Cities and Towns in Kossuth County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Kossuth County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Kossuth County was formed from Webster County. The city of Algona is the county seat. With FIPS code of 109, Kossuth County has a population of 14,529 and area of 973 square miles (2,520 km²).
List of all cities in Kossuth County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Algona, IA | 50511 | 515 |
| Bancroft, IA | 50517 | 515 |
| Burt, IA | 50522 | 515 |
| Fenton, IA | 50539 | 515 |
| Galbraith, IA | 50560 | 515 |
| German Valley, IA | 50480 | 515 |
| Hanna, IA | 50560 | 515 |
| Hobarton, IA | 50511 | 515 |
| Irvington, IA | 50560 | 515 |
| Lakota, IA | 50451 | 515 |
| Ledyard, IA | 50556 | 515 |
| Lone Rock, IA | 50559 | 515 |
| Lotts Creek, IA | 50559 | 515 |
| Lu Verne, IA | 50560 | 515 |
| Saint Benedict, IA | 50511 | 515 |
| Seneca, IA | 50539 | 515 |
| Sexton, IA | 50483 | 515 |
| Swea City, IA | 50590 | 515 |
| Titonka, IA | 50480 | 515 |
| Wesley, IA | 50483 | 515 |
| Whittemore, IA | 50598 | 515 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kossuth County, Iowa
Algona
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 4.50 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,400 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 50511
- Latitude: 43.0697° N
- Longitude: 94.2331° W
City Location and History
Algona, the county seat of Kossuth County, is located in north-central Iowa along the East Fork of the Des Moines River. Founded in 1854, the town was named after the Algonquin Native American tribe. Algona grew quickly due to its location along key transportation routes and its role as a hub for agriculture in the region. In its early years, the town was a center for milling, trade, and later, the railroad, which boosted its economy by connecting it to larger markets. During World War II, Algona was home to a German prisoner-of-war camp, which housed over 10,000 prisoners and became a significant part of the town’s history. Today, Algona remains an agricultural hub while also being a center for commerce and culture in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Algona is served by the Algona Community School District, with Algona High School providing education to local students. Notable landmarks include the POW Museum, which commemorates the German prisoner-of-war camp and the historical impact it had on the town. The Kossuth County Courthouse, built in 1954, is a centerpiece of Algona’s downtown, reflecting its mid-century architectural design. Algona is also home to the annual Founders’ Day celebration, which highlights the town’s history with parades, historical reenactments, and community events. The Algona Public Library and local parks like Veterans Park offer recreational and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Bancroft
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.95 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 50517
- Latitude: 43.2936° N
- Longitude: 94.2164° W
City Location and History
Bancroft is located in northern Kossuth County, close to the Minnesota border. Founded in 1881, Bancroft was named after historian George Bancroft. The town quickly became an agricultural and railroad hub, serving local farmers and providing access to markets in larger cities. Bancroft developed a strong agricultural economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock playing key roles. Over the years, Bancroft has maintained its small-town charm while continuing to serve as a local center for agriculture and trade. The town is also known for its community spirit and active involvement in local events and sports.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bancroft is part of the North Kossuth Community School District, with students attending North Union High School in nearby Armstrong. A key landmark in the town is Bancroft Memorial Park, which offers recreational facilities and hosts local events. The Bancroft Historical Museum preserves artifacts from the town’s history, including its early railroad days and agricultural development. The annual Bancroft Days celebration brings the community together with parades, games, and entertainment, highlighting the town’s strong sense of community. Bancroft’s rural setting, combined with its rich history and close-knit community, makes it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Swea City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 50590
- Latitude: 43.3842° N
- Longitude: 94.3083° W
City Location and History
Swea City is located in the northwestern part of Kossuth County, near the Iowa-Minnesota border. Established in 1893, Swea City was named after a Swedish settlement, reflecting the large number of Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the area. The town developed as a farming community, with agriculture being the mainstay of its economy. Corn, soybeans, and livestock have long been the primary agricultural products, and the town grew as a small trade center for local farmers. Over time, Swea City has maintained its small-town character while continuing to serve as a center for the surrounding agricultural area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Swea City is part of the North Kossuth Community School District, with students attending North Union High School. The town’s major landmarks include Swea City Heritage Park, which showcases the town’s history and offers recreational facilities. The Swea City Historical Museum preserves the town’s Scandinavian roots and the early settlers’ contributions to the region. Each year, the town celebrates Swea City Fun Days, a community event featuring parades, games, and local vendors. Swea City’s rich agricultural history, combined with its peaceful rural atmosphere, makes it a charming and welcoming town in Kossuth County.
Lakota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Approximately 270 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 50451
- Latitude: 43.3772° N
- Longitude: 94.1025° W
City Location and History
Lakota is a small town in northern Kossuth County, near the Minnesota state line. Founded in 1892, the town was initially named Germania, but during World War I, its name was changed to Lakota in 1918 due to anti-German sentiment. Lakota has historically been an agricultural community, with its economy centered around farming and grain production. The town grew modestly in its early years, supported by the railroad, which helped local farmers transport their goods. Over the years, Lakota has remained a quiet, rural community, known for its friendly atmosphere and agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lakota is part of the North Kossuth Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. A key landmark in Lakota is the Lakota City Park, which offers green spaces for recreation and hosts local events. The town also features several historic buildings, reflecting its early 20th-century roots. Each summer, Lakota celebrates its heritage with a town festival, featuring food, games, and family-friendly activities. Lakota’s small size and agricultural focus give it a peaceful, rural charm that appeals to residents and visitors seeking a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.
Whittemore
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.57 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 50598
- Latitude: 43.0747° N
- Longitude: 94.4189° W
City Location and History
Whittemore is located in western Kossuth County and was established in 1878. The town was named after a railroad official, and the arrival of the railroad played a key role in its early development. Whittemore became an agricultural center, with the town serving as a hub for local farmers to ship their products to larger markets. Agriculture remains the backbone of the town’s economy, with corn and soybean production being the main industries. Over the years, Whittemore has maintained its small-town charm and agricultural roots, making it a quintessential rural community in Iowa.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Whittemore is part of the Algona Community School District, with students attending Algona High School. A notable landmark in the town is Whittemore City Park, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and space for community events. The town is also home to the Whittemore Public Library, which serves as a local hub for education and cultural activities. Whittemore’s annual Fun Days celebration includes parades, games, and local food vendors, bringing together the community to celebrate its rural heritage. Whittemore’s combination of history, agriculture, and small-town values make it a peaceful and inviting place to live.
Lone Rock
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.28 square miles
- Population: Approximately 140 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 50559
- Latitude: 43.2111° N
- Longitude: 94.3317° W
City Location and History
Lone Rock is a small town located in the northwestern part of Kossuth County. Founded in 1899, the town was named after a large boulder that early settlers found in the area, which became a local landmark. Lone Rock developed as a farming community, with agriculture as its primary industry. The town grew slowly over the years, maintaining its rural character and strong agricultural base. Today, Lone Rock continues to serve as a small agricultural center, with a close-knit community and a focus on farming and livestock production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lone Rock is part of the North Kossuth Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. The town’s most notable landmark is Lone Rock City Park, which offers green spaces for recreation and hosts local events such as picnics and town gatherings. Each year, the town celebrates its history with a community picnic, bringing together residents to celebrate their rural lifestyle. The town’s quiet atmosphere and strong agricultural focus make it a peaceful and welcoming place to live, reflecting the values and traditions of rural Iowa.
