Cities and Towns in Crawford County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Crawford County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Crawford County was formed from Shelby County. The city of Denison is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, Crawford County has a population of 16,193 and area of 714 square miles (1,849 km²).

List of all cities in Crawford County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Arion, IA	51520	712
Aspinwall, IA	51432	712
Botna, IA	51454	712
Boyer, IA	51448	712
Buck Grove, IA	51528	712
Charter Oak, IA	51439	712
Deloit, IA	51441	712
Denison, IA	51442	712
Dow City, IA	51528	712
Halbur, IA	51432	712
Kiron, IA	51448	712
Manilla, IA	51454	712
Ricketts, IA	51460	712
Schleswig, IA	51461	712
Vail, IA	51465	712
Westside, IA	51467	712

Major Cities and Towns in Crawford County, Iowa

Denison

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 6.57 square miles
• Population: 8,373 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51442
• Latitude: 42.0156° N
• Longitude: 95.3558° W

Location and History

Denison, the county seat of Crawford County, is located in western Iowa along U.S. Highway 30 and Iowa Highway 39. The city was founded in 1856 by J.W. Denison, who named the town after himself. Denison’s growth was spurred by its location along the Boyer River and the arrival of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in the late 19th century. The town became an agricultural and commercial hub for the region, with grain, corn, and livestock production playing key roles in its economy. Denison is also known as the hometown of Donna Reed, a famous actress who starred in the television show The Donna Reed Show and in films such as It’s a Wonderful Life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Denison is served by the Denison Community School District, with Denison High School as the central educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Donna Reed Theatre, which honors the actress’s legacy and serves as a cultural center for the community. The Crawford County Courthouse, built in 1904, is another historical landmark that reflects the town’s rich history. Denison hosts an annual Donna Reed Festival for the Performing Arts, celebrating local talent and the arts. Yellow Smoke Park offers outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

Schleswig

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.85 square miles
• Population: 830 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51461
• Latitude: 42.1622° N
• Longitude: 95.4356° W

Location and History

Schleswig is located in northern Crawford County, about 12 miles north of Denison, along U.S. Highway 59. The town was founded in 1899 by German immigrants and named after the Schleswig region of Germany. Schleswig developed as a farming community, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. The town’s early settlers were predominantly German, and this heritage is still evident in the town’s cultural traditions and events. Over the years, Schleswig has remained a small, close-knit rural community, with farming—particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock—continuing to play a central role in its economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Schleswig is part of the Schleswig Community School District, with Schleswig Elementary School serving the town’s students. The town’s primary landmarks include Schleswig City Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for recreation. Each year, the town celebrates GermanFest, a festival honoring its German heritage with parades, traditional German food, and live entertainment. The Schleswig Community Center hosts various local events and gatherings throughout the year, strengthening the town’s sense of community. The nearby Crawford Creek Recreational Area provides opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Manilla

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.98 square miles
• Population: 776 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51454
• Latitude: 41.8897° N
• Longitude: 95.2328° W

Location and History

Manilla is located in southeastern Crawford County, about 17 miles southeast of Denison, along Iowa Highway 141. The town was established in 1886 and named after the Battle of Manila Bay, a significant event during the Spanish-American War. Manilla grew as a small agricultural and railroad town, benefiting from its location on the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Farming has always been a central part of Manilla’s economy, with the surrounding farmland supporting corn, soybeans, and livestock production. Over time, Manilla has maintained its rural character while adapting to the changing needs of its agricultural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Manilla is part of the IKM-Manning Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Manning. The town’s key landmarks include Manilla Memorial Hall, which serves as a community gathering place and venue for local events. The Nishnabotna River flows near the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The town also hosts an annual Manilla Fun Days celebration, featuring parades, games, and family-friendly activities that bring the community together. The town’s close proximity to larger cities like Denison offers residents access to additional services and amenities while preserving its rural atmosphere.

Charter Oak

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.82 square miles
• Population: 497 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51439
• Latitude: 42.0675° N
• Longitude: 95.5892° W

Location and History

Charter Oak is located in western Crawford County, about 18 miles west of Denison, along Iowa Highway 141. The town was founded in 1869 and named after the famous Charter Oak tree in Connecticut, symbolizing freedom and independence. Charter Oak developed as a small farming community, with agriculture being the cornerstone of its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped the town grow, allowing local farmers to transport their goods to larger markets. Today, Charter Oak remains a quiet, rural town with strong ties to its agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Charter Oak is part of the Charter Oak-Ute Community School District, with students attending Charter Oak-Ute High School. The town’s primary landmarks include Charter Oak City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The town celebrates its agricultural roots each year with Charter Oak’s Farmers Day, an event that features parades, tractor shows, and local food vendors. Charter Oak’s rural surroundings offer residents opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, and fishing. The town’s location along the Boyer River provides additional recreational options for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Dow City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.58 square miles
• Population: 503 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51528
• Latitude: 41.9283° N
• Longitude: 95.4881° W

Location and History

Dow City is located in southwestern Crawford County, about 10 miles southwest of Denison, along U.S. Highway 30. The town was established in 1869 and named after its founder, Judge S. Dow. Dow City grew as a small agricultural community, with the Boyer River providing water resources for farming and local mills. The arrival of the railroad further spurred the town’s growth, making it a hub for transporting agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, and livestock. Over the years, Dow City has maintained its rural character while serving as a peaceful residential area for families and farmers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Dow City is part of the Boyer Valley Community School District, with Boyer Valley High School located nearby in Dunlap. Key landmarks in the town include Dow City Park, which provides recreational facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The town celebrates its history with the annual Dow City Fun Days, a community event featuring parades, games, and local entertainment. The nearby Boyer River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature walks, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. Dow City’s rural atmosphere and close-knit community make it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.

Vail

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.50 square miles
• Population: 436 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51465
• Latitude: 42.0594° N
• Longitude: 95.2022° W

Location and History

Vail is located in eastern Crawford County, about 10 miles east of Denison, along U.S. Highway 30. The town was founded in 1867 and named after Aaron Vail, an early settler and businessman. Vail developed as a small agricultural community, with farming playing a central role in its economy. The arrival of the railroad contributed to the town’s growth, allowing local farmers to easily transport their products to regional markets. Vail has retained its rural charm, with agriculture continuing to be the mainstay of the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vail is part of the Ar-We-Va Community School District, with Ar-We-Va High School located in nearby Westside. Notable landmarks in Vail include Vail City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. Each summer, Vail hosts Vail Fun Days, a festival that includes parades, live music, and community activities that bring residents together. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. Vail’s proximity to larger towns like Denison provides residents with easy access to additional services and amenities while preserving its small-town character.

Westside

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.41 square miles
• Population: 299 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51467
• Latitude: 42.0747° N
• Longitude: 95.0989° W

Location and History

Westside is located in eastern Crawford County, about 15 miles northeast of Denison, along U.S. Highway 30. The town was founded in 1871 and named for its location on the western side of the Boyer River. Westside grew as a small farming community, with agriculture—particularly corn and livestock production—forming the backbone of the local economy. The town’s growth was further supported by the arrival of the railroad, which helped transport agricultural products to larger markets. Today, Westside remains a small, close-knit rural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Westside is part of the Ar-We-Va Community School District, with Ar-We-Va High School located in town. Key landmarks include the Westside City Park, which offers recreational amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The town’s annual Westside Harvest Festival celebrates its agricultural roots with parades, games, and local food vendors. The nearby Boyer River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Westside’s rural location and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, agricultural-focused lifestyle.