# Liberal, Kansas

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Liberal,_Kansas
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Liberal,_Kansas.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal%2C_Kansas
> Source revision: 1350551107
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

**Liberal** is a city in and the [county seat](/source/County_seat) of [Seward County, Kansas](/source/Seward_County,_Kansas), United States.[2] As of 2024, the population of the city was 18,743.[3][4] It is located in southwestern Kansas, along [U.S. Route 54](/source/U.S._Route_54_in_Kansas) highway, near the Kansas-[Oklahoma](/source/Oklahoma) state line. Liberal is the home of [Seward County Community College](/source/Seward_County_Community_College).

## History

See also: [History of Kansas](/source/History_of_Kansas)

Early settler Seymour S. Rogers built the first house in what would become Liberal in 1872. Rogers became famous in the region for giving free water to thirsty travelers. Reportedly, Liberal gained its name from the common response to his acts of kindness, "That's very liberal of you."[5][6] In 1885 Rogers built a [general store](/source/General_store), and with it came an official [U.S. Post Office](/source/United_States_Postal_Service). Rogers named the post office 'Liberal'. After the railroad was built close by, a plan for the town site was created in 1888. A year later the population was around 800.[5]

Drought caused some farmers to give up and look for more fertile territory; however, when the nearby [Indian Territory](/source/Indian_Territory) was opened, more settlers headed to the cheap land that would become [Oklahoma](/source/Oklahoma).[5]

[Natural gas](/source/Natural_gas) was discovered west of town, in what would become part of the massive [Panhandle-Hugoton Gas Field](/source/Hugoton_Natural_Gas_Area), in 1920. [Oil](/source/Petroleum) was discovered southwest of town in 1951. In 1963 the largest [helium](/source/Helium) plant in the world, National Helium, was opened.[5]

## Geography

Liberal is located in southwestern Kansas at the intersection of [U.S. routes 54](/source/U.S._Route_54_in_Kansas) and [83](/source/U.S._Route_83_in_Kansas). Liberal is 140 miles (225 km) north-northeast of [Amarillo, Texas](/source/Amarillo,_Texas), 202 mi (325 km) west-southwest of [Wichita](/source/Wichita,_Kansas), and 288 mi (463 km) southeast of [Denver](/source/Denver), [Colorado](/source/Colorado).[7][8]

The city lies approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the [Cimarron River](/source/Cimarron_River_(Arkansas_River)) in the [High Plains](/source/High_Plains_(United_States)) region of the [Great Plains](/source/Great_Plains).[7]

According to the [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau), the city has a total area of 11.75 square miles (30.43 km2), of which 11.61 square miles (30.07 km2) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km2) is water.[9]

### Climate

Liberal has a [semi-arid steppe climate](/source/Semi-arid_climate) ([Köppen](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification) *BSk*) characterized by hot, dry summers, cool, dry winters, and large [diurnal temperature variation](/source/Diurnal_temperature_variation) year-round; [relative humidity](/source/Relative_humidity) averages 63%.[10][11] On average, January is the coldest month, July is the hottest month, February is the driest month and June is the wettest month.[12]

The high temperature reaches or exceeds 90 °F (32 °C) an average of 80.1 days a year and 100 °F (38 °C) an average of 16.5 days. The minimum temperature falls to or below 0 °F (−17.8 °C) on an average of 1.6 days a year. The highest temperature recorded in Liberal was 114 °F (45.6 °C) on June 10, 1981; the coldest temperature recorded was −20 °F (−28.9 °C) on February 27, 1930.[13]

## Demographics

### 2020 census

As of the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census), Liberal had a population of 19,825 with 6,618 households and 4,771 families.[14][15] The population density was 1,734.5 per square mile (669.7/km2). There were 7,389 housing units at an average density of 646.5 per square mile (249.6/km2).[14][16]

30.9% of residents were under the age of 18, 11.2% were from 18 to 24, 27.0% were from 25 to 44, 21.0% were from 45 to 64, and 9.9% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.3 years. For every 100 females there were 98.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 101.8 males.[14]

Of the 6,618 households, 44.7% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 48.4% were married-couple households, 19.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 25.5% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 23.2% of households were made up of individuals and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.9 and the average family size was 3.5.[14]

There were 7,389 housing units, of which 10.4% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.9% and the rental vacancy rate was 11.6%.[14]

99.9% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.1% lived in rural areas.[17]

Racial composition as of the 2020 census[18] Race Number Percent White 7,690 38.8% Black or African American 657 3.3% American Indian and Alaska Native 489 2.5% Asian 514 2.6% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 6 0.0% Some other race 5,714 28.8% Two or more races 4,755 24.0% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 13,499 68.1%

### 2016–2020 American Community Survey estimates

An estimated 6.6% of residents had a bachelor's degree or higher.[19] The 2016-2020 5-year [American Community Survey](/source/American_Community_Survey) estimates show that the median household income was $48,434 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,385) and the median family income was $54,167 (+/- $9,562).[20] Males had a median income of $34,371 (+/- $2,664) versus $26,005 (+/- $1,722) for females, and the median income for those above 16 years old was $30,586 (+/- $1,873).[21] Approximately 10.1% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the [poverty line](/source/Poverty_line), including 18.5% of those under the age of 18 and 9.2% of those ages 65 or over.[22][23]

### 2010 census

As of the [2010 census](/source/2010_United_States_Census),[24] there were 20,525 people, 6,623 households, and 4,838 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,832.6 inhabitants per square mile (707.6 /km2). There were 7,118 housing units at an average density of 641.3 inhabitants per square mile (247.6 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 68.6% [White](/source/White_American), 3.7% [African American](/source/African_American), 2.9% [Asian](/source/Asian_American), 0.8% [American Indian](/source/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States), 0.2% [Pacific Islander](/source/Pacific_Islander_(U.S._Census)), 20.6% from [other races](/source/Race_(United_States_Census)), and 3.2% from [two or more races](/source/Multiracial_Americans). [Hispanics and Latinos](/source/Hispanic_and_Latino_Americans) of any race made up 58.7% of the population.[25]

There were 6,623 households, of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03, and the average family size was 3.54.[25]

The median age was 28.4 years. 32.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.8% were from 25 to 44; 19.4% were from 45 to 64; and 8.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city population was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.[25]

The median income for a household in the city was $40,247, and the median income for a family was $44,167. Males had a median income of $31,435 versus $25,208 for females. The [per capita income](/source/Per_capita_income) for the city was $17,668. About 15.3% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the [poverty line](/source/Poverty_line), including 23.6% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.[25]

## Economy

See also: [Golden Triangle of Meat-packing](/source/Golden_Triangle_of_Meat-packing)

[Energy](/source/Energy) and [agriculture](/source/Agriculture) are the main economic drivers of the area. Natural resources include oil, natural gas, water, gravel and sand. The beef industry (ranches, feed lots and packing plants) is Liberal's largest source of employment. Hard [winter wheat](/source/Winter_wheat), corn, [milo](/source/Sorghum), [alfalfa](/source/Alfalfa) and cotton are common crops. Trucking is a major industry. Dairies and pork processors are a growing business.

As of 2012, 70.2% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.0% was in the armed forces, and 70.2% was in the civilian labor force with 63.4% being employed and 6.9% unemployed. The composition, by occupation, of the employed civilian labor force was: 28.5% in production, transportation, and material moving; 20.0% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance; 19.9% in sales and office occupations; 18.9% in management, business, science, and arts; and 12.6% in service occupations. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: manufacturing (24.4%); educational services, health care, and social assistance (19.4%); and retail trade (10.5%).[25]

The cost of living in Liberal is relatively low; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the city is 80.8.[26] As of 2012, the median home value in the city was $85,600, the median selected monthly owner cost was $961 for housing units with a mortgage and $383 for those without, and the median gross rent was $648.[25]

### Top employers

According to Liberal's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top 10 employers in the city are:[27]

Employer Employees 1 National Beef Packing Company 3,500 2 Liberal USD 480 800 3 Seward County Community College 450 4 Southwest Medical Center 425 5 Walmart Stores 350 6 Seaboard Foods 275 7 Seward County 200 8 City of Liberal 200 9 National Carriers 200 10 Panhandle Oilfield Services 175

## Arts and culture

### Events

Liberal is famous for its annual [Pancake Day](/source/Pancake_Day) race that is held in competition with the town of [Olney, United Kingdom](/source/Olney,_Buckinghamshire) for the fastest time between both cities.[28]

### Points of interest

Liberal has a water park known as Adventure Bay.

The fifth largest collection of [civilian](/source/General_aviation) and [military aircraft](/source/Military_aircraft) in the United States is located at the [Mid-America Air Museum](/source/Mid-America_Air_Museum). Started with a gift of fifty planes by General Tom (Thomas) Welch Jr., the museum has more than one hundred aircraft.[29]

The Coronado Museum has items from the [Native Americans](/source/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States) that lived in the area, as well as items from [Francisco Vásquez de Coronado](/source/Francisco_V%C3%A1squez_de_Coronado)'s expedition to the area in 1541, and the history of farming and ranching in the county in more recent times.[30]

Liberal is home to "The Land of Oz" exhibit from *[The Wizard of Oz](/source/The_Wizard_of_Oz_(1939_film))*, a recreation of [Dorothy Gale](/source/Dorothy_Gale)'s house and the famed Yellow Brick Road, featuring donated bricks bearing the names of former [U.S. Senator](/source/U.S._Senator) [Bob Dole](/source/Bob_Dole), [Ronald](/source/Ronald_Reagan) and [Nancy Reagan](/source/Nancy_Reagan), and [Liza Minnelli](/source/Liza_Minnelli) ([Judy Garland](/source/Judy_Garland)'s daughter). This exhibit was originally designed and displayed for [Topeka](/source/Topeka,_Kansas) in 1981, but relocated here eleven years later by its creator Linda Windler.[31]

Liberal Memorial Library is located on North Kansas Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets in Cooper Park. The Book Front entrance was completed in April 1955 and designed by the building's architect George L. Pitcher. Wheeler Williams, a sculptor from New York, signed an agreement in October 1960 to mold the "Pioneer Mother of Kansas." This six foot statue, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Baty, was to be erected in Cooper Park on [Memorial Day](/source/Memorial_Day), May 30, 1961. It was placed opposite of the "Statue of Liberty," which was donated and placed in Cooper Park by the [Boy Scouts of America](/source/Boy_Scouts_of_America).

## Sports

The Liberal Bee Jays, a semi-professional baseball team, have won five national championships and 13 state championships. The Bee Jays have been coached by three major league managers and have sent 165 players to the major leagues.[32]

## Government

Liberal has a [commission-manager government](/source/Commission-manager_government) with a [city commission](/source/City_commission) consisting of five members elected [at-large](/source/Plurality-at-large_voting). Elections occur every two years in the odd numbered year, and commissioners serve two-year or four-year terms depending on the number of votes they receive. Each year, the commission appoints a member to serve as [mayor](/source/Mayor) and another to serve as [vice-mayor](/source/Vice-mayor).[33] The [city manager](/source/City_manager) heads the city administration.[34]

## Education

### Colleges

- [Seward County Community College](/source/Seward_County_Community_College)

### Primary and secondary

The community is served by [Liberal USD 480](/source/Liberal_USD_480) public school district, which operates twelve schools in the city:[35]

- Bright Start Pre-K Center (Pre-K)
- Cottonwood Elementary School (K–5)
- MacArthur Elementary School (K–5)
- Meadowlark Elementary School (K–5)
- Prairie View Elementary School (K–5)
- Sunflower Intermediate School (K–5)

- Eisenhower Middle School (6–8)
- Seymour Rogers Middle School (6–8)
- [Liberal High School](/source/Liberal_High_School_(Kansas)) (9–12)

There is also a [Christian school](/source/Christian_school) in Liberal: Fellowship Baptist School (K–12).[36]

## Media

Main article: [Media in Liberal, Kansas](/source/Media_in_Liberal,_Kansas)

Four newspapers are published in Liberal. The *Leader & Times* is the city's main daily newspaper, published six days a week.[37] It is the result of the merger between the city's two previous dailies, the *High Plains Daily Leader* and the *Southwest Daily Times*.[38] The publisher of the *Leader & Times* also prints a weekly [Spanish language](/source/Spanish_language) paper, *El Lider*.[39] [Seward County Community College](/source/Seward_County_Community_College) publishes a bi-weekly student newspaper, the *Crusader*.[40] The fourth paper is the *Liberal Light*, published weekly.[41]

Liberal is a center of broadcast media for southwest Kansas and the [Oklahoma Panhandle](/source/Oklahoma_Panhandle). Two AM and seven FM radio stations are [licensed](/source/City_of_license) to and broadcast from the city.[42][43] Liberal is in the [Wichita-Hutchinson, Kansas television market](/source/Media_in_Wichita,_Kansas#Television),[44] and one television station broadcasts from the city: [KSWE-LD](/source/KSWE-LD), a sister station of [KDGL-LD](/source/KDGL-LD) in [Sublette, Kansas](/source/Sublette,_Kansas).[45]

On cable, viewers can receive stations from the Wichita/Hutchinson market (via semi-satellite stations in Garden City/Ensign), [PBS](/source/PBS)' Tulsa affiliate, [KOED](/source/KOED), as well as [Amarillo, Texas](/source/Amarillo,_Texas)'s CBS affiliate, [KFDA-TV](/source/KFDA-TV).

## Infrastructure

### Transportation

[U.S. Route 83](/source/U.S._Route_83) runs north–south along the east side of the city, intersecting [U.S. Route 54](/source/U.S._Route_54) which runs northeast–southwest. In addition, Liberal is the western terminus of [U.S. Route 270](/source/U.S._Route_270) which runs concurrently with U.S. 83 south from the city.[7]

[Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport](/source/Liberal_Mid-America_Regional_Airport) is immediately west of the city.[46] Publicly owned, it has two operative paved runways and is used primarily for [general aviation](/source/General_aviation).[47] [United Express](/source/United_Express) provides airline service with daily flights to [Denver](/source/Denver).[48]

The Tucumcari Line of the [Union Pacific Railroad](/source/Union_Pacific_Railroad) runs parallel to U.S. 54 northeast–southwest through the city.[49]

The [City Bus](/source/Liberal_City_Bus) provides fixed-route and dial-a-ride transit services Monday through Friday.[50]

## Notable people

See also: [List of Seward County Community College people](/source/Seward_County_Community_College#Notable_alumni)

Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Liberal include:

- [Wayne Angell](/source/Wayne_Angell) (1940–2025), economist[51]
- [Chris Brown](/source/Chris_Brown_(American_football_coach)) (born 1974), college [football](/source/American_football) coach[52]
- [Lamar Chapman](/source/Lamar_Chapman) (born 1976), NFL and CFL player[53]
- [Wantha Davis](/source/Wantha_Davis) (1917–2012), horse racing jockey[54]
- [Kasey Hayes](/source/Kasey_Hayes) (born 1985), professional bull rider[55]
- [Kristin Key](/source/Kristin_Key) (born 1980), comedian[56]
- [Shalee Lehning](/source/Shalee_Lehning) (born 1986), [Women's National Basketball Association](/source/Women's_National_Basketball_Association) guard[57]
- [M. C. Leist](/source/M._C._Leist) (1942–2022), Oklahoma state legislator[58]
- [Martin Lewis](/source/Martin_Lewis_(basketball)) (born 1975), [National Basketball Association](/source/National_Basketball_Association) forward[59]
- [Laura Gibbs Maczka](/source/Laura_Maczka) (born 1965), mayor, Richardson, Texas[60]

- [Kelli McCarty](/source/Kelli_McCarty) (born 1969), 1991 [Miss Kansas USA](/source/Miss_Kansas_USA) and [Miss USA](/source/Miss_USA), actress[61]
- [Jerrod Niemann](/source/Jerrod_Niemann) (born 1979), country music singer/songwriter[62]
- [Kelly Overton](/source/Kelly_Overton_(activist)), animal rights activist and author
- [Melvin Sanders](/source/Melvin_Sanders) (born 1981), professional basketball guard/forward[63]
- [William Stafford](/source/William_Stafford_(poet)) (1914–1993), poet[64]
- [Doug Terry](/source/Doug_Terry) (born 1968), [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) defensive back[65]
- [Dallas Trahern](/source/Dallas_Trahern) (born 1985), [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) pitcher[66]
- [Jerame Tuman](/source/Jerame_Tuman) (born 1976), [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) tight end[67]
- [Larry D. Welch](/source/Larry_D._Welch) (born 1934), [U.S. Air Force](/source/United_States_Air_Force) General[68]

## In popular culture

- [B. H. Fairchild](/source/B._H._Fairchild) wrote the poem, "At the Excavation of Liberal, Kansas" (in: *The Art of the Lathe*, [Alice James Books](/source/Alice_James_Books), 1998), in memory of [William Stafford](/source/William_Stafford_(poet)); it contains Stafford's poem, "What I Heard Whispered at the Edge of Liberal, Kansas" (from: *Stories That Could Be True: New and Collected Poems*, [Harper and Row](/source/Harper_(publisher)#Harper_&_Row_(1962–1990)), 1977).
- In the film *[National Lampoon's Vacation](/source/National_Lampoon's_Vacation)*, Clark W. Griswold suggests altering the family's route of travel in order to visit Liberal so they can see the world's largest house of mud. The idea is rejected by his wife, Ellen, in favor of getting to her cousin Eddie's home.[69]
- Season 4, Episode 9 of *[Fargo](/source/Fargo_(TV_series))* is set in Liberal.[70]

## References

1. ["City Commission; City of Liberal."](http://www.cityofliberal.org/210/City-Commission)

1. ["Liberal, Kansas Population 2024"](https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/kansas/liberal). *worldpopulationreview.com*. Retrieved 2024-12-04.

1. ["Liberal Demographics | Current Kansas Census Data"](https://www.kansas-demographics.com/liberal-demographics). *www.kansas-demographics.com*. Retrieved 2024-12-04.

1. [*History: Over One Hundred Years of Being "Liberal"*](http://www.cityofliberal.com/a_history.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090318001122/http://www.cityofliberal.com/a_history.htm) 2009-03-18 at the Wayback Machine - at City of Liberal.com

1. Pressler, Jessica (12 December 2017). ["A Militia's Plot to Bomb Somali Refugees in a Kansas Town"](https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/12/a-militias-plot-to-bomb-somali-refugees-in-garden-city-ks.html). *New York Magazine*. Retrieved 2017-12-29.

1. ["2003-2004 Official Transportation Map"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110614151512/http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/HistoricStateMaps/2003-04Mapside.pdf). [Kansas Department of Transportation](/source/Kansas_Department_of_Transportation). 2003. Archived from [the original](http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/HistoricStateMaps/2003-04Mapside.pdf) on June 14, 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["City Distance Tool"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101005175701/http://geobytes.com/CityDistanceTool.htm). [Geobytes](/source/Geobytes). Archived from [the original](http://www.geobytes.com/citydistancetool.htm) on 2010-10-05. Retrieved 2010-03-06.

1. ["US Gazetteer files 2010"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Archived from [the original](https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt) on January 12, 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-06.

1. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L.; McMahon, T. A. (2007-03-01). ["Updated Köppen-Geiger climate classification map"](http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/4/439/2007/hessd-4-439-2007.pdf). *Hydrology and Earth System Sciences*. '***(4): 439–473. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions. Retrieved 2012-01-25.***

1. ["Historical Weather for Liberal, Kansas, United States of America"](http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=2137&refer=&units=us). Weatherbase. Retrieved 2010-02-28.

1. ["Average weather for Liberal, KS"](http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USKS0332). [The Weather Channel](/source/The_Weather_Channel). Retrieved 2014-01-14.

1. ["NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Dodge City"](https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ddc). National Weather Service. Retrieved November 27, 2023.

1. ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A39825&in=state%3A20). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2026.

1. ["US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE"](https://data.census.gov/table?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved 2024-01-03.

1. ["Gazetteer Files"](https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html). *Census.gov*. Retrieved 2023-12-30.

1. ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A39825&in=state%3A20). *United States Census Bureau*. 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2026.

1. ["2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A39825&in=state%3A20). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2026.

1. ["US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT"](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved 2024-01-03.

1. ["US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)"](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved 2024-01-03.

1. ["US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)"](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved 2024-01-03.

1. ["US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS"](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved 2024-01-03.

1. ["US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES"](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Liberal%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved 2024-01-03.

1. ["U.S. Census website"](https://www.census.gov). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau)

1. ["U.S. Census website"](https://www.census.gov). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Retrieved 2011-08-30.

1. ["Liberal, Kansas"](http://www.city-data.com/city/Liberal-Kansas.html). City-Data.com. Retrieved 2014-01-14.

1. ["Labor Market; City of Liberal."](https://web.archive.org/web/20170313153804/http://chooseliberal.com/profile/56/labor-market). Archived from [the original](http://chooseliberal.com/profile/56/labor-market) on 2017-03-13. Retrieved 2017-03-12.

1. ["Olney, England narrowly beats Liberal, Kan. in Pancake Day Race"](https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Olney-England-narrowly-beats-Liberal-Kan-in-Pancake-Day--568193491.html). *KWCH*. 25 February 2020. [Archived](https://archive.today/20211222163857/https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Olney-England-narrowly-beats-Liberal-Kan-in-Pancake-Day--568193491.html) 22 December 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 December 2021.

1. [Mid-America Air Museum](http://www.cityofliberal.com/airmuseum/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080509144501/http://www.cityofliberal.com/airmuseum/index.html) 2008-05-09 at the Wayback Machine - at CityofLiberal.com

1. [Seward County Museum](http://www.sewardcountymuseum.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090815112725/http://www.sewardcountymuseum.com/) 2009-08-15 at the Wayback Machine

1. ["The 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs - A Kansas Sampler Foundation Project"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120516165950/http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/customsresults.php?id=215). *www.kansassampler.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/customsresults.php?id=215) on 2012-05-16.

1. [Liberal Bee Jays](https://www.cityofliberal.org/197/Bee-Jays-Semi-Pro-Baseball)

1. ["City Commissioners"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100219091022/http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_commissioners.htm). City of Liberal. Archived from [the original](http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_commissioners.htm) on 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2010-06-05.

1. ["City Administration"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100219091016/http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_administration.htm). City of Liberal. Archived from [the original](http://www.cityofliberal.com/g_administration.htm) on 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2010-06-05.

1. ["USD 480 Schools"](http://www.usd480.net/schools/). Unified School District 480. Retrieved 2010-05-26.

1. ["City of Liberal, Education, Schools, Colleges"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100409220739/http://cityofliberal.com/c_education.htm). City of Liberal. 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.cityofliberal.com/c_education.htm) on 2010-04-09. Retrieved 2010-05-26.

1. ["Record Details - Leader & Times"](http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=3298). Kansas Press Association. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["Liberal Leader & Times"](http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/us/16/927/22008). Mondo Times. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["Record Details - El Lider"](http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=3300). Kansas Press Association. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["Record Details - Crusader"](http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=1757). Kansas Press Association. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["Record Details - Liberal Light"](http://kspress.com/viewRecord.php?recid=1258). Kansas Press Association. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["AMQ AM Radio Database Query"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090825063614/http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html). [Federal Communications Commission](/source/Federal_Communications_Commission). Archived from [the original](http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html) on August 25, 2009. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["FMQ FM Radio Database Query"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090825071957/http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html). [Federal Communications Commission](/source/Federal_Communications_Commission). Archived from [the original](http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html) on August 25, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-09.

1. ["TV Market Maps - Kansas"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110726000406/http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/Maps/kansas.gif). EchoStar Knowledge Base. Archived from [the original](http://dishuser.org/TVMarkets/Maps/kansas.gif) on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["Digital TV Market Listings"](http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php). RabbitEars.info. Retrieved 2013-07-14.

1. ["General Highway Map - Seward County, Kansas"](http://www.ksdot.org/burtransplan/maps/county-pdf/seward.PDF). [Kansas Department of Transportation](/source/Kansas_Department_of_Transportation). 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["KLBL - Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport"](http://www.airnav.com/airport/KLBL). AirNav.com. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["PenAir Midwest Destinations"](http://www.penair.com/destinations/liberal-ks). Retrieved 2017-02-16.

1. ["UPRR Common Line Names"](http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/maps/attachments/upcomnam.pdf). [Union Pacific Railroad](/source/Union_Pacific_Railroad). Retrieved 2010-06-05.

1. ["City Bus"](http://www.cityofliberal.org/208/City-Bus). Retrieved July 21, 2023.

1. ["Wayne D. Angell"](http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/tdrc/members/angell.html). U.S. Trade Deficit Review Commission. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Chris Brown Named Head Coach of Fort Hays State Football"](http://fhsuathletics.com/news/2010/12/10/FB_1210102228.aspx?path=football). [Fort Hays State University](/source/Fort_Hays_State_University). 2010-12-10. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["LAMAR CHAPMAN"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150627124019/http://www.profootballarchives.com/chap00740.html). profootballarchives.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.profootballarchives.com/chap00740.html) on June 27, 2015. Retrieved November 25, 2014.

1. ["Girl Jockey: Wantha Davis - Timeline"](http://www.girljockey.com/timeline.htm). Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Kasey Hayes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110625230030/http://www.pbrnow.com/riders/index.cfm?ID=2879). [Professional Bull Riders](/source/Professional_Bull_Riders). Archived from [the original](http://www.pbrnow.com/riders/index.cfm?ID=2879) on 2011-06-25. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Kristin Key"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130601232810/http://www.nbc.com/Last_Comic_Standing/comics/kristin_key.shtml). *[Last Comic Standing](/source/Last_Comic_Standing)*. [NBC](/source/NBC). Archived from [the original](http://www.nbc.com/Last_Comic_Standing/comics/kristin_key.shtml) on 2013-06-01. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Shalee Lehning"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120204200432/http://www.wnba.com/draft2009/profiles/prospect_lehning_shalee.html). *WNBA Draft 2009 - Prospect Search*. [Women's National Basketball Association](/source/Women's_National_Basketball_Association). Archived from [the original](http://www.wnba.com/draft2009/profiles/prospect_lehning_shalee.html) on 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. [Votesmart.org.-M.C. Leist](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/24508/m-c-leist)

1. ["Martin Lewis"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lewisma01.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Laura Gibbs Maczka"](http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/richardson-lake-highlands/headlines/20130512-election-results-richardson-elects-mayor-place-4-trustee.ece). *Dallas Morning News*. Retrieved 2013-05-12.

1. ["Kelli McCarty"](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565410/). [IMDb](/source/IMDb). Retrieved 2011-08-11.

1. Leggett, Steve. ["Jerrod Niemann - Biography"](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p880844/biography). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Melvin Sanders"](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sandeme01.html). Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["William Stafford"](http://www.unl.edu/plains/publications/resource/stafford.shtml). [University of Nebraska–Lincoln](/source/University_of_Nebraska%E2%80%93Lincoln) - Center for Great Plains Studies. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Doug Terry"](https://archive.today/20070811210055/http://www.claymores.co.uk/team/players/1997/terry38.php). [Scottish Claymores](/source/Scottish_Claymores). Archived from [the original](http://www.claymores.co.uk/team/players/1997/terry38.php) on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Dallas Trahern"](https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=traher001dal). *[Baseball-Reference.com](/source/Baseball-Reference.com)*. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["Jerame Tuman"](http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=TUM059326). [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League). Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["General Larry D. Welch"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100414001039/http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7543). [United States Air Force](/source/United_States_Air_Force). Archived from [the original](http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7543) on 2010-04-14. Retrieved 2011-06-02.

1. ["National Lampoon's Vacation script"](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/NL_Vacation.pdf). *Dailyscript*. Retrieved April 30, 2022.

1. ["Rabbi and Satchel end up in no place like home on a gray Fargo"](https://www.avclub.com/rabbi-and-satchel-end-up-in-no-place-like-home-on-a-gra-1845681338)

## Further reading

See also: [List of books about Seward County, Kansas](/source/Seward_County,_Kansas#Further_reading)

## External links

- [Liberal - Official Website](https://www.cityofliberal.org/)
- [Liberal - Directory of Public Officials](https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260835)

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Liberal, Kansas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal%2C_Kansas) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal%2C_Kansas?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.
