Cities and Towns in Benton County, Indiana
Founded on Feb 18, 1840, Benton County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Benton County was formed from Jasper County. The city of Fowler is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Benton County has a population of 8,714 and area of 406 square miles (1,052 km²).
List of all cities in Benton County, IN alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Ambia, IN | 47917 | 765 |
Boswell, IN | 47921 | 765 |
Earl Park, IN | 47942 | 219 |
Fowler, IN | 47944 | 765 |
47984 | 765 | |
47986 | 765 | |
Otterbein, IN | 47970 | 765 |
Oxford, IN | 47971 | 765 |
Talbot, IN | 47984 | 765 |
Templeton, IN | 47986 | 765 |
Major Cities and Towns in Benton County, Indiana
Fowler
Location and History
Fowler, the county seat of Benton County, is located in northwestern Indiana, about 30 miles northwest of Lafayette. The town was founded in 1871 by Moses Fowler, a wealthy cattleman and banker from Lafayette, who played a pivotal role in the town’s early development. Fowler’s growth was fueled by the construction of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad, which helped the town become a center for agricultural trade. The fertile farmland surrounding Fowler has long been a cornerstone of the local economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production remaining important industries.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.33 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,300 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 47944
- Latitude: 40.6159° N
- Longitude: 87.3196° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fowler is served by the Benton Community School Corporation, with Benton Central Junior-Senior High School being the main educational institution for students in the area. Key landmarks in Fowler include the Benton County Courthouse, a historic building constructed in 1874, showcasing Second Empire architectural style. The town also features the Fowler Theatre, a restored Art Deco movie house that now serves as a cultural hub, offering films and live performances. Additionally, nearby Fowler Park provides residents with recreational facilities, including sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. Fowler’s small-town charm and agricultural heritage remain central to its identity.
Otterbein
Location and History
Otterbein is a small town located on the eastern edge of Benton County, with a portion extending into neighboring Tippecanoe County. Founded in 1872, Otterbein was named after William Otterbein Brown, an early resident who was instrumental in the town’s development. Like many towns in the region, Otterbein grew due to its location along the railroad, which connected it to larger markets and facilitated the transport of agricultural products. The town has remained a predominantly agricultural community, with many residents working in farming or related industries.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 47970
- Latitude: 40.4867° N
- Longitude: 87.0967° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Otterbein is also part of the Benton Community School Corporation, and students attend Benton Central Junior-Senior High School. Otterbein’s key landmarks include its historic downtown area, where several 19th-century buildings reflect its early railroad and agricultural heritage. The town park, located near the center of Otterbein, provides recreational facilities for residents, including sports fields and playgrounds. Otterbein’s proximity to both Lafayette and Purdue University makes it a convenient location for those who want a small-town lifestyle with access to larger city amenities.
Oxford
Location and History
Oxford is a town located in central Benton County and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest towns in the county, founded in 1843. Oxford was once considered for the role of county seat, but this designation eventually went to Fowler. The town developed primarily as an agricultural community, with the surrounding fertile land supporting a wide range of farming activities. Throughout its history, Oxford has been known for its rural character and close-knit community, with agriculture continuing to play a major role in the local economy.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 47971
- Latitude: 40.5184° N
- Longitude: 87.2486° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oxford is part of the Benton Community School Corporation, with students attending nearby Benton Central Junior-Senior High School. The town’s key landmarks include the historic Boswell-Grant Township Public Library, which serves as both a library and a local museum highlighting Oxford’s history. Oxford also has several well-preserved Victorian-era homes, reflecting its rich heritage. The town park hosts community events and offers playgrounds, picnic shelters, and walking paths. Oxford’s annual Old Fashioned Days festival brings the community together to celebrate its agricultural history and small-town spirit, featuring parades, games, and traditional crafts.
Boswell
Location and History
Boswell is located in southwestern Benton County and was founded in 1872 by Parnach Z. Boswell, a local entrepreneur and landowner. The town quickly became a center for agricultural trade, supported by the railroad, which passed through the area. Boswell’s early economy was based on the shipment of grains and livestock, and agriculture continues to be a major part of the town’s economy today. Despite its small size, Boswell has retained a strong sense of community and has preserved much of its historical charm.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: Approximately 750 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 47921
- Latitude: 40.5167° N
- Longitude: 87.3800° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Boswell is part of the Benton Community School Corporation, with Benton Central Junior-Senior High School serving the local student population. Notable landmarks in Boswell include the historic downtown area, where several buildings date back to the town’s founding. The Boswell Park offers residents recreational spaces, including sports fields and playgrounds. Boswell also hosts several annual community events, such as the Boswell Bash, a summer festival featuring live music, food vendors, and activities for families. The surrounding farmland provides beautiful rural scenery, and the town’s agricultural heritage remains central to its identity.
Earl Park
Location and History
Earl Park is a small town in northwestern Benton County, established in 1872 by Adams Earl, who donated land for the development of the town. Like other towns in the region, Earl Park’s growth was closely tied to the railroad, which brought settlers and boosted the local economy. The town grew as an agricultural center, with grain elevators and farming equipment dealerships becoming key businesses. Despite its modest population, Earl Park is known for its community events and friendly atmosphere, making it a quintessential Midwestern small town.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.61 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 47942
- Latitude: 40.6889° N
- Longitude: 87.4142° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Earl Park is part of the Benton Community School Corporation, and students attend Benton Central Junior-Senior High School. The town’s most notable landmark is Earl Park itself, which hosts the annual Earl Park Fall Festival, a popular event that features carnival rides, live entertainment, tractor pulls, and food vendors. The town also boasts a historic grain elevator that stands as a reminder of its agricultural roots. The surrounding countryside offers peaceful, scenic views of Indiana’s farmland, and Earl Park’s small population creates a close-knit community atmosphere.