Gardner, Kansas

Gardner is a city in Johnson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 23,287. It is located within the Kansas City metropolitan area. History Gardner was founded where the Santa Fe Trail and the Oregon/California Trails divided. The Santa Fe Trail sent travelers southwest through Santa Fe and Albuquerque toward Los Angeles and San Diego. The Oregon/California Trails bore west for a few miles before turning north toward the Kansas River valley, followed the Big Blue River into present-day Nebraska, followed the Platte River west, and ultimately split in present-day Wyoming, Idaho or Utah. Gardner was founded as a Free-Stater settlement in 1857. Settled primarily by emigrants from Massachusetts, it was named for Henry Gardner, then governor of Massachusetts. Four years after its establishment, it became the first community in Johnson County—and perhaps the first in the state—to experience an attack by Confederate forces. The first post office in Gardner was established in 1858. Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.21 square miles (26.44 km2), of which 10.16 square miles (26.31 km2) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water. The most notable body of water in Gardner is Gardner Lake, on the north side of town, off South Gardner Road and 151st Street. The headwaters of Kill Creek, which runs north joining with the Kansas River in De Soto, are also in Gardner. 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, Gardner has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. Demographics Racial and ethnic composition 2020 census As of the 2020 census, 23,287 people, 8,005 households, and 5,938 families resided in Gardner. The population density was 1,996.8 per square mile (771.0/km2). There were 8,294 housing units at an average density of 711.2 per square mile (274.6/km2); 3.5% of housing units were vacant, the homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%, and the rental vacancy rate was 5.1%. 98.9% of residents lived in urban areas, while 1.1% lived in rural areas. Of the 8,005 households, 47.7% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 56.1% were married-couple households, 15.2% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 21.6% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.0 and the average family size was 3.3. 32.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were from 18 to 24; 31.5% were from 25 to 44; 20.3% were from 45 to 64; and 8.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.6 years. For every 100 females there were 98.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.4 males age 18 and over. 2016–2020 American Community Survey The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 20.9% of the population. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $78,193 (with a margin of error of +/- $4,899) and the median family income was $86,859 (+/- $4,392). Males had a median income of $49,402 (+/- $4,503) versus $30,995 (+/- $3,086) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $39,662 (+/- $2,267). Approximately, 4.3% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under the age of 18 and 6.9% of those ages 65 or over. 2010 census As of the census of 2010, there were 19,123 people, 6,644 households, and 4,938 families living in the city. The population density was 1,889.6 inhabitants per square mile (729.6/km2). There were 7,300 housing units at an average density of 721.3 per square mile (278.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 89.7% White, 3.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.2% of the population. There were 6,644 households, of which 49.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.31. The median age in the city was 30 years. 33.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 37.7% were from 25 to 44; 17.1% were from 45 to 64; and 5.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female. Economy BNSF Railway built a refueling plant and office in Edgerton which is 3 miles from western Gardner. It opened in May 2013 and employs about 200. Top employers According to the city's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Gardner's top employers are: Government The mayor of Gardner is Todd Winters, who was sworn in on December 6, 2021. The city council is made up of five (5) at-large members, each of whom serve rotating 4-year terms. Law enforcement The Gardner Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Gardner. As of February of 2025 it employs 38 sworn officers. The Gardner Police Department provides patrol services for the city, investigations, and animal control services. The Gardner Police Department is contracted with USD 231 to provide school resource officer services. Education Gardner is part of the USD 231 school district. Located in Gardner are six out of the seven elementary schools (Edgerton Elementary is the only school in the district not located in Gardner). These include Gardner Elementary, Sunflower Elementary, Madison Elementary, Nike Elementary, Grand Star Elementary, and Moonlight Elementary. The district also has three middle schools, Wheatridge, Trail Ridge, and Pioneer Ridge, and one high school (Gardner-Edgerton High School) all located in Gardner. Library The Johnson County Library maintains a branch in Gardner. Notable people Notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Gardner include: Danedri Herbert, journalist and politician Ray McIntire (1918–1996), engineer, inventor John Means (1993– ), baseball pitcher Bubba Starling (1992– ), baseball center fielder See also California Trail Oregon Trail Santa Fe Trail References Further reading External links Gardner - Official Website Gardner - Directory of Public Officials