Cities and Towns in Appanoose County, Iowa

Founded on Feb 17, 1843, Appanoose County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Appanoose County was formed from Davis County. The city of Centerville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Appanoose County has a population of 12,257 and area of 496 square miles (1,285 km²).

List of all cities in Appanoose County, IA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Brazil, IA 52574 641
Centerville, IA 52544 641
Cincinnati, IA 52549 641
Dean, IA 52572 641
Exline, IA 52555 641
Garfield, IA 52574 641
Iconium, IA 52571 641
Livingston, IA 52549 641
Moravia, IA 52571 641
Moulton, IA 52572 641
Mystic, IA 52574 641
Numa, IA 52544 641
Plano, IA 52581 641
Rathbun, IA 52544 641
Udell, IA 52593 641
Unionville, IA 52594 641
Walnut City, IA 52574 641

Major Cities and Towns in Appanoose County, Iowa

Centerville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.87 square miles
  • Population: 5,412 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 52544
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.7342° N, 92.8742° W

Location and History

Centerville, the county seat of Appanoose County, is located in the southern part of Iowa, near the Missouri border. Founded in 1846, Centerville was named after its central location in the county. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town became a major coal mining hub, attracting workers and immigrants from various countries, including Italy and Croatia. This period saw rapid growth, and the city became known for its diverse cultural makeup. Centerville’s downtown square is home to one of Iowa’s largest town squares, featuring unique shops and historic buildings, many of which date back to the early 1900s. Today, Centerville remains a regional center for commerce and education.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Centerville is served by the Centerville Community School District, with Centerville High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks include the historic Appanoose County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival structure built in 1903, which is still in use today. Another key attraction is the Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum, which highlights the area’s rich mining history. The town is also located near Rathbun Lake, one of Iowa’s largest lakes, offering outdoor recreation opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping. Centerville hosts several annual events, including Pancake Day, which features parades, entertainment, and a citywide celebration.


Moravia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.68 square miles
  • Population: 665 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 52571
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.8911° N, 92.8153° W

Location and History

Moravia is a small town located in the northern part of Appanoose County, about 10 miles north of Centerville. The town was established in 1851 and named after the historic region of Moravia in the Czech Republic, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Moravia grew as an agricultural community, with its economy largely based on farming and small businesses. The town’s proximity to Rathbun Lake and the Honey Creek Resort has made it a popular spot for recreation and tourism. Moravia is known for its friendly atmosphere and small-town charm, making it an attractive destination for both visitors and residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Moravia is served by the Moravia Community School District, with Moravia High School serving the town’s students. Notable landmarks include the Moravia Historical Complex, which includes a museum that preserves the town’s heritage and history. The nearby Rathbun Lake and Honey Creek Resort provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Honey Creek State Park, located near the town, is a popular destination for camping and picnicking. Moravia also hosts the annual Moravia Fall Festival, which brings the community together for parades, live music, and local food, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots.


Moulton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.71 square miles
  • Population: 577 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 52572
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.6847° N, 92.6778° W

Location and History

Moulton is located in the southeastern part of Appanoose County, near the Iowa-Missouri border. Founded in 1867, the town grew as a result of the railroad expansion and its location in a fertile agricultural region. Moulton served as a regional center for farming, with its economy based on grain, livestock, and trade. The town has maintained its agricultural heritage, with a strong focus on community and local businesses. While small, Moulton has a rich history and is known for its strong community spirit and rural lifestyle, making it an important part of Appanoose County’s landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Moulton is served by the Moulton-Udell Community School District, with Moulton-Udell High School being the main educational institution. Key landmarks include the Moulton Historical Society Museum, which preserves the town’s history and offers exhibits on local farming, industry, and daily life. The nearby Lake Sundown offers fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities, making it a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Each year, Moulton hosts the Old Settlers Reunion, an event that brings together residents for parades, games, and food, celebrating the town’s history and sense of community. Moulton’s small-town atmosphere and agricultural roots make it a quintessential Iowa community.


Mystic

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.19 square miles
  • Population: 374 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 52574
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.7919° N, 92.9447° W

Location and History

Mystic is located in the western part of Appanoose County, about 5 miles northwest of Centerville. Founded in the late 1800s, Mystic was once a booming coal mining town, with a population that swelled to over 2,000 during its peak. The town’s economy was largely driven by the coal industry, which attracted a diverse population of immigrants from Europe. However, as the coal mines began to close in the mid-20th century, Mystic’s population declined, and the town transitioned into a quiet residential community. Today, Mystic retains its historical charm and connection to its mining past, while offering a peaceful, rural lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mystic is part of the Centerville Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Centerville. The town’s landmarks include the historic St. Francis Catholic Church, which was built in the early 1900s and remains an important part of the community. The town’s mining heritage is remembered through various exhibits and artifacts at the Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum in Centerville. Mystic is also close to Rathbun Lake, providing residents with opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The town’s annual community celebrations reflect its deep sense of history and connection to the coal mining era.


Plano

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.21 square miles
  • Population: 66 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 52581
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.7489° N, 92.8547° W

Location and History

Plano is a small town located in the northwestern part of Appanoose County, about 10 miles west of Centerville. Founded in 1858, Plano originally grew as a farming community, with agriculture being the mainstay of the local economy. The town was named after the flat, open plains that surround the area. Though Plano never developed into a large town, it has maintained its rural character and agricultural roots. Over the years, it has remained a close-knit, peaceful community, with many of its residents involved in farming or commuting to nearby towns for work.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Plano is part of the Seymour Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Seymour. The town’s key landmarks include the Plano United Methodist Church, which has been a central part of the community for generations. While Plano is small, its proximity to Rathbun Lake and Lake Wapello provides residents with easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, camping, and hiking. The town’s annual community gatherings and church events reflect the tight-knit nature of Plano, where residents take pride in their agricultural heritage and rural way of life.


Unionville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.32 square miles
  • Population: 98 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 52594
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.7958° N, 92.6417° W

Location and History

Unionville is located in the northeastern part of Appanoose County, close to the Iowa-Missouri border. Founded in the late 19th century, Unionville developed as a small farming and trade community. The town’s location near the Chariton River provided early settlers with fertile land for agriculture, and Unionville’s economy was historically based on farming, particularly in grain and livestock production. While the town has remained small, it has maintained its rural character and strong ties to the surrounding agricultural community. Today, Unionville offers a quiet, rural lifestyle for its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Unionville is part of the Moravia Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Moravia. The town’s main landmarks include Unionville City Park, which provides a space for outdoor recreation and community events. Unionville is also located near Lake Sundown and Lake Wapello, both of which offer fishing, boating, and camping opportunities for residents and visitors. The town’s agricultural heritage is celebrated through local events, and Unionville remains a close-knit community where farming and family traditions play a central role. Its rural setting and strong community bonds make it a peaceful and welcoming place to live.