Cities and Towns in Thomas County, Nebraska
Founded in 1887, Thomas County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Thomas County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Thedford is the county seat. With FIPS code of 171, Thomas County has a population of 673 and area of 713 square miles (1,847 km²).
List of all cities in Thomas County, NE alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brownlee, NE | 69166 | 308 |
| Halsey, NE | 69142 | 308 |
| Seneca, NE | 69161 | 308 |
| Thedford, NE | 69166 | 308 |
Major Cities and Towns in Thomas County, Nebraska
Thedford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.62 square miles
- Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 69166
- Latitude: 41.6145° N
- Longitude: 99.5275° W
Location and History:
Thedford is the county seat of Thomas County, located in the central part of Nebraska, about 25 miles southwest of the scenic Sandhills region. The town was established in the 1880s when the railroad came to the area, with early settlers primarily engaging in cattle ranching and farming. The town was named after Thedford, England, and quickly became a local trading post due to its strategic location along the railroad. In its early years, Thedford also served as a supply hub for homesteaders who were working the land in this relatively remote part of the state. Over the years, the town grew steadily, maintaining a small-town atmosphere while continuing to support agriculture, primarily cattle ranching and dryland farming. Today, Thedford is known for its role as the gateway to the Nebraska Sandhills, a region famous for its unique landscape and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Thedford is served by the Thedford Public Schools district, which includes a high school, middle school, and elementary school. The schools are well-regarded in the area and are known for their close-knit community involvement. One of the key landmarks in Thedford is the Thomas County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the administrative center of the county. Thedford also boasts several parks, including the Thedford City Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces for outdoor activities. Additionally, Thedford is located near the Nebraska Sandhills, one of the largest sand dune ecosystems in the world. This region offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the area’s unique wildlife. Thedford is also home to local businesses that provide services to the surrounding ranching and farming communities, maintaining its importance as a regional hub.
Dunning
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: 100+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68833
- Latitude: 41.4550° N
- Longitude: 99.6995° W
Location and History:
Dunning is a small village in western Thomas County, located about 40 miles southwest of Thedford. The town was established in the early 1880s, coinciding with the expansion of the railroad across Nebraska. Like many small towns in the region, Dunning’s early economy was based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and the village grew as a service center for the surrounding ranchers and farmers. The town was named after Dunning, a community in New York state, and its location was ideal for those involved in the local cattle industry. Over the years, Dunning remained a quiet rural village, its economy closely tied to the cycles of farming and ranching. Though its population has never been large, Dunning continues to be an important part of Thomas County’s agricultural heartland and retains its historical ties to the ranching lifestyle that originally sustained it.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Dunning is served by the Dunning Public Schools, a small district that offers K-12 education and is known for its close-knit community and strong academic programs. Dunning’s most notable landmark is the Dunning Memorial Park, which features a local museum and several monuments dedicated to the history of the town and the region. The park hosts various community events, including seasonal festivals and educational programs. The village also has a number of historic buildings, many of which reflect the town’s frontier past. Being located in the heart of Nebraska’s Sandhills, Dunning provides easy access to outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife observation, and scenic drives through the sand dunes and grasslands. The village’s rural charm, coupled with its access to the Sandhills, makes it a quiet and attractive spot for those seeking a retreat into nature.
Halsey
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.58 square miles
- Population: 100+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 69142
- Latitude: 41.4725° N
- Longitude: 99.8292° W
Location and History:
Halsey is a small village located in southern Thomas County, Nebraska, surrounded by the vast Sandhills. Established in the late 19th century, Halsey was originally a stop on the railroad, which helped the community to grow as settlers moved westward. The village was named after George Halsey, a prominent railroad executive at the time. Early settlers in Halsey were primarily involved in farming, cattle ranching, and later, in tourism, as the area’s natural beauty began attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Although Halsey remains a small community, it has long been a part of Nebraska’s rural landscape. The village has maintained a modest but steady population and continues to support local agriculture while drawing attention from visitors due to its proximity to the Nebraska National Forest and other natural areas. Today, Halsey serves as a quiet retreat for those seeking an escape to the rural Sandhills.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Halsey is served by the Dunning Public Schools district, which serves nearby areas, including Halsey. The small school district focuses on providing students with a high-quality education in a close-knit, community-oriented environment. Halsey’s primary landmark is the Nebraska National Forest, which is located nearby and is one of the largest man-made forests in the United States. The forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, camping, and wildlife observation, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The village is also home to several local businesses and agricultural enterprises that support the surrounding ranching and farming community. Halsey’s natural setting and proximity to the Sandhills make it a great base for exploring the unique landscapes of central Nebraska.
