Cities and Towns in Montgomery County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Montgomery County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Montgomery County was formed from Polk County. The city of Red Oak is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Montgomery County has a population of 10,322 and area of 424 square miles (1,098 km²).

List of all cities in Montgomery County, IA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Elliott, IA 51532 712
Grant, IA 50847 712
Morton Mills, IA 50864 712
Red Oak, IA 51566 712
Red Oak, IA 51591 712
Stanton, IA 51573 712
Tenville Junction, IA 50864 712
Villisca, IA 50864 712

Major Cities and Towns in Montgomery County, Iowa

Red Oak

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 4.01 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,500 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 51566
  • Latitude: 41.0106° N
  • Longitude: 95.2261° W

City Location and History

Red Oak, the county seat of Montgomery County, is located in southwestern Iowa, along the Nishnabotna River. The city was founded in 1857 and named after the abundant red oak trees that grew in the area. Red Oak grew rapidly due to its strategic location on the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad line, making it an important transportation and trade hub. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Red Oak became known for its vibrant agricultural industry, particularly for its corn and soybean production. The city also played a significant role in World War II, with many local soldiers serving in the war, a fact memorialized by the Red Oak WWII Memorial.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Red Oak is served by the Red Oak Community School District, with Red Oak High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Montgomery County Courthouse, a striking Beaux-Arts style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Red Oak Carnegie Library, built in 1909, continues to serve as a center for community activities. Another key site is Chautauqua Park, which offers recreational opportunities such as picnicking, walking trails, and playgrounds. Red Oak is also home to the Wilson Performing Arts Center, where residents and visitors can enjoy live performances and events.

Villisca

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.28 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 50864
  • Latitude: 40.9294° N
  • Longitude: 94.9778° W

City Location and History

Villisca is a small town located in the southeastern part of Montgomery County. It was established in 1858 and quickly developed as a thriving agricultural community due to its location on the Burlington Railroad line. The town is perhaps most famous for the unsolved Villisca Axe Murders of 1912, which brought national attention to the area. Villisca was primarily an agricultural center, with corn and soybeans being the dominant crops, and the town’s economy continues to rely heavily on farming. Despite its dark history, Villisca has maintained its small-town charm and strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Villisca is served by the Villisca Community School District, with Villisca High School providing education to local students. One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the Villisca Axe Murder House, which has been preserved as a historical site and attracts visitors interested in the town’s mysterious past. Other notable landmarks include the Villisca Public Library and the Villisca City Park, which features sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The town hosts an annual Villisca Heritage Days, celebrating its history and community spirit with parades, games, and local vendors.

Stanton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 1.04 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 51573
  • Latitude: 40.9811° N
  • Longitude: 95.1028° W

City Location and History

Stanton is a small town in northern Montgomery County, known for its Swedish heritage. It was founded in 1870 by Swedish immigrants and developed as an agricultural community. The town’s connection to Sweden is highlighted by its famous landmark, a giant Swedish coffee pot, symbolizing Stanton’s reputation as the “Little White City.” Stanton grew as a farming community, with its economy focused on agriculture, especially the cultivation of corn and soybeans. The town’s strong Scandinavian heritage is reflected in local traditions, making Stanton a unique cultural hub in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Stanton is served by the Stanton Community School District, with Stanton High School being the primary educational institution. The town’s most notable landmarks include the Swedish Coffee Pot Water Tower, which stands as a testament to Stanton’s Swedish heritage, and the Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center, which preserves the town’s immigrant history. Another key site is the Stanton Viking Center, a modern facility that offers recreational programs and community events. Stanton also hosts an annual Swedish Festival, which celebrates the town’s cultural heritage with traditional Swedish food, music, and dance.

Elliott

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.22 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 51532
  • Latitude: 41.1272° N
  • Longitude: 95.1539° W

City Location and History

Elliott is a small town located in northeastern Montgomery County. It was established in the late 19th century as a farming community, with its economy heavily reliant on agriculture. Like many small towns in Iowa, Elliott developed around the railroad, which provided vital connections for the transportation of crops and goods. The town has remained small over the years, but its residents take pride in their strong agricultural roots and close-knit community. Corn and soybean farming continue to play a central role in Elliott’s economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Elliott is part of the Griswold Community School District, with students attending Griswold High School in nearby Griswold. A major landmark in Elliott is the Elliott Community Building, which hosts various local events, including community dinners and meetings. The town also features a park with playgrounds and sports fields, providing recreational opportunities for residents. The Elliott Fun Days celebration is held annually, bringing the community together for a weekend of parades, games, and family-friendly activities. The town’s quiet atmosphere and strong community values make it a welcoming place to live.

Coburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.06 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 40 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 51566
  • Latitude: 40.9208° N
  • Longitude: 95.2117° W

City Location and History

Coburg is a tiny town in Montgomery County, located just a few miles southeast of Red Oak. It was established in the late 1800s as a small farming community. Over the years, the town has remained extremely small, with its population never exceeding 100 residents. Despite its size, Coburg continues to reflect the agricultural roots of the region, with surrounding farms producing corn and soybeans. The town offers a quiet rural lifestyle, with most residents engaged in farming or commuting to nearby larger towns for work.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Coburg is part of the Red Oak Community School District, with students attending schools in Red Oak. Although small, Coburg features a community park where local events are occasionally held, and it provides a scenic view of the surrounding farmlands. The town’s peaceful setting and rural atmosphere make it a quiet retreat for its residents. Coburg is a reminder of the many small farming towns that dot Iowa’s landscape, where community bonds remain strong despite their small size.

Grant

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.10 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 80 (as of 2023)
  • Zip Code: 50847
  • Latitude: 41.1611° N
  • Longitude: 94.9856° W

City Location and History

Grant is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Montgomery County. Founded in the late 1800s, the town developed as a rural farming community, with agriculture being the primary economic activity. Named after Ulysses S. Grant, the town was once a bustling center for local farmers. However, as farming practices modernized, Grant’s population dwindled, and it remains a quiet, close-knit community focused on agriculture. Corn and soybeans continue to be the main crops grown in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grant is part of the Griswold Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Griswold. The town’s most notable landmark is Grant Park, which offers green space for community gatherings and recreation. The town also features a community hall where local events are held. Each year, Grant hosts a small town festival that includes games, parades, and social events, bringing residents together to celebrate their community’s history and rural traditions. Despite its small size, Grant remains a strong example of Iowa’s agricultural heritage and small-town values.