Cities and Towns in O’Brien County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, O’Brien County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, O’Brien County was formed from Cherokee County. The city of Primghar is the county seat. With FIPS code of 141, O’Brien County has a population of 14,015 and area of 573 square miles (1,484 km²).

List of all cities in O’Brien County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Archer, IA	51231	712
Calumet, IA	51009	712
Gaza, IA	51245	712
Germantown, IA	51046	712
Hartley, IA	51346	712
Moneta, IA	51346	712
Paullina, IA	51046	712
Primghar, IA	51245	712
Ritter, IA	51201	712
Sanborn, IA	51248	712
Sheldon, IA	51201	712
Sutherland, IA	51058	712

Major Cities and Towns in O’Brien County, Iowa

Sheldon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 4.19 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,200 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51201
• Latitude: 43.1819° N
• Longitude: 95.8456° W

City Location and History

Sheldon is located in the northeastern part of O’Brien County and was founded in 1873 when the Sioux City & Pembina Railroad expanded into the area. The city was named after Israel Sheldon, a prominent railroad official who played a significant role in its development. Initially an agricultural hub, Sheldon grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the railroad, which facilitated the transport of crops like corn and soybeans. Over the years, Sheldon diversified its economy to include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, while still maintaining its agricultural roots. Today, Sheldon serves as a regional center for commerce and industry in northwest Iowa.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sheldon is part of the Sheldon Community School District, which includes Sheldon High School. Northwest Iowa Community College, located in Sheldon, is a key institution offering vocational and technical education to the region. Major landmarks in the town include the Sheldon Prairie Museum, which chronicles the history of the area, and the Sheldon City Park, which offers a range of recreational facilities. The annual Celebration Days, held each Labor Day, include parades, carnivals, and a car show, bringing the community together to celebrate its heritage. The Crossroads Pavilion Event Center is a popular venue for community events and gatherings.

Sanborn

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.30 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,400 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51248
• Latitude: 43.1844° N
• Longitude: 95.6556° W

City Location and History

Sanborn, located in the central part of O’Brien County, was founded in 1871 and named after George W. Sanborn, an official with the Sioux City & St. Paul Railroad. The town quickly developed as a key stop along the railroad, which brought settlers and boosted local commerce. Sanborn’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, with corn and soybean farming as well as livestock playing a central role. Over time, the town has maintained its agricultural base while adapting to modern economic trends.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sanborn is part of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District, with Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School serving the area. A major landmark in the town is the Sanborn Golf and Country Club, which provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Another notable site is the Sanborn City Museum, which offers exhibits on the town’s history and pioneer heritage. The town hosts an annual Railroad Days celebration, honoring its railroad roots with parades, food vendors, and community activities. The town’s central park and various recreational facilities make it a vibrant place for families and community events.

Hartley

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.87 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,600 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51346
• Latitude: 43.1822° N
• Longitude: 95.4769° W

City Location and History

Hartley is located in the northeastern part of O’Brien County. Founded in 1879, the town was named after a railroad official, John Hartley, who was instrumental in bringing the rail line to the area. The railroad played a vital role in Hartley’s growth, enabling it to become a local agricultural hub. Agriculture, particularly the production of corn and soybeans, continues to be the backbone of Hartley’s economy. Over the years, Hartley has developed into a quiet, close-knit community that values its agricultural heritage and small-town atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hartley is part of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District, with Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School being the key educational institution in the town. Landmarks in Hartley include Neebel Park, which offers walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas for residents. The Hartley Community Center is another focal point for local gatherings and events. Each year, Hartley hosts its Summer Celebration, featuring parades, games, and food stands, which draws residents and visitors together for a fun-filled weekend. Hartley’s small-town charm and strong sense of community make it a welcoming place to live and visit.

Paullina

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.42 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51046
• Latitude: 42.9775° N
• Longitude: 95.6858° W

City Location and History

Paullina is located in the southern part of O’Brien County and was founded in 1882 by brothers Henry and Charles Paullin, who were instrumental in bringing the railroad to the area. The town quickly became an important agricultural center, with its economy driven by farming and livestock. Paullina’s development was largely supported by its access to the railroad, which allowed local farmers to transport their goods to larger markets. Today, Paullina remains a small farming community that takes pride in its agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paullina is part of the South O’Brien Community School District, with South O’Brien High School serving the town and surrounding areas. One of the key landmarks in Paullina is Mill Creek State Park, located just outside the town, which offers camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. The Paullina Historical Museum showcases the town’s rich history, with exhibits on its founding and agricultural development. The town’s annual Paullina Gemboree is a major event, featuring a parade, games, and local food vendors, celebrating the community’s spirit and tradition. Paullina’s rural charm and recreational opportunities make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

Primghar

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.59 square miles
• Population: Approximately 900 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51245
• Latitude: 43.0825° N
• Longitude: 95.6278° W

City Location and History

Primghar, the county seat of O’Brien County, was founded in 1872 and is known for its unique name, which is an acronym derived from the names of the town’s founders: Pumphrey, Roberts, Inman, McCormack, Green, Hayes, Albright, and Rerick. The town was established to serve as the administrative center for the county, and its location in the center of O’Brien County made it an ideal spot for settlers. Primghar’s economy has long been tied to agriculture, with the town serving as a hub for local farmers to trade and transport their goods.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Primghar is also part of the South O’Brien Community School District. Landmarks in the town include the O’Brien County Courthouse, a historic structure built in 1917 that serves as the county’s administrative hub. The town also boasts the Primghar Golf and Country Club, offering recreational opportunities for residents. The O’Brien County Historical Museum, located in Primghar, showcases the area’s rich history and development. Each summer, Primghar hosts the Cobblestone Days Festival, which includes parades, games, and live music, celebrating the town’s history and community spirit. Primghar’s role as the county seat and its welcoming atmosphere make it a vital part of O’Brien County.

Archer

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.25 square miles
• Population: Approximately 120 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51231
• Latitude: 43.1061° N
• Longitude: 95.7358° W

City Location and History

Archer is a small town located in the north-central part of O’Brien County. Established in the late 19th century, Archer grew as a farming community, benefiting from the rich agricultural land that surrounds it. The town was named after John Archer, an early settler in the area. While small, Archer has retained its rural character and continues to be a peaceful farming town where agriculture remains central to the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Archer is part of the Sheldon Community School District, with students attending school in nearby Sheldon. The town’s key landmarks include the Archer Community Center, which serves as a venue for local events and gatherings. Archer’s quiet streets and rural surroundings offer a tranquil environment for residents. The town hosts an annual community celebration, which includes picnics, parades, and social events that highlight the town’s strong sense of community. Though small, Archer’s commitment to its agricultural roots and community values make it a welcoming and tight-knit place to live.