Cities and Towns in Decatur County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 13, 1846, Decatur County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Decatur County was formed from Appanoose County. The city of Leon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, Decatur County has a population of 7,659 and area of 532 square miles (1,378 km²).
List of all cities in Decatur County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Davis City, IA | 50065 | 641 |
| Decatur, IA | 50067 | 641 |
| Garden Grove, IA | 50103 | 641 |
| Grand River, IA | 50108 | 641 |
| High Point, IA | 50103 | 641 |
| Lamoni, IA | 50140 | 641 |
| Leon, IA | 50144 | 641 |
| Pleasanton, IA | 50065 | 641 |
| Van Wert, IA | 50262 | 641 |
| Weldon, IA | 50264 | 641 |
| Westerville, IA | 50108 | 641 |
| Woodland, IA | 50103 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Decatur County, Iowa
Lamoni
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.10 square miles
- Population: 2,056 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50140
- Latitude: 40.6209° N
- Longitude: 93.9322° W
Location and History
Lamoni is located in southern Decatur County, near the Iowa-Missouri border, along Interstate 35. The town was founded in 1879 as a settlement of the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS Church) and was named after a prominent figure in the Book of Mormon. Lamoni developed as a religious and educational hub for the church, with Graceland University being established in 1895 as its flagship institution. Over time, Lamoni grew into a thriving small town, with its economy supported by agriculture, education, and local businesses. Today, Lamoni retains its religious and educational heritage, with Graceland University continuing to be a major presence in the community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lamoni is home to Graceland University, a private liberal arts institution that is the town’s most prominent educational establishment. The university campus is a key landmark, with historic buildings and beautiful green spaces. Another significant landmark is Liberty Hall, the former residence of Joseph Smith III, the founder of the RLDS Church, which now serves as a museum. Lamoni’s outdoor offerings include the Lamoni Recreational Park, which features camping, fishing, and hiking. The town hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with parades and fireworks, drawing visitors from the surrounding areas.
Leon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.58 square miles
- Population: 1,822 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50144
- Latitude: 40.7409° N
- Longitude: 93.7480° W
Location and History
Leon, the county seat of Decatur County, is located in the central part of the county, along U.S. Highway 69. Founded in 1853, Leon was named after León, Nicaragua, reflecting a trend of naming towns after cities in Central and South America. As the county seat, Leon became a central hub for government, commerce, and agriculture in the region. Its early economy was based on farming, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being key products. Leon’s growth was further boosted by the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which connected it to larger markets.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Leon is part of the Central Decatur Community School District, with Central Decatur High School serving as the main educational institution. The town’s key landmarks include the Decatur County Courthouse, a historic building that stands at the heart of downtown Leon. Little River Lake and Recreation Area, located just outside the town, offers outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The Leon Rodeo is a major annual event that has been held for over 60 years, drawing visitors from across the region for rodeo competitions, parades, and family entertainment.
Garden Grove
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.67 square miles
- Population: 174 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50103
- Latitude: 40.8272° N
- Longitude: 93.6016° W
Location and History
Garden Grove is located in northeastern Decatur County, about 15 miles northeast of Leon. The town was established in 1846 as a temporary settlement for Mormon pioneers traveling westward along the Mormon Trail. Named after the groves of trees that surrounded the original settlement, Garden Grove became a key stopping point for the pioneers. While the Mormons eventually moved on, the town remained and developed into a small agricultural community. Today, Garden Grove is a quiet rural town with a rich historical legacy, particularly tied to its Mormon pioneer past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garden Grove is part of the Mormon Trail Community School District, with students attending Mormon Trail High School in nearby Humeston. The town’s primary landmarks include the Garden Grove Pioneer Cemetery, where many early Mormon settlers are buried, and a historical marker commemorating the town’s role on the Mormon Trail. Garden Grove City Park provides recreational amenities for residents, including picnic areas and playgrounds. The annual Pioneer Days celebration honors the town’s history with parades, historical reenactments, and community gatherings. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Davis City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 176 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50065
- Latitude: 40.6361° N
- Longitude: 93.8077° W
Location and History
Davis City is located in southern Decatur County, near the Missouri border and about 10 miles southwest of Leon. Founded in the mid-19th century, the town was named after William Davis, an early settler in the area. Davis City developed as a small agricultural town, with farming and livestock production as the primary economic activities. Its location along the Grand River provided early settlers with water resources for farming. Although the town’s population has declined over the years, Davis City retains its rural charm and serves as a peaceful residential community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Davis City is part of the Central Decatur Community School District, with students attending schools in Leon. The town’s primary landmarks include the Davis City Historical Society Museum, which preserves the area’s local history and heritage. Davis City Park offers recreational spaces for families, including playgrounds and picnic areas. The Grand River, which runs near the town, provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking along its scenic banks. The town hosts community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among its residents.
Weldon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.27 square miles
- Population: 117 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50264
- Latitude: 40.8969° N
- Longitude: 93.7064° W
Location and History
Weldon is located in northeastern Decatur County, about 12 miles northeast of Leon. The town was established in 1881 and named after Samuel Weldon, a prominent local figure. Weldon grew as a small farming community, with its development tied to the arrival of the railroad, which provided a means for transporting local agricultural products to larger markets. Over time, Weldon remained a small, close-knit rural town focused on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being the main sources of income for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Weldon is part of the Clarke Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Osceola. The town’s key landmarks include Weldon City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and green spaces for outdoor recreation. The town also celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Weldon Day, featuring parades, games, and community activities. The surrounding rural landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Weldon’s proximity to the larger town of Osceola offers residents access to additional amenities while preserving its small-town feel.
Van Wert
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population: 178 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50262
- Latitude: 40.8617° N
- Longitude: 93.7425° W
Location and History
Van Wert is located in northwestern Decatur County, about 8 miles northwest of Leon, along Interstate 35. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after Isaac Van Wert, a soldier from the American Revolutionary War. Van Wert grew as a small agricultural community, with the railroad playing a key role in its development by connecting it to larger markets. Agriculture remains central to Van Wert’s economy, with many local residents involved in farming and livestock production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Van Wert is part of the Central Decatur Community School District, with students attending schools in Leon. The town’s primary landmarks include Van Wert City Park, which provides recreational facilities such as playgrounds and picnic areas. The town also celebrates its history with an annual community picnic and gathering, which brings residents together for food, games, and entertainment. Van Wert’s rural location offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. The town’s proximity to Leon provides access to additional services and amenities while maintaining its small-town character.
