Cities and Towns in Greene County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Greene County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Greene County was formed from Dallas County. The city of Jefferson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 73, Greene County has a population of 8,717 and area of 568 square miles (1,471 km²).
List of all cities in Greene County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Churdan, IA | 50050 | 515 |
| Cooper, IA | 50059 | 515 |
| Dana, IA | 50064 | 515 |
| Grand Junction, IA | 50107 | 515 |
| Jefferson, IA | 50129 | 515 |
| Paton, IA | 50217 | 515 |
| Rippey, IA | 50235 | 515 |
| Scranton, IA | 51462 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Greene County, Iowa
Jefferson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 6.01 square miles
- Population: 4,182 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50129
- Latitude: 42.0153° N
- Longitude: 94.3775° W
Location and History
Jefferson, the county seat of Greene County, is located in west-central Iowa along U.S. Highway 30 and Iowa Highway 4. Founded in 1855, the town was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. As the county seat, Jefferson became the administrative and economic hub for Greene County. The town’s early growth was fueled by agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming, as well as its proximity to the railroad, which helped local farmers ship their goods to larger markets. Over time, Jefferson developed into a regional center for commerce and services while retaining its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jefferson is served by the Greene County Community School District, with Greene County High School being the primary educational institution. Landmarks in the town include the iconic Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, a 165-foot-tall tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Jefferson’s historic downtown features a mix of local shops and restaurants, as well as the restored Greene County Courthouse. The Raccoon River Valley Trail, which passes through Jefferson, provides opportunities for biking and hiking. The town celebrates its heritage with events such as Bell Tower Festival, a summer festival featuring parades, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Scranton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: 511 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51462
- Latitude: 42.0206° N
- Longitude: 94.5505° W
Location and History
Scranton is located in western Greene County, along U.S. Highway 30, about 10 miles west of Jefferson. Founded in 1869, the town was named after Scranton, Pennsylvania, as a tribute to the influence of coal mining and railroads in both towns. Scranton grew as a small agricultural community, benefiting from its location on the railroad line, which helped transport crops and livestock to larger markets. Agriculture continues to play a significant role in Scranton’s economy, with corn and soybean farming being particularly important.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Scranton is part of the Greene County Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Jefferson. The town’s key landmarks include Scranton City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields for local residents. The community comes together each year for Scranton Fun Days, a local festival featuring parades, games, and live entertainment. Scranton’s historical roots are reflected in several preserved 19th-century buildings that can be found in town. The Raccoon River, which runs nearby, provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and hiking along its scenic banks.
Grand Junction
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.94 square miles
- Population: 824 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50107
- Latitude: 42.0347° N
- Longitude: 94.2194° W
Location and History
Grand Junction is located in eastern Greene County, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and Iowa Highway 144. The town was founded in 1871 and named for its position at the junction of two major railroads: the Chicago & North Western Railway and the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway. Grand Junction grew rapidly as a transportation hub, with the railroads driving both its agricultural and commercial growth. The town became a key shipping point for local farmers and merchants, a role it continues to play today as a small agricultural center.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grand Junction is also part of the Greene County Community School District, with students attending Greene County High School in Jefferson. Key landmarks in Grand Junction include the historic Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the U.S., which passes through the town. The Lincoln Highway Park, with its iconic Lincoln Highway marker, celebrates this piece of history. The town’s Grand Junction Fun Days, held annually, features parades, tractor pulls, and community events. The nearby Raccoon River Valley Trail offers outdoor recreation, attracting both locals and visitors for biking, hiking, and enjoying the rural landscape.
Churdan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.51 square miles
- Population: 365 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50050
- Latitude: 42.1556° N
- Longitude: 94.4747° W
Location and History
Churdan is located in northern Greene County, about 15 miles north of Jefferson, along Iowa Highway 4. The town was founded in 1882 and named after Joseph Churdan, an early settler and local businessman. Churdan developed as a small farming community, with its economy based on agriculture, particularly corn and livestock farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century provided the town with greater access to markets, helping Churdan grow into a modest agricultural center. Although small, Churdan remains an important part of Greene County’s agricultural landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Churdan is part of the Paton-Churdan Community School District, with Paton-Churdan High School located in town, serving students from Churdan and surrounding areas. Key landmarks include Churdan City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for local events. The town also boasts the historic St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Churdan celebrates its agricultural roots each year with events like Churdan Days, featuring parades, games, and community dinners. The town’s close-knit community and rural setting make it a peaceful place for families and residents who value small-town life.
Paton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.41 square miles
- Population: 229 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50217
- Latitude: 42.1661° N
- Longitude: 94.2539° W
Location and History
Paton is a small town located in northeastern Greene County, along Iowa Highway 144, about 17 miles north of Jefferson. Founded in 1881, Paton was named after Judge Samuel Paton, one of the town’s early settlers and influential figures. The town developed as a small farming community, with its economy centered on agriculture. Paton’s location near the Des Moines River and its connection to the railroad helped local farmers transport crops and livestock to markets across the state, fostering growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Paton is part of the Paton-Churdan Community School District, with Paton-Churdan High School located in nearby Churdan. Key landmarks in Paton include the Paton City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields for local recreation. The town hosts the annual Paton Fun Days, a celebration of the town’s history and community spirit, featuring parades, games, and local entertainment. Paton is also known for its proximity to the North Raccoon River, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The town’s quiet rural setting makes it a welcoming community for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Rippey
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.49 square miles
- Population: 292 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50235
- Latitude: 41.9339° N
- Longitude: 94.2044° W
Location and History
Rippey is located in southeastern Greene County, about 13 miles southeast of Jefferson. Founded in 1856, Rippey was named after a local settler, Gilbert Rippey. The town grew as a farming community, with its location near the railroad facilitating the transportation of agricultural products to larger markets. Rippey’s economy has always been rooted in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production playing significant roles. Despite its small size, Rippey has maintained its agricultural heritage and close-knit community atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rippey is part of the Greene County Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Jefferson. The town’s key landmarks include Rippey City Park, which provides a playground, picnic areas, and green spaces for local events. Each year, Rippey celebrates its community with the Rippey Bike Ride and Rippey Daze, featuring parades, games, and family-friendly activities. The town is also located near the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which offers scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities such as biking, hiking, and birdwatching. Rippey’s rural charm and strong sense of community make it an inviting place for residents and visitors alike.
