Cities and Towns in Hancock County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Hancock County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Hancock County was formed from Wright County. The city of Garner is the county seat. With FIPS code of 81, Hancock County has a population of 10,663 and area of 571 square miles (1,479 km²).

List of all cities in Hancock County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Britt, IA	50423	641
Corwith, IA	50430	515
Crystal Lake, IA	50432	641
Denhart, IA	50447	641
Duncan, IA	50423	641
Garner, IA	50438	641
Goodell, IA	50439	641
Hayfield, IA	50438	641
Hutchins, IA	50423	641
Kanawha, IA	50447	641
Klemme, IA	50449	641
Miller, IA	50438	641
Stilson, IA	50423	641
Woden, IA	50484	641

Major Cities and Towns in Hancock County, Iowa

Garner

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 2.27 square miles
• Population: 3,065 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50438
• Latitude: 43.0992° N
• Longitude: 93.6031° W

Location and History

Garner, the county seat of Hancock County, is located in north-central Iowa along U.S. Highway 18. Founded in 1870, Garner was named after Col. W.W. Garner, a prominent figure in Iowa’s early history. The town grew quickly due to its strategic location along the railroad, which helped it become a central hub for trade and transportation in the region. Agriculture has been the backbone of Garner’s economy since its inception, with the town surrounded by fertile farmland producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Garner also developed a strong local business community and remains a key agricultural and commercial center in the county.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Garner is part of the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District, with Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School serving local students. Landmarks in Garner include the historic Hancock County Courthouse, which has been standing since 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Garner Veterans Memorial Recreation Center provides recreational facilities for the community, while the city’s parks, such as Central Park, offer green spaces and playgrounds. Each year, Garner hosts the Duesey Days festival, celebrating local culture with parades, car shows, and live entertainment. Garner’s blend of history, community spirit, and rural charm makes it a vibrant part of Hancock County.

Britt

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.58 square miles
• Population: 2,052 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50423
• Latitude: 43.0983° N
• Longitude: 93.8017° W

Location and History

Britt is located in western Hancock County, along U.S. Highway 18. The town was established in 1870 and named after J.B. Britt, an engineer for the railroad. The arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway was instrumental in Britt’s early development, allowing it to thrive as a trading post and agricultural center. Over time, Britt became well-known for its connection to the National Hobo Convention, an event that honors the legacy of American hobos, travelers, and migrant workers who played a significant role in the nation’s history. Agriculture remains a key part of Britt’s economy, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and livestock.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Britt is part of the West Hancock Community School District, with West Hancock High School serving the town. Major landmarks include the Hobo Museum, which preserves the history of the hobo culture and is the focal point of the annual National Hobo Convention, a unique celebration that draws visitors from across the country. Britt also features several parks, including Lions Park and Centennial Park, which offer recreational facilities. The town’s historical significance, combined with its strong agricultural roots, makes Britt an interesting and lively community.

Kanawha

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.89 square miles
• Population: 598 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50447
• Latitude: 42.9381° N
• Longitude: 93.7928° W

Location and History

Kanawha is a small town located in southern Hancock County, about 10 miles south of Britt. Founded in 1899, the town was named after the Kanawha River in West Virginia by early settlers who admired the region’s natural beauty. Kanawha developed as a farming community, with its economy based on the production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. The town’s location on the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad helped it grow in the early 20th century by providing a means of transportation for local agricultural products to larger markets.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kanawha is part of the West Hancock Community School District, with students attending West Hancock schools in nearby Britt. The town’s primary landmark is Kanawha City Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a shelter for community events. Kanawha’s annual Labor Day celebration includes parades, games, and local entertainment, bringing together residents for a weekend of family-friendly activities. The town’s rural setting and agricultural heritage make it a quiet, close-knit community, where farming and community life are central to the local identity.

Corwith

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.46 square miles
• Population: 258 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50430
• Latitude: 42.9936° N
• Longitude: 93.9614° W

Location and History

Corwith is located in the southwestern part of Hancock County, along Iowa Highway 17. The town was established in 1880 and named after a railroad official from the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway, which played a key role in the town’s development. Corwith grew as an agricultural center, with farming and grain production driving its economy. Like many small towns in the region, Corwith experienced its greatest growth in the early 20th century, but it has maintained its rural character and strong ties to farming.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Corwith is part of the West Hancock Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Britt. The town’s key landmarks include Corwith City Park, which offers recreational facilities for residents, and the Corwith Public Library, a community hub for local events. Each year, Corwith hosts a Fourth of July celebration, featuring parades, fireworks, and community gatherings. The town’s rural charm and agricultural focus continue to define its way of life, making it a peaceful and close-knit community in Hancock County.

Klemme

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.56 square miles
• Population: 473 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50449
• Latitude: 43.0036° N
• Longitude: 93.6031° W

Location and History

Klemme is a small town located in southern Hancock County, along Iowa Highway 69. The town was founded in 1889 and named after August Klemme, a local businessman who played a significant role in the town’s establishment. Klemme developed as a farming community, with its economy based on agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock. The town’s early growth was spurred by its proximity to the railroad, which helped local farmers transport their goods to larger markets.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Klemme is part of the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Garner. The town’s primary landmarks include Klemme City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and green spaces for local events. Klemme’s annual town celebration, Klemme Ag Days, honors the town’s agricultural heritage with parades, games, and family activities. The town’s peaceful rural setting and strong ties to farming make Klemme a tight-knit and welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.

Woden

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.34 square miles
• Population: 188 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50484
• Latitude: 43.2356° N
• Longitude: 93.9175° W

Location and History

Woden is a small town located in northwestern Hancock County, near the Kossuth County line. The town was founded in 1898 and named after the Norse god Odin, reflecting the town’s early Scandinavian settlers. Woden grew as a rural agricultural community, with its economy focused on farming, particularly corn and soybean production. Like many small towns in Iowa, Woden’s growth was closely tied to the arrival of the railroad, which provided access to regional markets for local farmers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Woden is part of the West Hancock Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. The town’s key landmarks include Woden City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for community events. The town also celebrates its rural heritage with local events such as the annual Woden Fun Days, which features parades, games, and community gatherings. Woden’s strong agricultural identity and tight-knit community make it a peaceful and quiet place to live in Hancock County.

Goodell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.21 square miles
• Population: 128 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50439
• Latitude: 42.9328° N
• Longitude: 93.6156° W

Location and History

Goodell is located in southeastern Hancock County, near the Wright County border. The town was established in 1886 and named after a local settler, E.W. Goodell. Like many small towns in the region, Goodell developed as an agricultural community, with its economy based on farming and livestock production. The town’s early growth was supported by its location along the railroad, which allowed local farmers to transport their goods to larger markets.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Goodell is part of the Belmond-Klemme Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Belmond. The town’s key landmarks include Goodell City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and green spaces for community events. Each year, Goodell hosts small community gatherings that bring residents together to celebrate their rural heritage. Goodell’s peaceful rural setting and agricultural focus make it a close-knit and quiet community in Hancock County.