Hardtner is a city in Barber County, Kansas, United States.

[6] By 1908 the townspeople had realized that they would need a railroad line to the outside world in order to survive.

The town's founder Jacob Achenbach, helped set up a company to build a line east to Kiowa.

The Santa Fe's Superintendent was not about to stand for that, so he had his private car block the spot where the lines would cross.

[7] On June 2, 1929, a tornado struck Hardtner, causing minor damage.

Yearly events include a themed parade, medallion hunt, pit beef sandwiches, and a fireworks show.

[citation needed] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.30 square miles (0.78 km2), all of it land.

[8] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[9] The 2020 United States census counted 167 people, 79 households, and 51 families in Hardtner.

26.6% of households consisted of individuals and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.6% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 2.9% from two or more races.

43.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Hardtner is served by South Barber USD 255 public school district.