Atchison County

History

Atchison County was established in 1855, named for David Rice Atchison, a U.S. Senator from Missouri known for his pro-slavery views, which reflected the county's early political leanings during the Kansas Territory's tumultuous "Bleeding Kansas" period. The area was first explored by European traders and later by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, who celebrated the first Independence Day in the area. The first settlers, largely from Missouri, arrived in 1854, founding the town of Atchison that same year, which quickly became a hub due to its strategic location on the Missouri River, facilitating trade and transportation.

The Civil War era saw Atchison County as a center of pro-slavery sentiment, yet it also contributed soldiers to both sides of the conflict, reflecting the divided loyalties of the time. The county's economy was significantly shaped by its river port facilities, which were vital for the steamboat trade and later for railroad development. By 1860, the Atchison and Topeka Railroad was chartered, and by 1870, Atchison was a major railroad hub, with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (Santa Fe) starting from there in 1868. This infrastructure, combined with Kansas Statehood in 1861 and the end of the Civil War in 1865, boosted the local economy and made Atchison a key point for westward expansion.

Moving into the late 19th century, Atchison County faced challenges like economic downturns and natural disasters, including floods, but it continued to grow as an industrial and agricultural center. The county became known for its flour milling, due to its proximity to wheat fields, and its manufacturing industries, particularly after the Civil War, when life normalized, and new enterprises sprang up.

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 16,348. The median age was 36.9 years. 22.0% of residents were under the age of 18 and 17.8% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 95.4 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 94.1 males age 18 and over. 66.7% of residents lived in urban areas, while 33.3% lived in rural areas.

The racial makeup of the county was 86.3% White, 4.8% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.6% from some other race, and 6.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 3.6% of the population.

There were 6,109 households in the county, of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 26.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 6,814 housing units, of which 10.3% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 66.7% were owner-occupied and 33.3% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.9% and the rental vacancy rate was 10.5%.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 16,774 people, 6,275 households, and 4,279 families residing in the county. The population density was 39 people per square mile (15 people/km2). There were 6,818 housing units at an average density of 16 units per square mile (6.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.62% White, 5.32% Black or African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.95% of the population.