Cities and Towns in Fremont County, Iowa

Founded on Feb 24, 1847, Fremont County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Fremont County was formed from Pottawattamie County. The city of Sidney is the county seat. With FIPS code of 71, Fremont County has a population of 6,567 and area of 511 square miles (1,323 km²).

List of all cities in Fremont County, IA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bartlett, IA 51654 712
Farragut, IA 51639 712
Hamburg, IA 51640 712
Imogene, IA 51645 712
Percival, IA 51648 712
Randolph, IA 51649 712
Riverton, IA 51650 712
Sidney, IA 51652 712
Tabor, IA 51653 712
Thurman, IA 51654 712

Major Cities and Towns in Fremont County, Iowa

Sidney

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.39 square miles
  • Population: 1,138 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51652
  • Latitude: 40.7481° N
  • Longitude: 95.6450° W

Location and History

Sidney, the county seat of Fremont County, is located in southwestern Iowa, just off U.S. Highway 275 and near the Missouri border. Founded in 1851, Sidney was named after Sidney, Ohio, and was chosen as the county seat due to its central location within Fremont County. The town grew as an agricultural center, benefiting from its fertile lands, with farming—particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock—forming the backbone of its economy. Sidney is best known for hosting the longest-running rodeo in Iowa, the Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo, which has been held annually since 1923 and attracts visitors from across the Midwest.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sidney is served by the Sidney Community School District, with Sidney High School being the primary educational institution. The town’s most famous landmark is the Sidney Rodeo Arena, home to the annual championship rodeo that draws thousands of visitors. Other landmarks include the Fremont County Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the region. Sidney’s town square, with its historic courthouse, is a central feature of the community. The town also boasts Sidney City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for community events. Sidney celebrates its heritage with the annual Sidney Rodeo Days, a festival filled with parades, rodeo events, and local entertainment.

Shenandoah

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 3.36 square miles
  • Population: 4,988 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51601
  • Latitude: 40.7653° N
  • Longitude: 95.3740° W

Location and History

Shenandoah is located in the northeastern part of Fremont County, near the East Nishnabotna River, and is the largest city in the county. Founded in the 1870s as a railroad town, Shenandoah grew rapidly due to its fertile soil, becoming known as the “Seed and Nursery Capital of the World” in the early 20th century. Seed companies such as Earl May Seed and Nursery and Henry Field Seed and Nursery were founded here, contributing to the town’s growth and fame. Shenandoah played an important role in the radio broadcasting industry as well, with both Earl May and Henry Field operating influential early radio stations to promote their businesses.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shenandoah is served by the Shenandoah Community School District, with Shenandoah High School providing secondary education. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Mayfair Theatre and the Greater Shenandoah Historical Society Museum, which showcases the area’s agricultural and broadcasting heritage. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail, a 63-mile-long trail built on a former railroad line, passes near Shenandoah and offers opportunities for hiking and biking. Shenandoah celebrates its history with the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, featuring parades, live music, and local food. The town’s blend of history, agriculture, and recreation make it a key cultural and commercial hub in the region.

Tabor

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.03 square miles
  • Population: 928 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51653
  • Latitude: 40.8975° N
  • Longitude: 95.6767° W

Location and History

Tabor is located in the northern part of Fremont County, close to the Mills County border and along U.S. Highway 275. The town was founded in 1853 by Congregationalist settlers from Oberlin, Ohio, and was named after Mount Tabor in the Bible. Tabor became known as a center of abolitionist activity before the Civil War, with its residents providing aid to runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. The town’s leaders, including Reverend John Todd, were instrumental in supporting anti-slavery efforts, and Tabor became a key stop on the path to freedom for many enslaved people.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tabor is part of the Fremont-Mills Community School District, with students attending Fremont-Mills High School in nearby Tabor. One of the town’s most important landmarks is the Tabor Historical Society Museum, which preserves the town’s abolitionist history and its role in the Underground Railroad. The Todd House, once the home of Reverend John Todd, is a key historic site that attracts visitors interested in Civil War and abolitionist history. Tabor City Park offers green spaces, picnic areas, and a community playground. Each year, the town celebrates Tabor Homecoming Days, a community festival that includes parades, games, and historical reenactments.

Farragut

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.73 square miles
  • Population: 422 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51639
  • Latitude: 40.7214° N
  • Longitude: 95.4814° W

Location and History

Farragut is located in eastern Fremont County, about 10 miles southwest of Shenandoah, along U.S. Highway 59. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was named after Admiral David Farragut, a hero of the American Civil War. Farragut developed as a small agricultural community, with its economy centered around farming, particularly corn and soybeans. Like many small towns in the region, Farragut’s growth was linked to the railroad, which provided access to larger markets for local agricultural products.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Farragut was previously part of the Farragut Community School District before merging with the Shenandoah Community School District. The town’s key landmarks include Farragut City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The annual Farragut Fall Festival is a beloved community event that features parades, games, and live entertainment, reflecting the town’s strong sense of community. The surrounding farmland offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and hunting. Farragut’s quiet rural setting and strong agricultural heritage make it an appealing small town for those who enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere.

Hamburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.09 square miles
  • Population: 1,067 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51640
  • Latitude: 40.6044° N
  • Longitude: 95.6542° W

Location and History

Hamburg is the southernmost town in Fremont County, located near the Missouri border and along the Nishnabotna River. The town was founded in 1858 by German immigrants and named after Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg grew as a river town, benefiting from its location near the Missouri River, which made it a key trading and transportation hub in its early years. The town’s economy has long been based on agriculture, with fertile river-bottom lands supporting the cultivation of corn, soybeans, and other crops. Flooding has historically impacted Hamburg, but the town has shown resilience in rebuilding and maintaining its agricultural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hamburg is part of the Hamburg Community School District, with students attending Hamburg Elementary School and middle school in the town. Landmarks in Hamburg include Waubonsie State Park, located nearby, which offers hiking trails, camping, and stunning views of the Loess Hills. The town also celebrates its heritage with the annual Hamburg Popcorn Days, a festival that honors the town’s history as a major popcorn producer. The town’s historic downtown district features several well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. Hamburg’s blend of history, agriculture, and natural beauty make it a unique destination in Fremont County.

Thurman

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.28 square miles
  • Population: 167 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 51654
  • Latitude: 40.8200° N
  • Longitude: 95.7522° W

Location and History

Thurman is a small town located in the northern part of Fremont County, along Iowa Highway 333, just a few miles north of Sidney. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and named after Allen Granberry Thurman, a prominent U.S. Senator from Ohio. Thurman developed as a small agricultural community, with its economy based on farming and livestock production. Despite its small size, Thurman has maintained a strong sense of community, with many residents involved in local farming or commuting to nearby towns for work.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Thurman is part of the Fremont-Mills Community School District, with students attending schools in Tabor. The town’s key landmarks include Thurman City Park, which offers a playground and picnic areas for local residents. The town is known for its quiet rural setting and proximity to scenic areas like the Loess Hills, which provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. Thurman hosts small community events throughout the year, including local holiday celebrations and picnics that bring residents together. The town’s peaceful atmosphere and agricultural surroundings make it a charming rural community within Fremont County.