Cities and Towns in Monona County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Monona County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Monona County was formed from Harrison County. The city of Onawa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 133, Monona County has a population of 8,574 and area of 693 square miles (1,795 km²).
List of all cities in Monona County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Berne, IA | 51060 | 712 |
| Blencoe, IA | 51523 | 712 |
| Castana, IA | 51010 | 712 |
| Mapleton, IA | 51034 | 712 |
| Moorhead, IA | 51558 | 712 |
| Onawa, IA | 51040 | 712 |
| Rodney, IA | 51051 | 712 |
| Soldier, IA | 51572 | 712 |
| Ticonic, IA | 51010 | 712 |
| Turin, IA | 51040 | 712 |
| Ute, IA | 51060 | 712 |
| Whiting, IA | 51063 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Monona County, Iowa
Onawa
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,800 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51040
- Latitude: 42.0278° N
- Longitude: 96.0967° W
City Location and History
Onawa, the county seat of Monona County, is located in western Iowa, near the Missouri River. Established in 1857, the city’s name is derived from a Native American word meaning “wide awake.” Onawa developed as a key agricultural and trade center due to its location along the Missouri River and the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. The town’s economy historically relied on farming, with corn and soybean production being central. Over the years, Onawa has maintained its small-town charm while developing into a hub for local industries, commerce, and education. It is also known for having the widest main street in the United States.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Onawa is served by the West Monona Community School District, with West Monona High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks in Onawa include the Monona County Courthouse, a historic structure built in 1892 that remains a centerpiece of local government. Another key landmark is the Eskimo Pie memorial, celebrating the invention of the iconic frozen treat by local pharmacist Christian Nelson in 1920. The Lewis and Clark State Park, located just outside of Onawa, offers recreational opportunities including camping, boating, and hiking. Onawa also hosts the annual Monona County Fair, bringing the community together to celebrate its agricultural heritage.
Mapleton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.52 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51034
- Latitude: 42.1650° N
- Longitude: 95.7922° W
City Location and History
Mapleton is located in the northeastern part of Monona County, near the Maple River, from which the town takes its name. Established in the 1850s, Mapleton grew as a farming community, benefiting from its location along the river, which provided fertile land for crops and livestock. The town expanded with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which enabled the transport of local agricultural products to larger markets. Mapleton’s economy remains deeply rooted in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production being the primary industries. Over the years, Mapleton has preserved its rural character while offering modern amenities for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mapleton is part of the Maple Valley-Anthon Oto Community School District, with Maple Valley-Anthon Oto High School serving the town’s students. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Mapleton Public Library, which provides a range of community services and programs. The town also features the Mapleton Community Center, a popular venue for local events and gatherings. Historic downtown Mapleton includes several well-preserved 19th-century buildings, adding to the town’s charm. The town hosts the annual Mapleton Days festival, which celebrates the community’s agricultural heritage with parades, games, and family-friendly activities.
Whiting
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.46 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51063
- Latitude: 42.1269° N
- Longitude: 96.1494° W
City Location and History
Whiting is a small town located in the western part of Monona County, near the Missouri River. Founded in the 1880s, the town was named after Charles Whiting, a prominent landowner and businessman who played a significant role in its development. Whiting’s early growth was fueled by its location along the railroad and its proximity to the fertile floodplains of the Missouri River, making it an ideal location for agriculture. Farming, particularly corn and soybeans, remains the backbone of the town’s economy, and the town has retained its rural character over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Whiting is served by the Whiting Community School District, with Whiting High School being the primary educational institution. One of the key landmarks in Whiting is the Whiting City Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for residents and visitors. The town also has a strong connection to the nearby Loess Hills, which provide scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Whiting hosts an annual Fall Festival, which brings the community together for a weekend of celebrations, including a parade, live music, and local food vendors. The town’s quiet rural setting and agricultural focus make it a close-knit and peaceful community.
Ute
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51060
- Latitude: 42.0472° N
- Longitude: 95.7061° W
City Location and History
Ute is located in the southeastern part of Monona County. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Ute Native American tribe. Like many small towns in Iowa, Ute’s development was closely tied to agriculture, with its economy centered on farming and livestock production. The town grew modestly during the railroad era but has since maintained a small, stable population. Ute continues to rely on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle farming playing central roles in the local economy. The town’s rural setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ute is part of the Charter Oak-Ute Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Charter Oak. A notable landmark in Ute is the Ute City Park, which provides green space for community events and recreational activities. The town also features the Ute Community Center, which serves as a venue for local gatherings, celebrations, and social events. Ute’s annual celebration, Ute Fun Days, features parades, games, and food stands, drawing residents and visitors together to celebrate the town’s history and community spirit. Ute’s agricultural heritage and quiet, small-town charm make it an appealing place for those seeking a rural lifestyle.
Blencoe
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 220 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51523
- Latitude: 41.9144° N
- Longitude: 96.0725° W
City Location and History
Blencoe is located in the southern part of Monona County, near the Missouri River. Founded in 1885, the town was named after Blencow, a village in England. Blencoe developed as a small farming community, with its growth driven by the rich agricultural land surrounding the town. Corn and soybean farming have been central to Blencoe’s economy since its founding, and agriculture remains the dominant industry today. Although the town has never grown significantly in size, Blencoe maintains a strong agricultural presence and a close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Blencoe is served by the West Monona Community School District, with students attending school in nearby Onawa. The town’s key landmark is Blencoe City Park, which provides recreational space for residents and is the site of local gatherings and events. Blencoe also features several historic homes and buildings that reflect its late 19th-century origins. The town’s peaceful, rural setting, combined with its agricultural roots, gives it a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Blencoe’s annual community picnic is a highlight of the town’s social calendar, bringing residents together to celebrate their shared history and values.
Turin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 60 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51040
- Latitude: 42.0528° N
- Longitude: 95.9644° W
City Location and History
Turin is one of the smallest towns in Monona County, located along the Little Sioux River. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was named after the Italian city of Turin. Like other towns in the region, Turin’s economy has always been tied to agriculture, with local farmers producing corn and soybeans. Although the town’s population has remained small, Turin’s residents enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle. The nearby river provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, adding to the town’s appeal.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Turin is part of the West Monona Community School District, with students attending school in Onawa. The town’s main landmark is Turin City Park, which offers green space and picnic areas for local residents. Although Turin is small, the community takes pride in its agricultural heritage, and the town’s annual gatherings bring together neighbors for celebrations and social events. The town’s peaceful setting along the river and its strong connection to local farming give it a serene, rural charm that residents cherish.
