Cities and Towns in Saline County, Nebraska

Founded in 1867, Saline County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Saline County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Wilber is the county seat. With FIPS code of 151, Saline County has a population of 14,192 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).

List of all cities in Saline County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Blue River Lodge, NE	68333	402
Crete, NE	68333	402
De Witt, NE	68341	402
Dorchester, NE	68343	402
Friend, NE	68359	402
Kramer, NE	68333	402
Pleasanthill, NE	68343	402
Swanton, NE	68445	402
Tobias, NE	68453	402
Western, NE	68464	402
Wilber, NE	68465	402

Major Cities and Towns in Saline County, Nebraska

Crete

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

• Area: 4.57 square miles
• Population: 7,000+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68333
• Latitude: 40.6265° N
• Longitude: 96.9636° W

Location and History:

Crete is the largest city and the county seat of Saline County, located in southeastern Nebraska, about 25 miles southwest of Lincoln. The town was founded in 1864 along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and was originally named after Crete, Greece, by early settlers who were inspired by the ancient city’s historical significance. Crete became an important agricultural and trading hub for the surrounding region, with a focus on grain production and livestock. The city continued to grow throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of schools, churches, and local businesses. Crete’s economy was traditionally tied to farming, but it has evolved over the years, becoming a center for education, commerce, and culture. Today, Crete is known for its scenic surroundings, its historic downtown, and its role as a college town, home to Doane University, one of the oldest private universities in Nebraska. The city has maintained a small-town feel, with a close-knit community, while also benefitting from its proximity to Lincoln and the larger metropolitan area.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Crete is home to Doane University, a private liberal arts institution that is a key part of the city’s identity. The university is renowned for its academic programs, including business, education, and the sciences, and it provides a cultural and intellectual hub for the community. In addition to Doane University, the Crete Public Schools district serves the city, with Crete High School being the largest secondary school in the district. Major landmarks in Crete include the Saline County Courthouse, a historic building located in the heart of downtown, as well as the Crete Historic District, which features well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city also boasts several parks, including Tuxedo Park, which offers walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Big Blue River runs through Crete, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities, such as fishing and canoeing. Crete also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the annual Crete Heritage Days festival, which celebrates the city’s history and community spirit with music, food, and family-friendly activities.

Wilber

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

• Area: 1.10 square miles
• Population: 2,000+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68465
• Latitude: 40.5754° N
• Longitude: 97.1602° W

Location and History:

Wilber, located in the southeastern corner of Saline County, Nebraska, was founded in 1869 and is best known as the “Czech Capital of Nebraska.” The city was originally named after Wilber F. T. Brodhead, a railroad executive who helped bring the railroad to the area. Wilber attracted Czech immigrants who brought their rich cultural heritage, and the town became a focal point for Czech-American traditions in Nebraska. Wilber’s early economy was largely agricultural, based on farming and livestock, with an emphasis on corn, wheat, and livestock production. Over time, the town has evolved, maintaining its strong Czech roots while developing a thriving local economy. The city’s cultural influence is still visible today in its festivals, restaurants, and shops that celebrate Czech traditions. Wilber’s close-knit community and its historical significance make it a unique small town, where both the past and present are celebrated through local events and community involvement. It is a short drive from the larger city of Lincoln, which contributes to the town’s continued growth.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Wilber is served by the Wilber-Clatonia Public Schools district, which includes Wilber-Clatonia High School. The school district is known for its focus on both academic achievement and community involvement, offering a variety of programs in athletics, arts, and vocational education. Wilber’s major landmarks include the Czech Heritage Museum, which celebrates the town’s Czech heritage with exhibits on culture, history, and immigration. Another key landmark is the Wilber Community Park, which provides sports facilities, picnic areas, and a place for local events and gatherings. Wilber is also home to several historic buildings and homes, reflecting its 19th-century architecture and Czech influence. The town hosts the annual Wilber Czech Festival, which includes parades, music, Czech food, and cultural performances, making it a major attraction for visitors. Wilber’s historic downtown features Czech-themed businesses, such as the popular Wilber Bakery, which offers traditional Czech pastries, and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural history. Its proximity to Lincoln, combined with its unique identity, makes Wilber a distinctive and welcoming community.

Friend

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

• Area: 0.88 square miles
• Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68359
• Latitude: 40.6323° N
• Longitude: 97.2144° W

Location and History:

Friend, located in the southern part of Saline County, Nebraska, was established in 1880 along the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. The city was named for the friendship and cooperation between the early settlers, who were mostly farmers and railroad workers. Friend quickly grew as a center for agriculture, particularly for corn, wheat, and livestock, and became an important railroad hub for shipping grain and other products. Over the years, the city has maintained its rural character, even as it developed into a quiet residential community. Friend has a rich local history, with its economy still tied to farming, but the city is also home to a number of local businesses that cater to both residents and travelers. The city’s proximity to both Lincoln and Crete makes it an attractive place for those seeking a small-town lifestyle with easy access to larger metropolitan areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Friend is served by the Friend Public Schools district, which includes Friend High School. The district offers a variety of educational programs designed to prepare students for both higher education and career opportunities, and is known for its emphasis on community involvement. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Friend Community Park, which provides picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds. Friend also has a historic downtown area with well-preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th century. The town’s agricultural roots are evident in its annual Friend Harvest Festival, which celebrates the city’s farming history with a parade, rodeo, and other community events. Friend’s location near the Big Blue River also offers scenic views and recreational opportunities, including fishing and nature walks. Friend may be small in size, but its strong sense of community, local pride, and agricultural history make it a welcoming and charming town.

Dorchester

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

• Area: 0.47 square miles
• Population: 600+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68343
• Latitude: 40.6159° N
• Longitude: 97.2642° W

Location and History:

Dorchester is a small village located in the northeastern part of Saline County, Nebraska, founded in 1871. The town was named after Dorchester, Massachusetts, and was settled largely by German and Scandinavian immigrants who brought their agricultural expertise and strong work ethic to the area. Dorchester’s early economy revolved around farming, with a focus on wheat and corn, as well as livestock. The town grew steadily during the late 19th century as a hub for local trade and services. The arrival of the railroad helped connect Dorchester to other parts of Nebraska, allowing for easier shipping of agricultural products and goods. Today, Dorchester remains a small, rural community with a strong agricultural heritage, offering a peaceful and family-oriented environment for its residents. The town is located about 30 miles from Lincoln, making it an attractive option for those looking for a rural lifestyle with access to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Dorchester is served by the Dorchester Public Schools district, which includes Dorchester High School. The school is known for its small class sizes, strong community support, and commitment to academic achievement. Dorchester is home to several local landmarks, including the Dorchester Community Park, which provides space for outdoor activities such as picnics, sports, and community events. The town is also known for its historic buildings, many of which date back to the late 19th century. The village hosts a variety of events, including the Dorchester Fun Fest, which celebrates the community’s agricultural roots with a parade, games, and local entertainment. Dorchester’s small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community make it a welcoming place to live and visit, offering a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.