Community Profiles

Abilene is the county seat of Dickinson County, which is located in north central Kansas. Interstate 70, which runs through Denver and Kansas city, lies in the northern portion of Abilene. Interstate 135, which is the primary north-south route through Kansas, is approximately 25 miles to the west of Abilene. The city is approximately 25 miles from the Cities of Salina (population 45,679) and Junction City (population 18,886). Salina is the primary regional employment center in North Central Kansas.  A total of 2,369 acres were assessed, this figure does not include land used for public rights-of-way, public drainage structures and railroad rights-of-way. Nearly 40% of the total land area in the city is dedicated to single-family detached residential uses. Manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and utilities include an additional 23% of the land area, which includes the airport property.  The population of Abilene has been remarkably stable for nearly 50 years.  Abilene is the home...Learn More »

Rich in agricultural heritage, Carlton is located in Southwest Dickinson County just off Highway 4.  This small community, once a station and shipping point for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad, is today home to 42 residents.  Businesses include Martin's Weld Shop, Central Kansas Well Drilling, Rader Grader Parking Lot and Driveway Reconditioning Service, several area mechanic shops and the Carlton Presbyterian Church.  Carlton's Annual Christmas Celebration is an event hosted by the City Council with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus, which the entire community looks forward to attending each year!  The community has also become known as a geocaching spot and visitors, like the Wichita Model A car club, stop by several times a year to take photos with the sign in Carlton that reads "In 1986 Nothing Happened Here." Located 30 minutes from Abilene or Salina, and just over an hour from Wichita, Carlton offers quiet country living while...Learn More »

Chapman is located on the Northeastern side of Dickinson County, just off I-70, only 13 miles from Junction City and an hour from Topeka.  The Irish Spirit of this community was tested in June 11, 2008, when a 1/2 mile wide tornado swept through the southwest side of town destroying and damaging many homes, buildings and structures, and siplacing at least 200 residents. Chapman rebuilt many of the homes and buildings, including several public school buildings. The community has many parks and an activity center, as well as a golf course, public swimming pool and tennis courts.  Each year the community comes together for events and celebrations such as the Annual Labor Day Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Downtown christmas Lighting.  Visitors and residents alike enjoy the Kansas Auto Racing Museum, located at the North end of town. Chapman is served by USD 473, a very progressive, award-winning district...Learn More »

Dickinson County, Kansas is centrally located, vibrant and growing. This entrepreneurial hub is home to many locally grown businesses that span the manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and service industries. As such, the county’s economy is strong and diverse. Entrepreneurs and business owners of all sizes are finding that Dickinson County is one of the most affordable places to do business, there is access to top-talent and our quality of life is excellent too. Below, you’ll find information on Dickinson County as a whole. To learn about the specific communities of Abilene, Carlton, Chapman, Enterprise, Herington, Hope, Manchester, Solomon or Woodbine, click on their individual community pages.  ...Learn More »

Enterprise is located 3 miles south of I-70 on Highway 43 along the Smokey Hill River, just 25 minutes from Junction City and only 1 hour from Topeka. Enterprise offers friendly Midwest living with a low crime rate, affordable housing, modern public and private schools, city parks, and a swimming pool, making Enterprise an appealing choice for families to live.  The community's rich history includes being the home of the first public school kindergarten in the state of Kansas and in January of 1901 female temperance leader Carrie Nation came to town and smashed a local saloon. Enterprise is home to many business including manufacturers, service businesses, restaurants, and several banks. Building sites and commericial properties offer opportunities for entrepreneurs looking for business locations, and the town's proximity to both smaller and larger towns provide empoloyers with quality work force options. City of Enterprise ...Learn More »

Herington offers country living with city amenities. Recognized as one of the safewise.com's top 30 safest cities in Kansas. Herington sits in the Southeast corner of Dickinson County.  Served by USD 487, Herington has a new elementary school building and plenty of school spirit. Herington's Main Street is home to many thriving businesses and Herington's Chamber of Commerce is very aggressive. The community has a hospital and other professional health care businesses, such as optometrists, dentists, pharmacies.  Just a few miles west of downtown you'll find Herington Reservoir, where outdoor enthusiats can enjoy a cozy picnic on the banks or jump in the water for a swim. Herington offers businesses great transportation options as it is located on K77 and Highway 4, as well as having rail service right through town. There are various building site options offered by the Economic Development office, and the town draws from several small nearby communties for...Learn More »

Hope is a small town where honesty, generosity and hard work are highly valued. In Hope, strong community ties and involved citizens bring people together to promote their town and raise money to benefit their school and community programs. Hope offers affordable housing, and served by USD 481 with a K-12 school at the center of community activites. Hope is conveniently located on Highway 4, 25 miles Southeast of Abilene, 43 miles from Salina and 54 miles from Manhattan.  Each year on the Saturday after Labor Day, the citizens of Hope turn out for the Hope Heritage Festival to celebrate the town's past and future with a range of events, including a car show, parade, food and craft vendors and a street dance with entertainment. The event is planned by the Hope Community Projects committee. Hope is home to many progressive businesses including a bank, convenience store, Grain cooperative, several restaurants, an...Learn More »

Manchester is located in the northwest corner of Dickinson County and has a population of just under 100 people. Manchester’s peaceful surroundings and proximity to Junction City and Salina, both only 30 miles away, make the community an appealing place to raise children. Manchester has a rich heritage in the ranching and farming.  Manchester offers businesses fiber optic broadband service, is accessible to Highway 18 and is only 22 miles off I-70. This rustic community is the perfect setting for an entrepreneur looking for an affordable, quite place to set up an online business. Town of Manchester USD 435 Abilene Schools Health Care Abilene Area Chamber  ...Learn More »

Solomon is a progressive, family-friendly community that lies on the Dickinson-Saline county line, 13 miles east of Salina or 8 miles west of Abilene.  One of the first things people notice about Solomon is the pride that residents take in the appearance of their community. Good streets and well-groomed neighborhoods make Solomon a desirable place to live. Solomon's charming Main Street is home to various businesses. Solomon holds several celebrations and activities, such as the Solomon Festival, with activities like turtle races, volleyball tournaments, a street dance and more! The community offers great public services, and is home to USD 393.  In  Solomon, students can expect to get a quality education. Industrial and business sites are available and Solomon is close to I-70 and rail transportation. The town's close proximity to larger communities allows Solomon to draw from a substantial work force while still offering employment options. City...Learn More »

Woodbine is a peaceful, family community and a great place to call home.  Surrounded by rich farmlands, Woodbine offers bountiful opportunites for fishing and hunting, and the chance to reconnect with nature.  Located at the Eastern edge of Dickinson County on Highways 209 and K77, Woodbine is 25 minutes from Junction City and 41 minutes from Manhattan.  Home to several businesses, including a grocery store, bank and post office.  Woodbine is a community that bands together to preserve the past and celebrate the future with various events, like the Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Celebration (great fireworks), Halloween Parade and Santa at Christmas. Woodbine is served by several school districts and has affordable housing, including a new home addition on the south end of town. With access to city water and sewer, and fiber optic broadband service, Woodbine can offer businesses the amenities they are looking for...Learn More »