Cities and Towns in Phelps County, Nebraska

Founded in 1873, Phelps County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Phelps County was formed from Kearney County. The city of Holdrege is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Phelps County has a population of 8,937 and area of 540 square miles (1,399 km²).

List of all cities in Phelps County, NE alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Anderson, NE 68940 308
Atlanta, NE 68923 308
Bertrand, NE 68927 308
Funk, NE 68940 308
Holdrege, NE 68949 308
Holdridge, NE 68949 308
Industry, NE 68923 308
Industry-Rock Falls, NE 68923 308
Laird, NE 68958 308
Loomis, NE 68958 308
Prairie, NE 68949 308
Ragan, NE 68949 308
Rock Falls, NE 68923 308
Sheridan, NE 68949 308
Westmark, NE 68927 308
Westside, NE 68927 308
Williamsburg, NE 68927 308

Major Cities and Towns in Phelps County, Nebraska

Holdrege

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

  • Area: 2.00 square miles
  • Population: 5,500+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68949
  • Latitude: 40.4676° N
  • Longitude: 99.3795° W

Location and History:

Holdrege, the county seat of Phelps County, is located in south-central Nebraska, approximately 100 miles west of Lincoln. The city was founded in 1871 and named after George Holdrege, a railroad executive who played a key role in the town’s establishment. The arrival of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad in the early 1870s helped Holdrege grow rapidly, and it became a major hub for transportation and trade in the region. Agriculture, particularly farming and cattle ranching, has always been a cornerstone of the local economy. Holdrege is also known for its proximity to the Platte River, which influenced the development of the area’s irrigation practices, making the land more fertile for farming. Over the years, Holdrege has grown into a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education, while still maintaining its rural character and agricultural roots. The city also boasts a vibrant downtown area with locally-owned businesses and services that cater to both residents and visitors.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Holdrege is served by the Holdrege Public Schools district, which includes Holdrege High School, a central educational institution offering a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The district is known for its commitment to both academic excellence and community involvement. A prominent landmark in Holdrege is the Phelps County Courthouse, an elegant historic building located downtown, which reflects the city’s rich heritage. Holdrege is also home to the Prairie Museum, which preserves local history and showcases artifacts from the region’s pioneer past. The city offers numerous parks, such as the Tenth Street Park and the Parkview Point, where residents can enjoy outdoor recreation, sports, and picnicking. Holdrege also boasts a strong community spirit, with local events like the Holdrege Harvest Festival celebrating its agricultural history with parades, live music, and food vendors. The city’s combination of history, community engagement, and outdoor amenities makes it a desirable place for both families and retirees.

Loomis

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

  • Area: 0.34 square miles
  • Population: 500+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68958
  • Latitude: 40.4694° N
  • Longitude: 99.2717° W

Location and History:

Loomis is a small village located in the southwestern corner of Phelps County, Nebraska, about 12 miles southwest of Holdrege. It was established in the late 19th century, around 1882, and named after an early settler or landowner in the area. Loomis developed as a typical railroad town, benefiting from its proximity to the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. The arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the town’s growth, allowing for the transportation of agricultural goods like grain and livestock. In the early 20th century, Loomis experienced a period of growth, as farming and ranching in the region were flourishing. The village has always been a small agricultural community, and while it has seen a decline in population over the years, it remains a tight-knit rural community with deep ties to its agricultural roots. Loomis is also known for its proximity to several natural attractions, including the nearby lakes and parks, which attract outdoor enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Loomis is served by the Loomis Public Schools district, which includes Loomis High School, providing K-12 education to the community. The school district is dedicated to academic achievement, with opportunities for students to participate in athletics, music, and other extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Loomis include the Loomis Community Center, which serves as the gathering place for local events, celebrations, and meetings. The village is also home to several historic buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, reflecting its small-town, agricultural past. Loomis hosts the annual Harvest Festival, which brings together the community for fun activities, including a parade, games, and a country fair atmosphere. Additionally, the surrounding countryside offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation, especially in the nearby parks and nature reserves. Loomis may be small, but its community-driven spirit and beautiful rural landscape make it a peaceful and welcoming place to live.

Atlanta

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

  • Area: 0.47 square miles
  • Population: 150+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68923
  • Latitude: 40.5324° N
  • Longitude: 99.0193° W

Location and History:

Atlanta is a small village located in the southeastern part of Phelps County, Nebraska, about 20 miles southeast of Holdrege. It was founded in the late 19th century, around 1881, and named after the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The village was initially established as a rural farming community, with agriculture serving as the foundation of its economy. Like many small towns in Nebraska, Atlanta grew in the late 19th century with the advent of the railroad, which made it easier to ship agricultural products to larger markets. Over time, however, Atlanta’s population began to decline as residents moved to larger cities in search of more opportunities. Today, Atlanta remains a quiet, rural village with a strong agricultural focus, particularly grain and cattle farming. The town offers a peaceful lifestyle, and many of its residents are involved in farming or agriculture-related industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Atlanta is part of the larger Phelps County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Holdrege or other neighboring towns for K-12 education. Atlanta itself does not have many commercial establishments, but its agricultural heritage and historic homes are a big part of the town’s charm. Notable landmarks in the village include the Atlanta Community Hall, where local events and celebrations take place. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with several outdoor activities available, such as hunting and fishing, especially near the nearby Harlan County Reservoir and surrounding lakes. Atlanta’s small size means that it is more focused on providing a rural lifestyle, with farming and community gatherings as the primary activities that keep its residents connected. The village is a quiet haven for those seeking a slower pace of life away from the bustle of larger cities.

Riverdale

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

  • Area: 0.45 square miles
  • Population: 200+ (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 68967
  • Latitude: 40.7382° N
  • Longitude: 99.3117° W

Location and History:

Riverdale is a small village situated in the eastern part of Phelps County, along the banks of the Platte River. Established in the late 19th century, Riverdale’s history is closely tied to the river and the agricultural settlement patterns in the region. The town was founded primarily as a farming community, with its location near the Platte River offering fertile soil for crops and pastureland for livestock. Like many other small Nebraska towns, Riverdale’s early economy relied heavily on the railroad for transportation and trade. However, as agriculture became more mechanized and large-scale, the village’s population began to decrease, and many residents relocated to larger towns. Despite these changes, Riverdale has maintained its rural charm, and it remains a quiet, close-knit village that is centered around farming and outdoor recreation. Its proximity to the Platte River makes it a scenic location, and many residents enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Riverdale is served by the nearby schools in the Phelps County district, where students attend classes in Holdrege or Loomis. Riverdale itself does not have a school, but it benefits from its close proximity to larger educational centers. Landmarks in the village include the Riverdale Community Center, which hosts various local events, gatherings, and seasonal festivals. The village is also home to a small number of historic buildings, many of which reflect its early agricultural and river-based heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the nearby Platte River and its surrounding nature areas, which are ideal for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Riverdale may be small in size, but its natural beauty and tight-knit community continue to attract people looking for a peaceful, rural lifestyle.