Smith County, Kansas, is in the geographic center of the contiguous United States. The communities of Smith Center, Kensington, Lebanon, Gaylord, and Athol offer rural, small town living with several churches and community activities. State-of-the-art fiber optics provide reliable and strong connectivity. The area is home to eight in-home daycares and the Bright Beginnings Child Development Center. The county seat, Smith Center, is home to the county’s critical access hospital, completed in 2018, which includes a physical therapy facility, 11 medical practitioners, and a rural health clinic. Three chiropractors and two fitness centers allow residents to keep fit and well. Smith County residents value educational excellence and two public school systems provide pre-Kindergarten to high school education. Nearby post-secondary educational opportunities include a community college, a vocational technical school, and Fort Hays State University.



Crop and livestock farms scattered throughout the countryside are the core of the county’s economy along with several growing manufacturing and processing facilities. The beautiful Solomon River runs through the southwest corner of the county and the rest of the county is crisscrossed with creeks running into rivers both to the north and to the south. Rolling hills and wooded bottoms provide for beautiful, walk-in hunting and fishing opportunities (as allowed by participating property owners). The landscape includes many majestic Cottonwood trees, which is the state tree of Kansas. Residents can also enjoy of the rich diversity of wildlife, birds, and plants, including deer, turkey and even the occasional elk. In the northwest part of the county, you can visit the cabin constructed in 1872 by Dr. Brewster Higley on the bank of the West Beaver Creek. There Dr. Higley wrote a poem titled “The Western Home,” which was set to music by Dan Kelley; the song “Home on the Range” is the State Song of Kansas.

Smith County, Kansas, located at the geographic center of the contiguous United States, offers small-town living with strong community ties, excellent educational opportunities, and modern amenities like state-of-the-art fiber optics. The county's economy is rooted in agriculture, with crop and livestock farms, alongside growing manufacturing facilities. The scenic landscape, featuring the Solomon River, rolling hills, and majestic Cottonwood trees, provides abundant outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. Smith County is also home to historical sites, like the cabin where the Kansas State Song "Home on the Range" was written.

Smith County

As we step into a new year, it's the perfect time to rethink how we live and work. Did you know some of the best work-life balance jobs are found in places you might not expect?

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🌟 New Year, New Opportunities in Smith County! 🌟

We enjoy living in a rural community and in Smith County in particular where we have found the people to be hardworking and always ready to lend a hand when you need help.  Businesses care about their customers, they work hard to insure that the trust between a business and its customer is long term.  We have found the schools & teachers actually care about their students as well and are willing to discuss with the parents how the child is doing.  The personal friendships are long term and full of trust. 

When people think of Smith County, agriculture is often the first thing that comes to mind... and rightly so. Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of this community. But the story of Smith County’s economy is much bigger. 

It’s one of family businesses passed down through generations, manufacturing making waves, and professional services that keep agriculture and small business moving forward. From the shop floor to the law office, from Main Street storefronts to the wide-open fields, Smith County offers opportunity for every kind of career path.

Building Business and Family in Kensington

A slower pace of life, familiar faces, and the pull of home, that’s what brought Jared Hudson and his family back to Kensington.

With the help of the Smith County Workforce Recruitment Incentive Program, their move was smoother than expected. Jared, his wife, and their two sons quickly found jobs, and the entire family was welcomed back with open arms.

Today, Jared and his brother work side by side at Hudson Tire & Service, building a business they’re proud of in the town they’ve always called home. For the Hudsons, it’s not just about tires and oil changes, it’s about investing in a small town that invests right back. Their story is proof that opportunity in Smith County isn’t limited to the big city — it’s alive right here, where family and community come first.

Applequist Manufacturing: Building Big in Smith Center

While agriculture will always be central to Smith County, our economy is also shaped by forward-looking industries like manufacturing.

Applequist Manufacturing, Inc. was formed by Roy Applequist, former owner and president of Great Plains Mfg. Inc., and he chose Smith Center, Kansas as the home for this new venture. The company completed construction and renovation of a 138,000-square-foot facility, which is now in full operation.

Applequist Manufacturing is designed to efficiently produce a wide range of equipment for both the agricultural and construction industries. Current product lines include the innovative Falcon stripper header and the 40-foot TerrainGrade land plane.

Beyond the products, Applequist Manufacturing has committed to providing a great working environment for its staff and to investing in the idea that there’s no better place than rural Kansas to build a thriving young manufacturing company. Their story is a reminder that innovation and opportunity don’t just exist in metro areas, they’re alive and well in Smith County.

White-Collar Opportunities in Agriculture and Beyond

Smith County also boasts a variety of professional careers that keep our rural economy strong and diverse. These are the people and organizations providing financial services, legal expertise, and business support that allow agriculture and small businesses to thrive.

Allen & McDowell Law Firm – Kyle Allen and Shannon McDowell

From attorneys to CPAs to trusted bankers, these professionals ensure that families, farmers, and business owners have the resources and guidance they need to grow. They are an essential part of what makes Smith County not only a place to live, but a place to prosper.

The Hudson Brothers, Applequist Manufacturing, and the many white-collar professionals in Smith County show us that opportunity here takes many forms. From family-run service shops and cutting-edge manufacturing to law firms, accountants, and banks — our local economy is thriving because of the people who invest their time, talents, and futures here.

Smith County proves that rural America isn’t fading. It’s building, adapting, and thriving. And for those looking for a place to raise a family, grow a business, or build a career, there’s no better time to say yes to small-town opportunity.

Smith County’s Rural Economy: Opportunities in Ag, Manufacturing, and More


Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13th — the heart of America is throwing a party like no other! 
💥 FREE concert featuring Drew Moreland & Neon Hustle
🚜 Car Show, Inflatables, Train Rides, Rocket Lab
🎨 Dye-Your-Own Scarf, Glass Blowing, Vendor Market
🎯 Trap Shoot, Archery, Pickleball, Pony Rides
🎡 Parade, Fireworks & so much more!


Most activities are FREE and family friendly. Some of the highlights include a car show, pony rides, scarf-dyeing, concerts, and fireworks at the center of the U.S. Follow us on Facebook for the latest! 


📍 Lebanon, Kansas – Smack Dab in the Center of the Continental US
🌐 

Lebanon Bash 2025

Progress in Smith County, Kansas might not come with skyscrapers or traffic jams, but it’s happening in ways that matter most. From revitalizing vacant buildings to creating wellness spaces and improving infrastructure, the community is making strategic, people-centered investments. Whether it’s housing for the workforce, outdoor fitness for all ages, or stronger roads and faster internet, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to building a healthier, more connected future.

Two of the county’s latest projects, the redevelopment of the old hospital into workforce housing and the launch of a new outdoor Fitness Court Studio, are proof that rural innovation is alive and thriving.

Reimagining the Old Hospital: A Blueprint for Rural Housing Investments

In 2023, the City of Smith Center and Smith County formed a joint committee to decide the future of the vacant hospital and long-term care buildings. With input from engineers, economic development experts, and community voices, the Old Hospital Committee evaluated several creative options: artist studios, commercial space, green space, and mixed-use development.

Once the buildings were deemed structurally sound, attention turned to local needs. One stood out: rental housing. 

Employers across the region consistently voiced a critical need for quality workforce housing. With the property adjacent to the county childcare center and wellness center, the opportunity was clear: redevelop the site into affordable housing that gives working families easy access to key services.

In the fall of 2023, Smith Center Economic Development began working with Shane Lamb of Rural ReDevelopment Group (RRG) to explore feasibility. A year later, in December 2024, Smith County signed a letter of intent with RRG and committed to raising $650,000 in local funds to match state housing program dollars.

Thanks to early commitments from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Smith County, and Smith Center Economic Development, this housing project is poised to not only transform a long-vacant property but also meet one of our most pressing community needs: providing safe, accessible homes for our current and future workforce.

Wellness Investments That Work: Launching the Fitness Court Studio

Just as Smith County is investing in places to live, it's also investing in places to thrive by starting with a bold step toward community-wide wellness. On July 10, 2025, Smith County Memorial Hospital (SCMH), in collaboration with the National Fitness Campaign, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the Kansas Health Foundation, and the Smith County Drug and Alcohol Council, celebrated the grand opening of a new Fitness Court® Studio on the SCMH campus.

Located at 921 E. Highway 36 in Smith Center, this free outdoor wellness space is designed for individuals aged 14 and up and supports users at every fitness level.

This project was born out of SCMH's Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified obesity, substance abuse, and chronic disease as top health concerns in Smith County. The Fitness Court Studio directly addresses these challenges by offering a no-cost, accessible space for movement, stress relief, and community connection.

* Prevention: Encouraging regular, barrier-free physical activity.

* Substance Abuse Prevention: Offering positive, structured outlets for youth.

* Chronic Disease Management: Supporting lifelong health through inclusive fitness opportunities.

The grand opening featured movement classes led by SCMH fitness ambassadors, community challenges with high school athletes, and a custom prairie-themed art wall unveiling symbolizing both local pride and forward momentum.

But this is just the beginning. The Fitness Court Studio is phase one of a larger Community Wellness Hub, which will include looping trails, educational pollinator gardens, public art, and gathering spaces. It’s a bold, community-first vision that reflects Smith County’s belief that rural towns deserve world-class wellness spaces.

In addition to housing and wellness, Smith County is investing in foundational infrastructure to support long-term growth. The K-204 Straight Project is a major road and utility upgrade where the city is addressing sewer and water systems while also improving roadways, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. With a $3.3 million investment from the Kansas Department of Transportation, this project ensures smarter, more efficient infrastructure planning.

Meanwhile, downtown Smith Center is getting a connectivity boost with new fiber internet and a Verizon 5G tower, enhancing access and reliability for businesses, residents, and remote workers alike.

The housing redevelopment and wellness investments aren’t just construction projects. They’re a commitment to Smith County’s future. By aligning resources with community needs and building partnerships across public and private sectors, Smith County is showing that rural places can lead the way in innovation, well-being, and growth.

This is what modern rural investment looks like: thoughtful, inclusive, and built to last.

One-story tan brick building with a tall chimney, grassy front, overcast sky, evoking nostalgia and tranquility.

The image depicts a modest, one-story building with a primarily tan brick exterior, featuring a distinctive tall chimney or vent structure. There is a grassy area in front, and a sign is visible, possibly indicating the purpose of the building, but the text is not clear. The sky appears overcast, giving the overall scene a muted, soft light.

The mood conveyed by the photo can evoke feelings of nostalgia or tranquility, possibly due to the simplicity of the architecture and the natural surroundings. The clouds may suggest a calm, reflective atmosphere, while the building's functional appearance might inspire thoughts about community, purpose, or activity.

The Future of Smith County: How Strategic Investments Are Shaping Our Growth

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