Effingham is a city in Atchison County, Kansas, United States.

[4] The current city experienced growth when the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad was built through the neighborhood and by the 1880s was a thriving village.

[5] It was named in honor of Effingham H. Nichols, an early promoter of the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad.

[6][7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.53 square miles (1.37 km2), all land.

[8] The 2020 United States census counted 495 people, 202 households, and 132 families in Effingham.

30.2% of households consisted of individuals and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by Atchison County USD 377 public school district.

Older students attend Atchison County Community High School.