Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Missouri

Founded in 1835, Shelby County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Shelby County was formed from Marion County. The city of Shelbyville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 205, Shelby County has a population of 5,976 and area of 501 square miles (1,298 km²).

List of all cities in Shelby County, MO alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bethel, MO	63434	660
Cherry Box, MO	63437	660
Clarence, MO	63437	660
Duncans Bridge, MO	63437	660
Emden, MO	63439	573
Hagars Grove, MO	63437	660
Hunnewell, MO	63443	573
Lakenan, MO	63468	573
Lentner, MO	63450	573
Leonard, MO	63451	660
Maud, MO	63437	660
Shelbina, MO	63468	573
Shelbyville, MO	63469	573

Major Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Missouri

Shelbyville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.06 sq mi
• Population: 682 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 63469
• Latitude: 39.4935° N
• Longitude: 92.1141° W

Location and History

Shelbyville is the county seat of Shelby County, Missouri, located in the northeastern part of the state, near the border with Illinois. The town was founded in 1823 and was named after the Shelby family, who were early settlers in the area. It was established as a trading post for the surrounding agricultural region and became the center of local commerce. The construction of the railroad in the mid-1800s furthered Shelbyville’s development, allowing farmers and merchants to ship their goods to larger markets. Agriculture, especially corn, soybeans, and livestock, remains a key economic driver in the region. Shelbyville was also historically a site for river traffic along the Salt River, which helped facilitate its growth. Over the years, the town has maintained its small-town charm while adapting to modern agricultural practices and changing economic trends. Today, Shelbyville is a quiet, rural community with a strong sense of local pride, and it serves as a hub for the surrounding farming communities. Shelbyville is also known for its historic architecture, including several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shelbyville is served by the Shelby County R-IV School District, which includes the Shelbyville High School, Middle School, and elementary schools. The district offers quality education and extracurricular programs for students. Major landmarks in Shelbyville include the Shelby County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building that serves as the county seat and a symbol of the town’s long history. The town is also home to the Shelbyville City Park, which features sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park is a popular gathering place for locals and hosts community events throughout the year. The town has several historical buildings, including some antebellum homes, which highlight its rich architectural heritage. Shelbyville’s proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest also provides residents with access to hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Local businesses, including family-owned shops and eateries, provide essential services to the community, while Shelbyville’s rural setting allows for a peaceful lifestyle with access to larger towns like Hannibal for additional amenities.

Hunnewell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.26 sq mi
• Population: 168 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 63443
• Latitude: 39.5082° N
• Longitude: 92.1710° W

Location and History

Hunnewell is a small village located in the southeastern part of Shelby County, Missouri. The town was settled in the mid-1800s, originally as a farming community, and was named after the Hunnewell family, who were prominent early settlers. Hunnewell grew slowly but steadily throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the construction of the railroad passing through the area contributing to its development. Like many towns in this part of Missouri, Hunnewell has historically been an agricultural community, with farming being the primary economic activity, particularly the cultivation of corn, soybeans, and livestock. Over time, the village saw a decline in population as larger towns in the area grew and the rural economy changed. Today, Hunnewell remains a small, close-knit community with a rural character and a history tied to farming and agriculture. It offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby towns such as Shelbyville for services and amenities. While small in size, Hunnewell’s rich history and strong sense of community make it an important part of Shelby County’s cultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hunnewell is part of the Monroe City R-I School District, and students typically attend schools in nearby Monroe City, which serves the surrounding rural areas. There are no schools within the village itself, but children from Hunnewell are transported to larger schools in Monroe City. While Hunnewell is a small community with limited commercial activity, the town is home to a few historic buildings that speak to its past, including some early 20th-century homes and churches. The most prominent landmark is the Hunnewell Methodist Church, which has been an important community gathering place for many years. Hunnewell is located in a scenic part of Shelby County, with rolling farmland and access to the Salt River, which is a nearby natural feature. The town is close to the Mark Twain State Park, which offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Despite its size, Hunnewell has a strong community spirit, and its location in the rural landscape of Shelby County makes it an appealing place for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle.

Bethel

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.13 sq mi
• Population: 52 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 63434
• Latitude: 39.5641° N
• Longitude: 92.3366° W

Location and History

Bethel is a tiny village in the northeastern part of Shelby County, Missouri, with a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The village was originally founded as a farming settlement, and it was named after the Bethel Baptist Church, which was one of the first buildings erected in the area. Bethel grew slowly but steadily throughout the 1800s, with agriculture being the primary economic activity. The village was home to a small but close-knit community of farmers and their families. Much like many other rural towns in Missouri, Bethel saw a gradual decline in population as people moved to larger towns in search of better economic opportunities. Today, Bethel remains a quiet and peaceful village with just a few residents. It serves as a reminder of the rural, agricultural heritage of the region. Despite its small size, Bethel’s historical roots and serene setting give it a unique place in Shelby County’s history. The village is surrounded by fertile farmland and is just a short drive from larger towns like Shelbina and Monroe City, where residents can access schools, services, and amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bethel is served by the Shelbina R-III School District, and children in Bethel typically attend school in the nearby town of Shelbina, which offers primary, middle, and high school education. The village itself has no schools or major businesses due to its size, but it is surrounded by beautiful farmland and natural areas. One of Bethel’s notable landmarks is the Bethel Baptist Church, a small but historic building that has served the community for generations. This church, along with the surrounding homes, represents the town’s early roots as a religious and agricultural community. While Bethel has very few commercial enterprises, its location near the North Fabius River and the Mark Twain National Forest offers some recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The town’s rural setting provides a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, which is ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life. Although small, Bethel’s historical character and scenic location make it an important part of Shelby County’s landscape. The town’s preservation of its early history offers a glimpse into Missouri’s rural past.