Cities and Towns in Mills County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Mills County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Mills County was formed from Pottawattamie County. The city of Glenwood is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Mills County has a population of 14,465 and area of 437 square miles (1,132 km²).
List of all cities in Mills County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Emerson, IA | 51533 | 712 |
| Glenwood, IA | 51534 | 712 |
| Hastings, IA | 51540 | 712 |
| Henderson, IA | 51541 | 712 |
| Malvern, IA | 51551 | 712 |
| Mineola, IA | 51554 | 712 |
| Pacific Junction, IA | 51561 | 712 |
| Silver City, IA | 51571 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mills County, Iowa
Glenwood
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.94 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,300 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51534
- Latitude: 41.0461° N
- Longitude: 95.7436° W
City Location and History
Glenwood, the county seat of Mills County, is located in southwestern Iowa along the Loess Hills. Founded in 1853, the city was originally a military outpost named Fort Croghan, established to protect settlers from Native American raids. It was later renamed Glenwood after the nearby “Glen” in the Loess Hills. In its early years, Glenwood became known for its educational institutions, particularly the Iowa State School for the Deaf and later the Glenwood Resource Center, which provided care for individuals with disabilities. Glenwood grew steadily as an agricultural and educational hub and benefited from its proximity to Council Bluffs and Omaha, making it a vital part of the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glenwood is served by the Glenwood Community School District, which includes Glenwood High School. Notable landmarks include the historic Mills County Courthouse, built in 1911, and the Glenwood Lake Park, a popular spot for outdoor recreation with its scenic trails, fishing, and picnic areas. The Glenwood Resource Center, a long-standing institution, remains a major part of the town’s history. The city also hosts the annual “Glenwood Homecoming Parade,” one of the largest in Iowa, which showcases the community’s pride and spirit. The Loess Hills, with their unique geological features, provide a stunning backdrop and numerous hiking opportunities.
Malvern
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51551
- Latitude: 41.0083° N
- Longitude: 95.5853° W
City Location and History
Malvern is located in the eastern part of Mills County and was established in 1869 with the expansion of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. The town was originally named Milton but was changed to Malvern, likely inspired by the Malvern Hills in England. Malvern quickly grew into an agricultural hub, with the railroad facilitating the shipment of crops and livestock. Over time, the town developed a reputation for its charming downtown area, which features several well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Malvern is known for its strong sense of community and historic character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Malvern is part of the East Mills Community School District, with students attending East Mills High School. The town’s main landmark is the Malvern Main Street Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Malvern Public Library and Fairview Hills Golf Course are key community hubs, offering recreational and educational opportunities. The town hosts the annual Wabash Arts Camp, celebrating local arts and culture. Malvern’s charming streets, historic architecture, and tight-knit community make it a vibrant small town in southwestern Iowa.
Emerson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: Approximately 430 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51533
- Latitude: 41.0206° N
- Longitude: 95.4042° W
City Location and History
Emerson is a small town in northeastern Mills County, founded in 1871 during the construction of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. Named after an early settler, Emerson grew as a small agricultural community, with the railroad providing a critical link for transporting local crops. The town’s economy has always been tied to farming, with corn and soybeans being the primary products. Despite its small size, Emerson has maintained its agricultural roots and close-knit community spirit throughout the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Emerson is part of the East Mills Community School District, with local students attending nearby East Mills High School. The Emerson Community Building serves as a venue for local events and social gatherings, providing a focal point for the town. The town also features a veterans memorial honoring those who have served in the military. Emerson’s annual town celebration, Emerson Days, includes parades, games, and community activities, reflecting the town’s rural pride and strong sense of togetherness. Its quiet, agricultural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle for residents.
Hastings
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51540
- Latitude: 41.0208° N
- Longitude: 95.5003° W
City Location and History
Hastings is located in central Mills County, near the East Nishnabotna River. Founded in 1872 as part of the expansion of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, the town was named after its founder, A.F. Hastings. Like many small towns in Iowa, Hastings developed as an agricultural community, relying on the railroad to transport crops such as corn and soybeans to larger markets. The town’s population has remained small, but it continues to serve as a peaceful rural community with a strong agricultural presence.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hastings is part of the East Mills Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Malvern. The town’s key landmark is the Hastings City Park, which provides a gathering place for local residents and hosts community events such as the annual Hastings Day celebration. This event includes parades, live music, and games, reflecting the town’s close-knit community spirit. Hastings also features several historic homes and buildings that give it a timeless charm, making it a picturesque rural community with deep agricultural roots.
Silver City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51571
- Latitude: 41.1128° N
- Longitude: 95.6431° W
City Location and History
Silver City is located in northwestern Mills County, near the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Established in 1879 during the silver mining boom, the town’s name reflects the early settlers’ hopes of discovering silver in the nearby hills, though the mining efforts were short-lived. Despite this, Silver City thrived as an agricultural town, with farming becoming the primary industry. Its proximity to both Council Bluffs and the scenic Loess Hills has contributed to its development as a rural residential community, with a focus on outdoor recreation and small-town living.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Silver City is part of the Glenwood Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Glenwood. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which runs through Silver City and offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and enjoying the scenic Loess Hills. The town’s annual Silver City Days event is a highlight of the year, featuring parades, games, and food vendors that bring the community together. The town also has a community park and playground, providing recreational spaces for residents. Silver City’s combination of outdoor beauty and rural charm makes it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
Pacific Junction
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51561
- Latitude: 41.0194° N
- Longitude: 95.8086° W
City Location and History
Pacific Junction is located in western Mills County, near the Missouri River and just south of Glenwood. Founded in 1871 as a major railroad junction for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, the town’s name reflects its strategic location along important rail lines. Pacific Junction was once a bustling railroad town, with the railway driving much of its early growth. However, as the railroad industry declined, so did the town’s population. Today, Pacific Junction remains a small, quiet community with strong historical ties to the railroad.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pacific Junction is part of the Glenwood Community School District, with students attending schools in Glenwood. The town’s most notable landmark is its proximity to the Missouri River and the floodplains that surround it, providing scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and boating. The Pacific Junction Historical Society works to preserve the town’s railroad history, and the nearby Loess Hills offer additional opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural landscape. Although small, Pacific Junction’s history as a railroad town remains a key part of its identity.
