$128,744Average Value$107Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes For Sale
Russell’s small-town spirit shows in everyday acts
Russell is a rural town of about 4,000 people in the heart of Kansas. Its small but vibrant downtown is paved with red brick, featuring charming storefronts and murals by local artists. The population has been shrinking since the end of an oil boom in the 1960s, but longtime residents stay true to their friendly Midwestern ways. "Our community is close-knit and friendly," says Ryleigh Wagner, assistant director for Russel County's economic development department. "You always have someone to turn to at every corner." When the local bookstore asked for help moving its books and furniture to a new location, the people of Russell came out in full force. Organizations, individuals, even the high school football team lent a hand. Community fundraising for a new playground is ongoing, too.
Élan & Co offers salon services in Russell’s downtown district.
Murals by local artists add color to Cecil Bricker Park in Russell.
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Historic homes and newer builds offer a wide price range
Russell has a range of housing styles from the late 1800s to today. The oldest homes, like bungalows, Cape Cods and small cottages, sell for $40,000 to $130,000, though some fixer-uppers sell for as low as $15,000. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and Colonials from the turn of the century range between $150,000 and $280,000. Modern farmhouses and New Traditional homes are less common and usually found outside Russell's dense residential center. They sell for $300,000 to $400,000. The town has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Ranch-style homes are common across Russell neighborhoods.
Bungalows in Russell date to the early 1900s and remain popular.
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A walkable core with art, boutiques and locally owned specialty shops
"Our county and downtown are covered in murals on the side of shops and buildings," Wagner says. Stores include a bookstore, a kitchen supply store, a printing shop and clothing boutiques. At A&W, visitors can order and eat in their car, parked under a bright orange awning. Classic menu items include chili dogs, chicken sandwiches and root beer floats. Fast-food chains are south, toward Interstate 70, and residents do their grocery shopping at Klema Apple Market. "The only thing we're missing is fine dining and shopping, but Hays is super close — only about 30 minutes away," Wagner says.
Russell Specialty Books and Gifts stocks local titles and unique gifts.
Waudby’s Sports Bar & Grill serves classic fare in Russell’s downtown.
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Outdoor spaces are expanding with fresh features and upgrades
Memorial Park is the main place to get active outdoors with a skate park, a nine-hole public golf course, baseball diamonds and tennis courts. The disc golf course and walking trails are the newest additions, and a playground upgrade is underway. "The entire community is fundraising to build an all-inclusive playground at Memorial Park," Wagner says. "We want a place where all children can play together." Cecil Bricker Park has a splashpad and an old-western-themed playground built in 2024. Bickerdyke Park is a large green space with walking trails, a pavilion and play equipment.
Russell Memorial Park features a nine-hole public golf course.
Tennis courts are available at Russell Memorial Park in eastern Russell.
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Career prep includes welding, apprenticeships and technical skills
Simpson Elementary School serves kindergarten and first grade and earns a B-minus from Niche, while Bickerdyke Elementary School serves second through fifth and gets a B. Ruppenthan Middle School and Russell High School both get a C-plus. "The high school just recently kicked off a new welding program," Wagner says. "They also partner with Barton Community College, and students can earn college credits while attending high school." The welding program is one of several career and technical pathways offered by the high school, and students can also participate in apprenticeship programs with local businesses.
Bickerdyke Elementary in Russell serves grades 2 through 5.
Ruppenthal Middle School in Russell offers classes for grades 6 to 8.
Simpson Elementary in Russell serves kindergarten and first grade.
Russell High School offers career prep and college credit programs.
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The annual fair brings rides, music and quirky competitions
For a few days in July, residents gather for musical performances, food and carnival rides at the Russell County Free Fair. Livestock is on display and for sale in the 4-H tent, and locals can compete in a cornhole tournament or race their turtle and frog pets. Other events throughout the year include a Christmas parade, Independence Day fireworks and a car show.
Interstate 70 connects residents to jobs and services nearby
The surrounding county's leading industries include agriculture, wheat production, ethanol manufacturing and petroleum production. More diverse employers are about 30 miles west in Hays via Interstate 70. Salina is another regional hub of central Kansas, about 70 miles east. Russell Regional Hospital is in Russell, and Hays Regional Airport is about 30 miles away. The nearest international airport is in Kansas City, 250 miles away.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Becky Gaskill
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Russell, KS sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Russell, KS over the last 12 months is $145,000, up 51% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Welcome Home to 1064 N. Kilian St! ** Nestled in a charming neighborhood, this beautifully renovated home is ready to impress with a host of modern upgrades and delightful features. Say hello to your new abode, where comfort and style meet to create the perfect living space. **Key Features: * 4 bedrooms, 2 baths * Remodeled 3/4 bath, plumbing in basement for 3rd bathroom, new interior/exterior
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Corner residential lot ready for your new home. Smaller homes around 1200 square feet can be approved to be built on the vacant lot. City Codes and applications for improvements to the lot can be found at
Stay tuned as this home continues to be improved upon!!! It has brand new carpet inside the bedrooms and living room. New laminate flooring in the bathroom. In 2024 a new sewer line from the street was replaced along with the pex plumbing put into the house. Early in 2025 a new gas line was run to the home. A detached garage 18 x 12 aong with another small garden shed sit behind the home. In the
It's all about the location on this home. Less then 2 blocks from the golf course and 3 blocks from the swimming pool, you home is located spot on!!! Simple living with all nice sized rooms. Great natural light in each room. Large closets in each bedroom and a oversized kitchen with cabinet and counter space! The laundry is located in the breezeway between house and attached garage. A large shed
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Curb appeal abounds at this corner lot, bungalow style 1920's home. Natural light is featured on all levels with beautiful windows. Also presten original wood floors in on the main floor and upstairs. Open kitchen with a space for formal dining or an office flowing into the living room. Main floor bedroom and full bathroom with a walk in shower. Upstairs has two more bedrooms and a right out of
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