Lee’s Summit is a city located in Jackson, Cass, and Henry counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population of Lee’s Summit was 99,595 making it the sixth-largest city in Missouri. Lee’s Summit is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Lee’s Summit, the city has experienced rapid growth in recent decades. In 1970, the population was just over 8,000 people. By 2000, the population had grown to about 70,700. Over the next two decades, Lee’s Summit continued to expand. The estimated population as of 2019 was 97,285.
Lee’s Summit is now the 6th largest city in Missouri, after Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and Independence. It is the 2nd largest suburb in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Lee’s Summit has grown in population density and now exceeds the average density of Jackson County.
History
Lee’s Summit was founded in 1865 by William B. Howard, who purchased land in the area. He named the city after Confederate General Robert E. Lee and promoted it as a potential railroad hub due to its central location. The city was incorporated in 1866.
For the first half of the 20th century, Lee’s Summit remained a small rural town. But in the 1960s, it began to transition into a commuter town and suburban community. Residential and commercial development accelerated as the population grew. Today it is an affluent community with a mix of neighborhoods, parks, trails, shopping centers and more.
Geography
Lee’s Summit is located at 38°56′16′′N 94°22′22′′W. It sits on the border of three counties – Jackson, Cass, and Henry. The city has a total area of 65.76 square miles, of which 64.81 square miles is land and 0.95 square miles is water.
Some of the major geographical features near Lee’s Summit include the Missouri River which runs to the north and west, and the Lake of the Ozarks region to the south. The city sits at an elevation of about 1,043 feet above sea level.
Climate
Lee’s Summit has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The average high in July is 88°F and the average low in January is 16°F. Spring and fall seasons tend to be mild. On average, the area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and 20 inches of snowfall.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the major industries and employers in Lee’s Summit include:
- Manufacturing – Gates Corporation (automotive belts/hoses), RMH Group (pallets), Creative Times (marketing displays)
- Healthcare – Saint Luke’s East Hospital, Research Medical Center
- Technology – Cerner Corporation (health information technology)
- Finance – UMB Bank operations center
- Government – City of Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit R-7 School District
- Retail – Bass Pro Shops headquarters, Lee’s Summit Center shopping mall
Many residents also commute to Kansas City for work. The city’s central location and transportation infrastructure make it attractive to employers and commuters.
Some of the major corporations started in Lee’s Summit include Horton Grangers (agricultural equipment), BATS Global Markets (stock exchange), and Snowflake Entertainment (video game developer acquired by Activision Blizzard).
Landmarks
Some of the most notable landmarks and points of interest in Lee’s Summit include:
- Frank Lloyd Wright House – Only Wright designed building in Missouri, built in 1950
- Kite Flight House – Historic home built in 1925, now part of a middle school campus
- Longview Farm – Estate and farm area deeded to the city, featuring barns, trails, community events
- Legacy Park – Large community park with amphitheater, trails, aquatic center, and more
- Summit Waves – Outdoor water park featuring slides, pools, and family activities
- Downtown Lee’s Summit Historic District – Restored buildings with boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and events
Sports
Sports are a big part of the culture in Lee’s Summit. Some major teams and facilities include:
- Lee’s Summit Youth Soccer Association – Promotes youth soccer with over 3,000 players
- Lee’s Summit High School Sports – High school sports including football, basketball, swimming, volleyball, and more
- Kansas City Comets – Professional indoor soccer team playing games at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence
- Cable Dahmer Arena – New 5,800 seat arena opened in 2021, hosting concerts and sporting events
Community
Lee’s Summit has an active community life. The city’s Facebook page has over 18,000 followers and shares news and events happening in the city. The downtown area hosts festivals, a farmer’s market, small businesses, and a sense of community pride.
Education is also a priority – the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District serves over 18,000 students with innovative programs and opportunities. Lee’s Summit residents are well-educated with over 60% holding an Associate’s degree or higher.
Conclusion
In summary, Lee’s Summit is a fast-growing suburb with a population around 100,000 residents. It has a diverse economy and active community life. Some key facts:
- 6th largest city in Missouri
- Located between Kansas City and Lake of the Ozarks
- Major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and retail
- Home to attractions like Longview Farm, Legacy Park, downtown historic district
- Strong sports culture – youth soccer, high school teams, pro indoor soccer
- Highly-educated residents and nationally-ranked school district
Lee’s Summit has built an identity around education, sports, outdoor spaces, and local pride. It continues to grow as a desirable suburb in the Kansas City metropolitan region.