/927/22008 | access-date = 2013-07-14}}</ref> The publisher of the ''Leader & Times'' also prints a weekly [[Spanish language]] paper, ''El Lider''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Details - El Lider | publisher = Kansas Press Association | url = http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=3300 | access-date = 2013-07-14}}</ref> [[Seward County Community College]] publishes a bi-weekly student newspaper, the ''Crusader''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Details - Crusader | publisher = Kansas Press Association | url = http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=1757 | access-date = 2013-07-14}}</ref> The fourth paper is the ''Liberal Light'', published weekly.<ref>{{cite web | title = Record Details - Liberal Light | publisher = Kansas Press Association | url = http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=1258 | access-date = 2013-07-14}}</ref>

Liberal is a center of broadcast media for southwest Kansas and the [[Oklahoma Panhandle]]. Two AM and seven FM radio stations are [[City of license|licensed]] to and broadcast from the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=AMQ AM Radio Database Query |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |url=http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html |access-date=2013-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825063614/http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html |archive-date=August 25, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=FMQ FM Radio Database Query |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |url=http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html |access-date=2009-09-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825071957/http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html |archive-date=August 25, 2009 }}</ref> Liberal is in the [[Media in Wichita, Kansas#Television|Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market]],<ref>{{cite web | title = TV Market Maps - Kansas | publisher = EchoStar Knowledge Base | url = http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/Maps/kansas.gif | access-date = 2013-07-14 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726000406/http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/Maps/kansas.gif | archive-date = 2011-07-26 }}</ref> and one television station broadcasts from the city: [[KSWE-LD]], a sister station of [[KDGL-LD]] in [[Sublette, Kansas]].<ref name=RabbitEars>{{cite web | title = Digital TV Market Listings | publisher = RabbitEars.info | url = http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php | access-date = 2013-07-14}}</ref>

On cable, viewers can receive stations from the Wichita/Hutchinson market (via semi-satellite stations in Garden City/Ensign), [[PBS]]' Tulsa affiliate, [[KOED]], as well as [[Amarillo, Texas]]'s CBS affiliate, [[KFDA-TV]].

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[U.S. Route 83]] runs north–south along the east side of the city, intersecting [[U.S. Route 54]] which runs northeast-southwest. In addition, Liberal is the western terminus of [[U.S. Route 270]] which runs concurrently with U.S. 83 south from the city.<ref name=KDOT />

[[Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport]] is immediately west of the city.<ref name=CountyMap>{{cite web |title=General Highway Map - Seward County, Kansas |publisher=[[Kansas Department of Transportation]] |date=2009-01-01 |url=http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/county-pdf/seward.PDF |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref> Publicly owned, it has two operative paved runways and is used primarily for [[general aviation]].<ref>{{cite web |title=KLBL - Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport |publisher=AirNav.com |url=http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLBL |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref> [[United Express]] provides airline service with daily flights to [[Denver]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.penair.com/destinations/liberal-ks|title=PenAir Midwest Destinations|access-date=2017-02-16}}</ref>

The Tucumcari Line of the [[Union Pacific Railroad]] runs parallel to U.S. 54 northeast–southwest through the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPRR Common Line Names |publisher=[[Union Pacific Railroad]] |url=http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/maps/attachments/upcomnam.pdf |access-date=2010-06-05}}</ref>

The [[Liberal City Bus|City Bus]] provides fixed-route and dial-a-ride transit services Monday through Friday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofliberal.org/208/City-Bus|title=City Bus|access-date=July 21, 2023}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!--- Please list only people who have spent a significant amount of time in Liberal. If the individual's tie is ''only'' as a college student, they should be listed in the college article. --->
{{See also|Seward_County_Community_College#Notable_alumni|l1=List of Seward County Community College people}}
<!-- *** SEE BOTTOM OF THIS SECTION FOR INSTRUCTIONS *** -->
Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Liberal include:
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* [[Wayne Angell]] (born 1930), economist<ref>{{cite web |title=Wayne D. Angell |publisher=U.S. Trade Deficit Review Commission |url=http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/tdrc/members/angell.html |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Chris Brown (American football coach)|Chris Brown]], college [[American football|football]] coach<ref>{{cite web |title=Chris Brown Named Head Coach of Fort Hays State Football |publisher=[[Fort Hays State University]] |date=2010-12-10 |url=http://fhsuathletics.com/news/2010/12/10/FB_1210102228.aspx?path=football |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Lamar Chapman]] (born 1976), NFL and CFL player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballarchives.com/chap00740.html |title=LAMAR CHAPMAN |publisher=profootballarchives.com |access-date=November 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627124019/http://www.profootballarchives.com/chap00740.html |archive-date=June 27, 2015 }}</ref>
* [[Wantha Davis]] (1917&ndash;2012), horse racing jockey<ref>{{cite web |title=Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis - Timeline |url=http://www.girljockey.com/timeline.htm |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Kasey Hayes]] (born 1985), professional bull rider<ref>{{cite web |title=Kasey Hayes |publisher=[[Professional Bull Riders]] |url=http://www.pbrnow.com/riders/index.cfm?ID=2879 |access-date=2011-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625230030/http://www.pbrnow.com/riders/index.cfm?ID=2879 |archive-date=2011-06-25 }}</ref>
* [[Kristin Key]] (born 1980), comedian<ref>{{cite web|title=Kristin Key |work=[[Last Comic Standing]] |publisher=[[NBC]] |url=http://www.nbc.com/Last_Comic_Standing/comics/kristin_key.shtml |access-date=2011-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601232810/http://www.nbc.com/Last_Comic_Standing/comics/kristin_key.shtml |archive-date=2013-06-01 }}</ref>
* [[Shalee Lehning]] (born 1986), [[Women's National Basketball Association]] guard<ref>{{cite web |title=Shalee Lehning |work=WNBA Draft 2009 - Prospect Search |publisher=[[Women's National Basketball Association]] |url=http://www.wnba.com/draft2009/profiles/prospect_lehning_shalee.html |access-date=2011-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204200432/http://www.wnba.com/draft2009/profiles/prospect_lehning_shalee.html |archive-date=2012-02-04 }}</ref>
* [[M. C. Leist]] (1942–2022), Oklahoma state legislator<ref>[https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/24508/m-c-leist Votesmart.org.-M.C. Leist]</ref>
* [[Martin Lewis (basketball)|Martin Lewis]] (born 1975), [[National Basketball Association]] forward<ref>{{cite web |title=Martin Lewis |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lewisma01.html |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Laura Maczka|Laura Gibbs Maczka]], mayor, Richardson, Texas<ref>{{cite news |title=Laura Gibbs Maczka |newspaper=Dallas Morning News |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/richardson-lake-highlands/headlines/20130512-election-results-richardson-elects-mayor-place-4-trustee.ece |access-date=2013-05-12}}</ref>
{{col-break}}
* [[Kelli McCarty]] (born 1969), 1991 [[Miss Kansas USA]] and [[Miss USA]], actress<ref>{{cite web |title=Kelli McCarty |publisher=[[IMDb]] |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565410/ |access-date=2011-08-11}}</ref>
* [[Jerrod Niemann]] (born 1979), country music singer/songwriter<ref>{{cite web |last=Leggett |first=Steve |title=Jerrod Niemann - Biography |website=[[AllMusic]] |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p880844/biography |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Kelly Overton (activist)|Kelly Overton]], animal rights activist and author
* [[Melvin Sanders]] (born 1981), professional basketball guard/forward<ref>{{cite web |title=Melvin Sanders |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sandeme01.html |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[William Stafford (poet)|William Stafford]] (1914&ndash;1993), poet<ref>{{cite web |title=William Stafford |publisher=[[University of Nebraska-Lincoln]] - Center for Great Plains Studies |url=http://www.unl.edu/plains/publications/resource/stafford.shtml |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Doug Terry]] (born 1968), [[National Football League]] defensive back<ref>{{cite web |title=Doug Terry |publisher=[[Scottish Claymores]] |url=http://www.claymores.co.uk/team/players/1997/terry38.php |access-date=2011-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070811210055/http://www.claymores.co.uk/team/players/1997/terry38.php |archive-date=2007-08-11 }}</ref>
* [[Dallas Trahern]] (born 1985), [[Major League Baseball]] pitcher<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Trahern |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=traher001dal |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Jerame Tuman]] (born 1976), [[National Football League]] tight end<ref>{{cite web |title=Jerame Tuman |publisher=[[National Football League]] |url=http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=TUM059326 |access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref>
* [[Larry D. Welch]] (born 1934), [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] General<ref>{{cite web|title=General Larry D. Welch |publisher=[[United States Air Force]] |url=http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7543 |access-date=2011-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414001039/http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7543 |archive-date=2010-04-14 }}</ref>
{{col-break}}
{{col-end}}
<!-- *** INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOTABLE PEOPLE ***
When you add a name to this list, it's YOUR responsibility to ensure all of the following for each person:
1) Insert person into list sorted by last name (surname).
2) Each person MUST meet [[Wikipedia:Bio]] requirements to ensure Notability.
3) Each person MUST meet [[Wikipedia:Verifiability]] requirements to verify their notability and prove they lived in the city.
4a) If the person has a Wikipedia article, then wikilink the persons name so it points at the article.
4b) If the person doesn't have a Wikipedia article, then add citation reference(s).
-->

==In popular culture==
* [[B. H. Fairchild]] wrote the poem, "At the Excavation of Liberal, Kansas" (in: ''The Art of the Lathe'', [[Alice James Books]], 1998), in memory of [[William Stafford (poet)|William Stafford]]; it contains Stafford's poem, "What I Heard Whispered at the Edge of Liberal, Kansas" (from: ''Stories That Could Be True: New and Collected Poems'', [[Harper (publisher)#Harper & Row (1962–1990)|Harper and Row]], 1977).
* In the film ''[[National Lampoon's Vacation]]'', Clark W. Griswold suggests altering the family's route of travel in order to visit Liberal so they can see the world's largest house of mud.  The idea is rejected by his wife, Ellen, in favor of getting to her cousin Eddie's home.<ref>{{cite web |title= National Lampoon's Vacation script |url= http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/NL_Vacation.pdf |website= Dailyscript |date= |access-date= April 30, 2022}}</ref>
* Season 4, Episode 9 of ''[[Fargo (TV series)|Fargo]]'' is set in Liberal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/rabbi-and-satchel-end-up-in-no-place-like-home-on-a-gra-1845681338|title=Rabbi and Satchel end up in no place like home on a gray Fargo}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

==External links==
{{Commons category|Liberal, Kansas}}
{{wikivoyage|Liberal (Kansas)|Liberal, Kansas}}
* {{Official website|https://www.cityofliberal.org/}}

{{Seward County, Kansas}}
{{Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Liberal, Kansas| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:County seats in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Seward County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Micropolitan areas of Kansas]]