Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Shelby County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Shelby County was formed from Cass County. The city of Harlan is the county seat. With FIPS code of 165, Shelby County has a population of 11,770 and area of 591 square miles (1,531 km²).

List of all cities in Shelby County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Defiance, IA	51527	712
Earling, IA	51530	712
Elk Horn, IA	51531	712
Harlan, IA	51537	712
	51593	712
Irwin, IA	51446	712
Kirkman, IA	51447	712
Panama, IA	51562	712
	51578	712
Portsmouth, IA	51565	712
Red Line, IA	51447	712
Tennant, IA	51537	712
Westphalia, IA	51578	712

Major Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Iowa

Harlan

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 4.36 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,000 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51537
• Latitude: 41.6542° N
• Longitude: 95.3256° W

City Location and History

Harlan is the county seat of Shelby County, located in the southwestern part of Iowa. Established in 1858, the city was named after James Harlan, a U.S. Senator from Iowa. Harlan’s location along the West Nishnabotna River and its early connection to the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad spurred its development as a key agricultural and trading center in the region. Over the years, Harlan grew steadily, benefiting from the rich farmland surrounding it. The town played an important role in supporting the agricultural economy, with grain, livestock, and agricultural equipment being its primary industries. Today, Harlan is a thriving community that blends small-town charm with modern amenities, serving as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Harlan is served by the Harlan Community School District, with Harlan Community High School being one of the leading schools in the area. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Shelby County Courthouse, built in 1893, which showcases Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and remains an active center for local government. Harlan is also home to the Harlan Community Library, a major resource for residents, and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, a multi-purpose venue for community events and performances. The Prairie Rose State Park, located just outside the city, offers camping, hiking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Shelby

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.04 square miles
• Population: Approximately 600 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51570
• Latitude: 41.5133° N
• Longitude: 95.4519° W

City Location and History

Shelby is located in the southeastern part of Shelby County, near the border with Pottawattamie County. The town was founded in 1870 with the arrival of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. Initially, Shelby served as a crucial stop along the railroad, supporting the agricultural industry in the region by transporting goods such as grain and livestock to larger markets. The town grew rapidly during its early years as a railroad hub but eventually slowed down as rail traffic diminished. Today, Shelby maintains its small-town atmosphere, with agriculture continuing to be the backbone of the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shelby is part of the AHSTW Community School District, with students attending AHSTW High School in nearby Avoca. A notable landmark in Shelby is the Shelby Opera House, a historic building that has been restored and is now used for community events and performances. The town also features several parks, including the Veterans Memorial Park, which honors local veterans and provides recreational spaces for residents. The annual Shelby County Fair, held nearby, is a significant event for the region, showcasing local agriculture, crafts, and livestock competitions. Additionally, the nearby Nishna Bend Recreation Area offers hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Elk Horn

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.83 square miles
• Population: Approximately 600 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51531
• Latitude: 41.5917° N
• Longitude: 95.0606° W

City Location and History

Elk Horn is located in the northeastern part of Shelby County and is best known for its strong Danish heritage. Founded in the late 19th century by Danish immigrants, Elk Horn developed as a farming community and remains closely tied to its agricultural roots. The town’s founders brought with them the customs and traditions of Denmark, which have been preserved and celebrated in Elk Horn for over a century. The town’s economy has been historically centered on agriculture, but its unique cultural identity has also made it a popular tourist destination, particularly for those interested in Danish culture and history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Elk Horn is part of the Exira-EHK Community School District, with students attending school in nearby Exira. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Danish Windmill, an authentic 1848 windmill that was brought over from Denmark and reassembled in Elk Horn. The Danish Immigrant Museum (Museum of Danish America) is another key attraction, offering exhibits on Danish immigration to the United States and the contributions of Danish-Americans to U.S. history. The annual Tivoli Fest, a Danish heritage festival, brings together residents and visitors for parades, traditional Danish food, and cultural performances, making it one of the town’s signature events.

Irwin

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.58 square miles
• Population: Approximately 350 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51446
• Latitude: 41.7897° N
• Longitude: 95.2108° W

City Location and History

Irwin is a small town located in the northwestern part of Shelby County. Founded in the late 19th century, Irwin developed primarily as an agricultural community, with the railroad playing a key role in its early growth. The town grew as a service center for the surrounding farms, providing essential goods and services to local farmers. Over time, Irwin maintained its rural character, with agriculture continuing to dominate the local economy. The town has always had a strong sense of community, with local festivals and gatherings playing an important role in the social life of its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Irwin is part of the IKM-Manning Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby communities such as Manilla and Manning. Key landmarks in Irwin include the Irwin Community Building, which hosts local events and gatherings, and the Irwin Park, which provides green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas for residents. Irwin also has several historic homes and buildings that reflect its late-19th-century origins. Each year, the town celebrates Irwin Days, a community festival that includes parades, games, and a variety of family-friendly activities, reinforcing the town’s strong sense of community.

Defiance

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.27 square miles
• Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51527
• Latitude: 41.8322° N
• Longitude: 95.3447° W

City Location and History

Defiance is a small town located in the northern part of Shelby County, near the border with Crawford County. Founded in the late 19th century as a railroad stop, Defiance served as a shipping point for agricultural goods from the surrounding farms. The town was named for the sense of resilience and determination of its early settlers. Agriculture has always been the cornerstone of Defiance’s economy, and the town remains a close-knit rural community with a strong focus on farming and local traditions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Defiance is also part of the Harlan Community School District, with students attending schools in Harlan. A key landmark in Defiance is St. Peter’s Catholic Church, a historic church that has long served as a spiritual and social center for the community. The town’s community center hosts various events, including local gatherings and celebrations. Each year, Defiance holds a town celebration known as Defiance Days, which includes a parade, family activities, and community meals, highlighting the strong bonds among residents. Defiance’s peaceful rural setting, surrounded by farmland, makes it an attractive location for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.

Earling

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.36 square miles
• Population: Approximately 400 (as of 2023)
• Zip Code: 51530
• Latitude: 41.7872° N
• Longitude: 95.4192° W

City Location and History

Earling is located in northwestern Shelby County and was established in the late 19th century. Like many small towns in the region, Earling’s growth was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad, which provided a means for local farmers to transport their products to larger markets. The town was named after Albert Earling, a prominent railroad executive. Over the years, Earling has maintained its agricultural roots, with farming being the primary industry. The town is known for its strong community values and its dedication to preserving local history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Earling is part of the Harlan Community School District, with students attending schools in Harlan. The town is home to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a beautiful historic church that is one of the key landmarks in the community. The church’s annual parish picnic is a major social event, drawing residents from across the county. The Earling Community Center provides a venue for local events and celebrations, and the nearby Earling City Park offers recreational facilities for residents. Earling’s history is celebrated through community events and the preservation of its historic buildings, reflecting the town’s pride in its heritage.