[5] The city drew its name from nearby Fort Larned, which operated from 1859 to 1878 and was named for Colonel Benjamin F. Larned, U.S. Army Paymaster from July 1854 to his death September 6, 1862.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.39 square miles (6.19 km2), all land.

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

[7] The 2020 United States census counted 3,769 people, 1,704 households, and 919 families in Larned.

There were 2,101 housing units at an average density of 871.8 per square mile (336.6/km2).

39.0% of households consisted of individuals and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 2,130 housing units at an average density of 891.2 per square mile (344.1/km2).

39.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 2,079 housing units at an average density of 894.9 per square mile (345.5/km2).

36.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by Fort Larned USD 495 public school district.