Cities and Towns in Story County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 13, 1846, Story County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Story County was formed from Boone County, Jasper County, and Polk County. The city of Nevada is the county seat. With FIPS code of 169, Story County has a population of 99,472 and area of 573 square miles (1,484 km²).
List of all cities in Story County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ames, IA | 50010 | 515 |
| 50011 | 515 | |
| 50012 | 515 | |
| 50013 | 515 | |
| 50014 | 515 | |
| Cambridge, IA | 50046 | 515 |
| Clyde, IA | 50055 | 641 |
| Collins, IA | 50055 | 641 |
| Colo, IA | 50056 | 641 |
| Farrar, IA | 50161 | 515 |
| Fernald, IA | 50201 | 515 |
| Gilbert, IA | 50105 | 515 |
| Huxley, IA | 50124 | 515 |
| Iowa Center, IA | 50161 | 515 |
| Iowa State University, IA | 50011 | 515 |
| 50012 | 515 | |
| 50013 | 515 | |
| Kelley, IA | 50134 | 515 |
| Maxwell, IA | 50161 | 515 |
| Mc Callsburg, IA | 50154 | 515 |
| Midvale, IA | 50124 | 515 |
| Nevada, IA | 50201 | 515 |
| Roland, IA | 50236 | 515 |
| Shipley, IA | 50201 | 515 |
| Slater, IA | 50244 | 515 |
| Story City, IA | 50248 | 515 |
| Zearing, IA | 50278 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Story County, Iowa
Ames
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 25.48 square miles
- Population: Approximately 67,000 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50010, 50011, 50012, 50013, 50014
- Latitude: 42.0308° N
- Longitude: 93.6319° W
City Location and History
Ames is located in the central part of Story County, about 30 miles north of Des Moines. Founded in 1864 as a station along the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad, Ames quickly grew into an important transportation and agricultural hub. The city was named after Oakes Ames, a railroad financier. Ames gained prominence with the establishment of Iowa State University in 1858, which became a cornerstone of the city’s economy and identity. As home to one of the country’s largest land-grant universities, Ames has become known for its educational, technological, and agricultural innovations. The city has grown into a dynamic blend of academia, research, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ames is served by the Ames Community School District, with Ames High School being the largest secondary school in the area. Iowa State University is the city’s most significant landmark, known for its historic campus and its renowned programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. The Reiman Gardens, located on the ISU campus, is a 17-acre botanical garden that draws visitors year-round. Other major landmarks include the Ames Historical Society, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, and Jack Trice Stadium, home to the ISU Cyclones football team. Ames is also known for its thriving downtown, which hosts various cultural and community events.
Nevada
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,000 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50201
- Latitude: 42.0183° N
- Longitude: 93.4508° W
City Location and History
Nevada is the county seat of Story County, located just east of Ames along U.S. Highway 30. The town was founded in 1853 and named after the Sierra Nevada mountain range by Joseph Thrift, one of the town’s founders. Nevada grew as a center for local government and agriculture, serving the surrounding rural communities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred economic growth, with grain elevators and other agricultural industries driving the local economy. Over the years, Nevada has maintained its small-town charm while developing into a modern community with a focus on family life and education.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nevada is part of the Nevada Community School District, with Nevada High School providing educational opportunities for local students. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Story County Courthouse, an architectural gem located in the town square. Another notable site is the historic Briggs Terrace, a Victorian-era home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The SCORE Recreation Athletic Complex offers extensive recreational facilities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and walking trails. Nevada is also home to the annual Lincoln Highway Days, a festival celebrating the town’s connection to the famous transcontinental road.
Huxley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.17 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50124
- Latitude: 41.8950° N
- Longitude: 93.6016° W
City Location and History
Huxley is located in the southern part of Story County, approximately 15 miles south of Ames along Interstate 35. Founded in the late 19th century, Huxley developed as a small agricultural town supported by the arrival of the railroad. The town was named after Thomas Henry Huxley, an English biologist and close associate of Charles Darwin. In recent decades, Huxley has experienced significant residential growth due to its proximity to Ames and Des Moines, making it a desirable location for commuters. Despite its growth, Huxley maintains a rural atmosphere with strong ties to its agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Huxley is part of the Ballard Community School District, with Ballard High School located in the town. Centennial Park is a major recreational space in Huxley, offering sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The Ballard Golf and Country Club provides golfing opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Huxley’s location along the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The town also celebrates its Scandinavian heritage through local events, including the annual Scandinavian Days festival, which highlights the community’s cultural history and traditions.
Story City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.05 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,400 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50248
- Latitude: 42.1886° N
- Longitude: 93.5966° W
City Location and History
Story City is located in the northern part of Story County, along Interstate 35, about 10 miles north of Ames. The town was founded in 1855 and named after Joseph Story, an early Supreme Court justice. Story City was originally settled by Norwegian immigrants, and the town’s Scandinavian heritage remains an important part of its identity. Over the years, the town has grown as a regional center for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. Today, Story City is known for its well-preserved historic downtown, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community pride.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Story City is part of the Roland-Story Community School District, with Roland-Story High School serving local students. The town’s most famous landmark is the Story City Carousel, a fully restored 1913 antique carousel that attracts visitors from across the region. The Story City Historical Society Museum offers exhibits on the town’s Norwegian roots and pioneer history. The historic Grand Opera House, which dates back to the early 20th century, hosts plays, concerts, and community events. Story City is also home to several parks, including North Park, which offers recreational facilities and green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Slater
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.54 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50244
- Latitude: 41.8775° N
- Longitude: 93.6794° W
City Location and History
Slater is located in the southwestern corner of Story County, just north of Polk County and about 20 miles from Ames. The town was founded in 1883 and named after Michael Slater, an early settler and influential figure in the community’s development. Slater grew as a railroad town, serving the local agricultural economy by providing a hub for shipping grain and livestock. Today, Slater is a small, but growing community, known for its quiet residential neighborhoods and strong connection to the surrounding rural landscape. Its location near both Ames and Des Moines makes it an attractive spot for commuters.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Slater is part of the Ballard Community School District, with Ballard Middle School located in the town. A key landmark in Slater is the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail that runs through the town, connecting it to other communities in Story County. Slater also has several parks, including Nelson Park, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The town’s annual Slater Fun Days festival brings the community together for parades, games, and family activities, celebrating the town’s small-town charm and community spirit.
Gilbert
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.83 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50105
- Latitude: 42.1072° N
- Longitude: 93.6469° W
City Location and History
Gilbert is located just north of Ames in Story County. The town was established in the 1870s and was named after J. B. Gilbert, a prominent landowner in the area. Gilbert developed as a small agricultural town, with its growth largely tied to the surrounding farms and the arrival of the railroad. Over the years, Gilbert has remained a small but thriving community, benefiting from its proximity to Ames and Iowa State University. The town has seen steady residential growth, with families attracted to its excellent schools and quiet, rural atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gilbert is served by the Gilbert Community School District, which is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. Gilbert High School is a centerpiece of the community, and its sports teams regularly compete at the state level. The town’s key landmarks include the Gilbert City Park, which offers playgrounds, sports facilities, and a community center. The nearby Skunk River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and nature walks. Each year, Gilbert hosts community events such as the Gilbert Days celebration, which includes parades, games, and concerts that bring together residents from across the region.
