Cities and Towns in Des Moines County, Iowa
Founded on Sep 6, 1834, Des Moines County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Des Moines County was formed from Michigan Territory and Wisconsin Territory. The city of Burlington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 57, Des Moines County has a population of 38,491 and area of 416 square miles (1,077 km²).
List of all cities in Des Moines County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Beaverdale Heights, IA | 52655 | 319 |
| Burlington, IA | 52601 | 319 |
| Danville, IA | 52623 | 319 |
| Dodgeville, IA | 52650 | 319 |
| Kingston, IA | 52637 | 319 |
| Kossuth, IA | 52637 | 319 |
| Mediapolis, IA | 52637 | 319 |
| Middletown, IA | 52638 | 319 |
| Northfield, IA | 52637 | 319 |
| Prairie Grove, IA | 52655 | 319 |
| Sperry, IA | 52650 | 319 |
| West Burlington, IA | 52655 | 319 |
| Yarmouth, IA | 52660 | 319 |
Major Cities and Towns in Des Moines County, Iowa
Burlington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 15.24 square miles
- Population: 23,982 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52601
- Latitude: 40.8075° N
- Longitude: 91.1129° W
Location and History
Burlington, the county seat of Des Moines County, is located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Iowa. Established in 1833, Burlington became a key transportation hub due to its strategic location on the river. In the mid-19th century, it served as the second territorial capital of the Wisconsin Territory before Iowa became a state. The town grew as a river port and railroad town, with agriculture and manufacturing driving its economy. Today, Burlington remains a vibrant city with a strong historical and industrial heritage, known for its scenic riverfront and historic downtown area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Burlington is served by the Burlington Community School District, with Burlington High School as its primary secondary institution. The city’s landmarks include Snake Alley, often dubbed “the crookedest street in the world,” which is a major tourist attraction. The Burlington Depot, a historic train station, and the Capitol Theater, which hosts live performances and films, are also significant landmarks. FunCity, a large indoor entertainment complex, and the Burlington Memorial Auditorium are local hubs for recreation and events. The Great River Bridge connects Burlington to Illinois, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River.
West Burlington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.56 square miles
- Population: 2,968 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52655
- Latitude: 40.8211° N
- Longitude: 91.1561° W
Location and History
West Burlington is located just west of Burlington, adjacent to the city and along U.S. Highway 34. The town was established in the late 19th century and grew as a residential and industrial suburb of Burlington. Its proximity to Burlington and the Mississippi River made it a convenient location for businesses and residents. While initially developed to accommodate industrial growth, West Burlington has expanded into a thriving small town with a diverse economy, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.
Major Schools and Landmarks
West Burlington is served by the West Burlington Independent School District, with West Burlington High School providing education for the community. Landmarks include Southeastern Community College, which serves the educational needs of the region. The town is also home to the Westland Mall, a central shopping destination for the area. Other key landmarks include the 40 & 8 Park, which offers sports fields and picnic areas. West Burlington celebrates its community spirit with the annual “West Burlington Flea Market” and other local events that draw residents and visitors alike.
Mediapolis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.00 square miles
- Population: 1,560 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52637
- Latitude: 41.0081° N
- Longitude: 91.1646° W
Location and History
Mediapolis is located in northern Des Moines County, about 15 miles north of Burlington, along U.S. Highway 61. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and grew as a farming community, with its name reflecting its position between the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers. Mediapolis developed as an agricultural center, with corn and soybean production as key industries. Over the years, it has retained its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere, while benefiting from its location along a major highway, providing easy access to larger cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mediapolis is part of the Mediapolis Community School District, with Mediapolis High School being the main educational institution. Landmarks in the town include Mediapolis City Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for family recreation. The town celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Mediapolis Town and Country Days, which includes parades, games, and local food vendors. The surrounding farmland provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, making Mediapolis an ideal place for those seeking rural living with a sense of community.
Danville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: 927 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52623
- Latitude: 40.8633° N
- Longitude: 91.3131° W
Location and History
Danville is located in the western part of Des Moines County, approximately 12 miles southwest of Burlington. Established in the mid-19th century, the town grew as a small farming community, with agriculture remaining central to its economy. Corn and soybeans are the primary crops in the area, and livestock farming is also common. Despite its small size, Danville has a rich history and is known for its strong community spirit. It serves as a peaceful rural town for residents who work in nearby cities or farms.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Danville is served by the Danville Community School District, with Danville High School being the key educational institution. Landmarks in the town include the Danville Museum, which preserves the history of the community and its early settlers. The town hosts the Danville Fall Festival each year, which features a parade, games, and local food. The town’s rural setting provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and birdwatching in the nearby forests and fields. Danville’s proximity to Burlington allows residents access to additional services while maintaining a quiet, small-town atmosphere.
Middletown
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.27 square miles
- Population: 305 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52638
- Latitude: 40.8222° N
- Longitude: 91.2591° W
Location and History
Middletown is located in southeastern Des Moines County, about 10 miles southwest of Burlington, along U.S. Highway 34. The town was established in the mid-19th century and developed primarily as a residential community for workers employed at the nearby Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. Middletown’s history is closely tied to this facility, which played a significant role in the town’s growth during World War II and the Cold War. Although small, Middletown has maintained its importance due to the presence of the ammunition plant, while offering a quiet, rural lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Middletown is part of the Burlington Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Burlington. The town’s primary landmark is the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, a facility that has been operational since World War II and remains a key employer in the area. Middletown City Park provides recreational facilities for residents, including a playground, picnic areas, and green spaces for community events. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. Middletown’s close proximity to both Burlington and West Burlington provides easy access to additional amenities and services.
Morning Sun
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 752 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52640
- Latitude: 41.0953° N
- Longitude: 91.2519° W
Location and History
Morning Sun is located in the northwestern corner of Des Moines County, about 20 miles north of Burlington. The town was established in the mid-19th century and has long been a small agricultural community, with farming serving as the backbone of its economy. The name “Morning Sun” reflects the settlers’ admiration for the picturesque sunrises visible from the town. Over the years, Morning Sun has maintained its agricultural roots, with corn, soybeans, and livestock farming playing central roles in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Morning Sun is part of the Wapello Community School District, with students attending Wapello High School in nearby Wapello. Key landmarks in Morning Sun include the Morning Sun Community Center, which hosts local events and gatherings. Morning Sun City Park offers green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas for families. Each year, the town celebrates its heritage with the Morning Sun Community Days, featuring parades, local food vendors, and entertainment. The surrounding rural landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking in the nearby fields and forests.
