It was named for Abner Yates, the original owner of the town site, who donated an entire block around the courthouse, land for the churches, a city park, and a lot each for the first two children born in the town.

[4][5] Yates Center is the only town in Kansas to be selected as a county seat before there was a house or inhabitant within its boundaries.

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

There were 821 housing units at an average density of 314.6 per square mile (121.5/km2).

41.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

37.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by Woodson USD 366 public school district.