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Leon, IA

View of Leon, IA
Image credit: Carl Wycoff / CC BY 2.0
Population
1,773
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
1,124 ft
Median Home Value
$99,800
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$577/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$54,231
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024

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Leon in context.

OverallBest places in IowaPopulation rankingHighest population places in IowaNearest larger communityIndianola, Iowa44 miles away · 16,829 residents.

About Leon

Leon is Decatur County's seat, and its courthouse history is a little dramatic. The county moved its seat away from flood-prone Decatur City in the 1850s, then moved records by ox-drawn wagon when residents refused to surrender them. The name changed from Independence to South Independence and finally Leon in 1855. The fireproof courthouse completed in 1908 remains in use on North Main, alongside the Decatur County Museum and the city's square. The courthouse remains the town's fixed point.

Bessie Parker farm, Leon, Iowa. Erosion reduced value of the farm NARA 286163

Leon sits on U.S. 69 and Iowa Highway 2 about 12 miles northeast of Lamoni and just east of I-35. Little River Lake and Recreation Area is five minutes away, with camping, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Inside town, three parks, a paved trail by the fairgrounds, and the Leon Rodeo each July keep the calendar moving; the Fourth of July parade also runs through the courthouse square. Leon is a county-seat town where government, a lake, and a rodeo share the same few miles.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0ratingLow PopulationA+100.0rating

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