Cities and Towns in Brown County, Nebraska

Founded in 1883, Brown County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Brown County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Ainsworth is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Brown County has a population of 2,908 and area of 1,221 square miles (3,162 km²).

List of all cities in Brown County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ainsworth, NE	69210	402
Johnstown, NE	69214	402
Long Pine, NE	69217	402

Major Cities and Towns in Brown County, Nebraska

Ainsworth

Location and History

• Area: 1.06 square miles
• Population: 1,700 (approx.)
• Zip Codes: 69210
• Latitude: 42.5505° N
• Longitude: 99.8599° W

Ainsworth is the county seat of Brown County, Nebraska, located in the north-central part of the state. The town was founded in 1883 and named after the Ainsworth family, early settlers in the area. The town grew quickly after the arrival of the railroad, which provided important transportation links for the agricultural community. Ainsworth was originally a trading hub for local cattle ranchers, farmers, and traders. As the town grew, it became an essential service center for the surrounding area, with businesses, schools, and government services expanding alongside its population. Over the years, Ainsworth has maintained its role as the center of commerce and government in Brown County. Today, the town is known for its strong agricultural economy, with ranching and farming remaining the key industries. Despite the challenges facing rural communities, Ainsworth has continued to thrive, retaining its small-town charm while offering modern amenities and services to its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ainsworth is served by the Ainsworth Community Schools, which includes Ainsworth High School, Ainsworth Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music programs, and academic clubs. Major landmarks in Ainsworth include the Brown County Historical Museum, which highlights the area’s history, from Native American culture to early settlement and the development of agriculture. The Ainsworth City Park offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds, walking trails, and sports fields, providing a gathering space for local families and visitors. The Keya Paha River runs through the area, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The Ainsworth Public Library is another key community resource, providing books, educational programs, and events for residents of all ages. The Ainsworth Golf Course also serves as a popular destination for outdoor activities and social gatherings. Additionally, the Sandhills Ranching Heritage Museum highlights the region’s cattle ranching history and showcases the importance of the Sandhills to Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

Long Pine

Location and History

• Area: 1.16 square miles
• Population: 200 (approx.)
• Zip Codes: 69217
• Latitude: 42.5385° N
• Longitude: 99.4267° W

Long Pine is a small town located in the southern part of Brown County, Nebraska, named after the Long Pine Creek that runs through the area. The creek itself is a key feature of the town, providing early settlers with water and a natural barrier to the surrounding prairies. Long Pine was established in the late 19th century, and by the early 1900s, the town was thriving as an agricultural and transportation hub. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s helped Long Pine develop into a key stop for the region’s ranching and farming industries. As the years passed, Long Pine’s population and economic activity declined somewhat, but it remains a quiet, close-knit community. Today, Long Pine is primarily residential and agricultural, with the surrounding area known for cattle ranching and farming, particularly the cultivation of hay, corn, and wheat. Despite its small size, Long Pine continues to offer a peaceful rural lifestyle to its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Long Pine is served by the Long Pine Public School District, which provides education for local students, including elementary and high school programs. The district emphasizes small class sizes and community involvement. Key landmarks in Long Pine include the Long Pine Creek, which offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The Long Pine City Park is a popular local destination for outdoor activities, featuring picnic areas, sports facilities, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The Long Pine Historical Museum showcases the town’s past, with exhibits focused on the area’s agricultural roots and its role in the early development of Brown County. The Long Pine Opera House, which dates back to the early 1900s, is another historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the town’s cultural history. The town’s proximity to the Niobrara National Scenic River also provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Springview

Location and History

• Area: 0.49 square miles
• Population: 200 (approx.)
• Zip Codes: 68778
• Latitude: 42.8036° N
• Longitude: 99.5036° W

Springview is the smallest village in Brown County and serves as the administrative center for the northeastern part of the county. Established in 1884, the town’s name derives from the natural springs that feed into the nearby Springview Creek, which provided water for early settlers and became a central part of the town’s development. Springview’s early economy was based on agriculture, primarily cattle ranching and grain farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped connect the town to larger markets, leading to its initial growth. However, the town remained small as farming and ranching in the surrounding area continued to dominate the local economy. Over time, the decline of rail transport and the rise of modern highways contributed to the town’s slower population growth. Today, Springview remains a quiet, rural village with a small but devoted population that values its agricultural heritage and close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Springview is served by the Springview Public School District, which provides education for local students. The district offers elementary and secondary education, and while it is a small school, it provides a solid educational experience for its students. Major landmarks in Springview include the Springview Community Park, which provides a space for outdoor activities, including picnicking, hiking, and sports. Springview Creek remains a natural feature of the town, offering residents a peaceful area for fishing and wildlife viewing. The Springview Historical Society operates a museum that preserves the town’s past, including exhibits on local farming practices and the role the town played in the settlement of the region. Another important feature of the town is the Springview Cemetery, which contains the graves of many of the town’s early settlers and offers a historical connection to the community’s origins. Additionally, Springview’s proximity to Niobrara State Park provides residents with easy access to hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreational opportunities.

Rudyard

Location and History

• Area: 0.35 square miles
• Population: 40 (approx.)
• Zip Codes: 69218
• Latitude: 42.8000° N
• Longitude: 99.7272° W

Rudyard is a very small unincorporated community located in the northwestern corner of Brown County. It was founded in the early 1900s, likely named after the famous British poet Rudyard Kipling, although exact details on its founding are sparse. The community grew as an agricultural settlement, with nearby ranching and farming providing the bulk of its economy. Its proximity to larger towns like Ainsworth meant that many of Rudyard’s residents worked in surrounding areas or relied on nearby trade routes for their livelihoods. As the years went on, many families moved away in search of better opportunities, and Rudyard’s population steadily decreased. Today, the community remains a quiet rural area with a few remaining homes and farms. While it no longer serves as a bustling settlement, Rudyard remains a part of Brown County’s rural identity, representing the agricultural roots that defined the region in its early years.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Since Rudyard is an unincorporated community, it does not have its own school or organized public facilities. The children of Rudyard typically attend schools in neighboring towns like Ainsworth. There are few formal landmarks in Rudyard, but the town’s cemetery and surrounding farmland are key features. The Rudyard Cemetery contains graves of early settlers and provides a historical connection to the town’s past. The natural landscape around Rudyard is typical of the Sandhills region, with expansive grasslands and rolling hills that are popular for ranching and farming. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation, while the town remains a quiet example of Nebraska’s rural heritage. Residents continue to rely on nearby towns for services, but the area maintains a sense of peace and isolation that defines its charm.