Cities and Towns in Jefferson County, Indiana

Founded on Nov 23, 1810, Jefferson County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Jefferson County was formed from Clark, Dearborn and Knox County. The city of Madison is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Jefferson County has a population of 33,141 and area of 361 square miles (935 km²).

List of all cities in Jefferson County, IN alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Canaan, IN 47224 812
Deputy, IN 47230 812
Dupont, IN 47231 812
Hanover, IN 47243 812
Hanover Beach, IN 47243 812
Jefferson Proving Ground, IN 47250 812
Madison, IN 47250 812
North Madison, IN 47250 812
Paynesville, IN 47243 812

Major Cities and Towns in Jefferson County, Indiana

Madison

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 8.61 square miles
  • Population: 12,407 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 47250
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7362° N, 85.3797° W

Location and History

Madison, the county seat of Jefferson County, is located along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana, about 50 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1809, Madison quickly became an important river port due to its strategic location along the Ohio River. During the 19th century, it was a major transportation hub with both river and rail connections, contributing to its prosperity. The city is well-known for its well-preserved downtown, which features over 1,300 historic buildings and is one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the United States. Madison’s historic architecture and riverfront location continue to make it a key destination for tourism and a vibrant community with a rich cultural history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Madison is served by the Madison Consolidated Schools district, with Madison Consolidated High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks in the city include the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, a grand example of Greek Revival architecture, and the Madison Railroad Station, reflecting the city’s important role in transportation history. Clifty Falls State Park, located just outside Madison, offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The annual Madison Regatta, featuring hydroplane racing on the Ohio River, is one of the city’s major events, drawing visitors from across the region.


Hanover

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 2.41 square miles
  • Population: 3,546 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 47243
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7136° N, 85.4731° W

Location and History

Hanover is located in southern Jefferson County, approximately 6 miles southwest of Madison and along the Ohio River. Founded in 1820, the town is best known as the home of Hanover College, Indiana’s oldest private college, established in 1827. The college’s presence has been a defining feature of the town, contributing to its educational and cultural development. Hanover’s growth has been closely tied to the college, and the town has maintained a small, academically oriented community with scenic views of the Ohio River and rolling hills.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hanover is served by Southwestern Jefferson County Consolidated Schools, with Southwestern High School being the main secondary institution. Hanover College’s beautiful campus, perched on the bluffs above the Ohio River, is one of the town’s major landmarks. The college’s historic Parker Auditorium and Hendricks Hall are notable architectural features. Another key landmark is the Point, a scenic overlook on the Hanover College campus offering panoramic views of the Ohio River and Kentucky beyond. The town’s proximity to Clifty Falls State Park and Madison allows for a variety of recreational and cultural activities, making it a popular place for both students and residents.


Dupont

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.27 square miles
  • Population: 339 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 47231
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.8828° N, 85.5128° W

Location and History

Dupont is a small town located in the northern part of Jefferson County, approximately 10 miles northwest of Madison. The town was platted in 1854 and grew primarily as a farming and trade center. Dupont is best known for its role during the Civil War when Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan and his troops passed through the town during Morgan’s Raid in 1863. Although small in size, Dupont has retained its rural charm and historical significance within Jefferson County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Dupont is part of the Madison Consolidated Schools district, with students attending nearby schools in Madison. The town is home to a few small landmarks, including local churches that date back to the 19th century. A historical marker commemorates Morgan’s Raid, adding to the town’s significance in Civil War history. Dupont also serves as a gateway to nearby outdoor recreational areas, including Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, which offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation. Dupont’s quiet streets and rural surroundings make it a peaceful residential community with deep historical roots.


Brooksburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.17 square miles
  • Population: 81 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 47250
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7234° N, 85.2614° W

Location and History

Brooksburg is a very small town located in southeastern Jefferson County, along the banks of the Ohio River and near the border with Kentucky. Established in the mid-1800s, Brooksburg originally grew as a river town, with trade and transportation along the Ohio River playing a major role in its early development. However, as river-based commerce declined in the 20th century, the town’s growth slowed, and it has remained a quiet, rural community ever since. Its location near the river continues to define its character, offering scenic views and access to fishing and boating activities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Brooksburg is part of the Madison Consolidated Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Madison. The town’s key landmarks include the Brooksburg United Methodist Church, a historic church that serves as a community gathering point. The town also has access to the Ohio River for recreational activities like fishing and boating. While Brooksburg is small, its residents enjoy the peaceful rural setting and proximity to Madison, where they can take advantage of the larger city’s amenities and cultural events. The scenic drive along the Ohio River is a highlight for visitors to the area.


Canaan

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approximately 100 (unofficial estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 47250
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.8520° N, 85.3442° W

Location and History

Canaan is an unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Jefferson County, about 12 miles northeast of Madison. Founded in the early 19th century, Canaan served as a small agricultural community with a close-knit population. The town remains unincorporated and is known for its rural charm and traditional lifestyle. While Canaan has never grown into a large town, it retains a strong sense of community and history, with many of its families having lived in the area for generations.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Canaan is part of the Madison Consolidated Schools district, with students attending schools in Madison. The town’s most notable event is the annual Canaan Fall Festival, which has been held for over 50 years. The festival includes traditional games, a parade, and local crafts, attracting visitors from across Jefferson County and beyond. While Canaan does not have many notable landmarks, its rural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, farming, and horseback riding. The nearby Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge offers additional opportunities for nature exploration. Canaan’s quiet, small-town atmosphere and strong community ties make it a quintessential example of rural life in Indiana.


Manville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approximately 50 (unofficial estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 47250
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7628° N, 85.2781° W

Location and History

Manville is an unincorporated community located in southeastern Jefferson County, about 10 miles east of Madison. Established in the early 19th century, Manville was once a thriving milling town due to its location near the Ohio River and Big Creek. The town grew around the mills and served as a center for agricultural trade. However, as milling and river-based commerce declined, Manville’s growth slowed, and it remains a small, rural community today. Despite its small size, Manville has retained its historical character and serves as a peaceful residential area surrounded by farmland and natural beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Manville is part of the Madison Consolidated Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Madison. One of the town’s few landmarks is the old Manville Christian Church, which has served as a community gathering spot for generations. The area around Manville is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and streams providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. While Manville is small, its proximity to Madison allows residents to enjoy the amenities and cultural attractions of the larger city while living in a quiet, rural setting.