Overview
Cedar is an incorporated city in Smith County, in the state of Kansas, United States. According to the 2010 census, the city had a population of 14 residents. Cedar is one of many very small municipalities on the Great Plains and exemplifies the demographic and economic characteristics of rural Kansas communities.
Characteristics
Cedar's built environment and services are typical of tiny rural towns: a small number of residences, limited public infrastructure, and a reliance on nearby larger towns for schools, medical care, retail, and other services. Such communities often have a close-knit social fabric and local institutions that play important roles in community life.
Geography and setting
Situated in north-central Kansas, Cedar lies within the broader Great Plains region. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land uses—primarily grain and livestock production—which shape the local economy, land use patterns, and seasonal rhythms. The region experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
History and development
Like many small Kansas towns, Cedar grew out of settlement and agricultural development in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the decades, technological change, farm consolidation, and shifts in population have contributed to shrinking populations in numerous rural communities, a pattern reflected by Cedar's very small census count.
Importance and notable facts
- Population: recorded as 14 people in the 2010 census (source).
- Administration: Cedar is an incorporated municipality within Smith County and subject to county and state governance frameworks.
- Economy and services: predominantly agricultural surroundings; many services are accessed in nearby towns and county centers.
Small cities such as Cedar contribute to the cultural and historical tapestry of rural America. They illustrate broader trends in settlement, agriculture, and demographic change while maintaining local identity for the people who live there.