Editing Parsons, Kansas

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

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Parsons, KS former public library building funded by Andrew Carnegie..jpg
|image_caption            = Former [[Carnegie Library (Parsons, Kansas)|Parsons Carnegie Library]], now Parsons Carnegie Arts Center (2013)
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               = Parsons city seal.gif

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

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|37|20|21|N|95|16|11|W|region:US-KS_type:city_source:GNIS|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        = [[Labette County, Kansas|Labette]]
|subdivision_type3        = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3        =

<!-- Established -->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1870
|established_title1       = [[Platted]]
|established_date1        =
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1871
|named_for                = Levi Parsons

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     =
|government_type          = <!-- [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]] -->
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              =  Verlyn Bolinger 
|leader_title1            = <!-- City Administrator / Manager -->
|leader_name1             =

<!-- 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         = 10.72
|area_land_sq_mi          = 10.63
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.09
|area_total_km2           = 27.76
|area_land_km2            = 27.54
|area_water_km2           = 0.22
|unit_pref                = Imperial

<!-- Elevation -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft             = 902

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/><ref name="Census-2020-QF"/>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 9600
|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              = 67357
|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               = 20-54675<ref name="GNIS"/>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 469782<ref name="GNIS">{{cite gnis2|469782|Parsons, Kansas}}</ref> 
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.parsonsks.com/|parsonsks.com}}
}}

'''Parsons''' is a city in [[Labette County, Kansas|Labette County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 9,600.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Parsons, Kansas (CDP) in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2054675 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612200657/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2054675 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Census-2020-QF">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts; Parsons, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/parsonscitykansas/POP010220 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826094336/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/parsonscitykansas/POP010220 |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>  It is the most populous city of Labette County, and the second-most populous city in the [[Southeast Kansas|southeastern region]] of Kansas.  It is home to [[Labette Community College]] and the [[Parsons State Hospital|Parsons State Hospital & Training Center]].

==History==
[[File:'Parsons, Kansas, Forest & First Avenue' by Jules Tavernier, 1873.jpg|thumb|left|1873 Forest Avenue, now Broadway Avenue]]
[[File:Main Street, Parsons, KS.jpg|thumb|left|1908 Main Street]]

Parsons was named after Levi Parsons, president of the [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad|Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Railroad]].<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/n326 219]}}</ref> The town was founded in 1870 and [[Incorporated town|incorporated]] the following year by the railroad. The location for the town was chosen because it was on a flat ridge between the Labette Creek and Little Labette Creek and provided an ideal site for where the two branches of the railroad being built from [[Junction City, Kansas]] and [[Sedalia, Missouri]] would meet. The creeks were soon dammed to provide a water source. The railroad commenced building a massive rail yard, foundry, and locomotive shop at Parsons; for many years this was the third largest railroad facility west of the [[Mississippi River]], with only [[Kansas City]] and [[Los Angeles]] being larger. Settlers from nearby towns uprooted and moved to Parsons, and new settlers arrived on every incoming train.  Parsons soon became a major hub for several railroads, including the [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad]], the [[Kansas City and Pacific Railroad#Parsons and Pacific Railroad|Parsons and Pacific Railroad]], the [[Kansas City and Pacific Railroad]], and the [[List of predecessors of the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway|Memphis, Kansas & Colorado Railroad]]. In the early part of the twentieth century, Parsons operated its own [[Tram|street car system]], and also had an [[Interurban|interurban electric railroad]] connecting it to the nearby cities of [[Cherryvale, Kansas|Cherryvale]], [[Independence, Kansas|Independence]], [[Coffeyville, Kansas|Coffeyville]], and [[Nowata, Oklahoma|Nowata]].  During [[World War II]] it was home to the Kansas Ordnance Plant, which later operated for some years as the [[Kansas Army Ammunition Plant]]. In Spring of 2005, the munitions plant was placed on the [[2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission|BRAC]] list for closure. The community has rallied behind the current plant operator, [[Day & Zimmermann|Day & Zimmerman]], to keep the company on the grounds after closure and to keep those jobs and more in the Parsons area. (See link to "Great Plains Industrial Park" in "External Links", below)

===Hospitals===
Parsons is also home to the Parsons State Hospital & Training Center, which has been in operation since 1903 when it was opened as the Kansas State Hospital for Epileptics.<ref name=Parsons.Salina2020>{{cite news |newspaper=Salina Post
   |url=https://salinapost.com/posts/5e8bd03deb7f17053601db40
   |title=Staff members, patient have coronavirus at State Hospital
   |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref>

In 1957 the hospital was renamed Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://kgi.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16884coll96/id/16/
|title=Biennial Reports of the State Hospital for Epileptics at Parsons}}</ref> At that time it began providing programs for individuals with [[developmental disabilities]]. The Hospital occupies 43 buildings on {{convert|163|acre|km2}}. The hospital also includes residential services, the University Center on Developmental Disabilities and the Parsons Research Center for the [[University of Kansas]], the Special Purpose School of the Southeast Regional Education Service Center. The Southeast Kansas Agricultural Research Center of [[Kansas State University]] is also located on the grounds, as is the [[Alzheimer's Association]], Heart of America Chapter, Southeast Kansas Regional Office.{{citation needed|date=March 2011}}

Parsons is also home to [[Labette Health|Labette County Medical Center]].

===Library===
The first library began as a subscription library in 1904 and was located in city hall.  Parsons Public Library, a [[Carnegie library]], opened on May 18, 1909. A new library opened on April 18, 1977,<ref name="About Us">{{cite web | url=http://parsons.mykansaslibrary.org/?page_id=37 | title=About Us | publisher=Parsons Public Library | access-date=12 June 2014}}</ref> and the [[Carnegie Library (Parsons, Kansas)|former library]] has since been renovated to become a visual and performing arts center.

===Industry===
The sale of [[Katy Industries]] to [[Union Pacific]], in 1988, eventually saw the loss of scores of railroad jobs and, in effect, severed a major part of Parsons' city history which stretched back to its 1871 incorporation.  While, in return, the city received a million dollars to help it recover (and so that it would not file lengthy paperwork opposing the sale and thus delaying it), that money is kept in a fund by the city government, which uses the accrued interest on economic development projects. The only reminder of the [[Katy Railroad]] is now found in the local historical society's museum, the annual [[Katy Days Festival]]<ref>{{cite web |title=KatyDays.com |url=http://www.katydays.com/index.html |website=Katy Days |access-date=June 22, 2019}}</ref> and of course the tracks, over which trains now speed through Parsons. The [[Kansas Army Ammunition Plant]] also was down scaled in the 1980s.{{citation needed|date=March 2011}}

===2000-2020===
On April 19, 2000, an [[F3 tornado]] cut a devastating path of destruction through the center of Parsons.  About 700 homes were damaged and about 100 destroyed, about 60 businesses were damaged and 11 destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parsonssun.com/news/article_766bd7ab-ac5d-58ee-b958-4e6eaa9a8e82.html|title=Tornado changed face of Parsons|date=2019-04-19|website=Parsons Sun|language=en|access-date=2019-11-22}}</ref>

On June 5, 2006 the [[National Trust for Historic Preservation]] named Parsons a 2006 Great American Main Street Award winner for its successful efforts in revitalizing its downtown area through historic preservation.  The award was presented during the 2006 National Main Streets Conference in [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]].  Parsons was one of only five cities receiving the 2006 award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Main Street America - Winners |url=https://www.mainstreet.org/mainstreetamerica/mainstreetawards/winners |website=Main Street America |access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref>
 
Parsons is the home of [[Dwayne's Photo]], which became the last processor of [[K-14 process|K-14]] [[Kodachrome]] film in the world<ref name="Sulzberger">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/us/30film.html | work=[[The New York Times]] | first=A. G. | last=Sulzberger | title=For Kodachrome Fans, Road Ends at Photo Lab in Kansas | date=December 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/14/1403115/last-kodachrome-roll-processed.html |title=Last Kodachrome roll processed in Parsons &#124; Wichita Eagle |access-date=2011-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408044418/http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/14/1403115/last-kodachrome-roll-processed.html |archive-date=2014-04-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and was the location of the final frame taken on the final roll of Kodachrome film produced.<ref name="Sulzberger"/> Parsons is featured prominently in the plot of the 2017 [[Netflix]] movie ''[[Kodachrome (film)|Kodachrome]]'' about a man who takes a [[road trip]] to develop a roll of Kodachrome film.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kansas.com/entertainment/article207339649.html|title=New Netflix movie 'Kodachrome' brings attention to Kansas|newspaper=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|author=Alanis, Kaitlyn|date=April 1, 2018}}</ref>

===Film===
The motion picture ''[[ZombieGeddon]]'' (2003) was filmed in Parsons in July 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eofftv.com/z/zom/zombiegeddon_main.htm|title=ZombieGeddon Credits|access-date=Sep 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.google.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207014735/http://www.adamstarpictures.com/making_of_lost_souls.htm|url-status=dead|title=Google|archive-date=Feb 7, 2007|website=www.google.com|access-date=Sep 20, 2019}}</ref>

=== Newspaper ===
The [[Parsons Sun|''Parsons Sun'']] is a twice-weekly newspaper published in Parsons since 1871.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=About The sun. [volume] (Parsons, Kansas) 1871-187? |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85031545/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |work=National Endowment for the Humanities}}</ref> At different times it was owned by [[Henry J. Allen]] and [[Clyde M. Reed]], who would both go on to serve as [[governor of Kansas]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-31 |title=Henry Justin Allen |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/henry-justin-allen/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=National Governors Association}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2018-01-31 |title=Clyde Martin Reed |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/clyde-martin-reed/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=National Governors Association}}</ref>

==Geography==
Parsons is located at {{Coord|37|20|21|N|95|16|11|W|type:city}} (37.339070, -95.269747).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>  The city is at the junction of [[U.S. Route 59 in Kansas|U.S. Route 59]] and [[U.S. Route 400]].  Along US-59, the city of [[Erie, Kansas|Erie]] (the [[county seat]] of [[Neosho County, Kansas|Neosho County]]) is {{convert|17|mi|km}} to the north and [[Oswego, Kansas|Oswego]] (the county seat of Labette County) is {{convert|20|mi|km}} south and east. [[Big Hill Lake]] is several miles to the west of the city, and [[Lake Parsons]] is situated northwest of the city.

The Kansas Army Ammunition Plant (KSAAP) is located southeast of the city.  The facility was completed in 1942 to support [[World War II]] operations and consists of 21 separate facilities over {{convert|13727|acre|km2}}.  The installation is actively used as a munitions loading, assembly, and packing facility.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.ecc.net/Content.asp?Page=KSAAP| title=Interim Soil Removal at Kansas Army Ammunition Plant| access-date=2006-07-22| publisher=ECC}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|10.70|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|10.61|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.09|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===
{{Weather box
| location    = Parsons, Kansas
| single line = Y
| Jan record high F = 77
| Feb record high F = 85
| Mar record high F = 92
| Apr record high F = 98
| May record high F = 95
| Jun record high F = 104
| Jul record high F = 115
| Aug record high F = 110
| Sep record high F = 107
| Oct record high F = 97
| Nov record high F = 83
| Dec record high F = 77
| year record high F = 
| Jan high F = 42
| Feb high F = 48
| Mar high F = 57
| Apr high F = 67
| May high F = 76
| Jun high F = 84
| Jul high F = 90
| Aug high F = 90
| Sep high F = 81
| Oct high F = 70
| Nov high F = 57
| Dec high F = 44
| year high F = 
| Jan low F = 22
| Feb low F = 26
| Mar low F = 35
| Apr low F = 45
| May low F = 55
| Jun low F = 64
| Jul low F = 69
| Aug low F = 67
| Sep low F = 58
| Oct low F = 46
| Nov low F = 35
| Dec low F = 25
| year low F = 
| Jan record low F = -17
| Feb record low F = -16
| Mar record low F = -2
| Apr record low F = 18
| May record low F = 31
| Jun record low F = 44
| Jul record low F = 49
| Aug record low F = 47
| Sep record low F = 28
| Oct record low F = 17
| Nov record low F = 6
| Dec record low F = -17
| year record low F = 
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.41
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.85
| Mar precipitation inch = 3.19
| Apr precipitation inch = 4.38
| May precipitation inch = 5.93
| Jun precipitation inch = 5.53
| Jul precipitation inch = 3.92
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.29
| Sep precipitation inch = 4.69
| Oct precipitation inch = 3.86
| Nov precipitation inch = 2.94
| Dec precipitation inch = 2.06
| year precipitation inch = 
| year precipitation days = 
| year snow days = 
| source 1 = weather.com<ref name=weather1>{{cite web
|url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USKS0459 |title =Monthly Averages for Parsons, Kansas |access-date=August 15, 2013 |publisher=[[The Weather Channel]] |work=[[Weather.com]]}}</ref>
| date     = August 2013
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1880 = 4199
| 1890 = 6736
| 1900 = 7682
| 1910 = 12463
| 1920 = 16028
| 1930 = 14903
| 1940 = 14294
| 1950 = 14750
| 1960 = 13929
| 1970 = 13015
| 1980 = 12898
| 1990 = 11924
| 2000 = 11514
| 2010 = 10500
| 2020 = 9600
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 9362
| 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 = U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref><br/>2010-2020<ref name="Census-2020-QF"/>
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 9,600 people, 4,015 households, and 2,251 families in Parsons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Parsons%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 903.0 per square mile (348.7/km{{sup|2}}). There were 4,776 housing units at an average density of 449.3 per square mile (173.5/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=Parsons%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 75.28% (7,227) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (72.51% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 8.0% (768) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 1.67% (160) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.74% (71) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.02% (2) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 2.15% (206) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 12.15% (1,166) 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=Parsons%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 7.05% (677) 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=Parsons%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 4,015 households, 29.3% had children under the age of 18; 33.1% were married couples living together; 33.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 36.6% of households consisted of individuals and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 3.0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Parsons%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 15.6% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Parsons%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

24.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 108.7 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $41,091 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,793) and the median family income was $54,735 (+/- $6,393).<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=Parsons%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Males had a median income of $30,510 (+/- $3,819) versus $24,658 (+/- $2,536) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,206 (+/- $1,968).<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=Parsons%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 13.5% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 24.3% of those under the age of 18 and 16.8% 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=Parsons%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=Parsons%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]]|access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 10,500 people, 4,351 households, and 2,586 families living in the city.<ref name="Census2010">{{cite web|title=2010 City Population and Housing Occupancy Status |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST13&prodType=table |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=March 6, 2011 }}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>  The [[population density]] was {{convert|989.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 5,034 housing units at an average density of {{convert|474.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 81.3% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 18.6% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.6% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.8% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 4.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 16.7% of the population.

There were 4,351 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.6% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% 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 2.95.

The median age in the city was 37.8 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[United States Census, 2000|U.S. Census in 2000]],<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>  there were 11,514 people, 4,738 households, and 2,909 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,111.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 5,359 housing units at an average density of {{convert|517.2|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the city was 85.54% [[White American|White]], 8.17% [[Black American|Black]] or [[African American]], 1.12% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 0.42% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]], 1.90% from other races, and 2.84% from [[Multiracial|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race were 4.64% of the population.

There were 4,738 [[household]]s, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The [[Median household income|median income for a household]] in the city was $28,345, and the median income for a family was $36,557. Males had a median income of $28,667 versus $21,558 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,763. About 9.9% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16.3% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==

===Events===
{{Main|Katy Days Festival}}
[[Katy Days Festival|Katy Days]] is an annual festival held [[Memorial Day]] weekend to celebrate the [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad]], also known as "the Katy" railroad.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Katy Days |url=http://www.katydays.com/index.html |website=Katy Days |access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MKT Railroad - The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad |url=http://www.katydepotsedalia.com/mktrailroad.htm |website=The Sedalia Katy Depot |access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref> The founders of the festival are Mary and Pete Hughes. Activities are held in Forest Park, the largest community park in Parsons, and typically include live music, [[food truck]]s, and a [[parade]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Forest Park |url=http://www.parsonsks.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Forest-Park-2 |website=Parsons Kansas |access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref>

==Education==

===College===
* [[Labette Community College]]

===Public===
[[Parsons USD 503]] public school district serves most of the city of Parsons:<ref>[https://www.usd503.org/ Parsons USD 503]</ref>
* [[Parsons Senior High School]] (9-12)
* Parsons Middle School (6-8)
* Guthridge Elementary (4-5)
* Garfield Elementary (2-3)
* Lincoln Elementary (PreK-1)

[[Labette County USD 506]] public school district serves southern and western parts of the city of Parsons:
* Meadow View Elementary (K-8)

Erie-Galesburg USD 101 public school district serves north of Parsons.<ref>[http://www.usd101.com/ Erie-Galesburg 101]</ref>

===Private===
* St. Patrick Catholic School (PreK-8)

===Library===
The first public library building in Parsons was the [[Carnegie Library (Parsons, Kansas)|Carnegie Library]], established in 1909. The Parsons Public Library moved to a modern facility in 1977.<ref name="About Us"/>

==Points of interest==
[[File:Oakwood Cemetery GAR circles 2006-07-03.jpg|thumb|[[American Civil War|Civil War]] veterans bought a portion of Oakwood Cemetery in 1886 and named it Antietam Circle]]
* [[Parsons Arboretum]]
* [[Tri-City Airport (Kansas)|Tri-City Airport]]
* [[Big Hill Lake]]
* [[Lake Parsons]]
* [[Neosho State Fishing Lake]]
* [[Oakwood Cemetery (Parsons)|Oakwood Cemetery]]
* Parsons Historical Society Museum
* Forest Park

==Notable people==
<!--- Please list only people who have spent a significant amount of time in Parons. If the individual's tie is ''only'' as a college student, they should be listed in the college article. --->
{{See also|Labette_Community_College#Notable_alumni_and_faculty|l1=List of Labette Community College people}}
* [[Gilbert Baker (artist)|Gilbert Baker]], civil rights activist and creator of the pride flag
* [[Fred Bradley (baseball)|Fred Bradley]], Major League Baseball pitcher
* [[Gil Britton]], Major League Baseball player
* [[Jamie Anne Allman|Jamie Anne (Brown) Allman]], actress
* [[Buck Clayton]] aka Wilbur Dorsey Clayton, jazz musician
* [[William Coffin Coleman]], founder of the [[Coleman Company]], and mayor of [[Wichita, Kansas]]
* [[William W. Cranston]], civil war soldier and [[Medal of Honor]] recipient 
* [[Harley-Davidson|Walter Davidson, Sr.]], co-founder of Harley-Davidson Motor Company<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/home/museum/articles-listings/this-day-in-hd-history/september301876.html|title=This Day in HD History|publisher=Harley Davison}}</ref>
* [[Pintip Dunn]], author of young adult fiction
* [[Alfred Fairfax|Alfred B. Fairfax]], Kansas politician and pastor
* [[:fr:Fletcher Flora|Fletcher Flora]], author
* [[Myron V. George]], U.S. congressman
* [[Derrel Gofourth]], NFL offensive lineman
* [[Bill Guthridge]], college basketball coach
* [[George Harvey (American football)|George Harvey]], professional football player
* [[Clancy Hayes]], jazz musician
* [[Shaun Hill]], NFL quarterback
* [[Ward Kimball]], [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] winning [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] [[animator]]
* [[Jeff Kready]], Broadway and television actor
* [[Roland Lakes]], Wichita State and NFL lineman
* [[David J. Leland]], politician and jurist
* [[Deb Miller]], Kansas Secretary of Transportation (2003–2012)
* [[Ajit Pai (FCC)|Ajit Pai]], former FCC Chairman
* [[George Pepperdine]], founder of [[Western Auto]] and [[Pepperdine University]]
* [[ZaSu Pitts]], film and television actress and comedian
* [[Payne Harry Ratner]], Kansas Governor
* [[Clyde M. Reed]], Kansas Governor and U.S. Senator
* [[Nell Donnelly Reed]], businesswoman
* [[T. Claude Ryan]], aviator, aerospace engineer
* [[Dan Smith (right-handed pitcher)|Dan Smith]], major league baseball player
* [[Joe Tinker]], major league baseball player and [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Baseball Hall of Fame]] inductee
* [[Clark Tippet]], ballet dancer and choreographer
* [[Levi Watkins]], heart surgeon and civil rights activist
* [[Ella B. Ensor Wilson]], social reformer

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

==External links==
{{Commons category|Parsons, Kansas}}
{{EB1911 poster|Parsons}}
* [https://www.parsonsks.com/ Parsons - Official]
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260964 Parsons - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://www.parsonschamber.org/ Parsons Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://www.parsonssun.com/ ''The Parsons Sun''], local newspaper
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/parsons.PDF Parsons city map], KDOT

{{Labette County, Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Labette County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1870]]
[[Category:1870 establishments in Kansas]]