Cities and Towns in Keokuk County, Iowa

Founded on Dec 21, 1837, Keokuk County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Keokuk County was formed from Washington County. The city of Sigourney is the county seat. With FIPS code of 107, Keokuk County has a population of 9,914 and area of 579 square miles (1,500 km²).

List of all cities in Keokuk County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Clear Creek, IA	52248	641
Coal Creek, IA	50268	641
Delta, IA	52550	641
Farson, IA	52563	641
Gibson, IA	50104	641
Harper, IA	52231	641
Hayesville, IA	52562	641
Hedrick, IA	52563	641
Indianapolis, IA	50268	641
Keota, IA	52248	641
Keswick, IA	50136	319
Kinross, IA	52335	319
Lancaster, IA	52591	641
Martinsburg, IA	52568	641
Ollie, IA	52576	641
Richland, IA	52585	319
Rubio, IA	52585	319
Sigourney, IA	52591	641
South English, IA	52335	319
Talleyrand, IA	52248	641
Thornburg, IA	50255	641
Veo, IA	52585	319
Webster, IA	52355	319
What Cheer, IA	50268	641

Major Cities and Towns in Keokuk County, Iowa

Sigourney

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 2.46 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,000 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 52591
• Latitude: 41.3347° N
• Longitude: 92.2042° W

City Location and History

Sigourney, the county seat of Keokuk County, is located in southeastern Iowa. Established in 1844, the city was named after the popular poet Lydia Sigourney, and it quickly became the administrative and commercial center of the county. Its location along the old stagecoach routes contributed to its early growth, as did the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s. Sigourney developed primarily as an agricultural hub, serving local farmers with grain mills, supply stores, and other essential businesses. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the town remained a small yet vibrant community, maintaining its role as a key player in the region’s agricultural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sigourney is served by the Sigourney Community School District, with Sigourney High School being the main educational institution. Notable landmarks in the city include the Keokuk County Courthouse, a historic building that reflects late 19th-century architecture, and the Dumont Museum, which features an impressive collection of Americana, including antique toys, dolls, and model trains. Sigourney also hosts an annual Keokuk County Fair, which celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, carnival rides, and community events. The town’s vibrant downtown area features shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, contributing to its charming small-town atmosphere.

Keota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.81 square miles
• Population: Approximately 950 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 52248
• Latitude: 41.3625° N
• Longitude: 91.9547° W

City Location and History

Keota is located in the northeastern corner of Keokuk County. Founded in 1873, the town grew rapidly due to its location along the Burlington, Cedar Rapids, and Northern Railway. The town’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “gone to visit,” reflecting its origins as a place where people traveled for commerce and trade. Agriculture has always been at the heart of Keota’s economy, with local farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Keota’s rich agricultural history is still evident today, and the town maintains a close-knit, rural community atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Keota is part of the Keota Community School District, with Keota High School serving the town’s students. Key landmarks in Keota include Wilson Memorial Park, a popular location for family gatherings and outdoor activities, and the Keota Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s history and early settlers. The town hosts the annual Keota Fun Days festival, which includes parades, live music, and local food vendors, celebrating the town’s history and community spirit. Keota’s peaceful rural setting, combined with its strong community values, makes it a welcoming and family-oriented place to live.

Hedrick

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.53 square miles
• Population: Approximately 760 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 52563
• Latitude: 41.1714° N
• Longitude: 92.3050° W

City Location and History

Hedrick is located in the southeastern part of Keokuk County, near the Wapello County border. The town was founded in 1881 along the route of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad, which played a significant role in its development. Named after a prominent railroad official, Hedrick grew as a small agricultural community with local farms producing crops and livestock. The railroad allowed farmers to transport their goods to larger markets, fueling the town’s early growth. Though small, Hedrick has a rich history tied to both agriculture and the railroad industry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hedrick is part of the Pekin Community School District, with students attending Pekin High School in nearby Packwood. Key landmarks in Hedrick include the Hedrick Public Library, which serves as a community hub, and Hedrick City Park, which offers playgrounds and picnic areas. The town also hosts the annual Hedrick Barbecue, a popular community event that features food, games, and local entertainment. The town’s quiet, rural atmosphere and close connection to agriculture make it a peaceful place to live, while its community events foster a strong sense of local pride and togetherness.

What Cheer

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.35 square miles
• Population: Approximately 610 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 50268
• Latitude: 41.4106° N
• Longitude: 92.3569° W

City Location and History

What Cheer is located in the western part of Keokuk County and is one of the most uniquely named towns in Iowa. Founded in 1865, the town’s name is thought to have originated from an old English greeting, “What cheer?”—a phrase used to ask how someone is doing. During the late 19th century, What Cheer became a bustling coal mining town, with dozens of mines operating in the area. At its peak, the town had a booming economy driven by coal production, but as the mines closed in the early 20th century, the population declined. Today, What Cheer is a small, historic town that reflects its industrial past while embracing its rural present.

Major Schools and Landmarks

What Cheer is part of the Tri-County Community School District, with students attending Tri-County High School in nearby Thornburg. Notable landmarks include the What Cheer Opera House, a historic theater that hosts performances, events, and community gatherings. The town is also known for the What Cheer Flea Market, one of the largest flea markets in the Midwest, which draws visitors from across the region several times a year. The town’s historical significance, combined with its lively community events, make What Cheer a unique and memorable place to visit.

Thornburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.13 square miles
• Population: Approximately 60 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 50255
• Latitude: 41.3728° N
• Longitude: 92.3553° W

City Location and History

Thornburg is a small town in the western part of Keokuk County. It was founded in the late 19th century, primarily as a farming community. Like many small towns in Iowa, Thornburg’s economy has traditionally been centered around agriculture, with local farms producing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Although the town has remained small, it has preserved its rural charm and strong sense of community, with a focus on supporting local agriculture and small-town living.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Thornburg is part of the Tri-County Community School District, with students attending Tri-County High School. Key landmarks in Thornburg include the Thornburg City Park, which provides space for community events and outdoor activities. Although Thornburg is small, the town is known for its involvement in regional agricultural fairs and events that bring the community together. Its proximity to larger towns such as What Cheer and Sigourney allows residents to enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle while remaining connected to the surrounding area.

Delta

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.50 square miles
• Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2023)
• Zip Codes: 52550
• Latitude: 41.3217° N
• Longitude: 92.3075° W

City Location and History

Delta is located in eastern Keokuk County, near the Keokuk-Mahaska County line. Founded in 1871, Delta was established along the route of the Keokuk & Des Moines Railway, which contributed to its early growth as a small agricultural town. The town’s economy has always been tied to farming, with local residents engaged in crop and livestock production. Though Delta has remained a small town, its rich history and connection to the railroad have left a lasting legacy on the community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Delta is part of the Sigourney Community School District, with students attending Sigourney High School. The town’s primary landmark is Delta City Park, which offers a playground, picnic shelters, and space for community events. The Delta United Methodist Church, one of the town’s oldest institutions, remains a central part of community life. Delta also participates in regional fairs and festivals, celebrating its agricultural roots. The town’s quiet rural atmosphere, combined with its historical significance, makes it a peaceful and welcoming place for families and retirees alike.