Cities and Towns in Adams County, Iowa

Adams County Overview

Adams County, located in southwestern Iowa, is the state’s least populous county, known for its rural landscape, rich agricultural heritage, and close-knit communities. Established in 1851 and named after President John Adams, the county is bordered by Cass County to the north, Union County to the east, Taylor County to the south, and Montgomery County to the west.

Adams County covers an area of 426 square miles and has a population of around 3,700 residents. The county seat is Corning, which also serves as the largest city. Farming and livestock production form the backbone of the local economy, with corn, soybeans, and cattle among the primary products.

  • County Seat: Corning
  • Number of Cities and Towns: 7
  • Major School Districts: Corning Community School District, Nodaway Valley School District

Corning

Corning Overview

Corning, the county seat of Adams County, is located in the central part of the county. Founded in the mid-1800s, Corning developed as a trade and transportation hub due to its location on the Burlington Railroad. The town is surrounded by rich agricultural lands, and its economy remains closely tied to farming. Corning is known for its historic downtown district, which features several preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Adams County Courthouse.

The weather in Corning is typical of Iowa’s humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The town hosts various annual events, including the Adams County Fair, and offers outdoor activities at Lake Binder, a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.

  • Population: 1,564
  • Population Density: 987 people per square mile
  • ZIP Codes: 50841
  • Road Network: U.S. Highway 34, Iowa Highway 148
  • Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport (80 miles)
  • Libraries: Corning Public Library
  • Hospitals: CHI Health Mercy Corning

Schools in Corning

Corning is served by the Southwest Valley Community School District. Southwest Valley Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 300 students, focusing on foundational education with programs in reading, math, and science. Southwest Valley Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 150 students and emphasizes the transition to high school through rigorous academic standards and extracurricular activities. Southwest Valley High School (grades 9-12) has about 350 students and offers a range of courses, including vocational training, advanced placement classes, and extracurricular programs such as sports, music, and theater. The schools in Corning are known for their strong community involvement and focus on student achievement.

Nodaway

Nodaway Overview

Nodaway is a small rural town located in the northeastern corner of Adams County, near the border with Montgomery County. Established in the 1870s, the town grew as a small agricultural community and has remained closely tied to farming ever since. With its small population and peaceful atmosphere, Nodaway offers a quiet lifestyle for its residents. The town’s proximity to larger cities like Corning and Red Oak provides access to more amenities while maintaining a close-knit, rural character.

Nodaway experiences the same seasonal weather as the rest of Adams County, with cold winters and warm summers. The town is known for its rural charm, with community events centered around its agricultural heritage.

  • Population: 114
  • Population Density: 290 people per square mile
  • ZIP Codes: 50857
  • Road Network: County roads, Iowa Highway 48
  • Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport, Red Oak Municipal Airport (20 miles)
  • Libraries: Nearest library in Corning
  • Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corning (CHI Health Mercy Corning)

Schools in Nodaway

Nodaway is part of the Nodaway Valley Community School District. Students from Nodaway typically attend Nodaway Valley Elementary School, Nodaway Valley Middle School, and Nodaway Valley High School, which are located in nearby Greenfield. The schools offer a well-rounded education with small class sizes, providing students with personalized attention and a wide range of academic programs. Extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts programs, are important components of the educational experience in the district, fostering both academic and personal growth.

Prescott

Prescott Overview

Prescott is a small town situated in the southeastern part of Adams County. Established in the 1870s as a farming community, Prescott has retained its agricultural roots and remains a quiet, rural town. The town is located near Iowa Highway 34, providing easy access to Corning and Creston, which are nearby larger cities. Prescott’s small population and strong community spirit make it a peaceful place to live.

The climate in Prescott is similar to the rest of Adams County, with hot summers and cold winters. The town is home to several local landmarks, including Prescott Park, which serves as a gathering place for community events and recreational activities.

  • Population: 183
  • Population Density: 296 people per square mile
  • ZIP Codes: 50859
  • Road Network: U.S. Highway 34, County roads
  • Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport, Creston Municipal Airport (15 miles)
  • Libraries: Nearest library in Corning
  • Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corning (CHI Health Mercy Corning)

Schools in Prescott

Prescott is served by the Southwest Valley Community School District. Students attend Southwest Valley Elementary School, Southwest Valley Middle School, and Southwest Valley High School in Corning. These schools provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes core academic subjects as well as a variety of extracurricular programs, including music, theater, and sports. The district emphasizes the importance of community involvement, ensuring that students receive a quality education while also being active participants in local events and initiatives.

Carbon

Carbon Overview

Carbon is a small, unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Adams County, near the Montgomery County border. Founded in the late 19th century, Carbon was originally a coal mining town, but as the mines closed, it transitioned into a quiet, rural farming community. Today, Carbon is known for its peaceful environment, with a small population and scenic farmlands surrounding the area.

The town experiences the typical Midwestern climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Although small, Carbon’s rich history is a point of pride for residents, with many homes and buildings reflecting its mining past.

  • Population: 34
  • Population Density: 108 people per square mile
  • ZIP Codes: 50839
  • Road Network: County roads
  • Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport, Red Oak Municipal Airport
  • Libraries: Nearest library in Corning
  • Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corning (CHI Health Mercy Corning)

Schools in Carbon

As part of the Southwest Valley Community School District, students from Carbon attend schools in Corning. Southwest Valley Elementary School, Southwest Valley Middle School, and Southwest Valley High School serve the area, providing a full range of academic and extracurricular programs. The district is known for its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and a focus on student achievement. Students in Carbon benefit from the close proximity to Corning’s schools, giving them access to quality education while living in a rural setting.

Cromwell

Cromwell Overview

Cromwell is a small town located in the southeastern part of Adams County, near the Union County border. The town was established in the 1870s as a stop on the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. While Cromwell has remained small, its location near the larger city of Creston provides residents with access to more amenities and services.

Cromwell has a typical Midwestern climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle, with close ties to the agricultural economy that surrounds it.

  • Population: 107
  • Population Density: 275 people per square mile
  • ZIP Codes: 50842
  • Road Network: U.S. Highway 34, County roads
  • Nearest Airports: Creston Municipal Airport, Des Moines International Airport
  • Libraries: Nearest library in Creston
  • Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Creston (Greater Regional Health)

Schools in Cromwell

Cromwell is part of the Creston Community School District, with students attending Creston Elementary School, Creston Middle School, and Creston High School in nearby Creston. The schools offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes academic, vocational, and extracurricular programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for individualized instruction and attention. The Creston school district is known for its strong community ties, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education while also participating in local events and initiatives.

Brooks

Brooks Overview

Brooks is a tiny unincorporated community located in the central part of Adams County. Once a small railroad stop, Brooks is now a quiet rural area surrounded by farmland. Its small population and proximity to Corning allow residents to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while having access to essential services in the nearby city.

Brooks experiences the same weather as the rest of Adams County, with cold winters and warm summers. Although small, Brooks is part of Adams County’s agricultural backbone, with many residents involved in farming and livestock production.

  • Population: 18
  • Population Density: 52 people per square mile
  • ZIP Codes: 50841
  • Road Network: County roads, Iowa Highway 148
  • Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport
  • Libraries: Nearest library in Corning
  • Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Corning (CHI Health Mercy Corning)

Schools in Brooks

Brooks is also served by the Southwest Valley Community School District in Corning. Students attend Southwest Valley Elementary School, Southwest Valley Middle School, and Southwest Valley High School, which offer a broad range of academic subjects and extracurricular activities. The small community atmosphere allows for close relationships between students and teachers, fostering an environment of support and academic excellence.