Cities and Towns in Howard County, Nebraska
Founded in 1871, Howard County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Howard County was formed from Hall County. The city of Saint Paul is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Howard County has a population of 6,531 and area of 570 square miles (1,476 km²).
List of all cities in Howard County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Boelus, NE | 68820 | 308 |
| Cotesfield, NE | 68835 | 308 |
| Cushing, NE | 68873 | 308 |
| Dannebrog, NE | 68831 | 308 |
| Dannevirke, NE | 68835 | 308 |
| Elba, NE | 68835 | 308 |
| Farwell, NE | 68838 | 308 |
| Nysted, NE | 68831 | 308 |
| Saint Libory, NE | 68872 | 308 |
| Saint Paul, NE | 68873 | 308 |
| Worms, NE | 68872 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Howard County, Nebraska
St. Paul, Nebraska
Location and History
St. Paul is the county seat of Howard County and is located in central Nebraska. The town was established in 1866, named after the St. Paul of the Bible, reflecting its founders’ Christian faith. St. Paul grew quickly in its early years, largely due to the expansion of the railroad network and its favorable location near the Loup River, which provided both transportation and water resources. The arrival of the railroad facilitated St. Paul’s transformation into an important agricultural hub, as farmers used the town as a market for their grain, livestock, and other products. Throughout the 20th century, St. Paul retained its small-town charm while continuing to thrive as an agricultural center. In the modern era, St. Paul has diversified its economy, but farming remains a key part of its identity. With a population that has remained stable for decades, St. Paul is a quintessential rural Nebraska town that blends historic charm with modern amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Paul is served by the St. Paul Public Schools district, which includes St. Paul High School, a well-regarded institution offering a comprehensive curriculum, athletics, and extracurricular programs. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Howard County Historical Museum, which showcases the region’s history, from Native American tribes to pioneer settlement. The St. Paul City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities and events, with its playground, walking trails, and seasonal activities. The town is also home to the Loup River, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. St. Paul hosts several annual community events, including the Howard County Fair, which celebrates the area’s agricultural traditions and fosters local pride. With its historic sites, strong community ties, and natural beauty, St. Paul is a thriving example of Nebraska’s rural character.
- Area: 1.14 sq mi
- Population: 2,275 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68873
- Latitude: 41.0792° N
- Longitude: 98.5477° W
Boelus, Nebraska
Location and History
Boelus is a small village located in the southwestern part of Howard County, Nebraska. The town was established in 1887 and named after a local pioneer, Andrew Boelus. Boelus developed around the railroad, which facilitated the transport of agricultural products such as grain, livestock, and later, other goods. Like many other Nebraska towns, Boelus was initially a farming community that grew as the agricultural industry expanded. Over the years, the population of Boelus has remained small, but the town has retained its rural character and agricultural identity. It remains a close-knit community where local traditions, including farming and ranching, are celebrated. Today, Boelus continues to serve as a quiet place for those seeking a rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Boelus is part of the St. Paul Public Schools district, with local students attending schools in St. Paul. Although Boelus is a small village, it has a number of local attractions, including the Boelus Community Center, which serves as the hub for local events, meetings, and social gatherings. The surrounding farmland offers beautiful rural landscapes, and residents enjoy the peace and tranquility of small-town living. The nearby Loup River provides a scenic backdrop and recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Boelus also celebrates its agricultural heritage through community events like harvest festivals and local fairs, which help maintain its strong sense of community. Though it may not boast major tourist attractions, Boelus is known for its friendly atmosphere and the agricultural traditions that continue to shape the village.
- Area: 0.42 sq mi
- Population: 209 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68820
- Latitude: 41.0220° N
- Longitude: 98.7250° W
Cotesfield, Nebraska
Location and History
Cotesfield is an unincorporated village in the northeastern part of Howard County, Nebraska. Founded in the early 1880s, Cotesfield has always been a small, rural community centered around agriculture. It was named after Cotes, an early settler who established a farm in the area. The village developed as a quiet farming community, with its residents primarily engaged in crop farming, livestock raising, and other agricultural pursuits. Over the years, Cotesfield has seen its population gradually decline, as larger towns like St. Paul and other nearby cities have grown. While Cotesfield is no longer a bustling agricultural hub, it remains an important part of the region’s history and offers a tranquil rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Because Cotesfield is an unincorporated village, it does not have its own school system. Students typically attend schools in nearby towns like St. Paul. While Cotesfield lacks large-scale commercial or tourist attractions, it is surrounded by beautiful rural landscapes that provide outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. The village’s close-knit community still celebrates its agricultural roots through local gatherings and events, often centered around farming and livestock. The peace and solitude that the area offers, combined with its rich history, make it a place where residents can enjoy a slower, more contemplative lifestyle amidst Nebraska’s natural beauty.
- Area: N/A
- Population: Estimated less than 50
- Zip Codes: 68873 (St. Paul)
- Latitude: 41.2690° N
- Longitude: 98.4570° W
Elba, Nebraska
Location and History
Elba is a small village located in the northeastern part of Howard County, Nebraska. Founded in 1881, Elba grew as a farming and railroad community. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Elba flourished with the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated the transport of grain, livestock, and other agricultural products. The town was named after Elba, an island off the coast of Italy, reflecting a common practice in the late 19th century to name towns after foreign places. Over the years, the population of Elba has fluctuated, but it has retained its rural charm and continues to be a quiet, agricultural community. The village remains small but maintains a strong sense of local pride and agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elba is served by the Elba Public Schools district, which offers a K-12 education to students in the village and surrounding area. The town is home to a number of local landmarks, including the Elba Community Hall, which serves as the focal point for social events and gatherings. The nearby Loup River provides residents with outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Elba also hosts several annual events, such as the Elba Fair, which celebrates the community’s agricultural roots and brings locals together. While Elba may not have large-scale tourist attractions, its rural landscape and agricultural community make it a peaceful and scenic place to live.
- Area: 0.29 sq mi
- Population: 324 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68835
- Latitude: 41.3465° N
- Longitude: 98.5779° W
Cairo, Nebraska
Location and History
Cairo is a village located in the northern part of Howard County, Nebraska. The town was established in the early 1880s and named after Cairo, Illinois. The development of Cairo, like many Nebraska towns, was closely tied to agriculture, as the fertile land and access to the Platte River made it an ideal location for farming. Cairo became a key center for grain production and livestock, with the railroad boosting its economy during the late 19th century. The town’s population peaked in the early 20th century, but Cairo’s small-town character has remained constant. Despite a decline in population over the years, Cairo retains its agricultural heritage and rural charm, making it a quiet and peaceful place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cairo is served by the Central Valley Schools district, which includes students from Cairo and the surrounding area. The village is home to a number of small landmarks, including the Cairo Community Hall, which hosts various local events and social gatherings. The town’s proximity to the Platte River provides access to outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Cairo also celebrates its agricultural roots through local events, including community fairs and agricultural shows. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views of Nebraska’s rural landscape, making Cairo a peaceful, small-town destination for those seeking a slower pace of life.
- Area: 0.36 sq mi
- Population: 272 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68824
- Latitude: 41.3287° N
- Longitude: 98.1835° W
