Cities and Towns in Nobles County, Minnesota
Founded in 1857, Nobles County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Nobles County was formed from Brown County. The city of Worthington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 105, Nobles County has a population of 21,991 and area of 715.39 square miles (1,853 km²).
List of all cities in Nobles County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Adrian, MN | 56110 | 507 |
| Bigelow, MN | 56117 | 507 |
| Brewster, MN | 56119 | 507 |
| Ellsworth, MN | 56129 | 507 |
| Kanaranzi, MN | 56146 | 507 |
| Leota, MN | 56153 | 507 |
| Lismore, MN | 56155 | 507 |
| Reading, MN | 56165 | 507 |
| Round Lake, MN | 56167 | 507 |
| Rushmore, MN | 56168 | 507 |
| Wilmont, MN | 56185 | 507 |
| Worthington, MN | 56187 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Nobles County, Minnesota
1. Worthington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 8.95 square miles
- Population: 25,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56187
- Latitude: 43.6250° N
- Longitude: 94.8464° W
City Location and History:
Worthington is the county seat of Nobles County, located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, near the Iowa border. Founded in 1870, the city was named after William Worthington, a railroad executive. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Worthington from a small settlement to a key hub for trade and transportation in the region. The city’s location along the Des Moines River and its fertile surrounding land made it an ideal location for agriculture, particularly for the production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. Worthington’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture and manufacturing, though it has diversified in recent decades. The city has also experienced growth as a regional center for healthcare, retail, and education. As the population grew, Worthington became known for its cultural diversity, as many immigrant communities, including a significant number of Hispanic and Somali immigrants, have settled in the city. Today, Worthington continues to thrive as an agricultural center while embracing its diverse community and developing into a regional economic and cultural hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Worthington is served by the Worthington Public Schools district, which includes Worthington High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city is home to the Minnesota West Community and Technical College, providing higher education opportunities for students in the region. Worthington is known for several key landmarks, such as the Nobles County Courthouse, which is a historic building in the downtown area. The city also has a number of parks, including the popular Centennial Park, which features walking trails, a pond, and playgrounds. The Worthington Memorial Auditorium hosts concerts and events, while the Pioneer Village Museum offers a glimpse into the city’s past with exhibits on local history and early settlement. The city also boasts a thriving arts community, with organizations like the Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra and a range of local galleries and theaters. Worthington’s annual Turkey Days celebration highlights the town’s agricultural roots, with a parade, carnival, and community activities.
2. Adrian
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.79 square miles
- Population: 1,300 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56110
- Latitude: 43.6240° N
- Longitude: 95.7413° W
City Location and History:
Adrian is a small city located in the eastern part of Nobles County, Minnesota, about 15 miles northeast of Worthington. Founded in 1873, Adrian was named after Adrian, Michigan, the hometown of one of the town’s early settlers. The city developed rapidly in the late 19th century due to its strategic location along the railroad, which facilitated the transportation of agricultural goods. Like many towns in southwestern Minnesota, Adrian’s economy has traditionally been centered around farming, with crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat being important to the local economy. Over the years, Adrian’s growth has been steady but modest, and it remains a close-knit, rural community. The town’s economy continues to be largely agricultural, though it also has a number of small businesses and service industries that support the local population. Adrian has remained a peaceful community that values its history, with many buildings in the downtown area reflecting its early 20th-century heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Adrian is served by the Adrian Public Schools district, which includes Adrian High School and several elementary schools. The city places a strong emphasis on education and provides numerous extracurricular activities for students. Among the city’s landmarks is the Adrian Community Park, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Adrian Public Library serves as an important community resource, offering educational programs and cultural events. The city is also home to several historic buildings, including the Adrian Depot, which reflects the city’s early ties to the railroad industry. While Adrian is a small town, it hosts a number of community events throughout the year, such as the Adrian Summer Festival, which includes parades, games, and live entertainment. The town’s rural setting makes it a quiet and picturesque place to visit or live, offering a slower pace of life while remaining close to larger cities like Worthington.
3. Bigelow
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.49 square miles
- Population: 500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56117
- Latitude: 43.8281° N
- Longitude: 95.7949° W
City Location and History:
Bigelow is located in the southwestern corner of Nobles County, about 12 miles northwest of Worthington. The town was founded in 1874 and was originally named after Bigelow and Company, a prominent business in the area at the time. The town’s economy has always been based on agriculture, with crops such as corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, as well as livestock production, being major components of the local economy. Bigelow grew slowly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to its rural location and small size. However, its proximity to larger cities like Worthington has allowed the town to remain a viable agricultural community while offering a quiet residential lifestyle. The population of Bigelow has remained relatively stable, and today it is a peaceful, rural town with a strong sense of community. Its small size gives it a rural charm, with residents valuing the slow pace of life and connection to the land.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bigelow is served by the Worthington School District, with children attending Worthington schools. While the town itself does not have large schools or a university, the city’s proximity to Worthington allows residents to access educational opportunities. Bigelow’s main landmarks include its small downtown area, which contains a few local businesses and the historic Bigelow Grain Elevator, which symbolizes the area’s agricultural history. The Bigelow Community Center hosts local events and provides a space for residents to gather for social activities and meetings. The city is also home to several small parks and outdoor spaces, where residents enjoy sports and recreational activities. Bigelow’s rural landscape is its main attraction, offering scenic views and opportunities for farming and nature-related pursuits. The town hosts the annual Bigelow Day, a community event celebrating local culture and agriculture with a parade, games, and other family-friendly activities.
4. Ellsworth
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.62 square miles
- Population: 400 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56129
- Latitude: 43.6650° N
- Longitude: 95.6534° W
City Location and History:
Ellsworth is a small, rural community located in the southeastern part of Nobles County, approximately 20 miles east of Worthington. It was founded in 1879 and was named after Ellsworth, Wisconsin. The town’s economy has always been centered around agriculture, with farming being the primary industry since its inception. Early settlers of Ellsworth were drawn to the area’s rich soil and proximity to the Des Moines River, which provided transportation and water for irrigation. The town grew steadily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but remained a small, close-knit community throughout its history. In recent years, Ellsworth has seen a slight decline in population as residents have moved to larger nearby cities for work. Despite this, the town remains an important agricultural center for the surrounding area, and it still offers a quiet, rural lifestyle for those who choose to live there. Ellsworth’s location offers a mix of agricultural opportunity and a peaceful community environment.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Ellsworth is served by the Ellsworth School District, which includes Ellsworth High School and several elementary schools. The district is committed to providing quality education in a rural setting, and the school is an important hub for the community. Landmarks in Ellsworth include the small downtown area with local businesses, as well as several parks and green spaces that offer recreational opportunities. Ellsworth is also home to the Ellsworth Community Center, where residents gather for meetings, social events, and community functions. The surrounding rural landscape, with its farmlands and open fields, is one of the town’s defining features, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. The town hosts an annual event, the Ellsworth Summer Festival, which celebrates the community with parades, music, and outdoor activities, drawing visitors and locals alike to join in the festivities.
5. Lismore
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.59 square miles
- Population: 100 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56155
- Latitude: 43.7475° N
- Longitude: 95.6952° W
City Location and History:
Lismore is a small town located in the southwestern part of Nobles County, approximately 13 miles south of Worthington, near the Iowa border. Lismore was founded in the 1870s and named after Lismore, Ireland, by a group of Irish immigrants who settled in the area. The town’s history has been closely tied to agriculture, as it sits in an area with fertile soil ideal for farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped the town grow by providing a means to transport agricultural products to larger markets. Today, Lismore is one of the smallest cities in Nobles County, with a population of just around 100 residents. Its quiet rural setting and connection to farming have made it a charming place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger towns. Although Lismore remains a small community, its residents take pride in their agricultural heritage and maintain a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Lismore is part of the Adrian School District, with children attending schools in nearby Adrian. The town does not have its own school but is part of the broader educational system of the region. Lismore’s main landmarks include the historic Lismore Depot, which reflects the town’s early railroad ties, and the surrounding farmlands that provide picturesque views of the countryside. The Lismore Community Center is a central gathering place for local events, and the town hosts an annual Lismore Days celebration, which includes a parade, games, and other family-friendly activities. The town’s agricultural focus and its rural environment make it a tranquil place to visit or live, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.