Smith County, Kansas

Welcome to Smith County, Kansas. The first homestead in Smith County was in 1871 and the county was organized in 1872.  Corn was the first main crop, but struggled due to drought and grasshoppers. When Winter wheat was introduced, it became the predominant crop in Smith County. The county seat is Smith Center.

The geographic center of the contiguous 48 states is located within Smith County. Dr. Brewster Higley wrote the song "Home on the Range" in the early 1870s in Smith County. It later became the Kansas State song.

2024 Property Inspections

KSA 79-1476 requires that each property in the county be inspected at least once every 6 years.  At the property, the county staff will take photographs of the house and outbuildings. The county staff will also confirm the current buildings and property characteristics.  The vehicle we will be driving is a gray Chevrolet Colorado pick-up with the Appraiser’s Office decals in the windows. 

Our inspection period is expected to begin in May and run through October. The Smith County website will be updated to include the general area where the staff will be working.   

 We will be inspecting parcels in the following locations:

 Sections 13 through 36 in Lincoln, Garfield, Harlan, Houston & Dor Townships

The Cities of Athol, Cedar & Gaylord

 Sections 15 & 16 and the W2 of Section 21 in Smith Center City & Center Township

Burn Ban

Smith County Commissioners has released the burn ban for Smith County, but contact your local fire chief to inform them of your controlled burn.