Cities and Towns in Stanton County, Nebraska
Founded in 1855, Stanton County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Stanton County was formed from Burt County. The city of Stanton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 167, Stanton County has a population of 5,816 and area of 430 square miles (1,114 km²).
List of all cities in Stanton County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Pilger, NE | 68768 | 402 |
| Stanton, NE | 68779 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stanton County, Nebraska
Stanton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: 1,600+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68779
- Latitude: 41.9842° N
- Longitude: 97.3904° W
Location and History:
Stanton, the county seat of Stanton County, is located in the northeastern part of Nebraska, approximately 10 miles south of the Elkhorn River and 40 miles west of Norfolk. Founded in 1867, Stanton was named after Edwin M. Stanton, the U.S. Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln. The town grew quickly after the railroad arrived in the late 1800s, which facilitated trade and commerce in the region. Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of corn and soybeans, and livestock farming, played a major role in Stanton’s economy. The town also became a local hub for commerce, providing services to the surrounding rural area. Over the years, Stanton has remained a small but thriving community, maintaining its agricultural roots while diversifying into retail, manufacturing, and service industries. Today, Stanton is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, strong local schools, and community spirit. The town continues to serve as the economic and administrative center for Stanton County, offering a range of services to its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Stanton is served by the Stanton Community Schools district, which includes Stanton High School, a middle school, and an elementary school. The district is well-known for its commitment to academic achievement, sports programs, and extracurricular activities that engage students and the community. Stanton’s notable landmarks include the Stanton County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the county’s administrative hub. The town also features the Stanton City Park, which offers a variety of recreational amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. For those interested in history, Stanton boasts several historic homes and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition, the nearby Elkhorn River provides opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The town’s annual events, including the Stanton County Fair, celebrate local agriculture, arts, and crafts, drawing people from throughout the region.
Norfolk (part of Stanton County)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 10.24 square miles
- Population: 24,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68701
- Latitude: 42.0324° N
- Longitude: 97.4103° W
Location and History:
Norfolk is the largest city in Stanton County and serves as a regional hub for commerce, culture, and education. Located in the northeastern part of Nebraska, Norfolk is about 50 miles west of the Missouri River and approximately 40 miles south of the South Dakota border. Originally settled in the late 19th century, Norfolk was named after Norfolk, Virginia, and grew rapidly as a trade and transportation center with the arrival of the railroad in 1881. The city’s early economy was rooted in agriculture, and Norfolk became an important processing and shipping center for grain, livestock, and other farm products. Over the years, Norfolk expanded its industrial base, becoming a center for manufacturing and retail. Today, Norfolk is the largest city in northeastern Nebraska and is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and a growing service sector. The city has developed a vibrant downtown area, historic districts, and several parks and recreational facilities, making it a key regional destination.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Norfolk is served by the Norfolk Public Schools district, which is the largest in the region and includes Norfolk High School, several middle schools, and elementary schools. The district is well-known for its strong academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. Norfolk is also home to Northeast Community College, which offers higher education opportunities and vocational training. The city’s landmarks include the historic Elkhorn Valley Museum, which highlights the history and culture of the region, and the Norfolk Arts Center, a venue for local performances and art exhibitions. The city also features several parks and recreation areas, including Skyview Lake and the Norfolk City Park, which offer opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Norfolk is famous for its annual events, including the Norfolk County Fair & Rodeo, which celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage, as well as the Norfolk Christmas Lights Festival and other cultural festivals throughout the year.
Pilger
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68768
- Latitude: 41.8679° N
- Longitude: 97.0544° W
Location and History:
Pilger is a small village located in the central part of Stanton County, Nebraska, about 10 miles north of Stanton and approximately 30 miles west of Norfolk. Pilger was established in 1884 and named after the Pilger family, who were among the first settlers in the area. The village grew during the late 19th century as a local service center for farmers and ranchers, particularly with the establishment of the railroad, which brought both people and goods to the area. Pilger’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being key products. The town has also seen small industries come and go, with a few manufacturing businesses and retail services remaining. Despite its small size, Pilger has a strong sense of community, with residents participating in local events and maintaining a focus on agriculture. In 2014, Pilger was devastated by a major tornado that caused widespread damage, but the village has since rebuilt and continues to move forward, with its resilient residents playing a vital role in restoring the town.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Pilger is served by the Stanton Community Schools district, with many students attending schools in nearby Stanton. Pilger itself does not have its own school but remains an active part of the district’s educational offerings. The village’s landmarks include the Pilger Community Park, which offers a space for outdoor activities and family gatherings, as well as a local veterans’ memorial dedicated to residents who served in the armed forces. Pilger’s proximity to the Elkhorn River offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating. Despite the hardships the town has faced, including the 2014 tornado, Pilger has shown resilience and continues to host community events such as the Pilger Town Picnic, which celebrates the town’s history and agricultural roots. The village’s post-disaster recovery efforts also showcase the community’s strength and determination, making Pilger an example of small-town resilience in the face of adversity.
Clarkson (part of Stanton County)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: 500+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68629
- Latitude: 41.8728° N
- Longitude: 97.2680° W
Location and History:
Clarkson is located in the southern part of Stanton County, Nebraska, near the border with Colfax County. The town was founded in 1881 and named after its founder, J.E. Clarkson, who established the first post office in the area. Early settlers in Clarkson were primarily of German and Scandinavian descent, and the village grew rapidly as a farming and trade center. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century further facilitated growth, making Clarkson a key location for agricultural processing and trade. The town’s economy has been primarily agricultural, with a focus on crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as livestock farming. Over time, Clarkson has remained a small rural community, retaining its strong ties to agriculture while offering services and amenities to nearby farming families. Today, Clarkson is known for its quiet, small-town atmosphere and its strong local culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Clarkson is served by the Clarkson Public Schools district, which includes a high school, middle school, and elementary school. The district is recognized for its commitment to quality education, offering both academic programs and extracurricular activities such as sports and music. Key landmarks in Clarkson include the Clarkson Public Library, which provides educational resources and community programs, and the local community park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Clarkson also hosts several annual events, including a local 4th of July celebration, which brings the community together for fireworks, games, and food. The nearby Platte River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, adding to the town’s appeal as a peaceful, rural destination. Clarkson is also known for its well-preserved historic buildings and its tight-knit community that continues to celebrate its agricultural roots.
