Cities and Towns in Hall County, Nebraska

Founded in 1858, Hall County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Hall County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Grand Island is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Hall County has a population of 61,979 and area of 546 square miles (1,414 km²).

List of all cities in Hall County, NE alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Alda, NE 68810 308
Cairo, NE 68824 308
Cameron, NE 68883 308
Doniphan, NE 68832 402
Grand Island, NE 68801 308
68802 308
68803 308
Hall County Regional Airport, NE 68801 308
Martin, NE 68883 308
Mayfield, NE 68824 308
Prosser, NE 68883 308
South Loup, NE 68824 308
South Platte, NE 68832 402
Wood River, NE 68883 308

Major Cities and Towns in Hall County, Nebraska

Grand Island

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 28.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 55,000 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68801, 68802, 68803, 68804, 68805
  • Latitude: 40.9264° N
  • Longitude: 98.3420° W

Location and History

Grand Island, the largest city in Hall County, is located in central Nebraska, strategically positioned along the Platte River. The city was founded in 1857 as a fort and a trading post, and it quickly became a central hub for trade, agriculture, and transportation. The city’s name, “Grand Island,” derives from the nearby island in the Platte River. Grand Island’s early growth was fueled by its location along the Oregon Trail, which attracted settlers heading west. By the late 19th century, Grand Island became a key railroad center, significantly boosting its economy and facilitating its expansion. The presence of both the Union Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad helped establish the city as a major transportation and trade point for livestock, grain, and other agricultural products. As the 20th century progressed, the city diversified its economy, developing manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries. Today, Grand Island is a thriving city, with agriculture remaining a key economic driver, particularly cattle ranching and corn production.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grand Island is home to a variety of educational institutions, including Grand Island Senior High, Northwest High School, and Central Catholic High School, which serve students from a diverse community. The city is also home to several private schools and a branch of Central Community College. Major landmarks in Grand Island include the Hall County Courthouse, a historic building dating back to 1911, and the Island Oasis Water Park, which attracts visitors in the summer. The city’s Fonner Park is a prominent racetrack and event venue, hosting the Nebraska State Fair each year. Other notable landmarks include the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, which showcases the region’s history and heritage, and the Grand Island Prairie Wetlands, an important site for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation. Grand Island’s downtown area features a mix of modern and historic buildings, with locally owned shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The city’s economy is supported by its agricultural roots, as well as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. Grand Island also offers a number of outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and golf courses, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Doniphan

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.0 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68832
  • Latitude: 40.8180° N
  • Longitude: 98.4670° W

Location and History

Doniphan is a small village located in the southeastern part of Hall County, Nebraska, about 10 miles southwest of Grand Island. The village was established in 1871 and named after the famous Missouri general, Alexander Doniphan, who fought in the Mexican-American War. The town grew as a result of its location on the Burlington Railroad line, which allowed for the transportation of agricultural products, primarily grain, and livestock. Farming has remained the cornerstone of Doniphan’s economy, with the fertile soil of the region ideal for growing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. While Doniphan is small in size, it serves as a close-knit rural community with a rich agricultural heritage. The village is part of the Grand Island Metropolitan Statistical Area and has experienced steady, if modest, growth in recent decades. While the population has remained small, Doniphan’s strong agricultural base, low cost of living, and proximity to Grand Island have made it a desirable place to live for those seeking a rural lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Doniphan is served by the Doniphan-Trumbull School District, which includes Doniphan-Trumbull High School and Doniphan-Trumbull Elementary School. The district is well-regarded for its focus on student achievement and community involvement. Major landmarks in Doniphan include the Doniphan Community Park, which provides recreational spaces, a playground, and sports fields. The village is also home to several small businesses, including local shops and family-owned restaurants that cater to the community’s needs. While Doniphan lacks large tourist attractions, its proximity to Grand Island allows residents to easily access cultural venues, shopping centers, and healthcare services. The area around Doniphan is also known for its agricultural significance, and the village hosts various local events, such as the annual Doniphan Harvest Festival, which celebrates the region’s farming heritage. Doniphan is a peaceful community with a strong sense of identity, offering an ideal location for individuals looking for a rural lifestyle while remaining close to the larger city of Grand Island.

Alda

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.7 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 400 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68810
  • Latitude: 40.8812° N
  • Longitude: 98.5070° W

Location and History

Alda is a small village located in the northern part of Hall County, Nebraska, along the Platte River. The town was founded in the early 1870s and named after a woman who was significant to one of the early settlers. Alda’s early development was closely tied to agriculture, and it was initially established as a farming community with a focus on wheat and corn production. The construction of the railroad through the area allowed Alda to grow as a trading post for nearby farmers, and its location near the Platte River provided important access to water resources for both residents and agricultural production. Over the years, Alda has maintained a rural atmosphere and has remained a small community, but its proximity to Grand Island has allowed it to benefit from the economic growth of the region. While Alda’s population has not seen significant growth, it remains an important part of Hall County’s agricultural base.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alda is served by the Grand Island Public Schools system, and students attend schools in nearby Grand Island. Notable landmarks in Alda include the Alda Community Park, which offers a playground, sports fields, and picnic areas, providing a space for outdoor recreation. The town’s location along the Platte River also offers scenic views, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Alda is home to several locally owned businesses, including a post office, convenience store, and small eateries that cater to the local community. The nearby Platte River provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Residents of Alda enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle with the benefits of living close to the larger city of Grand Island. Additionally, Alda celebrates its agricultural roots through community events like the Alda Harvest Festival, which brings together residents and visitors for family-friendly activities. Despite its small size, Alda’s proximity to larger urban areas makes it an ideal place for those looking for a slower pace of life while staying connected to urban amenities.

Wood River

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.0 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,200 (2023)
  • Zip Codes: 68883
  • Latitude: 40.7769° N
  • Longitude: 98.6112° W

Location and History

Wood River is a small city located in the western part of Hall County, Nebraska, near the Wood River, which was the source of the town’s name. The community was founded in 1871 and initially grew as a railroad town due to its location along the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad brought both settlers and economic opportunities, with Wood River quickly becoming a key transportation center for grain and livestock products. The town was also an important stop for travelers on the Oregon Trail during the mid-1800s. Agriculture has remained the backbone of Wood River’s economy, with corn, soybeans, and cattle ranching being the primary industries. Over the years, Wood River has grown modestly and remains a key hub for the surrounding farming communities. The city’s proximity to Grand Island has allowed it to benefit from the larger urban area while maintaining its small-town charm and agricultural focus.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wood River is served by the Wood River Rural Public Schools district, which includes Wood River High School and Wood River Elementary School. The district is dedicated to offering a strong education, with a focus on both academics and extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Wood River include the Wood River Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths. The city is home to several locally owned businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers that cater to the agricultural community. Wood River also hosts events such as the Wood River Fair, an annual celebration of the town’s agricultural roots with rodeos, a carnival, and livestock shows. The town’s location near the Wood River and its access to surrounding farmland provide a beautiful setting for both residents and visitors, with opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. While small, Wood River plays a key role in the agricultural economy of Hall County and remains a vibrant community with a strong rural identity.