Cities and Towns in Kimball County, Nebraska
Founded in 1888, Kimball County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Kimball County was formed from Cheyenne County. The city of Kimball is the county seat. With FIPS code of 105, Kimball County has a population of 3,412 and area of 952 square miles (2,466 km²).
List of all cities in Kimball County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bushnell, NE | 69128 | 308 |
| Dix, NE | 69133 | 308 |
| Jacinto, NE | 69133 | 308 |
| Kimball, NE | 69145 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kimball County, Nebraska
Kimball, Nebraska
Location and History
Kimball is the county seat of Kimball County and is located in the far western part of Nebraska, near the Colorado and Wyoming borders. It was founded in 1886 as a railroad town, originally named “Antelope,” but was later renamed Kimball in honor of railroad executive Thomas Kimball. The town’s history is closely tied to the development of the railroad, particularly the Union Pacific Railroad, which helped bring settlers to the area and established Kimball as an important stop on the line. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became a central economic activity in the area. Over time, Kimball developed into a regional trade center and service hub for surrounding farmers and ranchers. As the county seat, Kimball became the focal point for local government and commerce. Despite its small size, the town has managed to maintain a level of economic stability, largely due to its strategic location along major highways and its proximity to larger cities such as Denver and Cheyenne.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kimball is served by the Kimball Public Schools district, which includes Kimball High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and athletic teams, especially in football and track. The town’s major landmarks include the Kimball County Courthouse, a historical building that stands as a testament to the town’s role as the county seat. The Kimball Depot Museum, housed in the original railroad station, showcases the town’s railroad heritage. Other attractions include the historic downtown area, which retains much of its 19th-century charm, and the Kimball Golf Course, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Nebraska National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Kimball is also known for its annual events, including the Kimball County Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment, drawing visitors from the surrounding region.
- Area: 1.04 sq mi
- Population: 2,561 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 69145
- Latitude: 41.2497° N
- Longitude: 103.6770° W
Thedford, Nebraska
Location and History
Thedford is a small village located in the western part of Kimball County, Nebraska. Thedford was established in 1890 and named after Thedford, England. The town’s history is largely agricultural, as it was founded as a farming community with an emphasis on cattle ranching. Thedford grew steadily in the early 20th century, though its development slowed after the decline of the railroad in the 1930s. Despite this, the village maintained a tight-knit community focused on agriculture and rural life. Over the years, Thedford has remained a small but resilient village, with its economy still reliant on agriculture, particularly ranching and farming. The village is located in the scenic Sandhills region of Nebraska, which provides a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and grasslands. Although Thedford has faced economic challenges, it continues to attract residents looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Thedford is served by the Thedford Public Schools district, which includes Thedford High School. The school is a hub for community activities and provides a well-rounded education, with a strong focus on athletics and extracurricular programs. Major landmarks in Thedford include the Sandhills Golf Club, a local course that offers a scenic, relaxed setting for golf enthusiasts. Thedford is also home to the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, a scenic route that showcases the beauty of Nebraska’s Sandhills region, and draws tourists for its unique landscapes and opportunities for wildlife observation. Thedford has a rich tradition of community events, including the annual Sandhills Rodeo, a celebration of the area’s ranching heritage, featuring rodeo events, music, and a parade. The town is also known for its charming downtown area, which reflects its agricultural history and provides a glimpse into its early days. Thedford’s small-town atmosphere, combined with its natural beauty and rural charm, makes it a popular spot for those seeking a slower pace of life.
- Area: 0.55 sq mi
- Population: 223 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 69166
- Latitude: 41.5260° N
- Longitude: 103.6125° W
Brownson, Nebraska
Location and History
Brownson is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Kimball County, Nebraska. It was founded in the early 1900s as a small agricultural settlement, with its economy based primarily on farming and livestock. The town was named after early settler and local landowner, Brownson, though much of its early history remains obscure due to the lack of significant development. Over the years, Brownson remained a quiet rural community with little growth, and today it is considered a “ghost town,” with only a few remaining buildings. The population of Brownson has significantly declined, and the community is now primarily known for its agricultural heritage and its role as a stop for travelers passing through the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Brownson does not have its own school district or public school system. Residents attend schools in nearby towns such as Kimball or Thedford. Brownson lacks major landmarks or attractions, but it is located near the picturesque and expansive Kimball County grasslands, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The nearby historic highway routes, particularly US Route 30, which cuts across the state of Nebraska, serve as key routes for travelers passing through the area. Brownson’s location in the western Nebraska plains makes it a quiet, rural stop for those exploring the Sandhills or traveling along the scenic highways. While there are no formal festivals or events, Brownson remains a reminder of Nebraska’s agricultural past.
- Area: N/A
- Population: 10 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 69145 (Kimball)
- Latitude: 41.1884° N
- Longitude: 103.6739° W
