Derby, Kansas is located in the south-central region of the state, in Sedgwick County. It is 8 miles south of Wichita and 12 miles north of Wellington. The city is situated on the Arkansas River and its tributaries, which have been an important source of water for many years. Derby also has a rich cultural history, as it was founded by settlers from England in 1871 and has since become a vibrant community.
The geography of Derby is characterized by flat plains and rolling hills that are dotted with small lakes and ponds, as well as several creeks that flow through town. The Arkansas River serves as a natural border to the east, while the Chisholm Trail passes through town to the west. In addition to natural features such as these, there are also several man-made features that contribute to Derby’s unique landscape. These include parks and recreational areas such as Riverside Park and Westview Park, as well as numerous public golf courses and other attractions.
Derby’s climate is typical of the Great Plains region of Kansas; it experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching into the 90s (Fahrenheit). Winters are usually cold but not overly so; temperatures usually range between 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit during this time of year. Snowfall can be heavy during winter months but typically melts quickly due to mild temperatures in springtime.
Demographically speaking, Derby is home to just over 25 thousand people according to the most recent census estimates. This population consists largely of Caucasian Americans (68%), followed by African Americans (14%), Hispanics or Latinos (8%), Asian Americans (4%) and Native Americans (2%). The city also has a strong religious presence with over 30 churches located throughout town belonging to various denominations including Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian faiths among others.
Derby provides an ideal combination of rural life mixed with modern amenities for those looking for a quiet place to call home yet close enough to larger cities like Wichita for easy access to entertainment or work opportunities when needed. Its diverse geography provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as fishing or camping while its unique cultural makeup makes it an interesting place for visitors from all walks of life.
History of Derby, Kansas
Derby, Kansas is a city located in Sedgwick County and is part of the Wichita metropolitan area. The city was founded in 1873 and was named after Derby, England. In the early years, the city was mainly an agricultural center, with its primary crops being wheat and corn. The city began to grow significantly during the early 20th century when oil was discovered in nearby towns. This led to an increase in population and economic growth in Derby.
During the Great Depression, Derby experienced a significant decline as many businesses closed their doors due to lack of customers. Following World War II however, Derby began to experience a resurgence as more businesses opened up and people began to move into the area from other parts of Kansas. In addition, new industries such as manufacturing and transportation were established which helped further stimulate economic growth.
In recent years, Derby has continued to grow at a steady rate due to its proximity to Wichita and its access to major highways such as US Route 81 and Interstate 35 which provide easy access for commuters from surrounding cities such as Andover, Goddard, Maize, Rose Hill etc. The city also has several parks which provide a variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike as well as a vibrant downtown area with numerous restaurants and shops lining Main Street.
Today, Derby is home to over 25 thousand people according to the most recent census estimates making it one of the largest cities in Sedgwick County with a population density of approximately 1 thousand people per square mile. The city offers many amenities including shopping centers, hospitals, schools and colleges all located within its borders making it an attractive place for both families looking for a quiet place to call home or those looking for opportunities closer Wichita or other large cities nearby.
Economy of Derby, Kansas
According to maternityetchic, Derby, Kansas is a city located in Sedgwick County and is part of the Wichita metropolitan area. The city has a diverse economy and is home to many businesses in various industries ranging from manufacturing to retail. The city’s main economic drivers are its agricultural sector, which produces wheat and corn, as well as its oil industry. In addition, Derby also has a strong service sector which includes education, healthcare, banking and finance, hospitality and tourism.
Agriculture is an important part of the local economy with several grain mills located in the area as well as numerous farms growing wheat and corn for both local consumption and export. The city also has a thriving oil industry with several refineries located nearby that process crude oil into gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other petroleum products.
The service sector makes up a significant portion of the local economy with many businesses providing professional services such as accounting and legal advice or IT services. In addition to these services businesses there are also many educational institutions such as universities or technical colleges that provide training in various fields. Healthcare is another important industry in Derby with several hospitals and clinics offering medical care to the local population. There are also numerous banking institutions that provide financial services to businesses and individuals alike.
The hospitality industry is also present in Derby with numerous restaurants offering different types of cuisines ranging from American to Mexican food or Chinese cuisine etc., while hotels offer accommodation for those visiting the city or attending events here like concerts or festivals etc., thus providing jobs for locals as well generating income from tourists who come here on vacation or business trips etc..
Finally, retail stores make up another important component of Derby’s economy with many stores selling everything from clothes to electronics or furniture etc., while supermarkets offer groceries for locals at competitive prices helping them save money on their day-to-day living expenses. All these industries combined help drive growth in Derby’s economy making it one of the most vibrant cities in Sedgwick County.
Politics in Derby, Kansas
Derby, Kansas is located in Sedgwick County and is a vibrant city with a diverse economy. The politics in Derby are largely influenced by the state of Kansas as a whole, and the city is part of the larger Republican-leaning state. In terms of local politics, Derby’s mayor and city council are both elected on a nonpartisan basis with no party affiliation required.
The Mayor of Derby is elected every four years and serves as the chief executive of the city government. The Mayor has the power to appoint department heads, propose budgets, and veto ordinances passed by the City Council. The current Mayor of Derby is Brandon Whipple, who was first elected in 2017.
The City Council consists of seven members who are also elected on a nonpartisan basis for four-year terms. Each ward elects one council member while two at-large members are chosen from across all wards in the city. The City Council has legislative authority over ordinances that affect Derby’s citizens such as zoning regulations or tax laws. They also have oversight over municipal services such as public safety or transportation infrastructure projects.
The City Manager serves as an administrative head for the day-to-day operations within Derby’s government and is appointed by the Mayor with approval from City Council. The City Manager works to ensure that all policies enacted by both Mayor and Council are implemented effectively within budget constraints.
Derby has long been known for its conservative values but there has been some shift in recent years towards more progressive policies such as increased investment in public transportation or environmental protection initiatives etc., which have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans alike due to their potential economic benefits for residents.
In terms of federal politics, Sedgwick County has traditionally voted Republican but there have been some changes over time with more independent voters present than before who tend to sway elections based on individual issues rather than party loyalty alone. This reflects a growing trend across much of Kansas where citizens have become increasingly open to considering different political views from their own when it comes to making decisions about their future at both local and national level elections alike.