Communities › Jefferson County › McLouth, KS
McLouth, Kansas
McLouth is a town of about 860 people in eastern Jefferson County where Kansas highways 16 and 92 meet, known for its September Threshing Bee and a large glacial boulder that sits in the middle of Granite Street. Rather than move the rock, the town paved around it, which tells you a lot about how things get settled here.
Homes for saleProperty taxesSales taxFAQWhat’s newCity rulesUtilitiesLocal guide
McLouth is a Jefferson County, Kansas city. So far in 2026, 6 single-family homes sold through the MLS at a median of $441,225, about $253 per finished square foot. The median annual property tax on those homes was $4,823, an effective rate of 0.98% of the sale price.
Homes for sale
McLouth homes for sale right now
Live from the MLS. First, the lowest-priced home for sale (and what is for rent) in McLouth right now; it changes on its own as listings come and go. Then what is coming soon, and every listing on the map below.
Updated live from the MLS
Lowest-priced home for sale in McLouth
The lowest-priced McLouth listing shows here, updated automatically.
Updated live from the MLS
Homes for rent in McLouth
See them before they hit the market
Coming soon in McLouth
Map view
Every McLouth listing on the map
Start with a McLouth search:
Loading live listings by subdivision…
What’s new in McLouth
What the city is approving, building and planning
Pulled from council and planning agendas, city news and local reporting, checked November 6, 2026. Older items move to our Update Archive.
Downtown
Oct 2026
Hotrod Harvest car show fills downtown Union Street
The Hotrod Harvest car show opened at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at 105 N. Union St. in downtown McLouth. All cars, bikes and trucks were welcome.
Downtown
Oct 2026
Spellbound Social Witches Walk brings shoppers downtown
Local shops opened their doors along Union Street for the Spellbound Social Witches Walk on Oct. 24, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., based at the McLouth Flower Loft, 303 S. Union St. A costume parade of witches started at 8 p.m.
Events
Nov 2026
Fire District No. 9 hosts fall pancake feed Nov. 7
Jefferson County Fire District No. 9 will hold its Fall Pancake Feed on Nov. 7, 2026, from 6:30 to 10 a.m. at the McLouth Fire Station, 104 W. Lucy St.
On the ballot
June 2025
Three McLouth council seats on the 2025 ballot
Three McLouth City Council seats were up for election in 2025, with filings from William A. Hansen and incumbents Steve Horton and Patrick D. Bartlett Sr. The city council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the McLouth Fire House, 104 W. Lucy St.
Historical property tax
McLouth property taxes: 10 years of real bills
The typical McLouth home that sold in 2026 (year to date) carried an annual property tax bill of about $4,823, or 0.98% of its sale price. In 2017 it was $1,888 (0.87%). Appraisals tend to rise faster than anyone budgets for, so check the actual bill on any home you like.
10 years of real tax bills
Median property tax on McLouth homes that sold, 2017–2026
What buyers actually inherited: the full annual tax bill (city, county, school and all other levies) on single-family homes sold each year. Effective rate = tax ÷ sale price.
See the numbers
| Year sold | Median annual tax | Median sale price | Effective rate | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $1,888 | $197,000 | 0.87% | 7 |
| 2018 | $2,546 | $210,000 | 0.99% | 3 |
| 2019 | $1,176 | $280,000 | 0.65% | 3 |
| 2020 | $2,714 | $249,500 | 1.12% | 4 |
| 2022 | $2,658 | $452,500 | 0.67% | 8 |
| 2023 | $3,701 | $400,250 | 0.84% | 6 |
| 2024 | $3,366 | $340,000 | 1.09% | 5 |
| 2025 | $3,549 | $423,500 | 0.91% | 10 |
| 2026 | $4,823 | $441,225 | 0.98% | 6 |
Source: Heartland MLS closed single-family sales with a McLouth address filed in Leavenworth County only (the Jefferson County side, including most of town, is not in our export), DataMaster SLIM export of October 25, 2026, compiled by Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team. Tax figures are as reported in MLS at sale and may reflect the prior tax year; bills under $300 (land-only or missing) are left out. Not a tax quote.
City rules
Can I do that in McLouth?
The questions buyers ask before the fence goes up, from McLouth code, permit pages and local reporting. Rules change and HOA covenants can be stricter, so confirm with the city before you build.
Fences and new structures
A city building permit is required for any new structure, and fences need a permit too, with an application, a diagram of fence placement and a property survey. Standard setbacks are 25 feet from the front property line, 10 feet from each side and 20 feet from the rear. Roof work needs a Roofer’s Permit filed by the contractor.
Fireworks
Fireworks may be set off inside city limits from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., June 29 through July 5, with hours extended to midnight on July 4. Sales by permit holders are allowed 8 a.m. to midnight during the same dates.
Chickens
Domestic fowl such as chickens may not be kept within 50 feet of a neighbor’s dwelling and must be kept in pens strong enough to keep them on the owner’s property. The fowl article sets no number limit.
Dogs
Dogs over six months old need a city permit, which requires proof of current rabies vaccination and runs July 1 to June 30. More than three dogs requires a waiver, and dogs may not run at large; voice control alone does not count as control.
Trash
The city provides trash service on the utility bill with a 95-gallon cart, picked up Tuesdays starting at 7 a.m. Carts should not go out before 5 p.m. the day before and must be pulled back by 8 a.m. the next day. Recycling is picked up the second Friday of each month.
Burning
Burn permits are handled through a dedicated city burn-permit line at 785-403-0108.
Lawn height and weeds
On residential property, weeds and grass taller than 12 inches are presumed a nuisance. After a mailed notice, the owner has 10 days to cut them, or the city may mow at $100 per hour (minimum $100) plus an administrative fee, and unpaid costs can be added to the property tax bill.
Snow removal
The owner or occupant of a lot next to a sidewalk must clear snow and ice within 24 hours after it falls, and snow may not be pushed from private property onto streets, alleys or sidewalks. The fine is $25, and if the walk is not cleared the city can do it and bill the lot.
Pools and hot tubs
Any pool, hot tub or spa more than 24 inches deep needs a $50 permit from the City Clerk, usually with a property survey showing its location. It must be fully enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet tall with a self-latching, locking gate at least 4 feet tall.
Utility hookups and deposits
New utility accounts require a $300 cash deposit, or $600 if service was shut off for nonpayment in the past five years. Connection fees are $500 for water (meter extra), $500 for gas, and $125 for sewer plus a $500 damage deposit, with permits issued by the City Clerk.
Livestock
Cattle, sheep, goats, horses and other food-producing animals cannot be kept on a lot within 200 feet of an existing home or other main building, and must be housed in a sanitary barn or stable (City Code 2-601 and 2-602). Pigs are banned anywhere in town (2-603). Horses are allowed at up to two per three acres, plus 1.5 more acres for each extra horse (2-604).
Inoperable vehicles
An unregistered, junked or inoperable vehicle kept outside for more than 30 days in a row is a nuisance, and this includes RVs, boats and jet skis (City Code 8-302 and 8-303). Vehicles stored inside a garage or other building are exempt. Owners get 10 days after a notice to fix it, and fines run up to $100 per day (8-308 and 8-309).
RV parking
RVs may not be parked in the front yard of a home (zoning 19-204.2a). In a side or back yard, the city’s building page says an RV must sit more than 10 feet from the side or rear lot line, so confirm placement with City Hall. Living in an RV is only allowed in an RV park, not on your own lot, even while a house is being built (19-301.4).
Building permits
A permit is required to build, enlarge, move or remodel any structure, including work you do yourself, and you must include a survey by a registered land surveyor (City Code 4-210). The Planning Commission gives final approval, and permits expire in 6 months if work has not started. New roofs do not need a building permit, but the contractor needs a Roofer’s Permit first.
Home businesses
McLouth requires a city license from the city clerk for anyone running a trade, profession or occupation in town, and the code does not carve out home-based businesses (City Code 5-101). The application asks for the parcel’s zoning and has a non-refundable fee. Farmers selling Kansas-grown produce they raised are exempt (5-107).
Golf carts
Golf carts can be driven on city streets by anyone with a valid driver’s license, and the cart must carry liability insurance (City Code 14-505 and 14-506). Carts cannot run on roads posted above 30 mph but may cross them at a right angle. Fines run up to $250 for a first offense and up to $1,000 after that (14-508).
Garage sales
McLouth holds city-wide garage sales, and the city will list your sale if you call City Hall at 913-796-6411.
Trees and branches
Owners must remove dead, diseased or dangerous trees and keep branches over streets or right-of-way pruned to at least 9 feet of clearance; after a city notice, removal is due within 60 days or the city may do it and add the cost to the property tax bill (Sec. 13-306). Nothing may be planted within 10 feet of a fire hydrant (Sec. 13-310).
Cats
Any cat over six months old needs a city permit from the city clerk, obtained within 5 business days of starting city utility service, and a current rabies vaccination certificate is required (Secs. 2-505, 2-509). The tag must be worn whenever the cat is off the owner’s property (Sec. 2-512).
Sidewalks
Building or repairing a sidewalk requires governing-body plan approval and a permit from the city clerk (Sec. 13-101). Abutting owners must keep sidewalks in repair; the city may fix them after 5 days’ notice and assess the cost to the property (Sec. 13-108).
Noise and quiet hours
McLouth bans repetitive or unusually loud noise that would disturb a person of ordinary sensitivity. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., construction, vehicle repair, power and yard tools, amplified sound, and loading or unloading in residential areas are not allowed when neighbors can hear them, and persistent barking or a loud party is a violation at any hour (Sec. 11-218).
Door-to-door sales
Solicitors, canvassers and peddlers need a license from the city clerk. The fee is $10 per day, capped at $200 in any six-month period, and selling is allowed only from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Farm or orchard products you grew yourself and nonprofit groups approved by the governing body are exempt from the fee (Secs. 5-202, 5-207).
Exotic animals
McLouth bans keeping live wild or exotic mammals, birds or reptiles in city limits. Domestic dogs and cats, rabbits, fish and certain nonvenomous reptiles are exempt (Sec. 2-107). You also may not keep more than one animal on a property where no one lives (Sec. 2-110).
Moving in
McLouth utility providers
Who to call to turn things on. Providers can vary by address, so confirm before closing.
City of McLouth
Water, sewer, gas and trash come on one city bill. New service requires a signed deposit form, ID and a $300 deposit.
City of McLouth
McLouth runs its own natural gas utility. Gas turn-on is by appointment, and someone 18 or older must be present.
City of McLouth
95-gallon cart, Tuesday pickup. Recycling the second Friday of each month.
CenturyLink or Giant Communications
Both are listed by the city for phone, TV and internet.
Local guide
Where to eat, shop and see a doctor
Named places in and near McLouth. Hours and ownership change, so call ahead. (Nobody paid to be on this list; we just like to eat.)
Where to eat
- CoCo’s Coffee and Cafe — Coffee, lattes, breakfast and a daily lunch special at 215 S. Union St., in the former Sweet Life space. Phone 913-398-9676.
- Casey’s — Convenience store known for its pizza.
Where to shop
- Country Harvest Apple Market — Local apple market and picnic-supply stop. Phone 796-2291.
- Dollar General — Everyday household and grocery basics in town.
- McLouth Flower Loft — Local florist. Phone 796-6310.
Doctors & clinics
- LMH Health Primary Care – McLouth — Primary care clinic at 313 S. Union St., with same-day visits available. Phone 913-796-6116.
Living in McLouth
McLouth history, jobs and parks
A little history
McLouth grew up in the 1880s and is named for Amos McLouth, the original owner of the town site; its first post office opened in May 1882. A railroad once ran through the middle of town, and its old line still divides the north and south sides, marked by a historical sign. Since 1957 the town has hosted the Threshing Bee and Fall Festival, which celebrates antique farm machinery and pioneer-era grain threshing.
Where people work
Employers in town include McLouth USD 342, the City of McLouth, the Bank of McLouth and the LMH Health primary care clinic, along with small Union Street businesses. For larger job centers, Lawrence is less than 30 minutes away, and Topeka and Kansas City International Airport are each about 40 miles from town.
Parks & outdoors
McLouth has three city parks: Luse Park (often just called City Park) downtown on Union Street, Rose Park on West Gertrude Street with a shelter house, playground and disc golf course, and Prairie Park at the entrance to the Stan Braksick Sports Complex off Bulldog Lane, with a shelter and grill, playground, basketball court and sand volleyball. The Threshing Bee Grounds south of the K-16 and K-92 junction also host truck and tractor pulls in summer.
Sources for the city news, rules, utilities and local guide (checked October 27, 2026)
- ksdata.ku.edu
- en.wikipedia.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- cityofmclouth.org
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- lmh.org
- jeffcountynews.com
- jeffcountynews.com
- islands.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- cityofmclouth.org
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- zoneomics.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- tonganoxiemirror.com
- cityofmclouth.org
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- cityofmclouth.org
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
- mclouthks.citycode.net
Sales tax
How McLouth’s sales tax compares
McLouth’s combined state, county and city sales tax is 8.5% inside city limits, and 2.0% on groceries (Kansas dropped its state tax on food in 2025, so only local tax is left on groceries). Here is how that stacks up against nearby cities, lowest to highest. Same sandwich, different zip code, different receipt.
| City | County | Sales tax | Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easton | Leavenworth | 8.5% | 2.0% |
| Linwood | Leavenworth | 8.5% | 2.0% |
| McLouth | Jefferson | 8.5% | 2.0% |
| Willard | Shawnee | 8.6% | 2.1% |
| Rossville | Shawnee | 8.85% | 2.35% |
| Silver Lake | Shawnee | 8.85% | 2.35% |
| Basehor | Leavenworth | 9.0% | 2.5% |
| Baldwin City | Douglas | 9.25% | 2.75% |
| Tonganoxie | Leavenworth | 9.25% | 2.75% |
| Auburn | Shawnee | 9.35% | 2.85% |
| Lawrence | Douglas | 9.35% | 2.85% |
| Topeka | Shawnee | 9.35% | 2.85% |
| Lansing | Leavenworth | 9.4% | 2.9% |
| Eudora | Douglas | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| Leavenworth | Leavenworth | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| Lecompton | Douglas | 9.5% | 3.0% |
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue city rate file, October 2026. Homes outside city limits pay the county rate instead. Rates can differ by address, so check the KDOR address lookup before you budget. This is sales tax; property tax is in the tax history above.
McLouth FAQ
McLouth, KS: the questions people ask most
What county is McLouth, KS in?
McLouth is in Jefferson County, Kansas, and is part of the Topeka metropolitan area.
How far is McLouth from Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka?
Lawrence is less than 30 minutes away, and Topeka and Kansas City International Airport are each about 40 miles from McLouth.
What is McLouth known for?
The Threshing Bee and Fall Festival, held each September since 1957, and the pink Sioux quartzite boulder that sits in the middle of Granite Street. The town also hosts the Kansas Summer Nationals Truck and Tractor Pull on the Threshing Bee Grounds.
Who provides utilities in McLouth?
The city provides water, sewer, natural gas and trash on one bill; Evergy provides electricity. New city utility accounts require a $300 deposit.
Do I need a permit to build a fence or shed in McLouth?
Yes. The city requires a building permit for any new structure, and fence permits need an application, a placement diagram and a property survey. Setbacks are 25 feet front, 10 feet each side and 20 feet rear.
How many people live in McLouth?
McLouth had 859 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census.
What school district serves McLouth?
McLouth is served by McLouth USD 342, which runs its elementary, middle and high schools on one campus in town.
Which fire department serves McLouth?
McLouth is served by Jefferson County Fire District No. 9, which runs the McLouth Fire Station at 104 W. Lucy St.
When is the McLouth Threshing Bee held?
The Threshing Bee is hosted each year by the Heart of America Antique Steam Engine and Model Association on its show grounds on Steam Engine Lane, and recent shows have run in mid to late September (Sept. 20-21 in 2024). Check the Threshing Bee’s own site or social page for the current year’s dates.
Where is downtown McLouth?
Downtown McLouth runs along Union Street, home to shops, the McLouth Community Center at 213 S. Union St. and seasonal events like the Hotrod Harvest car show and the Witches Walk.
When was McLouth incorporated?
McLouth was incorporated in 1881. The city covers about 0.6 square miles in Jefferson County, Kansas.
Where is the McLouth Community Center?
The McLouth Community Center is at 213 S. Union St. in downtown McLouth, where it hosts community suppers and other local events.
What is the sales tax rate in McLouth?
8.5% inside city limits as of October 2026 (state, Jefferson County and city combined), and 2.0% on groceries (local tax only; Kansas dropped its state sales tax on food on Jan. 1, 2025). Nearby, rates run from 8.5% in Easton to 9.5% in Lecompton. Rates can differ by address. Look up any address with the Kansas Department of Revenue rate locator. Source: Kansas Department of Revenue, October 2026.
Do I need to register my cat in McLouth?
Yes. McLouth requires a permit from the city clerk for any cat over six months old, obtained within 5 business days after city utility service starts, along with a current rabies vaccination certificate (City Code Secs. 2-505 and 2-509). Late permits carry a $2-per-month charge, up to $24.
Who is responsible for trees along McLouth streets?
The city pays to treat or remove trees inside the public right-of-way (Sec. 13-307). Property owners are responsible for dead or dangerous trees on their own lots and must keep overhanging branches at least 9 feet above the street or right-of-way (Sec. 13-306).
When are McLouth utility bills due?
City utility bills are due on the 15th of each month. A 10% late fee is added to unpaid accounts on the 16th, and shut-off day is the 25th, or the next business day if the 25th falls on a weekend. A disconnect fee is added if service is shut off. The city office is at 110 N. Union St., (913) 796-6411.
What are McLouth’s water, sewer and trash rates?
Inside city limits, water costs a $23 base rate that includes 1,000 gallons, plus $11 for each additional 1,000 gallons. Sewer costs a $30 base rate that includes 1,000 gallons, plus $4 per 1,000 gallons based on water use. Trash is $18.03 a month, and city gas service has a $15 base rate plus usage. Rates are from the city’s posted rate schedule and can change, so confirm with the city office.
When does the McLouth City Council meet?
The City Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Sources: cityofmclouth.org, en.wikipedia.org, islands.com, jeffcountynews.com, ksdata.ku.edu, lmh.org, mclouthks.citycode.net, tonganoxiemirror.com
Buying or selling in McLouth?
Thinking about McLouth? We already did the homework.
Ten years of sales, every subdivision and the real tax bills are above. For everything else, there is a phone number below that a human answers.
Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team · Brokered by REAL Broker, LLC · (913) 543-3332 · Angela@shopwithshopper.com · Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Full-service real estate across the Kansas City metro, Lawrence and Topeka, on both the Kansas and Missouri sides.
(913) 543-3332
Angela@shopwithshopper.com
7300 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66210
Buy & Sell
Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team is a team of licensed real estate agents brokered by REAL Broker, LLC. Licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2026 Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team. Privacy Policy · Terms