How Many U.S. States Have a City Named Abilene?

Only one: Texas.

Abilene, Texas (Taylor County, pop. ~125,000) is the sole U.S. city with this name. It anchors the Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area (Taylor & Jones counties).

Why the Confusion?

• Abilene, Kansas exists but is a town (pop. ~6,500), not a city.
• Abilene, Texas is the famous "Key City" on the Chisholm Trail, home to Dyess AFB and three universities.
• No other state has an incorporated place named Abilene classified as a city.

So if you're looking for "the city of Abilene," it's unequivocally in Texas.