About the City of Ulysses, Kansas
Ulysses, Kansas is the county seat of Grant County and the civic and economic center of southwest Kansas. Named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, the city was first established in June 1885 and has grown into a resilient, tight-knit community that serves residents, businesses, and families across the region.
Located at the geographic heart of Grant County, Ulysses covers approximately 3.18 square miles and is home to roughly 5,600 residents. The community reflects the diversity and determination that define southwest Kansas, with nearly half of its population identifying as Hispanic or Latino and a strong tradition of family-centered households.
Economy and Industry
Ulysses sits at the intersection of two of Kansas’s most productive economic sectors. The largest employment sectors in Ulysses are mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and then utilities Data USA, reflecting the region’s deep roots in both energy production and crop agriculture. Wheat, corn, and livestock anchor the agricultural economy, while natural gas and oil play a critical role in the community’s economic landscape. The city’s cost of living remains well below the national average, with a cost of living index of 72.7 compared to the U.S. average of 100 making Ulysses an affordable place to live, work, and build a business.
City Government
The City of Ulysses is committed to transparent, accountable local government. City services include public works, parks, utilities, municipal court, and code enforcement. Residents can access government records, meeting agendas, permit applications, and service requests through this website or by visiting City Hall in person.
Location and Access
U.S. Route 160 runs through Ulysses from east to west, while K-25 runs north to south through the city, connecting the community to regional markets and neighboring communities across southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Ulysses Airport (KULS) serves the area with two runways, supporting business travel and general aviation.
Education
Public education in Ulysses is served by the Ulysses USD 214 school district, which provides PreK-12 programming for city and county students.
A Community Built to Last
From its pioneer origins through the Dust Bowl to today, Ulysses has earned its place as one of southwest Kansas’s most enduring communities. The city continues to invest in infrastructure, public services, and quality of life for every resident. Whether you are a longtime neighbor, a new resident, or a business considering Grant County, the City of Ulysses is here to help you find what you need.