Where Is Kansas? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Located in the Midwest United States, Kansas is the state that is located most in the center of the contiguous United States. But the real question is, do people know where Kansas is? Do people know about the surrounding states around Kansas? 

If you are wondering where Kansas is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Kansas’s bordering states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Kansas, and other facts about the Sunflower State.

Where Is Kansas Located on the Map?

Kansas is located in the midwestern region of the United States. With an area of 82,278 square miles, it is the 15th largest state in terms of size. But where is Kansas on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Kansas Officially Join the US?

Kansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase, the land the US bought from France while Thomas Jefferson was President. Upon the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, both states were freely directed whether they would enter the US as free or slave states. Nebraska voted to become a free state. In Kansas, things were more controversial. There was much infighting and conflicts arose where the term “Bleeding Kansas” came to life. In the end, Kansas voted to become a free state. It officially joined the union on January 29, 1861, as the 34th state.

Which States Border Kansas?

Four states border Kansas — Nebraska to the north, Oklahoma to the south, Missouri to the east, and Colorado to the west. Let’s take a look at the four states that border the Sunflower State.

Nebraska

Capital: Lincoln

Population: 1.9 million

Nickname: The Cornhusker State

Admitted to Union: March 1, 1867 (37th)

Governor: Jim Pillen (R)

Oklahoma

Capital: Oklahoma City

Population: 4 million

Nickname: Native America

Admitted to Union: November 16, 1907 (46th)

Governor: Kevin Stitt (R)

Missouri

Capital: Jefferson City

Population: 6.1 million

Nickname: Show Me State

Admitted to Union: August 10, 1821 (24th)

Governor: Mike Parson (R)

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Population: 5.8 million

Nickname: The Centennial State

Admitted to Union: August 1, 1876 (38th)

Governor: Jared Polis (D)

Is Kansas a Good Place to Live?

Let’s face it, most states in the plains region of the country are very affordable and Kansas is no exception. You will be able to live comfortably without paying outrageous amounts of rent. The state is home to amazing barbecue, so you won’t be complaining about the lack of good food here. Kansas also has a variety of things to do and many of them are outdoor, so if you are a nature-oriented person, this is your state.

Of course, to every pro, there are also cons. The climate in Kansas can be all over the place. You can have cold winters and sometimes they are not so bad. The summers can be humid and very hot, but if you live in the semi-arid part of the state, expect to have dry summers. Lastly, tornadoes happen quite frequently here so you have to be mindful of that.

What Is the Climate in Kansas?

Kansas has three types of climate: a humid continental type of climate, a semi-arid steppe climate, and a humid subtropical type of climate. The western parts of the state are more semi-arid where summers can be dry and winters are variable, whereas the eastern parts of the state have cold winters, but humid summers. The state is prone to tornadoes with an average of 50 tornadoes per year. 

When it comes to record temperatures, the hottest temperature ever recorded was 121 degrees Fahrenheit on July 24, 1936. The lowest recorded temperature was -40 degrees Fahrenheit on February 13, 1905.

What Is Kansas Most Known For?

Kansas is often overlooked by many, but the reality is that it is a beautiful state filled with unique things. The state is known for being a plains state where a lot of agriculture is grown including wheat. The state is also known for having an abundance of sunflower fields, one of the reasons why it’s called the Sunflower State.

Kansas is also known for the Wizard of Oz. In the stories, the main character is from Kansas. The state is also one of the largest producers of oil, having more than 7,000 oil wells. Several notable cities that should be on your list to visit include Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City.

When it comes to wildlife, Kansas is home to armadillos, gophers, and jackrabbits. As for the state’s flora, there is a variety of trees in the state, which include maple trees, oak trees, cedar trees, and walnut trees.

Fast Facts About Kansas

• Capital: Topeka
• Population: 2.9 million
• Governor: Laura Kelly (D)
• Lieutenant Governor: David Toland (D)
• State animal: Buffalo (Bubalina)
• State bird: Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
• State flower: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Conclusion

Kansas is a beautiful state with its plains and fields of sunflowers. You can truly enjoy yourself with so many outdoor recreational activities that you will live the midwesterner’s life. The state is affordable and will allow you to live freely without giving up most of your paycheck to pay the rent. Although some of the cities may not have a vibrant nightlife, there are still places you can enjoy with good food and good drinks. All in all, Kansas is a great city full of opportunity, just like what the sunflower stands for. After all, the state is called the Sunflower State.