Cities and Towns in Oregon County, Missouri
Founded in 1841, Oregon County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Oregon County was formed from Ripley County. The city of Alton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 149, Oregon County has a population of 8,631 and area of 792 square miles (2,051 km²).
List of all cities in Oregon County, MO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alton, MO | 65606 | 417 |
| Couch, MO | 65690 | 417 |
| Koshkonong, MO | 65692 | 417 |
| Myrtle, MO | 65778 | 417 |
| Thayer, MO | 65791 | 417 |
Major Cities and Towns in Oregon County, Missouri
Alton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.84 sq mi
- Population: 1,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 65606
- Latitude: 36.5826° N
- Longitude: 91.5121° W
Location and History
Alton is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Oregon County, Missouri. Established in the mid-19th century, it serves as the county seat and has a deep history rooted in the timber and agriculture industries. The town was named after Alton, Illinois, and its location along the Spring River was ideal for early settlers involved in trade and commerce. As with many towns in the Ozarks, Alton was initially a small agricultural community, relying on farming and timber for economic sustenance. Over time, it evolved into a central hub for the surrounding rural communities, offering services and commerce. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further helped solidify Alton as a key regional center. Today, Alton remains a rural community that has preserved its historical roots while continuing to thrive on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alton is served by the Alton R-IV School District, which includes Alton High School, Alton Middle School, and Alton Elementary School. The district is well-regarded for its community involvement and commitment to education, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports and music programs. Notable landmarks in Alton include the Oregon County Courthouse, a historic building at the center of the town’s operations. The nearby Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which encompasses the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Alton’s proximity to these natural resources makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Oregon County Fair, which draws locals and visitors for agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and community celebrations, preserving the town’s agricultural heritage.
Thayer
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.17 sq mi
- Population: 1,100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 65791
- Latitude: 36.5494° N
- Longitude: 91.5392° W
Location and History
Thayer, situated in the southwestern corner of Oregon County, Missouri, is a small rural town that has evolved from a frontier settlement to a center of commerce for the surrounding region. Established in the late 19th century, Thayer owes its growth to its location along major trade routes and its proximity to the Missouri-Arkansas border. Originally founded as a farming community, Thayer expanded rapidly with the arrival of the railroad, which connected the town to larger cities and markets. Throughout the 20th century, Thayer remained a small but stable community, heavily influenced by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton, tobacco, and later, cattle ranching. Despite its small size, Thayer played an important role in the development of the region, serving as a commercial and social center for surrounding farming communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Thayer is served by the Thayer R-II School District, which includes Thayer High School and Thayer Middle School. The district offers strong academic programs and is well-regarded for its athletic teams, particularly in basketball and football. Major landmarks in Thayer include the Thayer City Park, which provides recreational facilities, including picnic areas, a playground, and walking trails. Additionally, the town’s historic downtown area features preserved buildings that reflect its 19th-century origins. Thayer’s location near the Mark Twain National Forest offers ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the Ozark countryside. One notable annual event in Thayer is the Thayer Harvest Festival, which celebrates the community’s agricultural roots with food, music, and local artisans. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and close-knit community make it a desirable place to live and visit in rural southern Missouri.
Couch
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.39 sq mi
- Population: 100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 65690
- Latitude: 36.6521° N
- Longitude: 91.2463° W
Location and History
Couch is an unincorporated community in southern Oregon County, Missouri, known for its remote and rural character. Founded in the late 1800s, the town was named after the Couch family, early settlers who were involved in farming and timber production. Like many other communities in the Ozarks, Couch grew slowly but steadily, primarily as a farming settlement. The area is rich in natural resources, and residents have historically made their living through logging, agriculture, and cattle ranching. While the town itself remains small, its proximity to larger communities such as Thayer and Alton allows it to retain a rural charm while offering access to necessary services. Couch has been less influenced by industrial development compared to other towns in Oregon County, which has helped preserve its quiet, natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Couch does not have its own school district, so residents typically send their children to nearby schools in Alton or Thayer. Despite being a small community, the region is part of the broader Oregon County educational system, which offers a variety of school programs in neighboring towns. Major landmarks in the Couch area are primarily natural, with the surrounding Ozark forests offering hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Spring River is a key feature, providing residents and visitors with recreational options such as canoeing and tubing. The town’s proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest also allows access to vast areas of protected wilderness, making it an ideal location for nature lovers. Couch is a place where community ties run deep, and the lifestyle remains rooted in the traditions of the Ozarks, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
