Cities and Towns in Polk County, Nebraska

Founded in 1856, Polk County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Polk County was formed from York County and unorganized territory. The city of Osceola is the county seat. With FIPS code of 143, Polk County has a population of 5,174 and area of 439 square miles (1,137 km²).

List of all cities in Polk County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Osceola, NE	68651	402
Polk, NE	68654	402
Shelby, NE	68662	402
Stromsburg, NE	68666	402

Major Cities and Towns in Red Willow County, Nebraska

McCook

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

• Area: 3.22 square miles
• Population: 7,500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69001
• Latitude: 40.2030° N
• Longitude: 100.6250° W

Location and History:

McCook, the county seat of Red Willow County, is located in the southwestern corner of Nebraska, close to the Kansas border. The city was founded in 1882 and named after Union General Alexander McCook. McCook’s early growth was fueled by its strategic location along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, which made it a critical stop for goods and travelers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a vital railroad town, McCook quickly became a regional trade center for the agricultural products of the surrounding area, including cattle, grains, and livestock. The development of the town was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad, with McCook serving as a major junction in the region. Over the years, the city grew into a thriving commercial and industrial hub. While the railroad’s prominence has decreased, McCook continues to be a center for agriculture, healthcare, and commerce. Today, the city retains its small-town charm while offering residents modern amenities and services. McCook’s history is rooted in transportation, and it remains an important agricultural center for southwestern Nebraska.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

McCook is served by McCook Public Schools, which includes McCook High School. The district offers a comprehensive education with extracurricular programs such as athletics, fine arts, and vocational training. McCook’s notable landmarks include the historic Red Willow County Courthouse, a beautiful building at the heart of downtown, and the McCook Depot, a restored railroad station that now serves as a museum highlighting the town’s railroad history. The city is also home to the Museum of the High Plains, which showcases the area’s pioneer history and cultural heritage. McCook is known for its annual events, such as the McCook Golf Classic and the Red Willow County Fair, which celebrate the city’s agricultural roots with food, games, and entertainment. The Cottonwood Springs Recreation Area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, while the nearby Turkey Creek Wildlife Management Area is popular for hunting and wildlife viewing. The combination of historical sites, educational institutions, and outdoor recreation make McCook a well-rounded and attractive city.

Indianola

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

• Area: 0.37 square miles
• Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69034
• Latitude: 40.4186° N
• Longitude: 100.4283° W

Location and History:

Indianola is a small village located in the southeastern part of Red Willow County, approximately 15 miles east of McCook. The town was founded in 1883 as a stop along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and quickly grew due to its strategic location for shipping agricultural goods. Indianola’s economy was built on the surrounding fertile land, where farming and ranching flourished. The town’s name reflects its connection to Native American heritage, and it became a thriving community with schools, churches, and businesses. In the early 20th century, the arrival of automobiles and improved roads decreased the town’s reliance on the railroad, and with it, the population began to stabilize. However, the community’s agricultural base remained strong, and Indianola continues to be a quiet, rural town centered on farming, particularly grain production and livestock. While its population has declined in recent decades, the town retains its small-town character and rural atmosphere, offering a peaceful lifestyle to those who call it home.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Indianola is part of the Southwest Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Bartley or McCook. The district focuses on providing a well-rounded education, including opportunities for athletics and the arts. Indianola’s landmarks include the Indianola Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for residents and hosts local events, such as the Indianola Fall Festival. The town’s historical architecture, including several early 20th-century buildings, reflects its rural heritage. Indianola is also home to a number of parks and open spaces, which provide residents with opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and birdwatching. The surrounding countryside offers additional recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing in the nearby reservoirs and lakes. Indianola’s small population and rural setting make it an ideal place for those who enjoy a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, with easy access to larger cities like McCook.

Danbury

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

• Area: 0.46 square miles
• Population: 250+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69026
• Latitude: 40.0747° N
• Longitude: 100.0417° W

Location and History:

Danbury is a small village located in the northeastern part of Red Willow County, near the Kansas border. The community was established in 1882 when the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad arrived in the area. It was named after Danbury, Connecticut, and like many small towns in Nebraska, it grew quickly due to its location along the railroad. Early settlers to Danbury were primarily farmers and ranchers, and agriculture—particularly cattle ranching—became the cornerstone of the town’s economy. The railroad served as a vital transportation link, allowing agricultural products to be shipped to larger markets, which helped drive growth. However, like many other small towns, Danbury’s population peaked in the early 20th century and has declined over the years. Today, the town retains a small population and a rural, agricultural character. Danbury is a peaceful place, offering a slower pace of life to its residents, with farming and ranching remaining central to its economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Danbury is served by the Southwest Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Bartley. The district provides a strong educational foundation with opportunities for academic achievement, athletics, and arts programs. Danbury’s landmarks include the old Danbury Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s early railroad heritage. The Danbury Community Center is another key location, hosting local events such as the Danbury Picnic, a small-town celebration that brings residents together for food, games, and socializing. The town is also located in a scenic area, surrounded by agricultural land and open spaces, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Though small, Danbury’s strong sense of community and rural charm make it an attractive place for those who value a quiet, country lifestyle.

Bartley

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

• Area: 0.59 square miles
• Population: 400+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 69020
• Latitude: 40.2470° N
• Longitude: 100.3093° W

Location and History:

Bartley is a small village located in the northeastern part of Red Willow County, about 10 miles north of McCook. The town was founded in the late 19th century, just as the railroad expanded into the area. Its name is thought to be derived from a local settler, and it grew as a farming and ranching community due to the fertile land and access to transportation. Like many other towns in the region, Bartley’s early growth was driven by the railroad, which brought in goods and settlers. The town’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, including cattle and grain production. Over time, however, the population of Bartley remained small, and the town became more of a quiet, rural village. While agriculture remains a key part of the local economy, the town’s growth has slowed, and today it is a peaceful, small community.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Bartley is part of the Southwest Public Schools district, with students attending schools in Bartley or nearby McCook. The district provides a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including athletics and arts. One of Bartley’s most important landmarks is the Bartley Community Center, a hub for local events and social activities. The town also features several historic buildings and homes, many of which date back to its early settlement period. Surrounding Bartley, the countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking. The town’s rural setting makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and those who appreciate a slower pace of life. Bartley’s small but tight-knit community, along with its peaceful rural atmosphere, makes it an attractive place to live and visit.