# Tonganoxie, Kansas

Tonganoxie (pronounced /tɒŋɡəˈnɒksi/) is a city in Leavenworth County, Kansas, United States and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 5,573.

## History

Tonganoxie was platted in 1866. It was named for a local Native American Chief from the Delaware Tribe whose name means "shorty" in the Delaware language. Tonganoxie was incorporated as a city in 1871.

## Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.67 square miles (9.51 km$^2$), of which 3.66 square miles (9.48 km$^2$) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km$^2$) is water.

### Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cold winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Tonganoxie has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

## Demographics
### 2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 5,573 people, 1,939 households, and 1,233 families in Tonganoxie. The population density was 1,376.0 per square mile (530.8/km$^2$). There were 2,125 housing units at an average density of 524.7 per square mile (202.4/km$^2$). The racial makeup was 87.35% (4,868) white, 1.51% (84) black or African-American, 0.77% (43) Native American, 0.65% (36) Asian, 0.02% (1) Pacific Islander, 1.51% (84) from other races, and 8.2% (457) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.0% (267) of the population.
Of the 1,939 households, 40.6% had children under the age of 18; 45.8% were married couples living together; 25.6% had a female householder with no husband present. 26.3% of households consisted of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.7 and the average family size was 3.4.
30.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 90.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 80.5 males.
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $75,417 (with a margin of error of +/- $11,132) and the median family income $76,358 (+/- $9,017). Males had a median income of $44,202 (+/- $10,526) versus $36,741 (+/- $13,755) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $43,223 (+/- $4,323). Approximately, 7.1% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.5% of those under the age of 18 and 2.0% of those ages 65 or over.

### 2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 4,996 people, 1,884 households, and 1,338 families living in the city. The population density was 1,365.0 inhabitants per square mile (527.0/km$^2$). There were 1,973 housing units at an average density of 539.1 per square mile (208.1/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 95.2% White, 1.0% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.8% of the population.
There were 1,884 households, of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.0% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.08.
The median age in the city was 32.5 years. 29.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.9% were from 25 to 44; 21.2% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

### 2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,728 people, 999 households, and 737 families living in the city. The population density was 869.8 inhabitants per square mile (335.8/km$^2$). There were 1,032 housing units at an average density of 329.0 per square mile (127.0/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 95.2% White, 1.2% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.
There were 999 households, out of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $44,278, and the median income for a family was $49,960. Males had a median income of $37,301 versus $24,028 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,026. About 4.5% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

## Education

The community is served by Tonganoxie USD 464 public school district. It has a high school, a middle school, and an elementary school. The high school teams are named the Chieftains, while middle school teams are known as the Warriors and the elementary school's mascot is the Braves.

## Economy

Peruvian Connection is based in Tonganoxie.
In September 2017, Tyson Foods cancelled plans to build a $320,000,000 chicken processing plant in Tonganoxie after objections from local residents.

## Government

Tonganoxie utilizes a modified Council–manager form of government. The city mayor along with five council members are elected at-large and serve four-year terms. Appointments of the municipal judge, city attorney, city clerk, and city treasurer are recommended by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. As of January 2020, the current mayor is David Frese and the current city manager is George Brajkovic.

## Notable people

* Danni Boatwright, reality TV competitor
* James Fair, chemical engineer, affiliate professor
* Jim Karleskint, Kansas House of Representatives from 2017 to 2020
* Doug McEnulty, football player in NFL
* Terry Ramsaye, film historian and author
* Roy Zimmerman, football player in National Football League (NFL) from 1940 to 1948