Parsons, Kansas

From Free net encyclopedia

Parsons is a city located in Labette County, Kansas, in the southeast section of Kansas between Erie, Kansas and Oswego, Kansas along Highway 400 near Big Hill Lake and Neosho State Lake & Park. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 11,514.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 Points of interest
5 Notable Natives
6 External links

[edit]

History

Parsons was named after Levi Parsons, president of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. The town was founded in 1870 and incorporated the following year. 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 BRAC list for closure. The community has rallied behind the current plant operator, Day and Zimmerman, to keep the company on the grounds after closure and to keep those jobs and more in the Parsons area. 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. In 1957 the Hospital was renamed Parsons State Hospital and Training Center. At that time it began providing programs for individuals with mental retardation. The Hospital occupies 43 buildings on 163 acres. 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.

Parsons was the birthplace of actress Zazu Pitts and jazz musician Buck Clayton aka Wilbur Dorsey Clayton and was the home town of singer Clancy Hayes.

[edit]

Geography

Image:KSMap-doton-Parsons.png

Parsons is located at 37°20'21" North, 95°16'11" West (37.339070, -95.269747)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.8 km² (10.4 mi²). 26.8 km² (10.4 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

[edit]

Demographics

As of the census Template:GR of 2000, there were 11,514 people, 4,738 households, and 2,909 families residing in the city. The population density was 429.1/km² (1,111.2/mi²). There were 5,359 housing units at an average density of 199.7/km² (517.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 85.54% White, 8.17% African American, 1.12% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.90% from other races, and 2.84% from two or more races. 4.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,738 households out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were 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 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. 14.6% of the population and 9.9% of families were below the poverty line. 16.3% of those under the age of 18 and 11.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

[edit]