Community
Parsons is a city in the northern part of Labette County, located in Southeast Kansas, in the central United States. The population was estimated to be 11,212 in the year 2005. It is the most populous city of Labette County, and it is the second most populous city in Southeast Kansas. On June 5, 2006 the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Parsons a 2006 Great American Main Street Award winner for its successful efforts in revitalizing its downtown area through historic preservation. The award was presented during the 2006 National Main Streets Conference in New Orleans. Parsons was one of only five cities to received the 2006 award.
The city has a total area of 10.4 square miles, all land. Parsons's population was estimated to be 11,212 in the year 2005, a decrease of 271, or -2.4%, over the previous five years.
The racial makeup of the city is approximately 85% White, 8% African American, 5 % Hispanic, and less than 1% Asian. The remaining population is a combination of other races persons who listed themselves as two or more races.
There were 4,738 households in the community, of which 31% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 43% were married. The median age was 36 years old, while the median income per household was $28,345 or $36,557 per family.