Cities and Towns in Buena Vista County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Buena Vista County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Buena Vista County was formed from Clay County and Sac County. The city of Storm Lake is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Buena Vista County has a population of 20,771 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).

List of all cities in Buena Vista  County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Albert City, IA	50510	712
Alta, IA	51002	712
Bel Air Beach, IA	50588	712
Casino Beach, IA	50588	712
Cornell, IA	50585	712
Hanover, IA	51002	712
Juniata, IA	50588	712
Lakeside, IA	50588	712
Linn Grove, IA	51033	712
Marathon, IA	50565	712
Newell, IA	50568	712
Rembrandt, IA	50576	712
Sioux Rapids, IA	50585	712
Storm Lake, IA	50588	712
Sulphur Springs, IA	50588	712
Truesdale, IA	50592	712
West Storm Lake, IA	50588	712

Major Cities and Towns in Buena Vista County, Iowa

Storm Lake

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 4.13 square miles
• Population: 11,269 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50588
• Latitude: 42.6417° N
• Longitude: 95.2019° W

Location and History

Storm Lake, the county seat of Buena Vista County, is located in northwestern Iowa along the shores of the natural lake that shares its name. Founded in 1873, the city grew quickly due to its rich agricultural surroundings and access to water transportation on Storm Lake. The city developed as an agricultural and manufacturing hub, thanks to its prime location near railroads and fertile farmland. Over the years, Storm Lake’s economy has diversified, with industries such as Tyson Foods playing a significant role. The city also has a growing Hispanic population, adding to its cultural diversity and vibrant community life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Storm Lake is served by the Storm Lake Community School District, with Storm Lake High School as the main secondary school. Buena Vista University, a private college founded in 1891, is located in Storm Lake and contributes to the city’s educational and cultural landscape. Major landmarks include the Storm Lake Historical Society Museum, which showcases local history, and King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort, a popular destination for recreation. The lake itself is central to the city’s identity, offering boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Annual events such as the Star Spangled Spectacular on July 4th draw large crowds for fireworks, parades, and family-friendly festivities.

Alta

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.34 square miles
• Population: 2,087 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51002
• Latitude: 42.6714° N
• Longitude: 95.3031° W

Location and History

Alta is located in central Buena Vista County, about 7 miles west of Storm Lake. The town was established in 1872 with the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway, which played a pivotal role in its growth as an agricultural trading hub. Alta’s name, meaning “high” in Spanish, reflects its elevation compared to the surrounding plains. Over the decades, the town has remained a small, yet active, agricultural center, with grain, corn, and soybean production dominating the local economy. Its close proximity to Storm Lake allows Alta to benefit from nearby city amenities while retaining its small-town charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alta is part of the Alta-Aurelia Community School District, which includes Alta-Aurelia High School, known for its strong academic and athletic programs. Major landmarks in the town include Heritage Park, which offers recreational opportunities for residents and hosts community events throughout the year. The town also celebrates Alta Days, an annual event featuring parades, live music, and family-friendly activities. Nearby landmarks such as the Hanover Historical Village showcase the area’s pioneer heritage, while the proximity to Storm Lake provides easy access to outdoor recreation, such as boating and fishing.

Sioux Rapids

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.79 square miles
• Population: 748 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50585
• Latitude: 42.8905° N
• Longitude: 95.1475° W

Location and History

Sioux Rapids is located in northern Buena Vista County, along the Little Sioux River, approximately 18 miles north of Storm Lake. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and named after the nearby river, which played a central role in its early development. Sioux Rapids became a key site for milling and agricultural trade due to its proximity to the river. The town’s history is closely tied to the growth of agriculture in the region, particularly corn and livestock farming. Despite its small size, Sioux Rapids has a rich pioneer history and remains a vibrant rural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sioux Rapids is part of the Sioux Central Community School District, which serves students from the surrounding rural areas. Sioux Central High School is located nearby and offers a comprehensive education for the town’s youth. Notable landmarks include Sioux Rapids City Park, which serves as the central gathering place for local events and recreation. The town also celebrates its annual River Valley Fest, featuring parades, games, and entertainment. The Little Sioux River offers recreational opportunities for fishing and canoeing, while the surrounding agricultural landscape reflects the town’s farming heritage.

Newell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.96 square miles
• Population: 876 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50568
• Latitude: 42.6053° N
• Longitude: 95.0044° W

Location and History

Newell is located in eastern Buena Vista County, about 10 miles east of Storm Lake. The town was founded in 1870 and named after a local settler, B.F. Newell. Newell developed as a small agricultural community with strong ties to grain and livestock production. Its location near the junction of several railway lines allowed it to serve as a trading center for the surrounding rural areas. Although Newell remains primarily agricultural, the town has a tight-knit community that supports local businesses, schools, and cultural events, maintaining its identity as a rural Iowa town with deep historical roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Newell is part of the Newell-Fonda Community School District, with Newell-Fonda High School known for its excellence in academics and sports. Major landmarks in Newell include the Newell Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the town and surrounding areas. The town also features several parks, including Newell City Park, where community events and recreational activities are held. The annual Newell Labor Day Celebration brings residents together for parades, games, and local entertainment. The town’s proximity to Storm Lake provides residents with additional recreational opportunities, including water sports and outdoor activities.

Linn Grove

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.18 square miles
• Population: 154 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51033
• Latitude: 42.8967° N
• Longitude: 95.2478° W

Location and History

Linn Grove is a small town in northern Buena Vista County, located along the Little Sioux River. Founded in the mid-19th century, Linn Grove was initially a milling center, taking advantage of the river’s power to grind grain and produce lumber. The town was named for its abundant groves of linden (basswood) trees that once covered the area. Although Linn Grove’s population has remained small, it has a rich history as an early settlement in the region. Today, it serves as a quiet rural community with deep agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Linn Grove is part of the Sioux Central Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Sioux Rapids. A key landmark in the town is the Linn Grove Dam, a historic structure along the Little Sioux River that has become a local fishing and recreation spot. The Linn Grove City Park offers picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a central gathering place for residents. The nearby Prairie Heritage Center provides educational exhibits on the region’s natural history and early settlers, making it a popular destination for those interested in local heritage and wildlife.