Cities and Towns in Washington County, Nebraska

Founded in 1854, Washington County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Washington County was one of nine original counties. The city of Blair is the county seat. With FIPS code of 177, Washington County has a population of 20,969 and area of 390 square miles (1,010 km²).

List of all cities in Washington County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Arlington, NE	68002	402
Blair, NE	68008	402
Blair, NE	68009	402
Fort Calhoun, NE	68023	402
Herman, NE	68029	402
Kennard, NE	68034	402
Washington, NE	68068	402

Major Cities and Towns in Washington County, Nebraska

Blair

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 4.18 square miles
• Population: 8,500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68008
• Latitude: 41.5386° N
• Longitude: 96.1253° W

Location and History:

Blair is the county seat of Washington County, Nebraska, located along the Missouri River in the eastern part of the state. It is about 20 miles north of Omaha, making it a suburban community within the Omaha metropolitan area. Blair was founded in 1854 and named after a prominent early settler, John I. Blair, a railroad executive who played a key role in the town’s development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s contributed to the town’s growth, with Blair becoming an important trade and shipping hub for agricultural products. The town’s location on the Missouri River also made it a key point for river traffic, contributing to its early prosperity. Over the years, Blair evolved from a small riverfront settlement into a thriving suburban community, with industries like manufacturing, retail, and agriculture playing a role in its economy. Today, Blair remains a blend of rural charm and suburban development, with many residents commuting to Omaha while still embracing the quiet, small-town atmosphere that defines much of Washington County.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Blair is served by the Blair Community Schools district, which includes Blair High School, the district’s largest educational institution. The district offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities, with an emphasis on preparing students for college and career paths. Blair also has several private and parochial schools that serve the local community. Landmarks in Blair include the Washington County Courthouse, a historic building that houses local government offices and serves as the focal point of the downtown area. The Blair Historic District includes several preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the town’s past. The nearby Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station is another notable landmark in the region. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blair City Park provides ample space for recreation, including sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The Missouri River and surrounding riverfront parks offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Arlington

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 1.02 square miles
• Population: 1,500+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68002
• Latitude: 41.6042° N
• Longitude: 96.2269° W

Location and History:

Arlington is a small city located in the southeastern part of Washington County, Nebraska, about 30 miles north of Omaha. The town was founded in the early 1850s and named after Arlington, Massachusetts, after the hometown of one of its first settlers. The town grew rapidly during the 19th century, aided by its location on the Elkhorn River and its proximity to the railroad. Arlington served as an agricultural center for the surrounding farming communities, with the Elkhorn River offering transportation for local goods. Agriculture has remained an important part of the town’s economy, and while Arlington has experienced periods of growth and decline, it has maintained its position as a small, close-knit rural community. Today, Arlington combines its historical agricultural roots with modern suburban influences, attracting residents who work in nearby Omaha but seek the quiet lifestyle that Arlington offers.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Arlington is part of the Arlington Public Schools district, which offers both elementary and high school education. The district is known for its strong community involvement and support for sports and extracurricular activities. The town’s major landmarks include the Arlington Community Center, which serves as a venue for local events, meetings, and gatherings. The Arlington Public Library is another key site, offering educational and cultural programs to the community. A short drive from the city, the Elkhorn River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The nearby Historic Arlington Cemetery serves as a reflection of the town’s long history, and many of the town’s original homes and buildings remain, maintaining Arlington’s historic charm. The surrounding countryside also offers scenic views, making Arlington a pleasant place for nature lovers.

Fort Calhoun

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.60 square miles
• Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68023
• Latitude: 41.3461° N
• Longitude: 96.1264° W

Location and History:

Fort Calhoun is a small city located in the southeastern part of Washington County, Nebraska, along the Missouri River. The town’s origins date back to the 1830s, when a military outpost called Fort Atkinson was established nearby. The fort played a critical role in the U.S. Army’s efforts to maintain peace with Native American tribes and to secure the western frontier. While the fort was abandoned in 1827, the area continued to attract settlers. The city of Fort Calhoun was established in 1856 and named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent U.S. senator. Over the years, Fort Calhoun remained a small but stable agricultural community, with farming being the primary industry. Today, Fort Calhoun is a blend of rural and suburban lifestyles, with its close proximity to Omaha offering residents the convenience of the city while retaining its historical charm and tight-knit community atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Fort Calhoun is served by the Fort Calhoun Community Schools district, which includes Fort Calhoun High School and an elementary school. The district is known for its small class sizes and personal approach to education, as well as strong athletic and extracurricular programs. Key landmarks in Fort Calhoun include the Fort Calhoun School District’s historic high school building, which dates back to the early 20th century, and the Fort Calhoun Public Library, a community gathering space for residents. The Fort Atkinson State Historical Park is one of the most significant historical sites in the area, preserving the original site of the fort and providing visitors with insights into Nebraska’s military history and frontier life. The Missouri River offers scenic views and recreational activities, including boating and fishing. The town also has parks and outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy sports, picnicking, and hiking.

Kennard

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

• Area: 0.42 square miles
• Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 68034
• Latitude: 41.4831° N
• Longitude: 96.2494° W

Location and History:

Kennard is a small village located in the southwestern part of Washington County, about 18 miles northwest of Omaha. Founded in the 1860s, the town was named after a prominent landowner, and its early economy was primarily based on agriculture, especially farming and livestock. The town grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to the expansion of the railroad network, which facilitated transportation of agricultural goods. Over time, Kennard’s population remained relatively small, but the village has continued to serve as a rural service hub for the surrounding farming community. While Kennard is not as large as nearby cities like Blair, it has maintained its role as a peaceful rural village with close ties to agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Kennard is part of the Arlington Public Schools district, and students typically attend schools in Arlington, which is nearby. The town’s small size means that local events, such as school sports and community gatherings, play a key role in the village’s social life. Major landmarks in Kennard include the Kennard Community Center, a local gathering space for social and civic events, and the Kennard Methodist Church, which has been an important part of the town’s religious life for many years. Kennard also boasts several small parks and outdoor spaces, offering opportunities for local residents to enjoy picnics, walking, and sports. The village’s close-knit community and rural charm make it an ideal spot for those looking for a quiet lifestyle while still being within driving distance of Omaha.