Cities and Towns in Mitchell County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Mitchell County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Mitchell County was formed from Chickasaw County. The city of Osage is the county seat. With FIPS code of 131, Mitchell County has a population of 10,555 and area of 469 square miles (1,215 km²).
List of all cities in Mitchell County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Carpenter, IA | 50426 | 641 |
| Little Cedar, IA | 50454 | 641 |
| Mc Intire, IA | 50455 | 641 |
| Meltonville, IA | 50472 | 641 |
| Meroa, IA | 50461 | 641 |
| Meyer, IA | 50455 | 641 |
| Mitchell, IA | 50461 | 641 |
| New Haven, IA | 50461 | 641 |
| Orchard, IA | 50460 | 641 |
| Osage, IA | 50461 | 641 |
| Otranto, IA | 50472 | 641 |
| Rock Creek, IA | 50461 | 641 |
| Saint Ansgar, IA | 50472 | 641 |
| Stacyville, IA | 50476 | 641 |
| Toeterville, IA | 50481 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mitchell County, Iowa
Osage
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.59 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,600 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50461
- Latitude: 43.2844° N
- Longitude: 92.8119° W
City Location and History
Osage, the county seat of Mitchell County, is located in northern Iowa, along the Cedar River. Founded in 1854, the city was named after the Osage Indians, a tribe that originally inhabited the area. The city’s location along the river made it an ideal spot for early settlers, who used the waterway for transport and agriculture. Osage quickly developed as a farming and milling community, benefiting from its fertile land and access to water power. Over the years, the town has grown into a regional center for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, while preserving its rich historical roots. Osage is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and its strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Osage is served by the Osage Community School District, which includes Osage High School. The city is home to several important landmarks, including the Mitchell County Courthouse, a historic building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cedar River Complex, a state-of-the-art recreational and event center, offers a range of activities, including swimming, sports, and community events. Osage’s downtown area is known for its historic buildings, local shops, and the Cedar River Greenbelt Trail, which provides outdoor recreational opportunities. The city hosts an annual “Autumn Artistry” festival, celebrating local artisans and crafters.
St. Ansgar
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.64 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50472
- Latitude: 43.3794° N
- Longitude: 92.9178° W
City Location and History
St. Ansgar, located in the northern part of Mitchell County, was founded in 1853 by a group of Norwegian immigrants led by Reverend Claus Clausen, a Lutheran pastor. The town is named after St. Ansgar, the patron saint of Scandinavia, reflecting the strong Norwegian heritage that continues to influence the community today. The town grew as a farming community, with agriculture being the backbone of the local economy. St. Ansgar has retained its rural charm and rich cultural history, and it remains an agricultural hub with a deep connection to its Norwegian roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Ansgar is served by the St. Ansgar Community School District, with St. Ansgar High School being the primary educational institution. A key landmark in the town is the First Lutheran Church, one of the oldest Norwegian Lutheran churches in the area, which serves as a testament to the town’s immigrant heritage. The St. Ansgar Heritage Association operates a museum that showcases the town’s Norwegian history and artifacts. The town also hosts the annual Scandinavian Days festival, celebrating its cultural heritage with traditional Norwegian food, music, and dance. St. Ansgar’s proximity to the Cedar River provides additional outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Riceville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50466
- Latitude: 43.3625° N
- Longitude: 92.5544° W
City Location and History
Riceville is located on the border of Mitchell and Howard Counties in northeastern Iowa. Founded in 1855 by pioneer families, the town was named after the Rice family, who were among the first settlers in the area. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred growth, turning Riceville into a local agricultural center. Over the decades, the town developed a strong farming economy, focusing on corn, soybeans, and dairy farming. Today, Riceville remains a quiet rural community with deep ties to agriculture, surrounded by rolling farmland and natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Riceville is part of the Riceville Community School District, with Riceville High School serving the town’s students. The town’s most notable landmark is the Wapsipinicon Mill, a historic gristmill that dates back to the 19th century, reflecting the town’s early industrial history. Riceville also features the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail, a popular recreational trail that runs along a former railway line and offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Each year, the town hosts the Riceville Fall Festival, a community event that includes parades, games, and local vendors, celebrating the town’s rural heritage and close-knit community.
Mitchell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 135 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50461
- Latitude: 43.3097° N
- Longitude: 92.8733° W
City Location and History
Mitchell is a small town located along the Cedar River in central Mitchell County. Founded in 1854, the town was named after John Mitchel, an Irish patriot and journalist. Mitchell grew as a farming and milling community due to its proximity to the Cedar River, which provided water power for early mills. Although the town never grew large, it became a vital part of the county’s agricultural economy, with farming continuing to play a central role in its local life. Today, Mitchell is a peaceful rural town known for its historical significance and quiet charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mitchell is part of the Osage Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Osage. The town’s most notable landmark is the Mitchell Mill Historic District, which preserves the remains of the town’s early milling operations and provides insight into its industrial past. The Cedar River, which flows through Mitchell, offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic walks. The town park serves as a community gathering spot, hosting local events and picnics. Although small, Mitchell’s rich history and riverside setting make it a picturesque and tranquil place to live.
Carpenter
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.08 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50426
- Latitude: 43.4358° N
- Longitude: 92.9711° W
City Location and History
Carpenter is a small town in northwestern Mitchell County, founded in the 1870s during the expansion of the railroad. The town was named after its founder, A. L. Carpenter, who played a key role in its establishment. Carpenter developed primarily as an agricultural town, with the railroad providing a vital link for transporting local farm products. Over the years, the town has remained small, with agriculture continuing to dominate the local economy. Today, Carpenter retains its rural charm, offering a peaceful and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Carpenter is part of the St. Ansgar Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby St. Ansgar. A notable landmark in the town is Carpenter City Park, which provides recreational space and hosts local events. The town’s historic train depot, though no longer in use, serves as a reminder of Carpenter’s origins as a railroad town. Each year, Carpenter holds a town picnic, bringing residents together for food, games, and socializing. The town’s small size and strong agricultural roots make it a quiet, tight-knit place where community values are upheld.
Stacyville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population: Approximately 460 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50476
- Latitude: 43.4436° N
- Longitude: 92.7883° W
City Location and History
Stacyville is a small town located in the northeastern part of Mitchell County. Founded in 1856 by German immigrants, the town was named after its founder, Stacy Dean. Initially a farming settlement, Stacyville quickly became a local hub for agriculture, with its economy centered around corn and dairy farming. The arrival of the railroad further boosted the town’s growth in the late 19th century. Today, Stacyville remains a vibrant farming community, known for its strong German heritage and rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stacyville is served by the St. Ansgar Community School District. The town’s key landmarks include the Stacyville Public Library and the Visitation Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the community for over a century. The town also features the Wapsipinicon Trail, offering residents and visitors a scenic route for hiking and biking. Stacyville’s annual town festival, known as “Stacyville Days,” features parades, live music, and local food vendors, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. The town’s peaceful rural atmosphere, combined with its strong sense of tradition, makes it a welcoming place for families and visitors alike.
