Cities and Towns in Nemaha County, Nebraska

Founded in 1854, Nemaha County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Nemaha County was one of nine original counties. The city of Auburn is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Nemaha County has a population of 7,064 and area of 409 square miles (1,059 km²).

List of all cities in Nemaha County, NE alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Auburn, NE 68305 402
Brock, NE 68320 402
Brownville, NE 68321 402
Glenrock, NE 68305 402
Howe, NE 68305 402
Johnson, NE 68378 402
68379 402
Julian, NE 68379 402
Nemaha, NE 68414 402
North Auburn, NE 68305 402
Peru, NE 68421 402
Rohrs, NE 68305 402

Major Cities and Towns in Nemaha County, Nebraska

Auburn, Nebraska

Location and History

Auburn is the county seat of Nemaha County, Nebraska, and is located in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 45 miles north of the Kansas border and 90 miles south of Lincoln. Founded in 1856, Auburn’s history is rich with pioneering settlement. Initially, it was a strategic trading post due to its location along the Missouri River. The town quickly grew as railroads began to develop in the late 1800s. Auburn was incorporated as a city in 1870 and became the county seat shortly thereafter. The town played a significant role in the agricultural economy of the region, as it became a hub for grain production and livestock trading. The town’s historic downtown area features a variety of preserved buildings from its late 19th-century boom. Auburn is also home to many homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places, marking its historical importance in the state.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Auburn is served by the Auburn Public Schools district, which includes Auburn High School, known for its competitive athletic programs and strong academic performance. The town also has a number of private educational institutions and a public library that serves as a community hub. Landmarks in Auburn include the Nemaha County Courthouse, which is an iconic symbol of the town’s civic pride, and the Auburn City Park, a popular recreational area. Other notable landmarks include the Richardson County Historical Society Museum and the beautiful Memorial Building, which hosts various community events throughout the year. Auburn’s close proximity to the Missouri River also makes it an attractive location for outdoor activities like fishing and boating. The community celebrates its rich history through annual events like the Auburn Heritage Days Festival, which showcases local crafts, music, and the town’s agricultural roots.

  • Area: 2.14 sq mi
  • Population: 3,429 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 68305
  • Latitude: 40.3664° N
  • Longitude: 95.5720° W

Brock, Nebraska

Location and History

Brock is a small village located in the western part of Nemaha County, Nebraska. It sits about 10 miles northeast of Auburn, in a rural area known for its agriculture and natural beauty. Brock was established in 1883 as a railroad town, primarily serving the needs of farmers and ranchers in the surrounding region. The town was named after a local pioneer, and like many small communities in the area, it grew up around the railroad depot. The population of Brock peaked in the early 20th century, and although it has remained small, it continues to serve as a central point for the agricultural community. Over the years, Brock has remained a tight-knit village with strong ties to its farming roots. The town is recognized for its rural charm and the preservation of its historical buildings, which date back to the late 1800s.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Brock is served by the Nemaha Valley School District, which provides education to students in the surrounding rural areas. The town has a public library, which offers educational resources to local residents. In terms of landmarks, Brock is known for its quiet, scenic country roads and the surrounding farmland that offers stunning views of the Nebraska landscape. The Brock Community Center serves as the hub for local events, including seasonal festivals and meetings. The town’s historical significance is reflected in its preserved railroad depot, which is a symbol of the area’s past and remains an important reminder of the role transportation played in the village’s early development. While Brock is small, it remains a quaint reminder of Nebraska’s rural past, where community and agriculture continue to define the local identity.

  • Area: 0.34 sq mi
  • Population: 140 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 68320
  • Latitude: 40.3491° N
  • Longitude: 95.7680° W

Brownville, Nebraska

Location and History

Brownville is located on the banks of the Missouri River, in the southeastern corner of Nemaha County. Founded in 1854, Brownville was once a major port and transportation center during the steamboat era. The town quickly became a key economic hub for the region, known for its strategic location along the river, which allowed it to thrive as a trading post for goods like grain and timber. Brownville also has a rich cultural history, with several notable buildings and landmarks from the 19th century still standing today. The town’s prominence began to decline in the late 1800s, as railroads took over river transport, and eventually, the town lost its position as a major port. However, it remains a historic gem, with many of its original structures still intact. Brownville was incorporated in 1856 and became known for its well-preserved historic district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Brownville retains a small population and continues to attract visitors due to its historical significance and scenic river views.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Brownville is served by the Johnson-Brock School District, which includes Johnson-Brock High School. The school district has a strong focus on community involvement and academic excellence. Brownville is also home to several landmarks that reflect its rich history. The Brownville Historic District is the town’s primary attraction, featuring a collection of 19th-century buildings, many of which have been restored and preserved. The Brownville Arts Council hosts art exhibits, musical performances, and theater productions throughout the year, and the Brownville Fine Arts Association also contributes to the town’s vibrant cultural scene. The Brownville Ferry, a historic steamboat ferry that once transported goods across the Missouri River, is a local symbol. Another popular site is the Brownville Community Center, which hosts local events and serves as a gathering place for residents. Additionally, the town is home to the Missouri River, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

  • Area: 0.39 sq mi
  • Population: 143 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 68321
  • Latitude: 40.3350° N
  • Longitude: 95.7196° W

Peru, Nebraska

Location and History

Peru is a small city located in the northern part of Nemaha County, Nebraska, along the Missouri River. Peru was founded in 1856, and it grew quickly due to its proximity to the river and the construction of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad in the 1870s. The town was named after Peru, South America, as the founders saw a symbolic connection between the two places as centers of civilization and trade. Peru became an agricultural hub, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the river and railroads facilitated the transport of crops and livestock. It is home to Peru State College, the oldest institution of higher education in Nebraska, which was founded in 1867 as a teacher’s college. Over time, Peru has remained a small, tight-knit community with a strong educational tradition. The town’s economy is primarily agricultural, but it also benefits from the presence of the college, which provides educational, cultural, and economic opportunities to the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Peru is served by the Peru Public Schools district, which provides education to children from preschool through high school. Peru State College, located in the heart of the city, is the primary higher education institution in the area and offers a variety of degree programs. The college is a key part of the town’s identity, and its historic campus buildings, such as the Old Main building, are significant landmarks in the area. Other landmarks in Peru include the Peru State College Museum, which showcases artifacts related to the college’s history, and the Missouri River itself, which provides recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing. Additionally, Peru hosts several local events, including an annual homecoming festival and cultural performances at the college’s theater. The town’s proximity to the river also makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With its mix of academic, historical, and natural landmarks, Peru remains an important part of Nemaha County’s heritage.

  • Area: 0.67 sq mi
  • Population: 957 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 68421
  • Latitude: 40.5895° N
  • Longitude: 95.6365° W