Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Franklin County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Franklin County was formed from Chickasaw County. The city of Hampton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Franklin County has a population of 9,952 and area of 582 square miles (1,507 km²).
List of all cities in Franklin County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alexander, IA | 50420 | 641 |
| Bradford, IA | 50041 | 641 |
| Chapin, IA | 50427 | 641 |
| Coulter, IA | 50431 | 641 |
| Geneva, IA | 50633 | 641 |
| Hampton, IA | 50441 | 641 |
| Hansell, IA | 50441 | 641 |
| Latimer, IA | 50452 | 641 |
| Popejoy, IA | 50227 | 515 |
| Sheffield, IA | 50475 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Iowa
Hampton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.42 square miles
- Population: 4,337 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50441
- Latitude: 42.7431° N
- Longitude: 93.2074° W
Location and History
Hampton, the county seat of Franklin County, is located in north-central Iowa along U.S. Highway 65. Founded in 1856, the town was named after Hampton, New York, by one of its founders. Hampton grew as an agricultural and trade center, with its economy based on farming, particularly corn and soybeans, as well as livestock production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped Hampton thrive by connecting it to larger markets. Over the years, Hampton has developed into a regional hub for education, healthcare, and commerce while maintaining its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hampton is served by the Hampton-Dumont Community School District, with Hampton-Dumont High School being the primary educational institution. Landmarks in the town include the Franklin County Courthouse, a historic building that stands in the center of the town square. The Harriman-Nielsen Historic Farm, a preserved 19th-century farmstead, offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history. Hampton’s Band Shell Park, which hosts live music and events, and Beeds Lake State Park, a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and camping, provide recreational opportunities. The annual Franklin County Fair, held in Hampton, is a major event that draws visitors from across the region for entertainment and agricultural exhibits.
Sheffield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.24 square miles
- Population: 1,130 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50475
- Latitude: 42.8922° N
- Longitude: 93.2188° W
Location and History
Sheffield is located in northeastern Franklin County, about 10 miles north of Hampton, along U.S. Highway 65. The town was founded in the 1870s and named after Sheffield, England, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Sheffield developed as an agricultural community, with its location along the railroad boosting its growth as a center for grain and livestock trading. The town’s economy continues to be closely tied to farming, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sheffield is part of the West Fork Community School District, with West Fork High School serving the town’s students. Sheffield’s main landmarks include Ridge Stone Golf Club, a popular local golf course, and Sheffield City Park, which provides playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town celebrates its agricultural heritage with events like the annual Sheffield Summerfest, featuring parades, games, and live music. Sheffield’s location near the West Fork of the Cedar River offers outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing and kayaking, making it an ideal place for families seeking small-town living with access to nature.
Latimer
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.69 square miles
- Population: 496 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50452
- Latitude: 42.7614° N
- Longitude: 93.3680° W
Location and History
Latimer is a small town located in southeastern Franklin County, about 7 miles southeast of Hampton. The town was established in the late 19th century, following the expansion of the railroad. Named after a local railroad official, Latimer grew as a farming community, with its economy centered around grain and livestock production. Agriculture remains the backbone of Latimer’s economy, and the town has retained its rural charm over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Latimer is part of the CAL (Coulter-Alexander-Latimer) Community School District, with students attending CAL High School in nearby Coulter. The town’s landmarks include Latimer City Park, which offers green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas for residents. The annual Latimer Days festival celebrates the town’s rural heritage with parades, games, and community gatherings. The town’s quiet streets and agricultural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, making Latimer an attractive location for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Coulter
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.36 square miles
- Population: 224 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50431
- Latitude: 42.7350° N
- Longitude: 93.3708° W
Location and History
Coulter is located in southeastern Franklin County, just 9 miles southeast of Hampton. Founded in the late 1800s, Coulter developed as a small agricultural town, with its location near the railroad aiding in its growth. The town was named after a local farmer and benefactor, reflecting its deep ties to the surrounding farmland. Coulter has remained a small, close-knit community with a focus on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coulter is part of the CAL Community School District, with students attending CAL High School. Key landmarks in Coulter include Coulter City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and green spaces for recreation. The town’s proximity to local farms provides opportunities for agritourism and outdoor activities. Coulter hosts small community events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and local gatherings that highlight the town’s agricultural roots and community spirit. The surrounding countryside offers additional opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Geneva
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: 155 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50633
- Latitude: 42.6772° N
- Longitude: 93.1999° W
Location and History
Geneva is a small rural town located in southwestern Franklin County, about 12 miles southwest of Hampton. Established in the 1880s, Geneva developed as a farming community, with agriculture—especially corn, soybeans, and livestock—playing a central role in the town’s economy. Geneva remains a small and peaceful farming town, with its location along the railroad aiding its early development. The town’s historical charm and agricultural heritage have been preserved over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Geneva is part of the Hampton-Dumont Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Hampton. Geneva’s key landmarks include Geneva City Park, which provides green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. The town hosts small community gatherings, including the annual Geneva Fun Day, which brings residents together for local festivities and games. Geneva’s rural location provides access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in the surrounding farmland and nearby rivers, making it a quiet, attractive place for those who appreciate small-town living and the agricultural lifestyle.
Alexander
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population: 160 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50420
- Latitude: 42.7397° N
- Longitude: 93.4877° W
Location and History
Alexander is a small town in southwestern Franklin County, located about 15 miles southwest of Hampton. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after John Alexander, a local settler and businessman who helped found the town. Alexander grew as a farming community, with its economy centered around the production of corn and soybeans. Though small, the town has maintained its agricultural identity, with many of its residents involved in farming and related industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alexander is part of the CAL Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Latimer and Coulter. The town’s main landmark is Alexander Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for local events. Each year, Alexander hosts small community events, which serve to strengthen the bond among its residents and celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage. The surrounding rural landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing, making Alexander a peaceful and scenic place to live, with close ties to the land and farming traditions.
