Winfield is a small city of more than 11,700, serving as the county seat of Cowley County. It was incorporated in the late 1800s and was named for Rev. Winfield Scott after he built a church in the city and was promised naming rights. He started First Baptist Church in 1870, which continues its ministry today, along with dozens of other churches of Christian denominations throughout the city. “We have several Methodist and Baptist churches,” says Jodi Lawrence, a Realtor with Webber Land Company, who has lived near Winfield in Cowley County her entire life. “There’s no church building big enough to hold everyone.” Many of those churches are close to downtown, a section of Main Street with local businesses in century-old buildings. And while this little city is quite out there on its own in Cowley County’s rural countryside, people from all over the region visit the city for annual events and its large lake.
First Baptist Church in Winfield was started in 1870.
Most of the land in Winfield is rural farmland.
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From century-old houses to new developments
The median home price in Winfield is $136,500. The city is made up of grid-pattern streets with homes dating as far back as the late 1800s and early 1900s. These older homes are located close to downtown. Further east are more mid-century houses. Meanwhile, the city’s outskirts feature housing developments from the 1990s through today. Some of the most expensive houses surround golf courses or are on acres of land in the countryside. They can sell in the high $600,000s.
Winfield is located in Tornado Alley, a Midwest Region with high tornado activity between March and June. Because of this, many houses are built with basements, known to be one of the safest areas in a home during severe weather.
Many of the homes in downtown Winfield were built in the 1800s.
Some of the suburban housing developments have new traditional homes in Winfield.
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Downtown shops and restaurants on Main Street
Downtown Main Street is over a half-mile strip of local shops and restaurants with simple diagonal street parking. Many boutiques and antique stores are set up in downtown’s century-old buildings. By 5 p.m., most shops are closed, but there are a few bars and restaurants that stay open late. For everyday shopping needs, there’s a Walmart on the city's south side, and even more retailers about 14 miles south in Arkansas City, often called Ark City by locals. Lawrence says, “Anything you can’t find in Winfield, you can often find in Ark City.” While many people commute to Wichita to work, some of the largest employers in Winfield include the Newell Rubbermaid manufacturing plant, William Newton Hospital, the public school district and Southwestern College.
Downtown Winfield offers a variety of local shops and restaurants.
Many of the Winfield residents get their groceries from Walmart.
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Local and regional visitors to Winfield City Lake
The city maintains more than a dozen parks and recreational spaces. Winfield City Lake, the city’s primary water source, is about 10 miles from downtown, where people go to boat, fish and relax on the beach. “In the summertime, the lake is very busy – almost too busy,” says Lawrence. “During holidays, it is packed. You have to try to get your spot a week before you camp because it brings a lot of people from Wichita.” Closer to where people live are 10 municipal parks, an aquatic center, recreation complex, nature center and golf course all operated by the city. Island Park is one of the largest parks, featuring an amphitheater used for community events.
Kids living in Winfield can play at Island Park.
Winfield Lake is the city's primary water source, located 10 miles from downtown.
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Guitar flat-picking championships at the Walnut Valley Festival
Winfield Fairgrounds hosts the annual Walnut Valley Festival, a tradition that has been going strong since 1972, serving as the Walnut Valley National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships. The five-day event attracts people from all over the region. “People start coming a month before to camp,” says Lawrence, “And sometimes they’ll stay for a month after.” Several events are also held at Island Park, including a weekly farmers market, the Duck Jam in the Park summer concert series and Isle of Lights, a drive-thru holiday lights display.
Winfield Fairgrounds hosts the annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield.
Island Park is one of many recreational hubs in Winfield.
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Education through Winfield USD 465 and Southwestern College
Winfield Unified School District 465 serves the city and surrounding rural communities, earning a B-minus grade from Niche. Students are divided into four elementary schools and merge into one student body at Winfield Middle and Winfield High. Students can continue their studies in Winfield at Southwestern College. The private Methodist institution offers dozens of degrees from undergraduate to graduate programs. The Southwestern Jinx compete in several sports through the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Winfield offers the USD 465 School district.
Winfield residents can get college degrees from Southwestern College.
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A 45-minute drive to Wichita
Most people drive to get around Winfield. However, Cowley County Public Transportation provides scheduled shuttle buses in the city and to Wichita. Commuters can drive about 45 minutes north to Wichita, whether starting their trip from U.S. Routes 77 or 160, Winfield’s two major highways. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is also the closest option to catch a commercial flight.
Lowest crime rate since 2009
After trending upward for about 12 years, Winfield’s crime rate fell in 2023 to its lowest point since 2009, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The Winfield Police Department’s website says it works to build relationships with the community to help break down barriers. They do so by offering a Citizens Police Academy and partnering with the school district and local organizations.
Written By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Winfield, KS sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Winfield, KS over the last 12 months is $137,250, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Sitting upon the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills, the Larkin Ranch fulfills the dream that so many have...to live rural with farmland, ranchland and the opportunity to own livestock, hunt, fish and enjoy the spoils of South Central Kansas. Opportunities like this do not come along very often. Do not miss your chance to own this very clean, extremely well maintained ranch that offers so many of the
Prime residential lot in an established neighborhood! Close to schools, the recreational center, and the public library. Existing home on the property is uninhabitable and must be torn down—selling as is, where is. Water and electric available on site. Taxes to be determined. Great opportunity for builders or buyers looking to create their dream home! All information deemed accurate and reliable,
Hollie GaskillAlbright Insurance and Real Estate, LLC
Beautiful 10-acre native grass pasture on the edge of town with hilltop views in all directions. Perfect for a homesite, residential development, commercial development, or continued agricultural use. The property is located off a paved road (no gravel) and has secondary access via easement over neighbor's property in addition to the primary entrance. It is located just outside of and adjacent to
NEW NEW NEW! You won’t want to miss this beautiful new construction home in a desirable neighborhood amid the Quail Ridge Golf Course and there is not an HOA fee! (Covenants do exist). This cul-de-sac corner lot, custom built, two bed, two bath, home was completed in November of 2024 by McKenna and Company. Walking through the front door you’ll immediately see the well placed and lit display
Charming Winfield Bungalow with Updates Throughout! Welcome home to this adorable bungalow nestled in the heart of Winfield! Full of character and thoughtful updates, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfortable living with modern conveniences. Step onto the welcoming covered front porch, the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee beneath the shade of mature trees. Inside, you’ll find a
The home has sold and the survey has been filed with the Cowley County Deeds Office. The farm ground mapping are estimates. For questions or to schedule a showing, please contact the listing agent.
Welcome home to a rare rural property that truly has it all - wide open space, exceptional equine and livestock amenities, and multiple income producing avenues built right into the land and facilities. Just 5 minutes from downtown Winfield, this property offers the convenience of city utilities with the earning potential of a hobby farm, equine business or ag based enterprise. With cross
2 level condo updated with chair lift in 2025 offers efficiency with total electric. The main bedroom is connected to a bath with double sinks, and laundry. There are wood accents throughout the main living area. There is a half bath on the lower level, a designated dining area, and sliding glass doors lead to the patio. HOA fees of $259/mo cover water, sewer, trash, and all lawn care and
Get your lot now!! Golf course living, in a great neighborhood. Motivated seller who can custom build a home for you OR approved builders will be allowed. New construction qualifies for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Verify with City of Winfield. Any info should be independently verified. NO SPECIALS!!
Welcome to this spacious single-family home in the heart of Winfield! This classic residence offers a versatile layout with 5 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom—ideal for a large family, multi-use living space, or investment opportunity. This home just needs a little tender loving care to make it a home.
This lot is the perfect location at the Country Club Villas which backs up to the Winfield Country Club Golf Course. Lots zoned Multi Family and restrictive covenants apply.
Great investment opportunity! The property sits on a big, corner lot and offers great potential for the right investor or flipper. Ideal for renovation or redevelopment — bring your vision and make this one shine. Selling as-is, cash or conventional only.
Aline HollingsworthAlbright Insurance and Real Estate, LLC
SILVERWOOD APARTMENTS is located at 2726 E 12TH AVENUE WINFIELD, KS and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. SILVERWOOD APARTMENTS offers 1 to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 628 to 1006 sq.ft. Amenities include Private Entrances, Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer Hook-up in 3 Bedroom
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