Cities and Towns in Greeley County, Nebraska

Founded in 1871, Greeley County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Greeley County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Greeley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Greeley County has a population of 2,169 and area of 570 square miles (1,476 km²).

List of all cities in Greeley County, NE alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Brayton, NE 68882 308
Greeley, NE 68842 308
Horace, NE 68875 308
Scotia, NE 68875 308
Spalding, NE 68665 308
Wolbach, NE 68882 308

Major Cities and Towns in Greeley County, Nebraska

Greeley

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 250 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68842
  • Latitude: 41.5955° N
  • Longitude: 98.5372° W

Location and History

Greeley is the county seat of Greeley County, located in the central part of Nebraska. The town was founded in 1871 and named after Horace Greeley, the influential newspaper editor and politician who is known for his famous motto, “Go West, young man.” The town grew quickly during the late 19th century as settlers moved into the area, attracted by the fertile land and the promise of a prosperous agricultural life. Early settlers in Greeley were primarily involved in farming, with wheat, corn, and livestock being the main products. The town was initially established as a service hub for these agricultural activities, providing residents with essential services such as general stores, schools, and churches. Greeley’s population peaked in the early 20th century but has declined over time as rural depopulation took its toll. Despite its small size, Greeley remains the administrative center of the county and continues to serve as a base for local farmers and ranchers. Its location along the Loup River provides access to water, which is crucial for farming and ranching in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Greeley is served by the Greeley-Wolbach Public Schools district, which includes Greeley High School and Greeley Elementary School. The district is known for its close-knit community and a strong emphasis on academics and athletics. Major landmarks in Greeley include the Greeley County Courthouse, which serves as the county’s administrative center, and the Greeley City Park, which features a playground and picnic facilities for residents. The town’s location along the Loup River provides scenic views, and the river is used for recreational activities like fishing and boating. Greeley’s historic downtown area, with its small-town charm, includes several locally owned businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers that cater to the local agricultural community. The Greeley Pioneer Cemetery is another significant historical landmark, as it holds the graves of many of the town’s early settlers. Greeley’s quiet, rural atmosphere is further celebrated during its annual community events, such as the Greeley Days, which include a parade, rodeo, and various family-friendly activities.

Wolbach

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68882
  • Latitude: 41.4216° N
  • Longitude: 98.4474° W

Location and History

Wolbach is a small town located in the southern part of Greeley County, Nebraska. It was established in the early 1880s and named after Charles Wolbach, a prominent businessman from the area. Wolbach was originally founded as a railroad town, and like many other towns in Nebraska, it grew rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the arrival of the railroad. The town became a center for trade and commerce for the surrounding agricultural area, with grain elevators, mercantile stores, and a post office all serving the local community. Agriculture, particularly the farming of wheat, corn, and other crops, was the foundation of the town’s economy. Over the years, however, as railroads became less significant and the regional economy shifted, Wolbach’s population began to decline. Today, it remains a small rural community, but like other small towns in Nebraska, it retains its agricultural heritage and plays a key role in supporting the surrounding farming families.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wolbach is served by the Greeley-Wolbach Public Schools district, which also includes Wolbach High School and Wolbach Elementary School. The district provides a strong educational environment for the children of the area, with an emphasis on community involvement and academic success. Major landmarks in Wolbach include the Wolbach Public Library, which provides educational resources and serves as a social hub for the town. The Wolbach Community Park is another notable feature, offering picnic areas, sports fields, and a place for locals to gather for various events. The town’s location near the Loup River and the surrounding farmland offers scenic views of the plains, with open spaces and wide fields surrounding the area. The annual Wolbach Rodeo is a major event in the town, attracting visitors from surrounding areas to enjoy traditional rodeo events and community festivities. Though Wolbach is small, its strong sense of community and connection to agricultural life make it an important part of Greeley County’s fabric.

Scotia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 250 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68875
  • Latitude: 41.5128° N
  • Longitude: 98.8135° W

Location and History

Scotia is a small village located in the western part of Greeley County, Nebraska. It was founded in the late 19th century, around 1885, and was named after Scotia, New York, from where many of the early settlers came. Scotia grew quickly due to its location along the Loup River, which provided important resources for agriculture, as well as a means of transportation for goods and supplies. The town developed as a service center for the surrounding rural community, with businesses such as grain elevators, shops, and a post office. Agriculture has remained the primary industry in the area, with farming and cattle ranching shaping the local economy. Like many small rural towns in Nebraska, Scotia has seen a decline in population over the years, but it still holds onto its agricultural roots. The town retains its small-town charm, and the Loup River continues to be a central part of the community’s identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Scotia is served by the Scotia Public Schools district, which includes Scotia High School and Scotia Elementary School. The school district is dedicated to providing a personalized education to students in the area, with a focus on community and agricultural education. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Scotia City Park, which offers green spaces, picnic areas, and playgrounds for residents and visitors. The town’s location along the Loup River also makes it a scenic destination, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Scotia’s quiet rural character is reflected in the local businesses, including a few small stores and restaurants that cater to the community. The annual Scotia Days event is a highlight, bringing residents together for a parade, food, games, and various community activities. Despite its small size, Scotia remains an important part of the agricultural landscape in Greeley County, with its close-knit community and connection to farming and ranching.

Elyria

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.1 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 30 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68852
  • Latitude: 41.6041° N
  • Longitude: 98.8091° W

Location and History

Elyria is a small, unincorporated village located in the northeastern corner of Greeley County, Nebraska. Established in the 1880s, Elyria was originally a bustling railroad town, built along the route of the Union Pacific Railroad. The town was named after Elyria, Ohio, by early settlers who hailed from that area. Like many other small towns in Nebraska, Elyria’s growth was initially fueled by the railroad and its importance as a trading post for nearby farmers. However, as transportation methods changed and the railroad’s role diminished, Elyria began to shrink in size. Today, it is a quiet, near-forgotten village, with a population that is largely agricultural. The town’s location along the river provides a picturesque setting, and the surrounding farmland is still used for cattle ranching and crop farming.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As an unincorporated village with a very small population, Elyria does not have its own school or significant commercial infrastructure. Local children typically attend school in nearby towns like Greeley or Scotia. There are no formal landmarks in Elyria, but the surrounding Sandhills and farmland provide a peaceful, rural atmosphere. The town’s most notable feature is its location along the Loup River, which offers beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and wildlife watching. Though small in size and largely uninhabited today, Elyria remains a reminder of the once-thriving railroad communities that dotted the Nebraska landscape in the late 19th century. Its quiet presence and historical significance make it an interesting part of Greeley County’s rural heritage.