Cities and Towns in Perkins County, Nebraska

Founded in 1887, Perkins County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Perkins County was formed from Keith County. The city of Grant is the county seat. With FIPS code of 135, Perkins County has a population of 2,832 and area of 883 square miles (2,287 km²).

List of all cities in Perkins County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Brandon, NE	69140	308
Elsie, NE	69134	308
Grant, NE	69140	308
Madrid, NE	69150	308
Venango, NE	69168	308

Major Cities and Towns in Perkins County, Nebraska

Grant

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.74 square miles
• Population: 1,100+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69140
• Latitude: 41.0251° N
• Longitude: 101.7456° W

Location and History:

Grant is the county seat of Perkins County, located in the southwestern corner of Nebraska. The town was founded in 1886 and named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The establishment of the town was largely driven by the extension of the railroad into the area, which brought opportunities for agriculture and trade. Grant became an important agricultural hub, with settlers farming wheat, corn, and other crops. The town’s population grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it became the center of commerce and government for the surrounding region. Over the years, Grant has maintained its small-town charm, though its population has remained stable in recent decades. It is known for its rural setting, local farms, and strong community ties. The town has seen some modernization, with new businesses and schools, but it still retains much of its historical character, particularly in its downtown area. Grant’s location along U.S. Highway 6 provides access to neighboring communities and makes it a central point for travelers heading westward through Nebraska.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Grant is served by Perkins County Schools, which includes Perkins County High School. The school district is known for its commitment to providing quality education, with a range of extracurricular activities available for students, including athletics, fine arts, and academic clubs. The town also offers a strong sense of community, with local events like the Perkins County Fair bringing residents together. One of the main landmarks in Grant is the Perkins County Courthouse, a historic building in the heart of the town, which serves as a reminder of Grant’s role as the county seat. Other landmarks include the Perkins County Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s pioneer past, and the Grant Community Center, which hosts various public events. The town is surrounded by vast, scenic farmland and is also close to the Sandhills region, making it a great spot for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. Despite its small size, Grant offers a range of services, parks, and cultural events that make it a welcoming place for families and visitors.

Venango

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.27 square miles
• Population: 100+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69168
• Latitude: 40.7182° N
• Longitude: 101.5978° W

Location and History:

Venango is a small village located in the eastern part of Perkins County, Nebraska, along U.S. Highway 6. Established in the late 19th century, Venango was founded around 1889 and named after the Venango Oil District in Pennsylvania, which was a source of early oil production. The town grew around the railroad, with agricultural development as the driving force of the local economy. Venango was once a stop on the Burlington Railroad, which brought in settlers and goods to the area, allowing the town to flourish as a center for farming and trade. The town’s population peaked in the early 20th century, and while it has declined in recent decades, Venango still maintains its rural character and provides essential services to the surrounding agricultural community. It remains a peaceful and quiet village, with a handful of local businesses and residences. Venango’s proximity to larger towns like Grant makes it an attractive place for people seeking a slower-paced lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Venango is part of the Perkins County School District, with children attending schools in nearby Grant or other local districts. Though Venango is small, its community is very tight-knit, and the local school district ensures that students have access to a quality education. The village hosts a number of local events, including holiday celebrations, which bring people together. Major landmarks in Venango include the Venango Community Center, which serves as the venue for meetings, community gatherings, and special events. The town also features several historic homes and buildings that reflect its agricultural past. The nearby Sandhills and the vast, open plains provide residents and visitors with a scenic landscape and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Despite its small size, Venango is a welcoming place for those who enjoy rural living and are drawn to its quiet, small-town atmosphere.

Madrid

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.45 square miles
• Population: 250+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69150
• Latitude: 40.8692° N
• Longitude: 101.2065° W

Location and History:

Madrid is a village located in the northern part of Perkins County, Nebraska, about 15 miles northeast of Grant. The town was founded in 1888, and it was named after Madrid, Spain, due to the town’s founders’ admiration for the European city. Madrid was once a thriving agricultural center, particularly for wheat farming, and benefited from the arrival of the railroad. Its location along the route helped it become a trade and shipping hub for local agricultural goods. Over the years, however, as the population of larger towns and cities grew, Madrid’s size and economic influence began to decline. Today, Madrid is a small community with a rural, close-knit atmosphere. Agriculture remains a dominant feature of the area, with many of its residents engaged in farming and ranching. Madrid is often seen as a peaceful place to live, with an emphasis on family values and community activities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Madrid is served by the Perkins County Schools district, with its children attending the local schools in Grant for their K-12 education. The district is committed to providing students with a solid academic foundation, as well as opportunities to participate in sports, arts, and extracurricular activities. A central landmark in Madrid is the Madrid Community Hall, which serves as the gathering place for local events, celebrations, and meetings. The town is also home to a number of historic homes that reflect its early agricultural roots. The scenic Sandhills are located nearby, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Madrid hosts a few community events throughout the year, including the annual village celebration, which includes a parade, games, and a festival atmosphere. Though it is a small town, Madrid remains a welcoming and peaceful location for those seeking a rural lifestyle with a close-knit community.