Oberlin, Kansas
Oberlin, Kansas
Oberlin is a small city and the county seat of Decatur County in northwestern Kansas, United States. It was founded in 1872, platted in 1878, and incorporated in 1885. The city was named after Oberlin, Ohio. As of the 2020 census, Oberlin has a population of 1,644.
Where it is and how big it is
- Location: At the junction of U.S. Routes 36 and 83 in the High Plains region.
- Size: About 1.91 square miles, all land.
- Elevation: Roughly 2,569 feet above sea level.
What the climate is like
- Oberlin experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
- Record highs and lows: a high of 114°F (46°C) in 1936 and a low of -32°F (-36°C) in 1918.
A bit of history
- Oberlin was platted in 1878 and named after Oberlin, Ohio.
- The town has a history tied to the Northern Cheyenne Exodus, with a raid nearby in 1878 that is commemorated locally.
People and demographics
- Population (2020): 1,644 people.
- Households and families: 771 households and 428 families (2020).
- Racial makeup: Predominantly White, with small percentages of other races and about 3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
- Age and families: Median age around 49 years; many households are individuals, with a mix of family households.
Economy and living
- Median household income (latest estimates): around $35,800.
- About 19% of families and a similar share of individuals live below the poverty line.
Education
- Oberlin is served by Oberlin USD 294.
- Schools: Oberlin Elementary School (Pre-K to 6) and Decatur Community Junior/Senior High School (7–12).
Culture and recreation
- Last Indian Raid Museum: A local museum preserving area history.
- Recreation: A community recreation center with a 3D-capable movie theater and bowling.
- Parks: Sappa Park (east of town) features wetlands, trails, a nine-hole disc golf course, and a WPA-era shelter house; a nearby golf course is adjacent.
Local government
- Oberlin uses a mayor-council form of government with five council members.
- City meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month.
Notable people
- Brun Campbell — ragtime composer and pianist.
- Sam Francis — NFL draft first pick in 1937; standout football player.
- Elmer Hackney — NFL running back.
- Richard Rogers — U.S. federal judge.
- Cora E. Simpson — nurse and nurse educator who helped found a nursing school in China.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 16:54 (CET).