Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Nebraska
Founded in 1857, Johnson County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Johnson County was formed from Nemaha and Otoe Counties. The city of Tecumseh is the county seat. With FIPS code of 97, Johnson County has a population of 5,316 and area of 376 square miles (974 km²).
List of all cities in Johnson County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cook, NE | 68329 | 402 |
| Crab Orchard, NE | 68332 | 402 |
| Elk Creek, NE | 68348 | 402 |
| Graf, NE | 68450 | 402 |
| Saint Mary, NE | 68443 | 402 |
| Sterling, NE | 68443 | 402 |
| Tecumseh, NE | 68450 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Nebraska
Tecumseh, Nebraska
Location and History
Tecumseh, the county seat of Johnson County, is located in the southeastern part of Nebraska, near the border with Kansas. The town was founded in 1856 and named after Tecumseh, the famous Shawnee leader, who was known for his efforts to unite Native American tribes against the encroachment of European settlers. The town grew steadily during the mid-19th century, particularly as the railroad expanded through the area, making Tecumseh a key stop for travelers and a hub for trade. The arrival of the railroad boosted the local economy, and the town became an agricultural center for the surrounding region, known for its wheat and corn production. Tecumseh’s development as a farming and railroad town helped shape its character, with many historic buildings still standing that reflect its midwestern roots. Today, Tecumseh is a small, rural community that retains a strong sense of history and is a quiet place to live, but it is also part of the greater Lincoln metropolitan area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tecumseh is served by the Johnson County Central Schools district, which includes Johnson County Central High School. The high school offers a variety of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities to students. Notable landmarks in Tecumseh include the Johnson County Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the county and its agricultural roots. The Tecumseh Courthouse, a historic building in the heart of the town, is another important landmark. Additionally, the town is home to the Tecumseh City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and sports facilities, serving as a hub for local events and outdoor activities. The surrounding area is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, farmland, and the nearby Nemaha River providing a peaceful, rural backdrop. Tecumseh’s rich history and small-town charm make it a desirable place for those seeking a quiet, yet historically rich, lifestyle.
- Area: 1.13 sq mi
- Population: 1,681 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68450
- Latitude: 40.3969° N
- Longitude: 95.9851° W
Cook, Nebraska
Location and History
Cook is a small village located in the central part of Johnson County, Nebraska. The town was founded in 1880, during a period of rapid settlement in the Great Plains. It was named after a local family who played an important role in the town’s early development. Cook was established as a railroad stop along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, which provided transportation for settlers and goods in and out of the area. The town grew around agriculture, with farming and ranching being the primary economic drivers. Over time, Cook developed into a quiet, rural community with a stable population. The town retains much of its historic charm, with several buildings reflecting its 19th-century roots. Despite its small size, Cook has managed to maintain a sense of community and rural character while continuing to support agricultural industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cook is served by the Johnson County Central Schools district, with local students attending schools in nearby Tecumseh. The village itself is known for its close-knit community and rural charm, and while it does not boast major tourist attractions, it is located in a region known for its beautiful landscapes and agricultural heritage. Cook is also near several parks and recreational areas, including the nearby Red Fox Run Golf Course and the surrounding countryside, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting. The village’s historic buildings and rural setting make it an attractive place for those who appreciate the quiet, agricultural lifestyle that defines the area.
- Area: 0.55 sq mi
- Population: 512 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68329
- Latitude: 40.4007° N
- Longitude: 96.2116° W
Stella, Nebraska
Location and History
Stella is a small village located in the southwestern part of Johnson County, Nebraska. The town was founded in 1871 and named after Stella, the daughter of a prominent local settler. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Stella grew rapidly in the late 19th century due to its location along the railroad. The town became a vital hub for agricultural trade, with farmers in the surrounding area relying on the railroad to transport their crops and livestock. Over time, the town’s population stabilized, and it has remained a quiet rural community with a strong agricultural foundation. While Stella’s population has declined since its peak, the village continues to be an important part of Johnson County, offering a peaceful and scenic place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stella is served by the Southeast Nebraska Consolidated Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Humboldt or other surrounding towns. The town’s major landmarks include the Stella Park, a popular spot for local events, picnicking, and sports activities. The park also features a small playground, making it a hub for community gatherings. Stella’s rural setting offers outdoor enthusiasts access to nearby natural areas, such as the Nemaha River, which runs just south of the village and provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation. The village’s strong ties to agriculture are also evident in the local agricultural fairs and events that celebrate the community’s farming heritage.
- Area: 0.33 sq mi
- Population: 276 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 68442
- Latitude: 40.3661° N
- Longitude: 95.8394° W
Narka, Nebraska
Location and History
Narka is an unincorporated village located in the eastern part of Johnson County, Nebraska. The town was originally settled in the late 19th century and developed as a rural farming community. Its location near the Nemaha River allowed for agriculture to thrive, particularly corn and soybean farming. Narka was once a more active community, but over the years, its population has dwindled, and it has largely remained a quiet, residential village. Today, Narka serves as a reminder of the agricultural history of the region, with many of the local families having deep roots in the farming industry. Though the town is small, its close-knit community and rural charm continue to attract those seeking a quiet, peaceful lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Because Narka is an unincorporated village, there are no schools directly in town. Students generally attend schools in nearby towns, including Tecumseh and Cook. Narka’s main landmark is its rural setting, characterized by farmland and scenic countryside. The village’s proximity to the Nemaha River provides opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. Narka’s small size and peaceful environment make it an attractive location for those seeking solitude and a slower pace of life. It is also part of the larger agricultural landscape that defines the region, with many residents involved in farming and ranching.
- Area: N/A
- Population: Estimated less than 50
- Zip Codes: 68450 (Tecumseh)
- Latitude: 40.3485° N
- Longitude: 95.9730° W
Otoe, Nebraska
Location and History
Otoe is a small village located in the northeastern corner of Johnson County, Nebraska. It was settled in the early 1860s and named after the Otoe Native American tribe, which once inhabited the region. The village grew up around the railroad and became a stop along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad in the late 19th century. Agriculture, particularly corn and wheat farming, played a significant role in the town’s economy, and the village developed as a service center for the surrounding rural areas. Otoe remains a quiet, rural community with a population that has remained small but stable over the years. Its historic buildings and agricultural roots continue to define the character of the village.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Otoe is part of the Nebraska City Public Schools district, with students attending schools in the nearby city of Nebraska City. The village does not have many major landmarks, but it is situated near several parks and recreational areas, including the nearby Otoe County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds host various local events, including agricultural fairs, which celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. Otoe is located close to the Missouri River, providing additional outdoor recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The village is also near larger towns like Nebraska City, where residents can enjoy additional cultural and recreational amenities.
- Area: N/A
- Population: Estimated less than 100
- Zip Codes: 68417
- Latitude: 40.4502° N
- Longitude: 95.9983° W
