Cities and Towns in Carroll County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Carroll County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Carroll County was formed from Guthrie County. The city of Carroll is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Carroll County has a population of 20,692 and area of 569 square miles (1,474 km²).

List of all cities in Carroll County, IA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Arcadia, IA 51430 712
Breda, IA 51436 712
Carroll, IA 51401 712
Coon Rapids, IA 50058 712
Dedham, IA 51440 712
Glidden, IA 51443 712
Halbur, IA 51444 712
Lanesboro, IA 51451 712
Lidderdale, IA 51452 712
Manning, IA 51455 712
Maple River, IA 51401 712
Mount Carmel, IA 51401 712
Ralston, IA 51459 712
Roselle, IA 51401 712
Templeton, IA 51463 712
Willey, IA 51401 712

Major Cities and Towns in Carroll County, Iowa

Carroll

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 5.71 square miles
  • Population: 9,904 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51401
  • Latitude: 42.0652° N
  • Longitude: 94.8647° W

Location and History

Carroll, the county seat of Carroll County, is located in west-central Iowa along U.S. Highway 30. Founded in 1855 and named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Carroll quickly grew due to its strategic location on the railroad. The arrival of the Chicago & North Western Railway in the late 19th century solidified its role as a hub for commerce and agriculture. The town’s early economy was rooted in grain and livestock, which remain important today. Over time, Carroll has developed into a regional center for business, healthcare, and education, while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Carroll is served by the Carroll Community School District, with Carroll High School and Kuemper Catholic High School providing secondary education. Carroll’s historic downtown is a major landmark, with well-preserved architecture that includes the Carroll County Courthouse, built in 1965. The city is also home to Swan Lake State Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking. Carroll hosts the annual CarrollFest, celebrating local culture with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery and the Carroll Recreation Center also attract visitors for leisure and entertainment.

Coon Rapids

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.91 square miles
  • Population: 1,193 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 50058
  • Latitude: 41.8721° N
  • Longitude: 94.6771° W

Location and History

Coon Rapids is located in the southeastern corner of Carroll County, near the Middle Raccoon River. The town was established in the late 19th century and grew as a small agricultural community. It was named after the raccoons that populated the area along the river. In its early years, Coon Rapids became a center for agriculture, especially known for corn and livestock production. Today, the town maintains its rural character while embracing new initiatives, such as sustainable farming practices promoted by the Whiterock Conservancy, a large conservation area located near the town.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Coon Rapids is part of the Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District, with Coon Rapids-Bayard High School serving the local area. One of the most notable landmarks is the Whiterock Conservancy, a 5,500-acre land trust dedicated to conservation, outdoor recreation, and sustainable agriculture. The conservancy offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, making it a key attraction for visitors. Another landmark is the Coon Rapids Museum, which showcases the town’s history and agricultural heritage. The annual Coon Rapids Enterprise Rodeo is a popular event, drawing visitors for rodeo competitions and community festivities.

Glidden

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.99 square miles
  • Population: 1,111 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51443
  • Latitude: 42.0556° N
  • Longitude: 94.7264° W

Location and History

Glidden is located in eastern Carroll County, about 6 miles east of Carroll on U.S. Highway 30. Founded in 1866, the town was named after Joseph Farwell Glidden, the inventor of barbed wire. The town grew alongside the construction of the railroad and became an important center for agriculture, particularly in grain production. Glidden’s rich agricultural history continues to influence the local economy, with farming and ag-related industries playing central roles. Today, Glidden is known for its small-town charm and strong community values.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Glidden is part of the Glidden-Ralston Community School District, with Glidden-Ralston High School serving local students. The town’s most prominent landmarks include the Glidden Heritage Park, which offers recreational opportunities such as playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic areas. The historic Carnegie Library building, built in 1914, is a notable structure reflecting the town’s commitment to education and community development. Glidden celebrates its agricultural roots with annual events such as the Glidden Harvest Festival, which includes parades, games, and agricultural exhibitions, bringing the community together.

Manning

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 2.03 square miles
  • Population: 1,426 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51455
  • Latitude: 41.9089° N
  • Longitude: 95.0633° W

Location and History

Manning is located in the southwestern part of Carroll County, along U.S. Highway 141, about 20 miles southwest of Carroll. The town was established in 1881 and named after Orlando Harrison Manning, a lieutenant governor of Iowa. Manning grew rapidly in its early years due to its position along the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway, which made it a significant center for trade and agriculture. The town’s economy has long been tied to farming, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being key products. Today, Manning is known for its German heritage and vibrant cultural life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Manning is served by the IKM-Manning Community School District, with IKM-Manning High School located in the town. One of the most significant landmarks is the Hausbarn-Heritage Park, which features a fully restored 1660 German Hausbarn, symbolizing the town’s strong German roots. The Trinity Church and the Manning Veterans Memorial also stand as important historical and cultural sites. Manning’s downtown area is well-preserved, with many historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town hosts the annual Kinderfest, a celebration of its German heritage with traditional music, dancing, and food.

Breda

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.58 square miles
  • Population: 483 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51436
  • Latitude: 42.1825° N
  • Longitude: 94.9794° W

Location and History

Breda is located in northwestern Carroll County, about 12 miles northwest of Carroll. The town was established in 1877 by Dutch and German immigrants and named after Breda, a city in the Netherlands. Breda developed as a small agricultural community, with grain and livestock farming as the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century contributed to its growth. Although small, Breda has retained much of its historical charm and remains a tight-knit rural community with strong agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Breda is part of the Carroll Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Carroll. St. Bernard Catholic Church is a key landmark in the town, reflecting Breda’s strong Catholic heritage. The Breda Depot Museum, located in the restored train depot, offers a glimpse into the town’s history and its early ties to the railroad. Breda’s annual community events, such as the Breda Summer Celebration, highlight the town’s agricultural traditions and provide entertainment for residents and visitors. The nearby Swan Lake State Park also offers recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Templeton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.36 square miles
  • Population: 345 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51463
  • Latitude: 41.9186° N
  • Longitude: 94.9372° W

Location and History

Templeton is located in southwestern Carroll County, about 12 miles southwest of Carroll. The town was founded in 1882 and is best known for its connection to the famous Templeton Rye whiskey, which was distilled illegally during Prohibition and became a local legend. Templeton grew as an agricultural community, with the production of corn and livestock serving as the backbone of its economy. Today, the town is proud of its whiskey-making heritage and rural character, which continue to draw visitors.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Templeton is part of the IKM-Manning Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Manning. The town’s most famous landmark is the Templeton Rye Distillery, which produces the modern version of the famed Prohibition-era whiskey. Visitors can tour the distillery and learn about the town’s history with whiskey production. Another important site is Sacred Heart Catholic Church, reflecting the town’s religious heritage. The Templeton Community Center hosts various local events, including the annual Templeton Town Festival, which features parades, games, and celebrations of the town’s unique history.