Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Nebraska
Founded in 1867, Wayne County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Wayne County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Wayne is the county seat. With FIPS code of 179, Wayne County has a population of 9,784 and area of 444 square miles (1,150 km²).
List of all cities in Wayne County, NE alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Carroll, NE | 68723 | 402 |
Hoskins, NE | 68740 | 402 |
Wayne, NE | 68787 | 402 |
Winside, NE | 68790 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Nebraska
Wayne
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.17 square miles
- Population: 5,500+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68787
- Latitude: 42.1900° N
- Longitude: 97.0176° W
Location and History:
Wayne is the county seat of Wayne County, located in the northeastern part of Nebraska. Situated along U.S. Highway 275, Wayne is approximately 60 miles northwest of Omaha and 40 miles south of Sioux City, Iowa. The town was founded in 1869 and named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero. It initially grew as a railroad town, with the arrival of the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad in the 1880s playing a key role in its development. Agriculture, particularly farming and livestock, has been central to Wayne’s economy, and the town became a commercial and trade hub for the surrounding rural areas. Over the years, Wayne has evolved into a center for education, with Wayne State College being established in 1910 as a state institution. The town experienced steady growth throughout the 20th century and today serves as a regional educational and business center, attracting both residents and visitors from surrounding communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Wayne is served by the Wayne Community Schools, which includes an elementary school, middle school, and Wayne High School. The schools are known for strong academic programs and sports teams that foster community pride. Wayne is also home to Wayne State College, a public liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, which brings a vibrant college-town atmosphere to the city. Key landmarks in Wayne include the historic Wayne County Courthouse, which stands as a focal point of the downtown area, and the Wayne Public Library, a resource for education and community activities. The Cherry Hills Golf Course provides outdoor recreation, while the Wayne County Fairgrounds hosts annual events like the Wayne County Fair. Other attractions include the Legacy of the Plains Museum, which showcases Wayne’s agricultural history, and the Wayne City Park, which offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Carroll
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: 200+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68723
- Latitude: 42.2797° N
- Longitude: 97.2639° W
Location and History:
Carroll is a small village located in the central part of Wayne County, about 10 miles southeast of Wayne. The town was established in the late 19th century, with early settlers attracted by the fertile farmland and proximity to the railroad. Carroll’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly crop farming and livestock production. The village grew steadily as a rural farming community, and over the years, it has maintained its quiet, small-town charm. Like many towns in the Great Plains, Carroll saw a population boom during the railroad era but has since remained a relatively small community. While the town’s growth has slowed, Carroll has remained an important part of the surrounding agricultural landscape and continues to serve as a service hub for local farmers.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Carroll is served by the Wayne Community Schools district, with students from the village attending the district’s schools in nearby Wayne. The village’s small size has fostered a close-knit community atmosphere, where school events and local activities are key to social life. Carroll has several local landmarks, including the Carroll Community Center, which serves as the town’s gathering place for events, meetings, and social functions. The town is also home to the Carroll United Methodist Church, which has been a central point of worship and community gatherings since the early 1900s. The surrounding farmland offers scenic views and a tranquil environment, making Carroll a peaceful place to live. The nearby parks and outdoor spaces provide opportunities for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Wakefield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68784
- Latitude: 42.3450° N
- Longitude: 97.2750° W
Location and History:
Wakefield is located in the southwestern corner of Wayne County, about 15 miles south of Wayne. The town was founded in 1875 and named after Wakefield, Massachusetts, the hometown of one of its early settlers. Wakefield grew rapidly in its early years, thanks to the arrival of the railroad and the fertile land surrounding the town. Agriculture, particularly grain farming, has been the backbone of the local economy, and Wakefield quickly became a trading and shipping hub for the surrounding farms. The town continued to grow throughout the 20th century, though like many small towns in the region, it saw a population decline in recent decades. Despite this, Wakefield retains its small-town charm and is known for its historical significance and strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Wakefield is served by the Wakefield Community Schools district, which includes Wakefield Elementary and Wakefield High School. The school system is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, which have contributed to the town’s community spirit. Major landmarks in Wakefield include the historic Wakefield Public Library, which serves as an educational and cultural hub for the town, and the Wakefield Community Center, a popular venue for events and gatherings. The town also has a number of parks and recreational areas, including the Wakefield City Park, which features sports fields, a swimming pool, and picnic facilities. The nearby Pheasant Run Golf Course is a popular spot for golf enthusiasts. Wakefield’s combination of local history, community spirit, and outdoor amenities makes it a pleasant place to visit and live.
Allen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: 300+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68710
- Latitude: 42.4514° N
- Longitude: 97.4300° W
Location and History:
Allen is a village located in the southeastern part of Wayne County, Nebraska. It was established in the late 19th century and named after an early settler, William Allen. The town grew around the railroad, which connected it to larger cities and served as a shipping and trade route for the local agricultural community. Allen has always been a rural village, with its economy based primarily on farming and ranching. Over the years, the town’s population has remained steady, with local farmers continuing to support the area’s economy. The village has maintained its rural charm, with a slow pace of life that is typical of many small Nebraska towns. Though it is not a large town, Allen continues to serve as a small but vital center for its surrounding agricultural area.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Allen is part of the Wakefield Community Schools district, and its students typically attend schools in nearby Wakefield. The town has a strong sense of community, with local events often centered around school activities, sports, and social gatherings. Allen’s landmarks include the Allen Community Hall, which serves as the location for many local events such as meetings, dances, and social functions. The Allen United Methodist Church is another prominent feature, with a long history of providing religious and community services. The surrounding farmland offers a peaceful and scenic backdrop to the village, making Allen a quiet and picturesque place to live. Although Allen is small, it has maintained its rural character and remains a beloved part of Wayne County.
Wakefield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68784
- Latitude: 42.3450° N
- Longitude: 97.2750° W
Location and History:
Wakefield is located in the southwestern corner of Wayne County, about 15 miles south of Wayne. The town was founded in 1875 and named after Wakefield, Massachusetts, the hometown of one of its early settlers. Wakefield grew rapidly in its early years, thanks to the arrival of the railroad and the fertile land surrounding the town. Agriculture, particularly grain farming, has been the backbone of the local economy, and Wakefield quickly became a trading and shipping hub for the surrounding farms. The town continued to grow throughout the 20th century, though like many small towns in the region, it saw a population decline in recent decades. Despite this, Wakefield retains its small-town charm and is known for its historical significance and strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Wakefield is served by the Wakefield Community Schools district, which includes Wakefield Elementary and Wakefield High School. The school system is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, which have contributed to the town’s community spirit. Major landmarks in Wakefield include the historic Wakefield Public Library, which serves as an educational and cultural hub for the town, and the Wakefield Community Center, a popular venue for events and gatherings. The town also has a number of parks and recreational areas, including the Wakefield City Park, which features sports fields, a swimming pool, and picnic facilities. The nearby Pheasant Run Golf Course is a popular spot for golf enthusiasts. Wakefield’s combination of local history, community spirit, and outdoor amenities makes it a pleasant place to visit and live.