Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 13, 1846, Wayne County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Wayne County was formed from Appanoose County. The city of Corydon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 185, Wayne County has a population of 6,508 and area of 526 square miles (1,362 km²).
List of all cities in Wayne County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Allerton, IA | 50008 | 641 |
| Cambria, IA | 50060 | 641 |
| Clio, IA | 50052 | 641 |
| Corydon, IA | 50060 | 641 |
| Harvard, IA | 50008 | 641 |
| Humeston, IA | 50123 | 641 |
| Le Roy, IA | 50123 | 641 |
| Lineville, IA | 50147 | 641 |
| Millerton, IA | 50165 | 641 |
| Promise City, IA | 52583 | 641 |
| Sewal, IA | 50060 | 641 |
| Seymour, IA | 52590 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Iowa
Corydon, Iowa
Overview and History
Corydon is the county seat and largest city in Wayne County, Iowa, located in the south-central part of the state. Established in 1851, Corydon was named after a character in a popular song at the time. As the county seat, it became the center of government and commerce for the surrounding agricultural region. The town grew steadily throughout the 19th century, with farming being the primary economic driver. Over time, Corydon expanded its local economy to include small manufacturing and service industries. Today, it serves as the administrative and cultural heart of Wayne County, while maintaining its small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Corydon is part of the Wayne Community School District, with Wayne Community High School serving local students. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Wayne County Courthouse, built in 1896 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other key attractions include the Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County, which highlights the region’s history, and Corydon Lake Park, which offers opportunities for fishing, camping, and picnicking. The town also hosts the annual Wayne County Fair, a major local event featuring livestock shows, entertainment, and food vendors, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.88 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,585 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50060
- Latitude: 40.7575° N
- Longitude: 93.3177° W
Seymour, Iowa
Overview and History
Seymour is a small town located in the southwestern part of Wayne County. Founded in 1871 along the Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska Railway, Seymour quickly grew as a railroad town, with the rail line playing a critical role in its early development. The town’s economy was historically tied to agriculture, with local farmers using the railroad to transport crops and livestock to larger markets. Coal mining also became a significant industry in the early 20th century. While the railroad’s influence has diminished, Seymour has continued to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Seymour is part of the Seymour Community School District, with Seymour High School providing education to local students. Landmarks in Seymour include the historic Seymour Depot, a reminder of the town’s railroad heritage, and the Seymour Public Library. The town is also home to the annual Old Settlers Reunion, which brings together residents and visitors for parades, food, and entertainment, celebrating the town’s rich history. Nearby, Rathbun Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, providing residents with access to outdoor recreation.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.19 square miles
- Population: Approximately 649 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 52590
- Latitude: 40.6833° N
- Longitude: 93.1166° W
Humeston, Iowa
Overview and History
Humeston is a small town located in the northern part of Wayne County, founded in 1872. The town developed as a result of the expansion of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, which helped connect local farmers to larger markets. Agriculture has always been at the heart of Humeston’s economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production being the main industries. Despite its small size, Humeston has a strong sense of community and is known for its well-preserved historical architecture and close-knit population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Humeston is part of the Mormon Trail Community School District, with Mormon Trail High School located in nearby Garden Grove. Key landmarks in the town include the Humeston Public Library, which dates back to the early 1900s, and the local city park, which offers recreational facilities for residents. The Humeston Fall Festival is an annual event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with local food, crafts, and entertainment. Humeston’s location near the rolling hills of southern Iowa provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 465 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50123
- Latitude: 40.8611° N
- Longitude: 93.4933° W
Allerton, Iowa
Overview and History
Allerton is a small town in southeastern Wayne County, established in 1870 as a railroad town along the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. The town was named after Samuel Allerton, a prominent Chicago businessman and one of the town’s early benefactors. Allerton grew as an agricultural community, with farming and livestock production forming the backbone of the local economy. The railroad played a crucial role in the town’s early growth, allowing local farmers to transport their goods to larger markets. Today, Allerton remains a quiet rural community with a strong agricultural tradition and a rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Allerton is part of the Wayne Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Corydon. The town’s landmarks include the Allerton Public Library and the historic Allerton Opera House, which has been restored and hosts local events and performances. The town park offers recreational facilities and is a popular gathering spot for residents. Each year, Allerton hosts its annual Harvest Festival, which includes a parade, games, and local food vendors, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots and community spirit.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.00 square mile
- Population: Approximately 430 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50008
- Latitude: 40.7075° N
- Longitude: 93.3650° W
Lineville, Iowa
Overview and History
Lineville is a small town located on the southern border of Wayne County, directly adjacent to the Missouri state line. Established in 1858, Lineville’s name reflects its location on the Iowa-Missouri border. The town developed as a farming community, with agriculture remaining the dominant industry. Due to its location, Lineville served as a crossroads for trade and transport between the two states. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred additional growth, but today Lineville is a quiet rural town known for its friendly residents and agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lineville is also part of the Wayne Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Corydon. Key landmarks in Lineville include the Lineville Community Center and the Lineville Public Library. The town’s annual Fall Festival is a major community event, featuring a parade, local crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Lineville’s location near the Missouri state line and the nearby Thompson River Wildlife Area provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 178 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50147
- Latitude: 40.5789° N
- Longitude: 93.5261° W
Clio, Iowa
Overview and History
Clio is one of the smallest towns in Wayne County, located in the southwestern corner of the county. Founded in 1874, Clio grew as a small farming community, with the local economy centered on agriculture. The town was originally a station along the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, which facilitated trade and transport for local farmers. Though small in size, Clio has a rich agricultural history, with many families having farmed the land for generations. Today, it remains a quiet rural town, reflecting the traditional lifestyle of southern Iowa’s agricultural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clio is part of the Wayne Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Corydon. The town’s primary landmarks include the Clio Town Hall and the Clio Community Park, which serves as a gathering spot for local events and activities. The nearby Rathbun Lake and surrounding natural areas offer recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. Despite its small size, Clio maintains a strong sense of community and offers residents a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 70 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50052
- Latitude: 40.6361° N
- Longitude: 93.4494° W