Cities and Towns in Buchanan County, Missouri
Founded in 1838, Buchanan County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Buchanan County was formed from part of the Platte Purchase. The city of Saint Joseph is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Buchanan County has a population of 83,853 and area of 410 square miles (1,062 km²).
List of all cities in Buchanan County, MO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Agency, MO | 64401 | 816/975 |
| Country Club, MO | 64505 | 816/975 |
| 64506 | 816/975 | |
| De Kalb, MO | 64440 | 816/975 |
| Easton, MO | 64443 | 816/975 |
| Faucett, MO | 64448 | 816/975 |
| Rushville, MO | 64484 | 816/975 |
| Saint Joseph, MO | 64501 | 816/975 |
| 64502 | 816/975 | |
| 64503 | 816/975 | |
| 64504 | 816/975 | |
| 64505 | 816/975 | |
| 64506 | 816/975 | |
| 64507 | 816/975 | |
| 64508 | 816/975 | |
| Winthrop, MO | 64484 | 816/975 |
Major Cities and Towns in Buchanan County, Missouri
St. Joseph
Overview
- Area: Approximately 44.77 square miles
- Population: About 72,000 (latest estimate)
- Zip Codes: 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507
- Latitude: 39.7686° N
- Longitude: -94.8466° W
Location and History
St. Joseph, the county seat of Buchanan County, is located along the Missouri River in northwestern Missouri. Founded in 1843 by fur trader Joseph Robidoux, St. Joseph quickly became a major hub for westward expansion. The city is famously known as the starting point of the Pony Express in 1860, a short-lived but iconic mail delivery service that connected the east and west before the transcontinental telegraph. St. Joseph was also the location where notorious outlaw Jesse James was killed in 1882. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century as a center for trade, transportation, and industry, particularly in livestock and agriculture. Today, St. Joseph retains its historical significance, with many preserved buildings and sites celebrating its unique heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Joseph is served by the St. Joseph School District, which includes Central High School, Lafayette High School, and Benton High School. Major landmarks include the Pony Express National Museum and the Jesse James Home Museum, both of which attract history enthusiasts. The Missouri Theater, an Art Deco masterpiece, hosts performances and community events. Krug Park and the Remington Nature Center provide outdoor spaces for recreation, and the annual Trails West! Festival celebrates the city’s pioneer heritage with music, food, and art. These attractions, alongside historic architecture, make St. Joseph a vibrant center for culture and history.
Gower
Overview
- Area: Approximately 1.15 square miles
- Population: Around 1,500 (latest estimate)
- Zip Codes: 64454
- Latitude: 39.6167° N
- Longitude: -94.5952° W
Location and History
Gower is located in the southeastern part of Buchanan County, extending partly into Clinton County. Founded in the 1870s, Gower was named after a prominent railroad executive and grew as a small agricultural town along the rail line. The town developed around farming and commerce, with many residents engaged in crop and livestock farming. Gower’s historical roots are grounded in its community spirit, with residents contributing to a welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere. In recent years, Gower has maintained steady growth, serving as a residential community for those seeking a rural lifestyle close to the larger city of St. Joseph.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gower is served by the East Buchanan County C-1 School District, which includes East Buchanan High School, known for its strong academic programs and sports teams. Landmarks in Gower include the Gower City Park, a favorite local spot for family activities and seasonal events. The annual Gower Days festival brings the community together for games, food, and parades, celebrating the town’s history and agricultural heritage. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, an architectural highlight, reflects Gower’s historical character, while nearby farms offer fresh produce and a glimpse into the town’s rural roots.
De Kalb
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.24 square miles
- Population: Around 200 (latest estimate)
- Zip Codes: 64440
- Latitude: 39.5845° N
- Longitude: -94.9230° W
Location and History
De Kalb is a small town located in the western part of Buchanan County, near the Missouri River. Founded in the mid-19th century, De Kalb originally served as a stop along local trade routes, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. Named after General Johann de Kalb, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, the town has preserved its historical character while remaining primarily rural. Its location near the river and agricultural fields has kept De Kalb closely connected to nature, with many residents continuing family farming traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in De Kalb typically attend schools within the St. Joseph School District, as the town does not have its own high school. Notable landmarks include the De Kalb Community Center, which hosts local gatherings and events, and the De Kalb United Methodist Church, a longstanding institution in the town. The nearby Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, and local trails attract outdoor enthusiasts. De Kalb’s annual community fair celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and brings residents together for food, games, and music, reinforcing its strong sense of community.
Easton
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.25 square miles
- Population: Around 250 (latest estimate)
- Zip Codes: 64443
- Latitude: 39.6811° N
- Longitude: -94.6758° W
Location and History
Easton is located in the eastern part of Buchanan County, serving as a small rural community with a close connection to agriculture. Established in the mid-1800s, Easton developed as a farming and trade center, benefiting from the fertile land in the region. The town’s quiet, small-town atmosphere has remained largely unchanged, with many residents engaged in agriculture or commuting to nearby St. Joseph for work. Easton’s community is characterized by its friendly and tight-knit feel, where neighbors often come together for events and support local traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Easton is part of the Buchanan County R-IV School District, with Mid-Buchanan High School serving local students and known for its academic programs and sports teams. The Easton City Park offers recreational facilities, including playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a gathering spot for residents. The town’s annual events, such as the Easton Fall Festival, bring the community together with games, local crafts, and food, celebrating its rural character. The surrounding farmland and scenic countryside offer residents ample opportunities for outdoor activities and contribute to Easton’s tranquil rural lifestyle.
Agency
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.20 square miles
- Population: Around 700 (latest estimate)
- Zip Codes: 64401
- Latitude: 39.6519° N
- Longitude: -94.7263° W
Location and History
Agency is a small town in southern Buchanan County, close to the Platte River. Founded in the 1860s, Agency originally served as a stop along the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, connecting it to larger cities in Missouri and contributing to its early growth. Named after an “Indian Agency” (a government liaison office for Native American relations) that once operated in the region, the town developed a rich history tied to transportation and agriculture. While the railroad’s influence has waned, Agency has preserved its small-town character, with a focus on community and rural life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Agency’s students typically attend schools in the Mid-Buchanan R-V School District, with Mid-Buchanan High School offering various academic and extracurricular programs. Landmarks in Agency include the historic Agency United Methodist Church and the Agency Cemetery, which dates back to the town’s founding. The Platte River provides nearby recreational opportunities for fishing and boating, while the town’s parks offer picnic spots and green spaces. Agency Day, an annual event with food, music, and games, brings the community together and celebrates the town’s rural heritage, reflecting the town’s strong sense of pride and history.
