Cattle herders coming up the Chisholm Trail helped to build the early town's economy.

[7] In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a north–south branch line from Herington through Wellington to Caldwell.

On May 27, 1892, an estimated F4 tornado struck Wellington, destroying 100 homes and 30 businesses, and killing 12 people in town.

After several rounds of committee and public input, Shayna Templeton's design with wheat stalks on a red, silver, and white flag was selected and revealed in 2021.

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

[12] The 2020 United States census[17] counted 7,715 people, 3,157 households, and 1,906 families in Wellington.

30.8% of households consisted of individuals and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the 2010 United States Census,[19] there were 8,172 people, 3,246 households, and 2,105 families living in the city.

As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 8,647 people, 3,422 households, and 2,306 families living in the city.

The surrounding region produced large amounts of winter wheat which was the mainstay of the local economy as of 1997[update].

Railroads, petroleum, and aircraft parts manufacturing are other important businesses.

[6] The community is served by Wellington USD 353 public school district.