Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Nebraska

Founded in 1867, Franklin County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Franklin County was formed from Kearney County. The city of Franklin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 61, Franklin County has a population of 2,903 and area of 576 square miles (1,492 km²).

List of all cities in Franklin County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ash Grove, NE	68939	308
Bloomington, NE	68929	308
Buffalo, NE	68932	402
Campbell, NE	68932	402
Farmers, NE	68929	308
Franklin, NE	68939	308
Hildreth, NE	68947	308
Macon, NE	68939	308
Naponee, NE	68960	308
North Franklin, NE	68932	402
Oak Grove, NE	68929	308
Riverton, NE	68972	402
Upland, NE	68981	402

Major Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Nebraska

Franklin

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.7 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,500 (2023)
• Zip Codes: 68939
• Latitude: 40.5241° N
• Longitude: 98.9385° W

Location and History

Franklin is the county seat of Franklin County, located in the south-central part of Nebraska. The town was founded in 1869 and named after Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States. The town quickly became an important center for agriculture and trade due to its proximity to the Republican River. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile land for farming, particularly for growing corn, wheat, and other crops, as well as raising livestock. The town’s growth was further aided by the establishment of the railroad in the late 19th century, which facilitated the transport of agricultural products to broader markets. Franklin was officially incorporated as a city in 1872, and by the early 20th century, it had become a thriving agricultural community. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character, with farming continuing to play a major role in the local economy. Although Franklin’s population has remained relatively stable, it serves as a vital hub for commerce, education, and government in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Franklin is served by the Franklin Public Schools district, which includes Franklin High School and Franklin Elementary School. The schools are known for their strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. The town’s major landmarks include the Franklin County Courthouse, which is an iconic building in the city’s center and plays a key role in local governance. The Franklin City Park offers residents and visitors a place for recreation with walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The Franklin Historical Society Museum preserves the town’s heritage, offering exhibits on early settlement, farming, and the impact of the railroad. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Franklin County Fair, a celebration of local agriculture and community life, complete with a rodeo, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits. The town is also close to the Republican River, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Franklin’s small-town charm and emphasis on community make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

Hildreth

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 400 (2023)
• Zip Codes: 68947
• Latitude: 40.5180° N
• Longitude: 98.9380° W

Location and History

Hildreth is a small town located in the eastern part of Franklin County, Nebraska. It was founded in 1881 as a railroad town, named after early settler Hiram Hildreth. Like many small towns in Nebraska, its growth was closely tied to the arrival of the railroad, which allowed local farmers to ship their goods to larger markets. The town quickly became a center for agriculture, and its population grew steadily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hildreth became incorporated as a village in 1883, and for many years, it served as a vital point for trade and social life for the surrounding farming communities. Over time, the town’s population has declined, as it has faced the same rural depopulation challenges as other small Nebraska towns. Despite its size, Hildreth remains a close-knit community with a focus on agriculture and family values. The town is known for its peaceful, rural environment, and it serves as an example of small-town life in Nebraska.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hildreth is served by the Franklin Public Schools district, with students attending Franklin High School or Franklin Elementary School, which is just a short drive away. Although Hildreth has limited commercial facilities, it is home to the Hildreth Community Center, which hosts local events and provides a space for gatherings and celebrations. The town also has a small park area for recreation, where local children can play and families can gather. Hildreth’s most notable landmark is the Hildreth Cemetery, which is the resting place for many of the town’s early settlers. The surrounding agricultural land also offers picturesque views of Nebraska’s rural countryside, and the town is located near the Republican River, which is a key feature of the local landscape. Though there are no major tourist attractions, Hildreth’s charm lies in its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the strong sense of community among its residents. The town remains a quiet rural haven for those looking for a simple, small-town lifestyle.

Riverton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 100 (2023)
• Zip Codes: 68972
• Latitude: 40.4127° N
• Longitude: 98.8321° W

Location and History

Riverton is a very small town located in the southeastern part of Franklin County, Nebraska. The town was established in 1871, originally as a settlement for those involved in agriculture. Riverton is named for its location along the Republican River, which provided fertile land for early settlers and was key to the town’s development. In its early days, Riverton grew as an agricultural center, with local farmers producing crops such as wheat and corn, as well as raising cattle and pigs. Riverton’s growth was further boosted by the establishment of a post office and railroad service, which connected the town to larger markets and provided a vital link for trade. As a small rural town, Riverton has seen its population decrease over the years, especially as larger towns and cities have attracted more people and economic development. Today, Riverton remains a quiet rural community that offers a peaceful environment for its few remaining residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Riverton students attend school in the nearby Franklin Public Schools district, traveling to Franklin for high school or elementary education. Although Riverton itself has few modern amenities, it does have a small public park where residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as picnicking and small community events. The most prominent landmark in Riverton is the Republican River, which runs near the town and offers fishing and recreational opportunities. The surrounding farmlands provide scenic views of the Nebraska prairie, making Riverton a picturesque and tranquil place. There are also some local historical markers that commemorate the town’s agricultural heritage and early settlement. Riverton is a quiet, rural community that has preserved its historical connection to the land and remains an example of small-town Nebraska life. Although it lacks large-scale commercial or tourism-related landmarks, its peaceful environment and proximity to nature make it a unique part of Franklin County.

Campbell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 200 (2023)
• Zip Codes: 68932
• Latitude: 40.5431° N
• Longitude: 98.9740° W

Location and History

Campbell is a small village located in the central part of Franklin County, Nebraska. The town was founded in 1883 and was named after an early settler, John Campbell. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Campbell developed as an agricultural community. Its location near the Republican River provided fertile land for farming, which helped the town grow during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the years, Campbell became an important agricultural center for the region, with crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans being major products of the surrounding farms. The town was incorporated in 1885 and has remained a small, rural community for most of its history. While Campbell has experienced a gradual population decline, it still serves as a key local center for commerce, government, and social activities for the surrounding farming families. The town’s growth has slowed, and much of its population now commutes to larger cities for work.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Campbell is part of the Franklin Public Schools district, and local students attend school in Franklin, a few miles away. The town has a small but active community, hosting local events such as the Campbell Harvest Festival, which celebrates the agricultural lifestyle that is at the heart of the town’s economy. The town’s main landmark is the Campbell Community Park, which features recreational facilities like playgrounds and picnic areas. Additionally, Campbell is surrounded by vast agricultural lands, providing scenic views of Nebraska’s countryside. The village also has a small post office and a few local businesses, which provide services to the surrounding rural residents. While Campbell does not boast large-scale landmarks or commercial attractions, its rural charm and quiet atmosphere make it a peaceful place to live and a great example of small-town Nebraska life.