Mission, Kansas is a city located in the northeastern part of Johnson County. It’s home to a diverse population, with culture and spirit that has given the city an identity all its own. Located just 15 miles from the bustling Kansas City Metropolitan Area, Mission offers small-town charm within reach of major attractions.
History
Mission, Kansas was originally inhabited by the Shawnee and other indigenous tribes. In 1825, Reverend Thomas Johnson and his wife were sent by the Methodist Episcopal Church to establish a school and church for the Shawnee tribe. The mission was located near present-day Fairway, Kansas.
In 1857, the area that became Mission was purchased by a group of men who formed the Shawnee Town Company. It was initially called “Mission Hill”, but changed to “Mission” in 1910. The city was incorporated in 1912 and grew slowly over the following decades.
In the early 20th century, Mission was a small, agrarian village. Post-World War II saw an increase in population as many moved there for employment opportunities near Kansas City. Subsequent decades saw expansions – new neighborhoods, shopping areas, and other amenities added to the city’s offerings.
In the present day, Mission offers all the amenities of a major city but with a unique hometown quality. Shopping centers, new neighborhoods, and other developments have increased in recent years as more people move to the area. Through steady expansion, it has become one of Kansas City’s most desirable suburbs offering quality education and resources for anyone who calls it home.
Population
Mission, Kansas is located in the prosperous Kansas City Metropolitan Area, within Johnson County. In 2020, the population of Mission was 9,618 with a median age of 33.4 and a median household income of $64,703. This population experienced a 0.998% growth between 2019-20 and its income increased by 5.82%.
Mission is diverse, with many ethnicities represented.
| Ethnic Group | Percentage of Population |
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 78.9% |
| Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) | 7.42% |
| Asian (Non-Hispanic) | 5.56% |
| White (Hispanic) | 4.03% |
| Two+ (Non-Hispanic) | 1.95% |
Between 2019 and 2020, Mission’s population grew by 0.99%. Its median household income also rose from $61,144 to $64,703 during this same time period, an increase of 5.82%.
Mission, Kansas offers a diverse population to suit all walks of life. A much-desired search for gender equality is within reach here; the US Census records a gender breakdown of 49.88% male and 50.12% female, demonstrating the city’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
Health
KanCare administers Medicaid in the State of Kansas. The program delivers comprehensive benefits to 415k people across the state through three health plan managed care organizations (MCOs).
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission is a general medical and surgical facility located in Mission, Kansas. Rated high performing in 8 adult procedures, it provides many services including emergency care, cardiac care, women’s services, and outpatient operations.
Within the vicinity are several hospitals that may provide alternative solutions: The University of Kansas Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, Research Medical Center, and St. Joseph Medical Center.
For those seeking specific treatments or services beyond what AdventHealth Shawnee Mission provides, these hospitals offer options to help best meet patient needs. Outpatient services are available at multiple locations in the area to ensure convenient access to quality care for its residents.
Transportation
Mission, Kansas is connected to the larger cities of Overland Park, Shawnee Mission, and Prairie Village. It also links to Wyandotte county, and the town itself is nestled within Johnson county. Residents have multiple transportation options, such as the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s bus and paratransit services. Additionally, there are pickups from taxi companies, rent-a-car, and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.
Residents can also go to Johnson drive to run through the city. Drivers can also find plenty of parking lots for easy access. Mission’s convenient location makes it an ideal place for commuters looking to get around quickly.
Education
The Shawnee Mission School District serves the community of Mission, KS. It operates top-ranked public schools in the area such as Westwood View Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School, and Roesland Elementary School. The Kansas State Department of Education provides guidance, resources, and accountability to ensure K-12 students receive a quality education.
There are at least 28 colleges close to Mission, including 24 private universities, 1 public college, and 3 community colleges offering 2-year degrees. The mission of the Kansas public university system is to meet the educational needs of diverse populations through teaching, research, and service appropriate for each institution’s goals.
Points of Interests
There are many fun tourist attractions for visitors in and nearby Mission, Kansas. Shawnee Mission Park offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens feature themed gardens, trails, and educational exhibits.
Every child would love getting into an adventure at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, a 12-acre farm that offers a petting zoo, pony rides, and a fishing pond. Country Club Plaza is an outdoor shopping center located in Kansas City with plenty of shops, restaurants, wellness centers, and entertainment options.
Wellness centers and gyms are also becoming popular in the city of Mission, Kansas. Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour service to meet night owls’ needs. It has personal trainers, group classes, and strength and cardio equipment available.
Genesis Health Clubs is situated nearby in Johnson Drive and provides diverse fitness activities with qualified personal trainers. The Athletic Club is located in the city center of Overland Park and also provides great services like group classes, cardio training, and personal conditioning experience.
Finally, OrangeTheory Fitness based in Prairie Village offers HIIT to ensure optimal results for adults who wish to get fit. All of these gyms provide convenient sale packages for all types of clients in the Kansas area.
For art enthusiasts, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art displays works from around the world including Monet, Rodin, and Caravaggio. For adults, get ready to cheer for the Kansas City Royals baseball team! The Kauffman Stadium also offers tours for those who want to learn about its history. Whatever you’re looking for, Mission has something for everyone!
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