Cities and Towns in Webster County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 12, 1853, Webster County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Webster County was formed from Risley County and Yell County (defunct IA counties). The city of Fort Dodge is the county seat. With FIPS code of 187, Webster County has a population of 37,147 and area of 715 square miles (1,852 km²).
List of all cities in Webster County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Badger, IA | 50516 | 515 |
| Barnum, IA | 50518 | 515 |
| Brushy, IA | 50532 | 515 |
| Burnside, IA | 50521 | 515 |
| Callender, IA | 50523 | 515 |
| Clare, IA | 50524 | 515 |
| Clayworks, IA | 50501 | 515 |
| Coalville, IA | 50501 | 515 |
| Crossroads Center, IA | 50501 | 515 |
| Dayton, IA | 50530 | 515 |
| Duncombe, IA | 50532 | 515 |
| Evanston, IA | 50532 | 515 |
| Fort Dodge, IA | 50501 | 515 |
| Gowrie, IA | 50543 | 515 |
| Harcourt, IA | 50544 | 515 |
| Lanyon, IA | 50544 | 515 |
| Lehigh, IA | 50557 | 515 |
| Moorland, IA | 50566 | 515 |
| Otho, IA | 50569 | 515 |
| Palm Grove, IA | 50501 | 515 |
| Roelyn, IA | 50566 | 515 |
| Slifer, IA | 50543 | 515 |
| Tara, IA | 50501 | 515 |
| Vincent, IA | 50594 | 515 |
| West Fort Dodge, IA | 50501 | 515 |
Major Cities and Towns in Webster County, Iowa
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Overview and History
Fort Dodge is the county seat and largest city in Webster County, Iowa. Founded in 1850 as a military outpost during the Indian Wars, Fort Dodge was named after Henry Dodge, a senator and former governor of Wisconsin Territory. After the fort was decommissioned in 1853, the town developed into an important center for agriculture, coal mining, and gypsum mining, the latter giving Fort Dodge the nickname “The Gypsum City.” Over time, the town became a regional hub for manufacturing, education, and commerce. Today, Fort Dodge retains its historical charm while serving as a modern city with a diverse economy, including healthcare, retail, and industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fort Dodge is served by the Fort Dodge Community School District, with Fort Dodge Senior High School as the main public high school. Iowa Central Community College, a major educational institution, is also located in the city. Notable landmarks include the Blanden Art Museum, the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, and the historic Oleson Park Bandshell. The Gypsum City OHV Park, which offers trails for off-highway vehicles, highlights the city’s industrial heritage. The annual Fort Dodge Frontier Days celebration draws visitors to experience parades, live entertainment, and a celebration of local history and culture.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 16.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 24,871 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50501
- Latitude: 42.5063° N
- Longitude: 94.1805° W
Gowrie, Iowa
Overview and History
Gowrie is a small town located in southern Webster County. Founded in the late 19th century, Gowrie grew as a result of the expanding railroad system that connected the town to larger markets. Its economy was historically driven by agriculture, with local farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Named after a town in Scotland, Gowrie has maintained its rural charm and serves as a service center for the surrounding agricultural area. The town’s steady growth and community spirit have made it an integral part of Webster County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gowrie is part of the Prairie Valley Community School District, with Prairie Valley High School serving local students. Major landmarks in the town include the Gowrie City Park, which hosts community events and recreational activities, and the Gowrie Public Library. The annual Gowrie 4th of July celebration is a highlight of the town’s calendar, featuring parades, fireworks, and live entertainment. Nearby Twin Lakes State Park offers opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and camping, attracting both residents and visitors.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.05 square miles
- Population: Approximately 952 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50543
- Latitude: 42.2772° N
- Longitude: 94.2911° W
Dayton, Iowa
Overview and History
Dayton is a small town located in southeastern Webster County, along the Des Moines River. Founded in the 1850s, Dayton grew as an agricultural community, benefiting from the rich soil and natural resources of the area. The town was named after Dayton, Ohio, and has a long history of farming, particularly in corn and soybean production. Over the years, Dayton has maintained its small-town atmosphere and rural identity while fostering a strong sense of community. The town is also known for its annual Dayton Rodeo, which is one of the largest rodeos in Iowa.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dayton is part of the Southeast Webster-Grand Community School District, with Southeast Valley High School located in nearby Gowrie serving local students. Key landmarks in Dayton include the Dayton Rodeo Grounds, where the annual Labor Day weekend rodeo draws thousands of visitors. The Dayton Historical Museum preserves the town’s rich heritage, and the Dayton Golf Club offers recreational opportunities for residents. The nearby Brushy Creek State Recreation Area provides additional outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.03 square miles
- Population: Approximately 772 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50530
- Latitude: 42.2628° N
- Longitude: 94.0719° W
Otho, Iowa
Overview and History
Otho is a small town located just southeast of Fort Dodge in Webster County. Founded in the late 1800s, Otho developed as a farming community with a strong connection to coal mining, which was a major industry in the area. The town’s economy was historically supported by agriculture and mining, with local farmers producing crops like corn and soybeans. As the coal industry declined, Otho shifted its focus back to agriculture, and today it remains a quiet rural town with a close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Otho is part of the Fort Dodge Community School District, with students attending Fort Dodge Senior High School. Key landmarks in the town include the Otho City Park and the Otho Public Library, both of which serve as gathering places for residents. The town also hosts local events, such as the annual Otho Fun Days, which includes a parade, games, and community picnics. Otho’s proximity to Fort Dodge offers residents access to a range of amenities, while the nearby Des Moines River provides opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 499 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50569
- Latitude: 42.4147° N
- Longitude: 94.0897° W
Badger, Iowa
Overview and History
Badger is a small town located in northern Webster County, just north of Fort Dodge. Established in 1882, Badger began as a farming community, with early settlers drawn to the fertile soil of the region. Agriculture, particularly the production of corn and soybeans, has long been the foundation of Badger’s economy. Despite its small size, Badger has maintained its rural character and strong community ties, offering residents a peaceful environment in close proximity to larger urban areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Badger is part of the Fort Dodge Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Fort Dodge. Notable landmarks in Badger include the Badger Lutheran Church, which has been a central part of the community since its founding, and the Badger City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. The town hosts the annual Badger Fest, a community celebration featuring food, games, and family-friendly activities. Badger’s location near Fort Dodge allows residents to enjoy rural living while having easy access to urban amenities.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.36 square miles
- Population: Approximately 522 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50516
- Latitude: 42.5822° N
- Longitude: 94.1511° W
Lehigh, Iowa
Overview and History
Lehigh is a small town located in southeastern Webster County, nestled along the banks of the Des Moines River. Founded in the mid-19th century, Lehigh became a coal mining town, with the river providing a key transportation route for shipping coal to other areas. The town thrived during the coal mining boom, but as the industry declined, Lehigh transitioned into a quiet, rural community focused on agriculture and local businesses. Today, Lehigh is known for its scenic beauty and strong connection to its historical roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lehigh is part of the Southeast Webster-Grand Community School District, with students attending Southeast Valley High School in nearby Gowrie. Landmarks in Lehigh include the Lehigh Riverfront Park, which offers access to the Des Moines River for fishing, boating, and picnicking, and the Lehigh Clayworks, a historic pottery company that showcases the town’s industrial past. The annual Lehigh River Days festival celebrates the town’s heritage with parades, food vendors, and river-based activities. Lehigh’s location near Brushy Creek State Recreation Area also provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.80 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 50557
- Latitude: 42.3556° N
- Longitude: 94.0464° W
