Wellington was platted in 1871 and named for the Duke of Wellington.[5] It was designated as the Sumner County seat in 1872, winning out over Sumner City according to the Wellington library. Cattle herders coming up the Chisholm Trail helped to build the early town's economy.[6]
The first post office in Wellington was established in July 1871.[7]
On May 27, 1892, an estimated F4 tornado struck Wellington, destroying 100 homes and 30 businesses, and killing 12 people in town.[9]
21st century
In 2020, Wellington opened a flag design contest. After several rounds of committee and public input, Shayna Templeton's design with wheat stalks on a red, silver, and white flag was selected and revealed in 2021.[10]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.19 square miles (21.21 km2), of which, 7.61 square miles (19.71 km2) is land and 0.58 square miles (1.50 km2) is water.[11]
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Wellington has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[12]
Climate data for Wellington, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1894–present
The 2020 United States census[16] counted 7,715 people, 3,157 households, and 1,906 families in Wellington. The population density was 1,054.0 per square mile (406.9/km2). There were 3,671 housing units at an average density of 501.5 per square mile (193.6/km2). The racial makeup was 85.86% (6,624) white, 1.84% (142) black or African-American, 1.28% (99) Native American, 0.56% (43) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander, 2.61% (201) from other races, and 7.85% (606) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 7.8% (599) of the population.
Of the 3,157 households, 32.3% had children under the age of 18; 39.9% were married couples living together; 28.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 30.8% of households consisted of individuals and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.0.
26.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 105.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 99.4 males.
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey[17] estimates show that the median household income was $48,279 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,293) and the median family income $62,714 (+/- $5,998). Males had a median income of $36,052 (+/- $5,505) versus $25,179 (+/- $2,487) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $28,048 (+/- $3,535). Approximately, 12.0% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under the age of 18 and 15.5% of those ages 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census,[18] there were 8,172 people, 3,246 households, and 2,105 families living in the city.[19] The population density was 1,073.9 inhabitants per square mile (414.6/km2). There were 3,736 housing units at an average density of 490.9 per square mile (189.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.0% White, 1.7% African American, 1.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.3% of the population.
There were 3,246 households, of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.2% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.03.
The median age in the city was 37.7 years. 27.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.1% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 8,647 people, 3,422 households, and 2,306 families living in the city. The population density was 1,529.6 inhabitants per square mile (590.6/km2). There were 3,795 housing units at an average density of 671.3 per square mile (259.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.36% White, 1.71% African American, 1.24% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 2.58% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.26% of the population.
There were 3,422 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,410, and the median income for a family was $43,493. Males had a median income of $34,368 versus $22,254 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,790. About 8.9% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
AT&SF Offices (1983)
The surrounding region produced large amounts of winter wheat which was the mainstay of the local economy as of 1997[update]. Railroads, petroleum, and aircraft parts manufacturing are other important businesses.[6]
^Grazulis, Thomas P. (1993). Significant tornadoes, 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Environmental Films. p. 657. ISBN1-879362-03-1.
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