Cities and Towns in Humboldt County, Iowa
Founded on Feb 26, 1857, Humboldt County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Humboldt County was formed from Webster County. The city of Dakota City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Humboldt County has a population of 9,634 and area of 434 square miles (1,124 km²).
List of all cities in Humboldt County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bode, IA | 50519 | 515 |
| Bradgate, IA | 50520 | 515 |
| Dakota City, IA | 50529 | 515 |
| Gilmore City, IA | 50541 | 515 |
| Hardy, IA | 50545 | 515 |
| Humboldt, IA | 50548 | 515 |
| Livermore, IA | 50558 | 515 |
| Ottosen, IA | 50570 | 515 |
| Pioneer, IA | 50541 | 515 |
| Renwick, IA | 50577 | 515 |
| Rutland, IA | 50582 | 515 |
| Saint Joseph, IA | 50519 | 515 |
| Thor, IA | 50591 | 515 |
Major Cities and Towns in Humboldt County, Iowa
Humboldt
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.87 square miles
- Population: 4,792 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50548
- Latitude: 42.7261° N
- Longitude: 94.2244° W
Location and History
Humboldt, the county seat of Humboldt County, is located in north-central Iowa along the West Fork of the Des Moines River. The town was founded in 1863 and named after the famous German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Originally a settlement designed as a social experiment by Stephen Taft, Humboldt was envisioned as a utopian community with a focus on education and morality. The town quickly became a center of commerce for the surrounding agricultural areas, with corn and soybeans forming the economic backbone. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted Humboldt’s development, helping it become the county’s economic hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Humboldt is served by the Humboldt Community School District, with Humboldt High School being the town’s main educational institution. Notable landmarks in the town include the Humboldt County Courthouse, a historic structure that reflects the town’s role as the county seat. Other attractions include Bicknell Park, which offers recreational activities, and the Humboldt Family Aquatic Center, a favorite for families during the summer. The town is also known for its connection to the Three Rivers Trail, providing hiking and biking opportunities. Each year, Humboldt hosts the Humboldt County Fair, a celebration of local agriculture, culture, and community spirit.
Dakota City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.52 square miles
- Population: 759 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50529
- Latitude: 42.7197° N
- Longitude: 94.2047° W
Location and History
Dakota City is located just east of Humboldt and serves as the administrative center for Humboldt County. The town was founded in 1855, making it one of the oldest settlements in the county. Named after the Dakota Native American tribe, the city was initially established as the county seat, and its location along the Des Moines River made it an ideal location for milling and trade. Although it remains small, Dakota City retains its historical importance as the site of the Humboldt County Courthouse, which serves the entire county.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As Dakota City is adjacent to Humboldt, students typically attend schools in the Humboldt Community School District, including Humboldt High School. Key landmarks include the Humboldt County Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s early pioneer history and Native American heritage. The Des Moines River runs through the area, offering fishing and recreational activities. Dakota City is known for its quiet residential atmosphere and its proximity to the amenities of Humboldt, making it a peaceful yet centrally located community.
Gilmore City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: 487 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50541
- Latitude: 42.7286° N
- Longitude: 94.4497° W
Location and History
Gilmore City is located in the southwestern part of Humboldt County, straddling the Humboldt-Pocahontas county line. Founded in 1887, the town was named after C.N. Gilmore, an official with the railroad, which played a crucial role in the town’s early growth. Gilmore City’s economy has traditionally been tied to agriculture, with farming and grain production being central to its development. The town also became known for its rich deposits of high-quality limestone, which contributed to its local economy and led to the development of nearby quarries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gilmore City is part of the Gilmore City-Bradgate Community School District, which serves the educational needs of the town’s students. Notable landmarks include Gilmore City Park, which offers a variety of recreational facilities such as playgrounds and picnic areas. The town also hosts the annual Gilmore City Fun Days, a community celebration featuring parades, games, and entertainment that brings together residents and visitors. With its strong agricultural heritage and close-knit community, Gilmore City remains a welcoming town with a rich history tied to the land and local industry.
Livermore
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: 334 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50558
- Latitude: 42.8675° N
- Longitude: 94.1917° W
Location and History
Livermore is a small town located in northeastern Humboldt County, near the East Fork of the Des Moines River. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Livermore family, early settlers who played a key role in its establishment. Livermore’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. The arrival of the railroad helped the town grow, making it an important local trade and transportation hub in the early 20th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Livermore is part of the Twin Rivers Community School District, with students attending Twin Rivers Elementary in nearby Bode and high school in Humboldt. Landmarks in Livermore include Livermore City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as picnic shelters, sports fields, and a playground. The town also hosts community events, including Livermore Days, an annual festival featuring parades, local entertainment, and food vendors. Livermore’s agricultural heritage, combined with its friendly and close-knit community, makes it a peaceful and inviting place to live in Humboldt County.
Bode
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.36 square miles
- Population: 282 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50519
- Latitude: 42.8675° N
- Longitude: 94.2836° W
Location and History
Bode is located in northern Humboldt County, along the East Fork of the Des Moines River. The town was established in 1881 by Norwegian immigrants, who named it after Bø, a village in Norway, reflecting their homeland’s influence on the community. Bode developed as an agricultural town, with its economy centered on farming and livestock. Over time, the town has maintained its agricultural identity, with generations of farmers continuing to cultivate the fertile land surrounding the town.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bode is part of the Twin Rivers Community School District, with students attending Twin Rivers Elementary in town and Humboldt High School in nearby Humboldt. Notable landmarks include the Bode Community Park, which offers green spaces, a playground, and a shelter for local events. The town also celebrates its heritage with Bode Fun Days, a festival featuring parades, games, and local entertainment. Bode’s close-knit community and agricultural tradition make it a charming and quiet town in Humboldt County.
Renwick
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.46 square miles
- Population: 231 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50577
- Latitude: 42.8233° N
- Longitude: 93.9947° W
Location and History
Renwick is located in the southeastern corner of Humboldt County, near the Wright County border. Founded in 1882, Renwick was named after a local railroad engineer. The town developed as a farming community, with its economy centered on agriculture and local businesses that catered to the needs of nearby farmers. The arrival of the railroad helped Renwick grow, providing transportation links for shipping grain and livestock to larger markets. Today, the town remains small but continues to be a hub for local farming activity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Renwick is part of the Lu Verne Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. Key landmarks in Renwick include Renwick City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields for local recreation. The town celebrates its rural heritage each year with the Renwick Fun Days festival, featuring parades, games, and food vendors. Renwick’s agricultural economy, combined with its peaceful, rural setting, makes it an ideal place for those seeking a small-town lifestyle in Humboldt County.