Cities and Towns in Marion County, Iowa

Founded on Jun 10, 1845, Marion County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Marion County was formed from Washington County. The city of Knoxville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Marion County has a population of 33,380 and area of 554 square miles (1,435 km²).

List of all cities in Marion County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Beech, IA	50225	515
Bussey, IA	50044	641
Columbia, IA	50057	641
Dallas, IA	50062	641
Durham, IA	50119	641
Hamilton, IA	50116	641
Harvey, IA	50119	641
Knoxville, IA	50138	641
Marysville, IA	50116	641
Melcher, IA	50163	641
Melcher Dallas, IA	50062	641
	50163	641
Otley, IA	50214	641
Painted Rocks, IA	50214	641
Park Hills, IA	50214	641
Pella, IA	50219	641
Pershing, IA	50138	641
Pleasantville, IA	50225	515
Swan, IA	50252	515
Tracy, IA	50256	641

Major Cities and Towns in Marion County, Iowa

Knoxville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 4.63 square miles
• Population: Approximately 7,300 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50138
• Latitude: 41.3175° N
• Longitude: 93.1011° W

City Location and History

Knoxville, the county seat of Marion County, is located in south-central Iowa, along the Des Moines River valley. Founded in 1845 and named after General Henry Knox, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, Knoxville quickly developed as an agricultural and trade hub. The city’s early economy was based on farming, coal mining, and manufacturing, all of which benefited from the area’s proximity to the Des Moines River and the railroads that later arrived in the 19th century. Over time, Knoxville became famous for its motorsport history, particularly the Knoxville Raceway, known as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World,” which has drawn racing enthusiasts for decades.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Knoxville is served by the Knoxville Community School District, with Knoxville High School being the main educational institution. One of the city’s most notable landmarks is the Knoxville Raceway, home to the annual Knoxville Nationals, the largest sprint car event in the world. Other landmarks include the Marion County Courthouse, a historic building dating back to 1896, and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of sprint car racing. Knoxville’s downtown area features several historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants, contributing to its charm and vibrant community atmosphere.

Pella

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 8.73 square miles
• Population: Approximately 10,500 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50219
• Latitude: 41.4086° N
• Longitude: 92.9161° W

City Location and History

Pella is located in the eastern part of Marion County and was founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants seeking religious freedom. Led by Dominie Hendrik Scholte, the settlers named the town Pella, after the ancient city in Jordan that served as a refuge for Christians fleeing Roman persecution. The town quickly developed a strong agricultural economy, which remains a cornerstone of Pella’s identity today. Known for its Dutch heritage, Pella retains many of its cultural traditions and historic architecture, making it a unique destination in Iowa. The city is also home to major companies such as Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing, which have contributed to its economic growth.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pella is served by the Pella Community School District, with Pella High School being the largest school in the district. Pella is renowned for its landmarks that celebrate Dutch heritage, including the Vermeer Windmill, one of the largest working windmills in the United States. The annual Tulip Time Festival is a major event that draws thousands of visitors each year, celebrating Dutch culture with parades, traditional dances, and tulip displays. Central College, a private liberal arts college, also calls Pella home and adds to the town’s vibrant educational and cultural landscape. The Pella Historical Village and Scholte House Museum showcase the town’s rich history.

Pleasantville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.35 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,700 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50225
• Latitude: 41.3875° N
• Longitude: 93.2686° W

City Location and History

Pleasantville is located in the northwestern part of Marion County, close to Lake Red Rock and just 15 miles southeast of Des Moines. Founded in 1849, the town grew as a small agricultural community, benefiting from its fertile farmland and proximity to transportation routes. Pleasantville’s economy has historically been based on farming, and it continues to play a significant role in the community today. Its location near Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, also provides opportunities for recreation and tourism, which have contributed to its steady growth over the years.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pleasantville is served by the Pleasantville Community School District, with Pleasantville High School being the primary school in the town. The town’s key landmarks include the Pleasantville Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and social gatherings. The nearby Lake Red Rock and the Red Rock Dam offer numerous outdoor recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping, making Pleasantville a popular destination for nature lovers. The town hosts several annual events, including the Pleasantville Pig Out, a community barbecue and celebration that reflects the town’s friendly, small-town atmosphere.

Melcher-Dallas

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.98 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,250 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50163
• Latitude: 41.2222° N
• Longitude: 93.2400° W

City Location and History

Melcher-Dallas is located in the southern part of Marion County and was formed by the merging of two neighboring towns, Melcher and Dallas, in 1986. Both towns were originally established in the late 19th century as coal mining communities, and coal mining played a significant role in their early growth. The town’s economy transitioned to agriculture after the decline of the coal industry, with farming becoming the primary economic activity. Today, Melcher-Dallas is a small, close-knit community known for its rural charm and historical roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Melcher-Dallas is served by the Melcher-Dallas Community School District, with Melcher-Dallas High School being the main educational institution. The town’s major landmarks include the Coal Mine Park, which commemorates the town’s coal mining heritage and offers green space for recreational activities. The town also hosts the annual Melcher-Dallas Coal Miners Day, celebrating the area’s mining history with parades, games, and community events. The nearby Whitebreast Recreation Area, part of Lake Red Rock, provides additional outdoor opportunities, making the town a quiet yet scenic place to live.

Monroe

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.37 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,850 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50170
• Latitude: 41.5219° N
• Longitude: 93.1053° W

City Location and History

Monroe is located on the northern border of Marion County and is just 20 miles east of Des Moines. Founded in 1856, the town was originally a stagecoach stop and developed as a trading center for local farmers. Agriculture has always been a key part of Monroe’s economy, with corn and soybeans being the main crops grown in the area. Over the years, Monroe has maintained its rural identity while benefiting from its proximity to larger cities, which has spurred moderate growth and made it an attractive place for commuters.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Monroe is part of the PCM (Prairie City-Monroe) Community School District, with PCM High School serving both Monroe and the neighboring town of Prairie City. Key landmarks in Monroe include the Monroe Public Library and Tool’s Point Park, which offers recreational facilities for residents. The town also celebrates its history with the Monroe Old Settlers Celebration, an annual event featuring parades, live music, and activities that highlight the town’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Monroe’s peaceful rural setting and close proximity to Des Moines make it a popular place for families seeking a small-town lifestyle.

Bussey

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.43 square miles
• Population: Approximately 420 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 50044
• Latitude: 41.2044° N
• Longitude: 92.8867° W

City Location and History

Bussey is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Marion County. Founded in 1875, Bussey developed primarily as a coal mining town, with several mines operating in the area during its early years. The town’s economy transitioned to agriculture after the coal mines closed, and farming remains the backbone of the local economy today. Despite its small size, Bussey has a rich history connected to Iowa’s coal mining past and has preserved its close-knit community spirit.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bussey is served by the Twin Cedars Community School District, with Twin Cedars High School located in nearby rural areas serving the town’s students. A key landmark in Bussey is the historic Bussey Fire Department, which has been serving the community for over a century. The town also features a community park and playground, providing space for local events and recreation. Each year, the town celebrates Bussey Days, a festival featuring parades, games, and food vendors, showcasing the community’s pride and its agricultural heritage. Bussey’s quiet, rural setting and historical significance make it a charming small town in Marion County.