Cities and Towns in Dakota County, Nebraska
Founded in 1855, Dakota County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Dakota County was formed from Burt County. The city of Dakota City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Dakota County has a population of 21,241 and area of 264 square miles (684 km²).
List of all cities in Dakota County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Dakota City, NE | 68731 | 402 |
| Emerson, NE | 68733 | 402 |
| Homer, NE | 68030 | 402 |
| Hubbard, NE | 68741 | 402 |
| Jackson, NE | 68743 | 402 |
| South Sioux City, NE | 68776 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Dakota County, Nebraska
South Sioux City
Location and History
- Area: 4.21 square miles
- Population: 13,000 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 68776
- Latitude: 42.4695° N
- Longitude: 96.4420° W
South Sioux City is located in the northeastern part of Dakota County, Nebraska, along the Missouri River and just across the river from Sioux City, Iowa. The city was founded in the late 19th century, primarily as a transportation and trade hub due to its proximity to the river. The construction of railroads and the development of riverfront industries spurred the city’s growth in the early 1900s. South Sioux City’s strategic location near the Sioux City metropolitan area helped it grow rapidly, particularly as the nearby Sioux City industrial complex expanded. Over the years, the city has shifted from being a primarily industrial and agricultural center to becoming a vibrant suburban community with a diverse population and economy. It is known for its strong sense of community, small-town charm, and its role as a service and retail hub for the surrounding area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
South Sioux City is served by the South Sioux City Community Schools district, which includes South Sioux City High School, South Sioux City Middle School, and South Sioux City Elementary School. The district offers a comprehensive education program with strong academic and extracurricular offerings. Major landmarks in South Sioux City include the South Sioux City Public Library, which serves as a cultural and educational hub for the community, and the Missouri River, which provides scenic views and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hiking along the riverfront. The South Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department operates several parks, including Howard Street Park and Lorenzo L. Gould Park, which provide playgrounds, sports facilities, and walking trails. The Casino and Convention Center is another notable landmark in the city, offering entertainment and hosting large events. South Sioux City also boasts proximity to Terry Redlin Art Center in Sioux City and is just minutes away from the Sioux City Museum and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Dakota City
Location and History
- Area: 0.46 square miles
- Population: 1,900 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 68731
- Latitude: 42.4294° N
- Longitude: 96.3729° W
Dakota City, the county seat of Dakota County, Nebraska, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. The town was established in 1856 and is named after the Native American Dakota Sioux tribe. Dakota City was originally an important trading post and settlement for early settlers due to its location along the Missouri River. The area saw significant growth with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, and the town quickly became a vital center for commerce, particularly in the agricultural and livestock industries. In the early 20th century, Dakota City continued to thrive as a transportation hub, and its economy remained deeply connected to farming. Over the years, the town has maintained its agricultural heritage while also seeing growth in residential and commercial development. Today, Dakota City serves as a small yet vibrant community that acts as a service center for the surrounding agricultural region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dakota City is served by the Dakota City Public Schools district, which includes Dakota City High School, Dakota City Middle School, and Dakota City Elementary School. The district offers a strong academic foundation along with opportunities for involvement in sports, music, and arts programs. One of the town’s prominent landmarks is the Dakota County Courthouse, a historic building that is at the heart of local government. The Missouri River, which borders the town to the west, is a major natural landmark, offering opportunities for recreation such as boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. Dakota City Park is another popular destination for residents, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Dakota City Library provides educational resources for the community, while the Dakota City Historical Society Museum preserves artifacts from the town’s past, including its Native American and early settler history. Additionally, the American Legion Hall is an important venue for community events, honoring veterans and hosting social gatherings.
Jackson
Location and History
- Area: 0.61 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 68743
- Latitude: 42.4825° N
- Longitude: 96.3792° W
Jackson is a small town located in the southern part of Dakota County, Nebraska. The town was founded in the late 1800s and was named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Jackson’s early economy was primarily driven by agriculture, with corn and livestock being the chief products, and it developed as a small farming community. The town’s location along the Missouri River contributed to its development as a hub for trade and transportation, although its growth was relatively modest compared to nearby Sioux City. Over the years, Jackson has remained a rural community, with agriculture continuing to play a central role in its economy. Today, Jackson maintains its quiet, small-town character and serves as a farming and residential area with easy access to the larger Sioux City metropolitan area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jackson is served by the Jackson Public Schools district, which includes Jackson High School and Jackson Elementary School. The schools offer a solid academic program along with sports and extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Jackson include the Jackson Community Center, which is a gathering place for local events, and Jackson City Park, a green space with a playground, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The town is also home to the Jackson Public Library, which offers educational resources for the community. The Missouri River forms the western boundary of Jackson and offers outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Jackson also celebrates its agricultural heritage with annual events like Jackson Days, a local festival that features a parade, games, and activities that bring together the community. The town maintains a rural charm, with a strong sense of community and pride in its history.
Hubbard
Location and History
- Area: 0.28 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 68741
- Latitude: 42.3791° N
- Longitude: 96.3814° W
Hubbard, located in the southeastern part of Dakota County, Nebraska, was founded in the 1880s and named after A.P. Hubbard, an early settler and railroad executive. The town’s early economy was shaped by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, which passed through the area and served as a crucial transportation route for agricultural products. Hubbard’s development was tied closely to its location along the railroad, and it became a center for trade and commerce in the late 19th century. While its population has remained small over the years, Hubbard has maintained its agricultural roots, with farming continuing to be the primary industry in the area. Today, Hubbard is a quiet, residential community with a rural atmosphere that draws those seeking a small-town lifestyle while still being within commuting distance to larger cities like Sioux City.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hubbard is served by the Hubbard Public Schools district, which includes Hubbard High School and Hubbard Elementary School. The district provides educational opportunities in academics, athletics, and the arts. The town’s major landmarks include the Hubbard Community Center, a central location for social events and activities, and Hubbard City Park, which offers green space for outdoor activities, including sports, picnicking, and walking. The Hubbard Historical Society operates a small museum dedicated to the town’s past, including its early railroad history and agricultural development. The Missouri River runs just to the west of the town, providing opportunities for boating and fishing. Hubbard also celebrates its rural lifestyle and close-knit community through events such as Hubbard Days, an annual celebration featuring a parade, games, and local entertainment that brings residents together.
