Cities and Towns in Mahaska County, Iowa

Founded on Feb 17, 1843, Mahaska County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Mahaska County was formed from Fox and Sac Indian lands. The city of Oskaloosa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 123, Mahaska County has a population of 21,984 and area of 571 square miles (1,479 km²).

List of all cities in Mahaska County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Barnes City, IA	50027	641
Beacon, IA	52534	641
Cedar, IA	52543	641
Evans, IA	52577	641
Evans Junction, IA	52534	641
Fremont, IA	52561	641
Keomah, IA	52577	641
Lacey, IA	50207	641
Leighton, IA	50143	641
New Sharon, IA	50207	641
Olivet, IA	50143	641
Oskaloosa, IA	52577	641
Rose Hill, IA	52586	641
Taintor, IA	50207	641
Union Mills, IA	50207	641
University Park, IA	52595	641
Wright, IA	52577	641

Major Cities and Towns in Mahaska County, Iowa

Oskaloosa

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 7.98 square miles
• Population: Approximately 11,500 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52577
• Latitude: 41.2956° N
• Longitude: 92.6442° W

City Location and History

Oskaloosa, the county seat of Mahaska County, is located in southeastern Iowa. Founded in 1844, the city was named after the daughter of a Creek chief, with the name Oskaloosa meaning “last of the beautiful.” The city’s early growth was fueled by its location between the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers, making it a prime spot for agriculture. In the late 19th century, Oskaloosa became a hub for coal mining, which brought both economic growth and a diverse population. The Iowa Central Railroad and the development of local industries, such as brick and tile manufacturing, helped Oskaloosa grow into a thriving small city. Today, Oskaloosa is known for its rich history, vibrant downtown, and strong community spirit.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Oskaloosa is served by the Oskaloosa Community School District, with Oskaloosa High School being the main educational institution. The city is also home to William Penn University, a private liberal arts college founded by Quaker settlers in 1873. Notable landmarks include the Mahaska County Courthouse, a historic building constructed in 1886, and the Oskaloosa City Park, which features the famous Oskaloosa Bandstand, a centerpiece for the town’s annual Art on the Square event. The Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum, located on the outskirts of the city, offers a glimpse into the region’s early agricultural history. Oskaloosa is also known for hosting the Southern Iowa Fair, which attracts visitors from across the state.

New Sharon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.87 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50207
• Latitude: 41.4708° N
• Longitude: 92.6517° W

City Location and History

New Sharon is located in the northern part of Mahaska County, and it was founded in 1856. The town was originally established as a small agricultural community, with settlers drawn to the fertile lands surrounding the North Skunk River. New Sharon was a stop along the old stagecoach route and later benefited from railroad expansion, which helped local farmers transport their goods. Over the years, New Sharon has remained a primarily rural and agricultural community, known for its small-town charm and family-friendly atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

New Sharon is part of the North Mahaska Community School District, with North Mahaska High School serving the local student population. The town’s key landmarks include the New Sharon City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for community events. The Prairie Knolls Country Club, a nine-hole golf course just outside of town, provides recreational opportunities for residents. New Sharon also hosts several annual events, such as the New Sharon Spring Festival, which includes parades, local vendors, and family activities. The town’s quiet, rural setting, combined with its strong community values, makes New Sharon an inviting place to live and visit.

Eddyville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.93 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52553
• Latitude: 41.1606° N
• Longitude: 92.6347° W

City Location and History

Eddyville is located in the northeastern part of Mahaska County, with portions of the town extending into Wapello and Monroe Counties. Founded in 1840, Eddyville was one of the earliest settlements in the region. The town developed along the Des Moines River, which provided access to transportation and trade. Eddyville’s early economy was based on agriculture and river commerce, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur further growth. The town’s location along the river also made it a popular stop for steamboats, enhancing its role as a regional trading hub.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Eddyville is part of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District, with Eddyville-Blakesburg High School serving local students. Key landmarks include the historic downtown area, which features several 19th-century buildings, and the Des Moines Riverfront, which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The town also has several parks, including Wapello County Park, located nearby, which offers camping, hiking trails, and river access. Eddyville celebrates its heritage with an annual town festival that includes parades, live music, and local vendors, showcasing the community’s pride in its history and location along the river.

Fremont

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.28 square miles
• Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52561
• Latitude: 41.2103° N
• Longitude: 92.4356° W

City Location and History

Fremont is located in southeastern Mahaska County and was founded in the mid-19th century. The town was named after John C. Fremont, an American explorer and politician known as “The Pathfinder.” Fremont grew as a small agricultural town, with the surrounding farmland providing a strong economic base. In its early years, the town developed as a trade center for local farmers, benefiting from its proximity to both Oskaloosa and Ottumwa. Today, Fremont remains a close-knit rural community, with agriculture continuing to play a central role in the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fremont is part of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. Key landmarks in Fremont include the Fremont City Park, which serves as a gathering spot for community events and outdoor activities. The town also has a historic church, the Fremont Methodist Church, which has been a focal point of the community for over a century. Fremont hosts the annual Fremont Old Soldiers and Settlers Reunion, one of the longest-running events of its kind in Iowa, featuring parades, food vendors, and entertainment that celebrate the town’s history and military heritage.

Leighton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.11 square miles
• Population: Approximately 160 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50143
• Latitude: 41.3292° N
• Longitude: 92.7858° W

City Location and History

Leighton is a small town located in western Mahaska County. Founded in the late 19th century, Leighton developed as a Dutch settlement, with many of its early residents being Dutch immigrants who came to Iowa for its fertile farmland. The town was named after a local settler and quickly grew as an agricultural community. Over the years, Leighton has remained a small, rural town with strong ties to its Dutch heritage and farming roots. Although small, Leighton continues to serve as a residential and agricultural hub in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Leighton is part of the Pella Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Pella. The town’s primary landmark is Leighton Christian Reformed Church, which has been a key part of the community since its founding. The church serves as both a religious and social center for residents. Leighton also has a small park that offers green space for recreation and community events. The town hosts an annual summer picnic that brings residents together for food, games, and fellowship, reflecting Leighton’s strong sense of community and tradition. Its peaceful, rural setting and agricultural focus make it a quiet and welcoming place to live.

Rose Hill

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.14 square miles
• Population: Approximately 150 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 52586
• Latitude: 41.2903° N
• Longitude: 92.4664° W

City Location and History

Rose Hill is located in southeastern Mahaska County and was established in the 1870s during the railroad boom. The town developed as a small agricultural community, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. The arrival of the railroad helped Rose Hill become a key shipping point for agricultural goods, contributing to its early growth. Although the town’s population has remained small, it continues to be an important part of the county’s agricultural landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rose Hill is part of the Oskaloosa Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Oskaloosa. The town’s primary landmark is the Rose Hill City Park, which serves as a gathering place for residents and hosts community events throughout the year. Rose Hill’s small size gives it a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere, with the surrounding farmland providing a scenic rural backdrop. The town celebrates its history and agricultural heritage with an annual fall festival, featuring parades, games, and local vendors. Rose Hill’s quiet charm and agricultural roots make it a peaceful place to live and visit.