Cities and Towns in Buffalo County, Nebraska

Founded in 1855, Buffalo County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Buffalo County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Kearney is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Buffalo County has a population of 50,339 and area of 968 square miles (2,507 km²).

List of all cities in Buffalo County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Amherst, NE	68812	308
Armada, NE	68858	308
Cedar, NE	68866	308
Cherry Creek, NE	68869	308
Elm Creek, NE	68836	308
Gardner, NE	68870	308
Gibbon, NE	68840	308
Kearney, NE	68845	308
	68847	308
	68848	308
	68849	308
Lowell, NE	68840	308
Miller, NE	68858	308
Milton, NE	68858	308
Newark, NE	68840	308
Odessa, NE	68861	308
Pleasanton, NE	68866	308
Poole, NE	68869	308
Prairie Center, NE	68870	308
Ravenna, NE	68869	308
Riverdale, NE	68870	308
Rusco, NE	68866	308
Saint Michael, NE	68869	308
Sartoria, NE	68866	308
Sharon, NE	68876	308
Shelton, NE	68876	308
Sodtown, NE	68869	308
Sweetwater, NE	68869	308
Thornton, NE	68870	308
University of Nebraska at Kearney, NE	68849	308

Major Cities and Towns in Buffalo County, Nebraska

Kearney

Location and History

• Area: 15.79 square miles
• Population: 33,000 (approx.)
• Zip Codes: 68847, 68848
• Latitude: 40.7006° N
• Longitude: 99.0814° W

Kearney is the largest city in Buffalo County and serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and transportation in central Nebraska. Located along the Platte River, the town was originally established in 1866 as a military post known as Fort Kearny, named after General Stephen W. Kearny, a prominent figure in the Mexican-American War. The fort’s role was to provide protection for travelers on the Oregon Trail, and it soon became a key site during the westward expansion. Following the fort’s closure in 1871, the area quickly transitioned into a thriving town, benefiting from its location on the Union Pacific Railroad. Over the years, Kearney grew as an agricultural and trade center, with a diverse economy centered around farming, livestock, and rail transportation. Today, Kearney is a vibrant city with a mix of urban amenities and rural charm, known for its educational institutions and cultural attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kearney is home to University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), one of the state’s major public universities, offering a wide range of academic programs. The city also has a number of well-regarded public schools within the Kearney Public Schools district, including Kearney High School and Kearney Middle School. Major landmarks in Kearney include the Archway, a unique museum and visitor center that spans Interstate 80 and tells the story of America’s westward expansion. The Fort Kearny State Historical Park, located near the original fort site, offers hiking trails, historical exhibits, and a reconstructed fort. The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) in downtown Kearney features a large collection of regional and national works, while Yanney Heritage Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, walking paths, and a scenic lake. Cottonmill Park is another notable site, popular for its outdoor activities like picnicking, biking, and enjoying the park’s natural beauty.

Shelton

Location and History

• Area: 0.38 square miles
• Population: 1,000 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68876
• Latitude: 40.8683° N
• Longitude: 98.8972° W

Shelton is a small village located in the southeastern part of Buffalo County, along the south bank of the Platte River. The village was established in 1871 and quickly became an important railroad town as the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad extended its tracks through the area. The town was named after Shelton, Connecticut, as many of the early settlers came from the East. Shelton’s economy was initially centered around agriculture, particularly corn and wheat farming, along with cattle ranching. The town grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but its population has remained small as many people moved to nearby cities for work. Despite its modest size, Shelton remains a close-knit community with a strong agricultural foundation. The town continues to serve as a peaceful rural community, where farming and small businesses play an important role in the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shelton is served by the Shelton Public Schools district, which includes Shelton High School and Shelton Middle School, offering both academic and extracurricular programs for local students. The town’s landmarks include Shelton Park, which offers outdoor recreation with sports fields, a walking track, and picnic areas. The Shelton Historical Society Museum preserves the history of the town, showcasing artifacts related to the area’s early settlement, agriculture, and the role of the railroad in its development. Platte River provides scenic views and outdoor activities such as fishing and birdwatching, while nearby The Shelton Cemetery is a historical site where early settlers are laid to rest. The town also maintains a small but vibrant business district, with local shops and family-owned businesses continuing to serve the residents of the community.

Ravenna

Location and History

• Area: 0.53 square miles
• Population: 1,400 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68869
• Latitude: 40.7661° N
• Longitude: 98.5978° W

Ravenna is located in the northeastern part of Buffalo County and serves as a key community for agricultural trade. Founded in 1872, the village was named after the Italian city of Ravenna, chosen by the early settlers who wanted to honor their European heritage. Like many small Nebraska towns, Ravenna’s economy was initially rooted in agriculture, particularly wheat, corn, and livestock. In the early 20th century, the arrival of the railroad helped expand Ravenna’s economic base, making it a regional center for grain and livestock trade. The village’s population peaked in the mid-1900s, but like many rural towns, it has seen a slight decline in recent decades. However, Ravenna continues to be a hub for surrounding farming communities and provides important services such as schools, healthcare, and retail.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ravenna is served by the Ravenna Public Schools, which includes Ravenna High School and Ravenna Middle School. The school district offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs. Key landmarks in Ravenna include the Ravenna City Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds. The Ravenna Historical Museum is a small museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the town, focusing on its agricultural roots and early settlement. The Loup River, which runs near the town, is a scenic feature offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching. Ravenna’s Main Street is home to several historic buildings, including old brick storefronts and homes from the early 20th century, giving the town a charming, nostalgic atmosphere. Nearby, Sandy Point Recreation Area offers additional outdoor opportunities with swimming, picnicking, and hiking along the riverbanks.

Gibbon

Location and History

• Area: 1.05 square miles
• Population: 1,500 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68840
• Latitude: 40.7567° N
• Longitude: 98.9956° W

Gibbon is located in the southwestern part of Buffalo County, along the Platte River. Established in 1871, the town was named after John Gibbon, a Union Army officer who fought in the American Civil War. Gibbon grew quickly in the late 19th century, benefiting from its location along the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. The town became a key agricultural center, with surrounding farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, and barley, as well as livestock. As a regional trade hub, Gibbon developed a robust local economy that included grain elevators, retail shops, and services for farmers. Though Gibbon’s population has remained relatively steady over the years, it continues to serve as a vital small town with a strong sense of community and an agricultural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gibbon is served by the Gibbon Public Schools district, which includes Gibbon High School and Gibbon Middle School. The district offers a variety of educational programs and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs. Gibbon is home to Gibbon City Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Gibbon Historical Museum provides exhibits on the town’s early history, its agricultural roots, and the role of the railroad in its development. The Platte River runs near the town and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Another popular site is the Gibbon Golf Club, a local nine-hole course that serves both residents and visitors. Gibbon’s Main Street features several historic buildings and businesses, preserving the town’s traditional charm while supporting its modern-day economy. The town is also a short distance from Fort Kearny State Historical Park, which offers further historical insights into the area’s early days.