Adair County Overview
Adair County, located in the southwestern part of Iowa, was established in 1851 and named after John Adair, a former governor of Kentucky. The county is characterized by its rolling plains and agricultural roots, which continue to be a vital part of its economy. It is bordered by Guthrie County to the north, Madison County to the east, Adams County to the south, and Cass County to the west.
The population of Adair County is around 7,000 residents, making it a small, rural county with close-knit communities. The county seat is Greenfield, which also serves as the economic and administrative hub of the region. Adair County has a rich history tied to the westward expansion and development of Iowa’s agricultural landscape.
- County Seat: Greenfield
- Number of Cities and Towns: 7
- Major School Districts: Nodaway Valley School District, Orient-Macksburg School District
Greenfield
Greenfield Overview
Greenfield, the county seat of Adair County, is located in the central part of the county. Established in 1856, Greenfield quickly grew as a commercial and agricultural center for the surrounding rural area. The city is bordered by Stuart to the north and Fontanelle to the south, offering easy access to Interstate 80, which runs just a few miles north. Greenfield is known for its historic downtown area, which features the Warren Cultural Center and the historic Adair County Courthouse, two landmarks that showcase the town’s rich history.
Greenfield enjoys a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters typical of Iowa’s weather patterns. Its central location makes it a hub for both county residents and travelers passing through.
- Population: 1,982
- Population Density: 782 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 50849
- Road Network: Iowa Highway 92, U.S. Highway 25
- Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport (55 miles)
- Libraries: Greenfield Public Library
- Hospitals: Adair County Memorial Hospital
Schools in Greenfield
Greenfield is served by the Nodaway Valley Community School District. Nodaway Valley Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 250 students and focuses on providing a strong educational foundation in reading, math, and science. Nodaway Valley Middle School (grades 6-8) serves approximately 150 students and emphasizes the transition from elementary to secondary education. Nodaway Valley High School (grades 9-12) has about 300 students and offers a range of academic courses, including vocational programs and extracurricular activities like sports, music, and debate. Greenfield schools are known for their strong community involvement and focus on student achievement.
Fontanelle
Fontanelle Overview
Fontanelle, located in the southwestern part of Adair County, is a small, rural town with a rich agricultural heritage. Founded in the 1850s, the town grew as a farming community and remains deeply connected to the surrounding farmland. Fontanelle is located along Iowa Highway 92 and is bordered by Greenfield to the north and Creston to the south.
Fontanelle experiences the same Midwestern climate as the rest of Adair County, with cold winters and warm summers. The town is home to the Fontanelle City Park and various community events that celebrate its agricultural roots.
- Population: 676
- Population Density: 350 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 50846
- Road Network: Iowa Highway 92, U.S. Highway 25
- Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport
- Libraries: Fontanelle Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Greenfield (Adair County Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Fontanelle
Fontanelle is part of the Nodaway Valley Community School District. Students attend Nodaway Valley Elementary School, Nodaway Valley Middle School, and Nodaway Valley High School, all located nearby in Greenfield. The schools provide a well-rounded education with an emphasis on academic achievement and personal development. Students from Fontanelle benefit from the small class sizes and the close-knit community atmosphere, ensuring personalized attention and support from teachers and staff.
Stuart
Stuart Overview
Stuart, located on the northern edge of Adair County, is a city that straddles the border of Adair and Guthrie counties. Established in the late 1800s, Stuart quickly became a railroad town and has maintained its importance as a transportation hub for the region. Stuart is known for its historic buildings, including the Saints Center for Culture and the Arts, a restored Catholic church that serves as a cultural venue. The city’s proximity to Interstate 80 makes it a convenient stop for travelers and a thriving commercial center.
The climate in Stuart is similar to the rest of Adair County, with hot summers and cold winters. The town’s historic charm and access to outdoor activities make it a popular place for both residents and visitors.
- Population: 1,648
- Population Density: 1,021 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 50250
- Road Network: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 6, Iowa Highway 25
- Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport
- Libraries: Stuart Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Greenfield (Adair County Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Stuart
Stuart is served by the West Central Valley Community School District, which provides education for students in both Adair and Guthrie counties. Stuart Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls approximately 300 students, offering a strong focus on early literacy and math skills. West Central Valley Middle School (grades 6-8) serves around 200 students, while West Central Valley High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 350 students, providing a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and academic clubs. The schools in Stuart are known for their community support and commitment to fostering student success.
Adair
Adair Overview
Adair, a small town in the northwestern part of Adair County, is located along Interstate 80, making it a popular stop for travelers. The town was founded in the late 1800s and is famous for the infamous Jesse James train robbery, which took place just outside of town in 1873. The town’s historic roots and proximity to major highways have made it a regional hub for both history enthusiasts and travelers. Adair is bordered by the smaller communities of Casey and Anita to the west.
Adair experiences a typical Midwestern climate with cold winters and hot summers. The town’s landmarks include the Jesse James Historical Site and the Adair City Park, which offers a glimpse into the town’s storied past.
- Population: 781
- Population Density: 420 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 50002
- Road Network: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 6
- Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport
- Libraries: Adair Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Greenfield (Adair County Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Adair
Adair is part of the Adair-Casey Community School District, which serves students from Adair and the surrounding areas. Adair-Casey Elementary School (PreK-6) enrolls approximately 200 students, providing a strong foundation in core subjects like reading, writing, and math. Adair-Casey High School (grades 7-12) serves about 300 students and offers a wide range of academic courses and extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and student government. The school district is known for its supportive environment, where students receive personalized attention and a high-quality education.
Orient
Orient Overview
Orient is a small, rural town located in the southeastern part of Adair County. Founded in the 1850s, Orient has a rich agricultural history, with many of its residents working in farming or agribusiness. The town is bordered by Creston to the south and Greenfield to the north, offering a peaceful, rural setting. Orient is known for its strong community ties and local events that celebrate its agricultural roots.
The town experiences cold winters and warm summers, with plenty of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike. Local landmarks include the Orient United Methodist Church and several historic homes that date back to the town’s founding.
- Population: 400
- Population Density: 260 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 50858
- Road Network: Iowa Highway 25, County roads
- Nearest Airports: Des Moines International Airport
- Libraries: Orient Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Greenfield (Adair County Memorial Hospital)
Schools in Orient
Orient is part of the Orient-Macksburg School District. Orient-Macksburg Elementary and High School (PreK-12) serve approximately 150 students in a single campus, offering a tight-knit learning environment where students receive personalized attention. The school provides a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music, and agriculture-related clubs. The school’s small size allows for strong community involvement and a focus on student success, both academically and personally.