Cities and Towns in Cherokee County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Cherokee County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Cherokee County was formed from Crawford County. The city of Cherokee is the county seat. With FIPS code of 35, Cherokee County has a population of 11,503 and area of 577 square miles (1,494 km²).
List of all cities in Cherokee County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Aurelia, IA | 51005 | 712 |
| Cherokee, IA | 51012 | 712 |
| Cleghorn, IA | 51014 | 712 |
| Diamond Center, IA | 51005 | 712 |
| Larrabee, IA | 51029 | 712 |
| Marcus, IA | 51035 | 712 |
| Meriden, IA | 51037 | 712 |
| Quimby, IA | 51049 | 712 |
| Washta, IA | 51061 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cherokee County, Iowa
Cherokee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 6.42 square miles
- Population: 5,199 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51012
- Latitude: 42.7497° N
- Longitude: 95.5508° W
Location and History
Cherokee, the county seat of Cherokee County, is located in northwestern Iowa along U.S. Highway 59 and Iowa Highway 3. Established in 1856, Cherokee was named after the Cherokee Native American tribe. The town grew rapidly with the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in the late 19th century, becoming a key agricultural and commercial hub for the region. Cherokee’s economy has long been tied to agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock as the primary products. The town has also become known for its historical and cultural significance, home to several museums and festivals that celebrate its rich heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cherokee is part of the Cherokee Community School District, with Cherokee Washington High School being the main educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Sanford Museum and Planetarium, which offers exhibits on local history, archaeology, and astronomy. The Cherokee Symphony, one of the oldest volunteer orchestras in Iowa, provides cultural enrichment to the community. The Cherokee Depot is a restored historic train station, while Gillette Park offers recreational facilities. The Cherokee County Fair and the Cherokee Jazz & Blues Festival are major annual events that draw visitors from across the region.
Marcus
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.32 square miles
- Population: 1,089 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51035
- Latitude: 42.8222° N
- Longitude: 95.8067° W
Location and History
Marcus is located in northern Cherokee County, about 16 miles northwest of Cherokee along Iowa Highway 143. The town was founded in 1871 and named after Marcus Pingree, a local businessman. Marcus developed as a small agricultural community, with its growth supported by the railroad, which enabled the shipment of grain and livestock. Agriculture remains a vital part of the town’s economy, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, and cattle. Marcus is known for its community-focused events and strong ties to its agricultural heritage, offering a rural lifestyle with access to larger nearby cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marcus is part of the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn (MMC) Community School District, with Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn High School serving the area. The town’s key landmarks include the Marcus Fairgrounds, which host the annual Marcus Community Fair, a long-standing tradition that features livestock shows, carnival rides, and local entertainment. The Marcus Historical Society maintains a museum showcasing the town’s history, including its agricultural roots and the impact of the railroad. The town park provides recreational opportunities for residents, and the surrounding rural landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
Aurelia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.95 square miles
- Population: 1,036 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51005
- Latitude: 42.7133° N
- Longitude: 95.4361° W
Location and History
Aurelia is located in southern Cherokee County, about 6 miles east of Cherokee along Iowa Highway 7. The town was established in 1873, named after Aurelia, the daughter of a railroad official. Like many towns in the area, Aurelia developed as an agricultural community, with its growth closely tied to the railroad. The town has a strong agricultural base, focusing on corn, soybeans, and livestock. Over the years, Aurelia has maintained its small-town charm and remains a close-knit community with a focus on agriculture and local businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Aurelia is part of the Alta-Aurelia Community School District, with students attending schools in both Aurelia and Alta. The town’s notable landmarks include the Aurelia Community Center, which hosts local events and gatherings. Aurelia City Park offers recreational facilities, including playgrounds and sports fields, and serves as a gathering place for residents. Each year, Aurelia celebrates its heritage with the Aurelia Heritage Days festival, featuring parades, games, and community activities. The nearby Mill Creek Lake and Park provide opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cleghorn
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population: 227 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51014
- Latitude: 42.8189° N
- Longitude: 95.7161° W
Location and History
Cleghorn is a small town located in northern Cherokee County, about 14 miles north of Cherokee. The town was established in 1882 and named after a railroad official, Samuel Cleghorn. Like many towns in Cherokee County, Cleghorn’s early growth was fueled by the arrival of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets for grain and livestock. Agriculture has remained central to the local economy, with many family farms in the area. Cleghorn has retained its small-town atmosphere and offers residents a quiet rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cleghorn is part of the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Marcus. The Cleghorn Community Center is a central location for local events and gatherings. A key local landmark is the Cleghorn Heritage Park, which provides green spaces for recreation and community events. The town’s close proximity to Marcus allows residents to participate in the Marcus Community Fair and other nearby events. Cleghorn’s rural surroundings offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and hunting in the nearby woodlands and fields.
Quimby
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population: 268 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51049
- Latitude: 42.6317° N
- Longitude: 95.6464° W
Location and History
Quimby is located in southern Cherokee County, about 10 miles southeast of Cherokee, along the Little Sioux River. The town was founded in 1887 and named after L.C. Quimby, an early settler and businessman. Quimby developed as a small agricultural community, with farming and local services forming the backbone of its economy. The town’s location along the river provided opportunities for milling and agriculture, with the surrounding farmland supporting grain and livestock production. Quimby has remained a small rural town, focused on agriculture and community life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Quimby is part of the River Valley Community School District, with students attending River Valley High School in nearby Correctionville. The town’s major landmarks include the Quimby City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds and picnic areas. The town’s historical museum preserves artifacts and exhibits related to Quimby’s early history and its role as a farming community. Each year, Quimby celebrates Quimby Fun Days, a community event that features parades, games, and local entertainment. The nearby Little Sioux River offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Meriden
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: 146 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51037
- Latitude: 42.8094° N
- Longitude: 95.6289° W
Location and History
Meriden is a small town in northern Cherokee County, about 8 miles northwest of Cherokee. Founded in 1869, Meriden was named after Meriden, Connecticut, by early settlers. Like other towns in the county, Meriden grew as a farming community, with its economy centered around grain and livestock production. The town’s location along the railroad helped it prosper in its early years, though it has remained small and focused on serving the local agricultural community. Meriden is known for its peaceful rural environment and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Meriden is part of the Cherokee Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Cherokee. A key landmark in Meriden is the Meriden City Park, which offers recreational facilities and green spaces for residents. The town’s historical roots are preserved through local traditions and events, including participation in nearby Cherokee’s county-wide festivals and fairs. Meriden’s proximity to the rural countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and hunting. The town’s small size contributes to its quiet, laid-back lifestyle, making it an ideal place for those seeking rural living.
