Cities and Towns in Benton County, Iowa
Founded on Dec 21, 1837, Benton County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Benton County was formed from Native American lands and Wisconsin Territory. The city of Vinton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 11, Benton County has a population of 25,691 and area of 716 square miles (1,854 km²).
List of all cities in Benton County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Atkins, IA | 52206 | 319 |
| Belle Plaine, IA | 52208 | 319 |
| Blairstown, IA | 52209 | 319 |
| Garrison, IA | 52229 | 319 |
| Keystone, IA | 52249 | 319 |
| Koszta, IA | 52208 | 319 |
| Luzerne, IA | 52257 | 319 |
| Mount Auburn, IA | 52313 | 319 |
| Newhall, IA | 52315 | 319 |
| Norway, IA | 52318 | 319 |
| Shellsburg, IA | 52332 | 319 |
| Urbana, IA | 52345 | 319 |
| Van Horne, IA | 52346 | 319 |
| Vinton, IA | 52349 | 319 |
| Walford, IA | 52351 | 319 |
| Watkins, IA | 52354 | 319 |
Major Cities and Towns in Benton County, Iowa
Vinton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.94 square miles
- Population: 5,075 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52349
- Latitude and Longitude: 42.1644° N, 92.0269° W
Location and History
Vinton, the county seat of Benton County, is located in the eastern part of Iowa, about 30 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. Established in 1846, Vinton was named after Plynn Vinton, a state legislator who was instrumental in organizing the county. The town grew quickly due to its location along the Cedar River, which provided transportation and water resources for agriculture and local industries. Vinton became a hub for farmers and merchants in the region, and it later benefited from the arrival of the railroad, which helped facilitate trade and growth. Over the years, Vinton has developed into a vibrant community with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vinton is served by the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, with Vinton-Shellsburg High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the historic Benton County Courthouse, built in 1906, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, established in 1852, is another key institution, known for its long history of educating visually impaired students. The town also features the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airport, and Riverside Park, which offers access to the Cedar River for boating and fishing. The annual Benton County Fair is a highlight of the town’s social calendar, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with exhibits, competitions, and entertainment.
Belle Plaine
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.42 square miles
- Population: 2,534 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52208
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.8997° N, 92.2764° W
Location and History
Belle Plaine, located in the southeastern part of Benton County, was founded in 1862 and grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the Chicago and North Western Railway. The town was named for its “beautiful plain,” referring to the fertile lands surrounding the community. Belle Plaine became an important agricultural and railroad town, serving as a center for the shipment of grain and livestock to larger markets. The town’s historical significance is also tied to its role as a stop on the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States. Today, Belle Plaine remains a thriving community with a strong sense of its historical roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Belle Plaine is served by the Belle Plaine Community School District, with Belle Plaine High School being the main educational institution. Key landmarks in the town include the Lincoln Highway Bridge, which is one of the few remaining original bridges from the historic route. The Belle Plaine Area Museum offers exhibits on the town’s history, including its ties to the railroad and the Lincoln Highway. Franklin Park is a popular spot for recreation, with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The town hosts an annual Lincoln Highway Days festival, celebrating its connection to the famous roadway with parades, food vendors, and entertainment.
Urbana
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.89 square miles
- Population: 1,458 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52345
- Latitude and Longitude: 42.2244° N, 91.8722° W
Location and History
Urbana is a small town located in northeastern Benton County, about 20 miles west of Cedar Rapids. The town was founded in 1856 and was originally a stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad. Urbana developed as an agricultural community, with farming playing a central role in its economy. The arrival of the railroad helped facilitate trade and transportation, allowing local farmers to ship their goods to larger markets. While Urbana has remained a small town, its location near the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area has contributed to steady growth and development in recent decades.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Urbana is part of the Center Point-Urbana Community School District, with Center Point-Urbana High School serving students from the area. The town’s major landmarks include the Urbana Veterans Memorial, which honors local veterans who have served in the armed forces. Urbana also features several parks, including the popular Urbana City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. The nearby Cedar Valley Nature Trail, which passes through Urbana, is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers. Urbana’s annual summer festival, Urbana Sweet Corn Days, celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with food, entertainment, and community activities.
Atkins
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.29 square miles
- Population: 2,256 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52206
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.9969° N, 91.8569° W
Location and History
Atkins is located in the eastern part of Benton County, about 10 miles west of Cedar Rapids. Founded in the 1880s, the town was named after Henry Atkins, a prominent local businessman and early settler. Atkins grew as a farming community, benefiting from its proximity to Cedar Rapids and access to the railroad, which allowed for the easy transport of agricultural goods. Over the years, Atkins has transitioned into a suburban community, with many residents commuting to Cedar Rapids for work while enjoying the small-town atmosphere that Atkins offers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atkins is part of the Benton Community School District, with Benton Community High School located nearby in Van Horne. The town’s key landmarks include Atkins City Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for residents. The Atkins Roundhouse, a historic building that once served as a railway roundhouse, is another notable landmark, reflecting the town’s ties to the railroad industry. The town hosts an annual Watermelon Days festival, which features live music, games, and, of course, plenty of watermelon. With its blend of suburban convenience and rural charm, Atkins has become an attractive place to live for families and commuters.
Norway
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: 545 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52318
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.9039° N, 91.9147° W
Location and History
Norway is located in eastern Benton County, about 15 miles west of Cedar Rapids. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was settled primarily by Norwegian immigrants, which is reflected in its name and cultural heritage. Norway developed as an agricultural community, with its economy centered around farming, particularly in grain and livestock production. The town is perhaps best known for its strong baseball tradition, having produced several successful high school baseball teams over the years. The town’s connection to the sport was even the subject of the 2007 film “The Final Season,” which tells the story of Norway’s high school baseball team.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Norway is part of the Benton Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Van Horne. The town’s major landmark is the Norway Baseball Museum, which celebrates the town’s rich baseball history and honors its championship-winning teams. Norway also features several parks, including the Norway City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The town’s annual baseball tournaments and community events bring residents together and celebrate the town’s unique heritage. Norway’s small size and strong sense of community make it a charming and historically significant part of Benton County.
Shellsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.95 square miles
- Population: 983 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52332
- Latitude and Longitude: 42.0978° N, 91.8722° W
Location and History
Shellsburg is located in southeastern Benton County, about 10 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. The town was founded in the 1850s and named after its founder, Henry Sheller, who established a general store in the area. Shellsburg developed as a small farming community, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy. The town’s growth was further supported by its location along the railroad, which helped facilitate trade and transport. While Shellsburg has remained a small, rural town, its proximity to Cedar Rapids has contributed to steady growth and development in recent years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shellsburg is part of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vinton. The town’s major landmarks include Shellsburg City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The nearby Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is another popular destination, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Shellsburg also hosts an annual Shellsburg Big Day celebration, which includes parades, live music, and local vendors, bringing the community together for a day of fun and festivities. The town’s rural charm and friendly atmosphere make it a welcoming place to live.
Garrison
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: 344 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52229
- Latitude and Longitude: 42.1414° N, 92.1494° W
Location and History
Garrison is a small town located in central Benton County, about 12 miles west of Vinton. The town was established in the 1870s and developed as a farming community, with its economy centered on agriculture and trade. Garrison was named after an early settler, and the arrival of the railroad helped spur growth in the late 19th century. Although Garrison remains a small rural town, it has maintained its agricultural heritage and close-knit community feel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garrison is part of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vinton. The town’s main landmarks include Garrison City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for community events. The nearby Cedar River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Garrison hosts an annual community picnic, bringing together residents for food, games, and socializing. The town’s small size and peaceful rural setting make it an ideal place for those looking for a quiet, family-oriented community in the heart of Iowa’s farmland.
