History of Kansas in Timeline
Kansas, a Midwestern U.S. state, is bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Named after the Kansas River, which derives its name from the Kansa people, Kansas has Topeka as its capital and Wichita as its most populous city. The largest urban area is the Kansas City metropolitan area, spanning both Missouri and Kansas.
1900: "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Published
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," published in 1900, famously features Kansas as the home of the main character, Dorothy Gale.
1900: Carrie Nation's First Act of Saloon Vandalism
In 1900, Carrie Nation, a prominent anti-saloon activist, committed her first act of saloon vandalism in Kiowa, Kansas.
1901: Origin of Pentecostalism
In 1901, glossolalia, speaking in tongues, was first asserted as proof of a spiritual experience known as the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Charles Fox Parham's Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas. This event is often cited as the origin of Pentecostalism.
1903: First Film Theater in Kansas Opens
The first film theater in Kansas, the Patee Theater, opened in Lawrence in 1903. Unlike most theaters at the time that showed films as part of vaudeville acts, the Patee family believed films could stand alone as entertainment.
February 13, 1905: All-Time Low Temperature
On February 13, 1905, near Lebanon in Smith County, Kansas recorded its all-time lowest temperature of -40 °F (-40 °C). Interestingly, Alton and Lebanon are situated approximately 50 miles apart.
May 22, 1907: Plaza Cinema Opens
The Plaza Cinema in Ottawa, Kansas, considered the oldest operating cinema in the world, was built on May 22, 1907.
1910: Workers' Compensation System
In 1910, Kansas became the first state to institute a system of workers' compensation.
1911: Regulation of Securities Industry
In 1911, Kansas became the first state to regulate the securities industry.
1912: Women's Suffrage Permitted
In 1912, Kansas permitted women's suffrage, almost a decade before the federal constitution mandated it.
1920: Ratification of the 19th Amendment
In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing women's suffrage in all states.
1922: First Female Gubernatorial Candidate
In 1922, Ella Uphay Mowry, running as "Mrs. W.D. Mowry," became the first woman to run for governor in Kansas. She paved the way for future female candidates, expressing her belief that one day a woman would hold the governor's office in Kansas.
1922: Kansas Jayhawks Retroactively Awarded National Championship
The University of Kansas Jayhawks were retroactively awarded a national championship by the Helms Foundation for 1922.
1923: Merger forming Benedictine College
In 1923, St. Benedict's College (founded in 1858) and Mount St. Scholastica College merged to form Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The institution is sponsored by St. Benedict's Abbey and Mount St. Scholastica Monastery.
1923: Kansas Jayhawks Retroactively Awarded National Championship
The University of Kansas Jayhawks were retroactively awarded a national championship by the Helms Foundation for 1923.
1926: Jayhawk Theatre Opens
The Jayhawk Theatre, an art-deco movie house in Topeka, opened its doors for the first time in 1926.
April 17, 1930: Permanent Lighting System First Used
The permanent lighting system for night games in Independence, Kansas, was first used on April 17, 1930 for an exhibition game.
April 28, 1930: First Night Game in Professional Baseball
The first night game in the history of professional baseball was played in Independence, Kansas on April 28, 1930.
1930: Fox Theater Opens
The Fox Theater in Hutchinson, Kansas, was built in 1930.
1932: Last Democrat Elected to US Senate in Kansas
The last time a Democrat was elected to the US Senate in Kansas was in 1932 during the election that saw Franklin D. Roosevelt win his first presidential term.
1935: "The Kansas March" Adopted as State March
The Kansas Legislature adopted "The Kansas March" as the official state march in 1935.
1935: "Little House on the Prairie" Published
Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie," another famous story about Kansas, was published in 1935.
July 24, 1936: All-Time High Temperature
On July 24, 1936, near Alton in Osborne County, Kansas experienced its all-time highest temperature of 121 °F (49.4 °C) according to NOAA.
1936: "Moon Over Manifest" Setting
"Moon Over Manifest" is set in the fictional town of Manifest, Kansas, during the summer of 1936. The story follows a young girl named Abilene who is sent there by her father.
1936: Roosevelt Carries Kansas
In the 1936 presidential election, Franklin D. Roosevelt carried Kansas.
1936: Alf Landon Runs for President
Kansas Governor Alf Landon was the Republican candidate for president in 1936 but lost the election.
1937: Cereal Malt Beverage Legalized
Cereal malt beverage, also known as 3.2 beer, was legalized in Kansas in 1937.
1940: Support for Wendell Willkie
In the 1940 presidential election, Kansas backed Republican candidate Wendell Willkie, breaking from the majority of the nation that voted for Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1944: Support for Thomas E. Dewey
In the 1944 presidential election, Kansas supported Republican candidate Thomas E. Dewey, again breaking from the majority that re-elected Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1948: Alcoholic Liquor Legalized
The first legalization of alcoholic liquor in Kansas after Prohibition happened in 1948 following a change to the state constitution.
1948: Support for Dewey Over Truman
In the 1948 presidential election, Kansas supported Thomas E. Dewey over incumbent President Harry S. Truman.
1948: Repeal of Prohibition
In 1948, Kansas repealed its constitutional amendment that prohibited all alcoholic beverages. This amendment had been in effect since 1881, making Kansas the first U.S. state to implement such a measure.
1952: NCAA Headquarters in Kansas
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) established its headquarters in Johnson County, Kansas in 1952.
1952: Kansas Jayhawks Win National Championship
The University of Kansas Jayhawks won the NCAA men's basketball national championship in 1952.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education Decision
In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka banned racially segregated schools throughout the United States, leading to protests in Topeka.
1954: St. Benedict's Ravens Win NAIA Men's Basketball Championship
St. Benedict's College (now Benedictine College) Ravens won the 1954 Men's NAIA Basketball Championship.
May 25, 1955: Deadliest Tornado in Kansas History
On May 25, 1955, Udall, Kansas, suffered the deadliest tornado in the state's history. The devastating event claimed the lives of 80 people in and around the city.
November 14, 1956: First Section of Interstate Opened
On November 14, 1956, the first section of Interstate in the nation was opened on Interstate 70 (I-70) just west of Topeka, Kansas.
1959: Murder of Kansas Family in Holcomb
The murder of a wealthy farmer and his family in Holcomb, Finney County, Kansas, took place in 1959. This event was the basis for Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood".
1960: Overland Park Incorporation
Overland Park, a relatively new city, was incorporated in 1960. It quickly became the most populous city in Johnson County and the largest by land area. Notably, it is home to Johnson County Community College.
1964: Support for Lyndon B. Johnson
In the 1964 presidential election, Kansas supported Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson.
1965: "In Cold Blood" Published
Truman Capote's best-selling novel "In Cold Blood" was published in 1965. This "nonfiction novel" tells the story of the 1959 murder of a wealthy farmer and his family in Holcomb, Kansas.
1965: Wichita State Shockers Reach Final Four
The Wichita State Shockers men's basketball team appeared in the Final Four in 1965.
1967: St. Benedict's Ravens Win NAIA Men's Basketball Championship
St. Benedict's College (now Benedictine College) Ravens won the 1967 Men's NAIA Basketball Championship.
1970: Wichita State Shockers Football Team Plane Crash
The Wichita State Shockers football team was involved in a plane crash in 1970 that killed 31 people, including 14 players.
1973: WIBW Becomes Royals' Flagship Station
In 1973, WIBW in Topeka became the flagship radio station for the Kansas City Royals.
1980: Life Expectancy Trend
Between 1980 and 2013, the increase in life expectancy in Kansas trailed the national average for males, while it remained close to the national average for females.
1986: Liquor-by-the-drink Legalized
Liquor-by-the-drink was legalized in Kansas in 1986 after an amendment to the state's constitution and subsequent legislation the following year.
1986: Wichita State Shockers Disband Football Team
The Wichita State Shockers disbanded their football team in 1986.
1987: Washburn Ichabods Win NAIA Men's Basketball Championship
The Washburn University Ichabods won the NAIA Men's Basketball Championship in 1987.
1988: Kansas Jayhawks Win National Championship; Defeat Kansas State in Elite Eight
The University of Kansas Jayhawks won the NCAA men's basketball national championship in 1988. They also defeated Kansas State in the Elite Eight that year.
1989: Shift in Geodetic Center
Until 1989, the Meades Ranch Triangulation Station in Osborne County, Kansas, held the designation of the geodetic center of North America, serving as the central reference point for maps of the continent.
1989: Bill Snyder Becomes Kansas State Head Coach
Bill Snyder became the head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats football team in 1989, beginning a turnaround of the program.
1989: Wichita State Shockers Win College World Series
The Wichita State Shockers baseball team won the College World Series in 1989.
1989: Fox Theater Listed on National Register
The Fox Theater in Hutchinson was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
1990: Sales Tax Collections in 1990
In 1990, Kansas's total sales tax collections were $805.3 million.
1992: Secessionist Movement
A short-lived secessionist movement emerged in 1992, advocating for the secession of several counties in southwest Kansas. The movement ultimately did not succeed.
1992: Debt Percentage Below 1% in 1992
In 1992, Kansas's net tax-supported debt as a percentage of personal income was less than 1%.
1995: Pittsburg State Gorillas Become Winningest NCAA Division II Football Program
The Pittsburg State Gorillas football team became the winningest NCAA Division II football program in 1995.
1996: Bob Dole Runs for President
Kansas Senator Bob Dole was the Republican candidate for president in 1996 but lost the election.
1996: Fort Hays State Tigers Win NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Title
The Fort Hays State University Tigers men's basketball team won the 1996 NCAA Division II title with a 34-0 record.
1997: Kansas State Wildcats Win Fiesta Bowl
The Kansas State Wildcats football team won the Fiesta Bowl in 1997.
1997: WIBW Ends Run as Royals' Flagship Station
WIBW in Topeka ended its run as the flagship radio station for the Kansas City Royals in 1997.
1998: Tax Reduction and Debt Increase
Following a permanent tax reduction in 1998, revenue shortfalls stemmed from lower-than-anticipated tax collections and slower personal income growth, leading to a substantial rise in Kansas's debt level. The state's bonded debt surged from $1.16 billion in 1998 to $3.83 billion in 2006.
1998: Kansas State Wildcats Go Undefeated in Regular Season
The Kansas State Wildcats football team achieved an undefeated (11-0) regular season and No. 1 ranking in 1998.
1999: Comprehensive Transportation Program
In 1999, Kansas implemented a 10-year Comprehensive Transportation Program, which was expected to contribute to an increase in the state's debt.
1999: Elimination of Evolution from Teaching Standards
In 1999, the Kansas State Board of Education decided to eliminate the teaching of evolution from state standards, a decision that was later reversed.
1999: Oil Prices Bottom Out
Oil prices reached their lowest point in 1999, leading to changes in the oil industry.
1999: Changes to Science Curriculum Standards
On two occasions since 1999, the Kansas Board of Education approved changes to the state science curriculum that encouraged the teaching of intelligent design. Both times, these changes were reversed after the composition of the board changed following the next election.
1999: NCAA Relocates to Indianapolis
The NCAA headquarters moved from Johnson County, Kansas to Indianapolis in 1999.
2000: Suburban Growth
Since 2000, Wichita, Kansas, has seen significant population growth, with its surrounding suburbs experiencing some of the fastest growth rates in the state. Goddard, in particular, has witnessed an annual population increase of over 11%.
2000: Languages Spoken in Kansas
According to data from the year 2000, English was the primary language spoken in Kansas, with 91.3% of the population reporting speaking only English at home. Other languages spoken include 5.5% Spanish, 0.7% German, and 0.4% Vietnamese.
November 2001: Sales Tax Collections Flat During Recession
During the recession from March to November 2001, Kansas experienced flat monthly sales tax collections, breaking the trend of increasing collections with economic growth.
2003: Income Tax Brackets
In 2003, Kansas utilized three income brackets for calculating income tax, with rates ranging from 3.5% to 6.45%.
2003: Sales Tax Collections in 2003
In 2003, Kansas's total sales tax collections amounted to $1,630 million, which was an inflation-adjusted reduction of 10% from the expected $1,797 million if there had been no changes in sales tax rates or the economy.
2003: "Flatter than a Pancake" Study
In 2003, a humorous study gained attention for declaring Kansas "flatter than a pancake." However, this is a misconception, as Kansas has a substantial topographic relief, making it the 23rd flattest U.S. state.
2003: Kansas State Wildcats Win Big 12 Championship
The Kansas State Wildcats football team won the Big 12 Conference championship in 2003.
January 2004: Kansas 511 Traveler Information Service
In January 2004, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced the Kansas 511 traveler information service, providing road conditions, construction updates, closures, detours, and weather conditions for the state highway system.
June 2004: Moody's Investors Service Ranking
As of June 2004, Moody's Investors Service ranked Kansas 14th for net tax-supported debt per capita, with a percentage of personal income at 3.8%, above the median value for all rated states.
2004: Petroleum Production
Since oil prices reached their lowest point in 1999, oil production in Kansas has remained relatively stable, averaging about 2.8 million barrels (450,000 cubic meters) per month in 2004. Higher prices have made carbon dioxide sequestration and other enhanced oil recovery methods more economically viable.
2004: George W. Bush Wins Kansas
In the 2004 presidential election, George W. Bush won Kansas with a significant margin, receiving 62% of the vote. The only counties that supported John Kerry were Wyandotte (home to Kansas City) and Douglas (home to the University of Kansas).
2004: Natural Gas Production
In 2004, the decline in overall natural gas production in Kansas was mitigated by the slower decline in the Hugoton gas fields and increased coalbed methane production. The average monthly production was over 32 billion cubic feet (0.91 cubic kilometers).
2004: Publication of 'What's the Matter with Kansas?'
In 2004, journalist and historian Thomas Frank published 'What's the Matter with Kansas?', examining the state's path to becoming a solid Republican stronghold.
2004: Foreign-Born Population
In 2004, Kansas had a foreign-born population of 149,800, which accounted for 5.5% of the state's population.
October 1, 2005: Streamlined Sales Tax Adopted
On October 1, 2005, Kansas adopted the 'Streamlined Sales Tax' under Governor Kathleen Sebelius. This system created a destination-based tax structure with 920 separate sales tax rates ranging from 6.5% to 11.5%, affecting where consumers take possession of goods or services.
2005: Same-Sex Marriage Ban
In 2005, Kansas voters approved a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.
2005: Washburn Ichabods Win NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Title
The Washburn University Ichabods women's basketball team won the 2005 NCAA Division II crown.
November 2006: Liquor Laws in Kansas
As of November 2006, 29 counties in Kansas remained dry, and only 17 counties allowed liquor-by-the-drink without requiring food sales.
2006: Tax Reduction and Debt Increase
Following a permanent tax reduction in 1998, revenue shortfalls stemmed from lower-than-anticipated tax collections and slower personal income growth, leading to a substantial rise in Kansas's debt level. The state's bonded debt surged from $1.16 billion in 1998 to $3.83 billion in 2006.
2008: Veto of Coal-Fired Energy Plants
In 2008, Governor Kathleen Sebelius vetoed permits for new coal-fired energy plants in Kansas, citing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
2008: John McCain Wins Kansas
John McCain won Kansas in the 2008 presidential election with 57% of the vote. Only Douglas, Wyandotte, and Crawford counties supported Barack Obama.
2008: Sam Brownback Runs For President
Senator Sam Brownback ran for the Republican party nomination for president in 2008. He chose not to seek reelection for a third full term in the Senate in 2010 and successfully ran for Governor in that year's election.
2008: Sporting Kansas City Begins Play
Sporting Kansas City, the first Major League Soccer team in Kansas, began playing home games at Village West in Kansas City in 2008.
2008: Kansas Jayhawks Win Orange Bowl
The University of Kansas Jayhawks football team won the Orange Bowl for the first time in 2008.
2008: Kansas Jayhawks Win National Championship
The University of Kansas Jayhawks won the NCAA men's basketball national championship in 2008.
2009: Bill Snyder Returns to Coach Kansas State
Bill Snyder came out of retirement to coach the Kansas State Wildcats football team again in 2009.
2009: Compromise on Coal-Fired Plant Construction
In 2009, after Kathleen Sebelius resigned to join the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Governor Mark Parkinson announced a compromise plan to allow the construction of a coal-fired plant.
August 2010: Moran Wins Republican Nomination and General Election
Jerry Moran won the Republican nomination for Sam Brownback's Senate seat in August 2010, defeating Todd Tiahrt in the primary. He went on to win the general election against Democrat Lisa Johnston.
2010: Kansas State Wildcats Advance to Elite Eight
The Kansas State Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA men's basketball tournament in 2010.
2010: Emporia State Hornets Win NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship
The Emporia State University Hornets women's basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2010.
2010: Sam Brownback Elected Governor
Republican Sam Brownback was elected governor of Kansas in 2010 with 63% of the vote, becoming the first Republican governor in eight years.
2010: Governor Brownback's Campaign Promise
During his 2010 campaign, Governor Sam Brownback promised to phase out Kansas's income tax completely.
2010: Population Change Since 2010
Since the 2010 United States census, Kansas has experienced a population increase of 58,387, or 2.05%.
2010: Association of Religion Data Archives Report
In 2010, the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) documented that the Catholic Church had the largest number of adherents in Kansas (426,611), followed by the United Methodist Church (202,989 members), and the Southern Baptist Convention (99,329 adherents).
2010: State General Fund Debt Load in 2010
In fiscal year 2010, Kansas's state general fund debt load was $83 million.
May 2011: Kansas Arts Commission Eliminated
In May 2011, Governor Brownback eliminated the Kansas Arts Commission despite opposition from art leaders and enthusiasts. This decision made Kansas the first state in the US without an arts agency.
July 2011: Closure of Lawrence Branch of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
In July 2011, Governor Brownback announced the closure of the Lawrence branch of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to reduce costs. Hundreds protested against this decision, and the Lawrence City Commission ultimately provided the funds to keep the branch open.
2011: Children's Mercy Park Opens
Sporting Kansas City moved into its new home stadium, Children's Mercy Park, in 2011.
2011: Kansas State Wildcats Finish Second in Big 12; Earn Cotton Bowl Berth
The Kansas State Wildcats football team finished second in the Big 12 in 2011 and earned a berth in the Cotton Bowl.
2011: Pittsburg State Gorillas Win NCAA Division II National Title
The Pittsburg State Gorillas football team won the NCAA Division II national title in 2011.
2011: Minority Population
In 2011, 35.0% of Kansas residents under the age of one belonged to minority groups, indicating that they did not have two parents of non-Hispanic white ancestry.
2011: "Moon Over Manifest" Wins Newbery Medal
"Moon Over Manifest," written by Kansan Clare Vanderpool, won the Newbery Medal for excellence in children's literature in 2011.
May 2012: Governor Brownback Signs Tax Overhaul
In May 2012, Governor Sam Brownback signed the Kansas Senate Bill Substitute HB 2117, initiating an ambitious tax overhaul that cut income tax, eliminated some corporate taxes, and created pass-through income tax exemptions starting in 2013.
2012: Kansas State Wildcats Win Big 12 Championship
The Kansas State Wildcats football team won the Big 12 Championship in 2012.
2012: Boeing Manufacturing Ends
Boeing, which had a long history of manufacturing in Kansas, ceased its operations in the state between 2012 and 2013.
2013: Boeing Manufacturing Ends
Boeing, which had a long history of manufacturing in Kansas, ceased its operations in the state between 2012 and 2013.
2013: FC Kansas City Begins Play
FC Kansas City, a charter member of the National Women's Soccer League, played the 2013 season on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area.
2013: Life Expectancy Report
In 2013, males in Kansas had an average life expectancy of 76.6 years, while females lived an average of 81.0 years. These figures were slightly below the national averages for both genders.
2013: Tax Overhaul Takes Effect
Starting in 2013, Governor Brownback's tax overhaul took effect, reducing income tax and providing tax exemptions for pass-through income entities.
2013: Tax Increases Implemented
Starting in 2013, Governor Brownback's tax overhaul, which included significant tax cuts, began to take effect.
2013: Wichita State Shockers Reach Final Four
The Wichita State Shockers men's basketball team appeared in the Final Four in 2013.
September 2014: Greg Orman Challenges Pat Roberts for Senate
In September 2014, with the Democratic candidate for Senator attempting to drop out of the race, independent Greg Orman gained enough bipartisan support to pose a serious challenge to Republican incumbent Pat Roberts in his bid for reelection.
2014: Life Expectancy Changes
From 1980 to 2014, male life expectancy in Kansas rose by an average of 5.2 years, as compared to a 6.7-year increase nationally. For females, life expectancy in Kansas increased by 4.3 years during the same period, slightly below the national average increase of 4.0 years.
2014: Wichita State Shockers Enter NCAA Tournament Undefeated
The Wichita State Shockers men's basketball team entered the 2014 NCAA tournament unbeaten.
2014: Pew Religious Landscape Survey
In 2014, the Pew Religious Landscape Survey reported that 57% of adults in Kansas identified as Protestant, 18% as Catholic, 20% as unaffiliated, 1% as Mormon, 1% as Jehovah's Witness, 1% as Buddhist, and 2% as other religions.
2015: Agricultural Powerhouse
As of 2015, Kansas was recognized as one of the leading agricultural states in the US, known for its high production of wheat, corn, sorghum, and soybeans. This period also saw Kansas with a strong aerospace industry.
2015: Job Growth and Average Wages
In 2015, Kansas experienced a job growth rate of 0.8%, one of the lowest in the US, with only 10,900 nonfarm jobs added. According to a 2016 report from the Kansas Department of Labor, the average annual wage in 2015 was $42,930.
April 2016: Unemployment Rate
As of April 2016, the unemployment rate in Kansas stood at 4.2%.
2016: Wheat Production
In 2016, Kansas farmers dedicated 8.2 million acres to cultivating conventionally grown wheat, achieving an average harvest of 57 bushels per acre.
2016: Total Non-Farm Employment
In 2016, data was collected on the total non-farm employment in metropolitan areas within the State of Kansas.
2016: Average Farm Size and Operating Costs
In 2016, the average farm in Kansas spanned approximately 770 acres (over a square mile) with average operating costs of $300,000.
2016: Total Employer Establishments
There were a total of 74,884 employer establishments in Kansas in 2016.
2016: Governor Brownback's Unpopularity
In 2016, Governor Brownback was deemed the 'most unpopular governor in America' with only 26 percent of Kansas voters approving of his job performance.
February 2017: Kansas Faces Budget Shortfall
By February 2017, Kansas faced a $350 million budget shortfall due to the tax cuts implemented by Governor Brownback's administration.
February 2017: Kansas's Credit Rating Downgraded
In February 2017, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Kansas's credit rating to AA− due to ongoing budget shortfalls.
February 2017: Bill to Repeal Tax Exemption
In February 2017, a bipartisan coalition presented a bill to repeal the pass-through income exemption and raise taxes to address the budget shortfall. Although vetoed by Governor Brownback, the bill saw significant support from GOP legislators.
February 2017: Budget Shortfall and Credit Rating Downgrade
Kansas faced a $350 million budget deficit in February 2017. Also in February 2017, S&P downgraded the state's credit rating to AA−.
June 6, 2017: Veto Override and Tax Increases
On June 6, 2017, a coalition of Democrats and newly elected Republicans overrode Governor Brownback's veto to increase taxes to levels close to those before 2013, reversing key provisions of his tax overhaul.
June 2017: The Atlantic Article on Tax Overhaul
In June 2017, The Atlantic described Kansas's tax cuts as the 'most aggressive experiment in conservative economic policy,' noting the severe impact on schools and infrastructure.
2017: FC Kansas City Folds
FC Kansas City folded after the 2017 season.
2017: Life Expectancy Analysis
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, using data from 2017 to 2019, determined that life expectancy in Kansas counties ranged from 75.8 years in Wyandotte County to 81.7 years in Johnson County.
2018: Kansas State Wildcats Advance to Elite Eight
The Kansas State Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA men's basketball tournament in 2018.
2018: Farms in Kansas
In 2018, Kansas had a total of 59,600 farms, with 86 (0.14%) of them being certified organic farms.
2018: Laura Kelly Elected Governor
Democrat Laura Kelly was elected Governor of Kansas in 2018, defeating former Secretary of State Kris Kobach with 48% of the vote.
July 1, 2019: Population Estimate
On July 1, 2019, the United States Census Bureau estimated Kansas's population to be 2,913,314, representing a 2.11% increase from the 2010 census.
2019: Wind Energy Production
In 2019, Kansas had an installed wind energy capacity of approximately 6,100 megawatts (MW) generated by nearly 3,200 wind turbines. Wind power accounted for the largest share of the state's electricity generation at 41%.
2019: State and National Life Expectancy
In 2019, the overall life expectancy in Kansas was calculated to be 78.5 years, slightly lower than the national average of 78.8 years for the United States.
2020: Association of Religion Data Archives Report
In 2020, the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) indicated that there were 414,939 Catholics, 165,658 United Methodists, and 164,486 Southern Baptists in Kansas.
2020: Census Data
The 2020 census recorded Kansas's population at 2,940,865, making it the 36th most populous state in the US.
2020: United States Census
The 2020 United States Census recorded Kansas's racial and ethnic makeup as 75.6% White, 5.7% African American, 2.9% Asian American, 1.1% Native American, 9.5% two or more races, 4.9% some other race, and 0.1% Pacific Islander.
2020: Increase in Wind Energy Capacity
An additional 700 MW of wind energy capacity was set to be added in Kansas during 2020.
2020: 2020 Census
According to the 2020 census, the population of Kansas was 2,937,880.
2020: Study Ranks Kansas 13th Hardest State for Voting
A 2020 study ranked Kansas as the 13th most difficult state for citizens to vote in.
2021: United States Census Estimates
According to the 2021 United States census estimates, the racial composition of Kansas was: 74.7% White American (non-Hispanic), 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Black or African American, 3.3% two or more races, 3.2% Asian, 1.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
May 12, 2022: Sports Betting Legalized in Kansas
On May 12, 2022, Governor Laura Kelly signed legislation that legalized sports betting in Kansas, making it the 35th state in the US to do so.
August 2022: Kansas Voters Reject "Value Them Both" Amendment
In August 2022, Kansas voters rejected the "Value Them Both" amendment. This amendment would have removed the right to an abortion from the state constitution. This was the first referendum on abortion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier that summer.
2022: Homeless Estimation
The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated there were 2,397 homeless individuals in Kansas in 2022.
2022: Public Religion Research Institute Study
The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) conducted a study in 2022 that found 74% of Kansas's population identified as Christian. Of those, 59% were Protestant, 13% were Catholic, and 2% were Mormon. Additionally, 23% of the population was religiously unaffiliated, 1% were Unitarian Universalists, and 1% were New Agers.
2022: Kansas Jayhawks Win National Championship
The University of Kansas Jayhawks won the NCAA men's basketball national championship in 2022.
2023: Gross Domestic Product and Per Capita Income
Kansas had a total gross domestic product of $226.012 billion in 2023. The state's per capita income in 2023 was $63,732, placing it 29th among U.S. states and territories.