Cities and Towns in Adams County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Adams County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Adams County was formed from Taylor County. The city of Corning is the county seat. With FIPS code of 3, Adams County has a population of 3,641 and area of 424 square miles (1,098 km²).
List of all cities in Adams County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brooks, IA | 50841 | 641 |
| Carbon, IA | 50839 | 641 |
| Carl, IA | 50841 | 641 |
| Corning, IA | 50841 | 641 |
| Guss, IA | 50857 | 712 |
| Nodaway, IA | 50857 | 712 |
| Prescott, IA | 50859 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Adams County, Iowa
Corning
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.74 square miles
- Population: 1,564 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50841
- Latitude and Longitude: 40.9906° N, 94.7372° W
Location and History
Corning, the county seat of Adams County, is located in the southwestern part of Iowa, approximately 85 miles southwest of Des Moines. Founded in 1857, Corning was named after Erastus Corning, a prominent New York railroad executive. The city grew as a hub for agriculture, benefiting from its location along the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which facilitated the transport of livestock and crops. Corning’s rich history is also tied to American film legend Johnny Carson, who was born here in 1925 before moving to Nebraska. The town has maintained its agricultural roots while also embracing its historical significance and small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Corning is served by the Southwest Valley School District, with Southwest Valley High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks in Corning include the Johnny Carson Birthplace, which honors the famed entertainer with a museum located in his childhood home. The Corning Opera House, a beautifully restored 1902 building, serves as a cultural center offering performances, events, and educational programs. The Adams County Courthouse, built in 1955, is another key landmark in the town square. Corning’s annual Adams County Fair draws residents and visitors for livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, and community events, highlighting its agricultural heritage.
Nodaway
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.43 square miles
- Population: 61 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50857
- Latitude and Longitude: 40.9369° N, 94.7656° W
Location and History
Nodaway is a small town located in the western part of Adams County, about 10 miles southwest of Corning. Founded in the late 19th century, Nodaway developed as an agricultural community supported by the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The town was named after the nearby Nodaway River, which runs through southwestern Iowa. Over the years, Nodaway has remained a small, rural community with a close-knit population focused on farming and local businesses. The town’s modest size reflects its reliance on agriculture and its location away from major urban centers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nodaway is part of the Southwest Valley School District, with students attending schools in nearby Corning. The town’s landmarks include the historic Nodaway Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for local events and activities. The nearby Nodaway Valley Park offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and outdoor recreation. While small, Nodaway’s community spirit is evident in its annual Fourth of July celebrations, which bring residents together for parades, fireworks, and festivities. The town’s rural setting and peaceful atmosphere make it a quiet, family-friendly community.
Prescott
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: 191 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50859
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.0219° N, 94.6694° W
Location and History
Prescott is a small town located in northeastern Adams County, about 7 miles northeast of Corning. Founded in 1872, the town was named after William Prescott, a railroad official. Prescott’s growth was spurred by its location along the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which made it an important local center for agriculture, particularly in grain and livestock. Over the years, Prescott has remained a quiet rural community with a focus on farming. While its population has fluctuated, the town continues to maintain its agricultural traditions and small-town character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Prescott is part of the Southwest Valley School District, with students attending schools in Corning. The town’s key landmarks include the Prescott United Church, a historic building that serves as a focal point for the local community. Prescott also features the Prescott Community Park, which offers playgrounds and picnic areas for residents. The town’s peaceful rural surroundings make it an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Each year, Prescott hosts a community fair, which includes livestock exhibitions, games, and food, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
Carbon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: 28 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50839
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.0275° N, 94.8297° W
Location and History
Carbon is a small town located in the northwestern part of Adams County, about 12 miles west of Corning. Founded in the late 1800s, Carbon was originally a coal mining town, named for the rich deposits of coal found in the surrounding area. The town grew quickly during the coal boom, attracting miners and their families. However, as the coal industry declined, so did the town’s population. Today, Carbon is a quiet, rural community with a small population and a deep connection to its mining history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Carbon is served by the Southwest Valley School District, with students attending schools in Corning. The town’s primary landmark is the Carbon Cemetery, which offers a glimpse into the town’s early history and the lives of the miners who once worked in the area. The nearby Nodaway River provides opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities. Carbon’s annual town picnic, a tradition that brings together residents for a day of food and fellowship, reflects the close-knit nature of the community. While small, Carbon’s historical significance and peaceful rural atmosphere remain central to its identity.
Lenox
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.17 square miles
- Population: 1,407 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50851
- Latitude and Longitude: 40.8831° N, 94.5625° W
Location and History
Lenox, located in southeastern Adams County, is shared with neighboring Taylor County. Founded in the late 19th century, Lenox developed as a railroad town, benefiting from its location along the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The town quickly became an important agricultural hub for the surrounding region, with grain elevators and livestock markets driving its economy. Lenox’s strong ties to farming have continued to shape its growth, making it a vital part of the local agricultural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lenox is served by the Lenox Community School District, with Lenox High School being the main educational institution. The town’s major landmarks include the Lenox Community Center, which hosts various events and activities throughout the year. The Lenox Municipal Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities, serving as a hub for local recreation. Each summer, Lenox hosts the annual Lenox Rodeo, a popular event that attracts visitors from across the region for rodeo competitions, parades, and live music. Lenox’s vibrant agricultural heritage, combined with its strong sense of community, makes it a key town in Adams County.
Cumberland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population: 255 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50843
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.2731° N, 94.8739° W
Location and History
Cumberland is a small town located in the northwestern corner of Adams County, near the border with Cass County. Founded in 1887, the town was named after the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which played a central role in the community’s early development. Cumberland grew as a small agricultural town, with its location near the Nodaway River providing fertile soil for farming. Over the years, the town has maintained its agricultural roots and remains a close-knit, rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cumberland is part of the Atlantic Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Atlantic. The town’s key landmarks include the Cumberland United Methodist Church, a historic building that has been a focal point of the community since the town’s founding. The town park offers playgrounds and green spaces for local residents to enjoy. Cumberland hosts an annual fall festival, bringing together the community for parades, food, and entertainment. The town’s quiet rural atmosphere and strong sense of tradition make it a peaceful place to live, with deep ties to farming and community values.
