In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Willard to Herington.

In the early 1920s, Willard boasted a population of over 300 and was a major cattle shipping point for this region.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many businesses closed and the railroad declined in importance.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2), all land.

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

[8] Willard is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.

There were no families and 5.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 9.1% of those over 64.

The community is served by Kaw Valley USD 321 public school district.