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.
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