14 Smallest US Cities by Population
- Monowi, Nebraska
- Buford, Wyoming
- Hibberts Gore, Maine
- Centralia, Pennsylvania
- Lost Springs, Wyoming
- Freeport City, Kansas
- McMullen, Alabama
- Odanah, Wisconsin
- Riverside, Wyoming
- Akhiok, Alaska
- Ouzinkie, Alaska
- Aubrey, Arkansas
- Benson, Vermont
- Vernon, California
Monowi, Nebraska
Population: 01
Nestled in Boyd County, Nebraska, Monowi holds the distinction of being the smallest town in America. It is also the only incorporated town in the US with just one resident. Elsie Eiler, the town's sole inhabitant, is not only the mayor but also operates the local watering hole, Monowi Tavern.
Despite its diminutive population, Monowi has gained attention for its unique status and the remarkable story of its tenacious resident.
Buford, Wyoming
Population: 01
Tucked away in southeastern Wyoming, Buford is also one of the smallest towns in America. With a population that is currently just one resident, Buford's story is as fascinating as its solitude.
Once a bustling railway town, its decline over the years has left it with a shrinking population. Currently Buford has only a single resident who acts as the mayor, librarian, and caretaker of the town's lone convenience store.
Hibberts Gore, Maine
Population: 01
This unincorporated township in Maine is a true hidden gem. With only one resident and a handful of seasonal cabins, Hibberts Gore is a haven for nature lovers seeking solitude and pristine wilderness. Imagine waking up to the rustle of leaves and the call of loons – a symphony rarely heard in the hustle and bustle of city life.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Population: 04
Centralia's story is one of both tragedy and resilience. Once a thriving coal-mining town in Pennsylvania, it faced a devastating underground coal mine fire in 1962 that continues to burn to this day.
With a population reduced to a handful of residents, Centralia has become a ghost town, its streets eerily empty. The ongoing fire forced most residents to relocate, leaving a town with a dwindling population and an uncertain future.
Lost Springs, Wyoming
Population: 04
Lost Springs, Wyoming, is another tiny enclave that captures the essence of small-town living. With a population that typically hovers around the single digits, Lost Springs has managed to maintain its status as an incorporated town, complete with a mayor and town council.
As with many small towns, Lost Springs offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, emphasizing community and connection.
Freeport City, Kansas
Population: 05
Freeport City in Harper County, Kansas, stands as one of the tiniest cities in the U.S. With a population barely exceeding a handful, this rural community embodies the serene charm of the Midwest. Surrounded by vast prairies, Freeport City offers a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle. The simplicity of life here, where everyone knows each other, reflects the timeless appeal of small-town living.
McMullen, Alabama
Population: 28
McMullen, located in Wilcox County, Alabama, stands as one of the smallest incorporated cities in the U.S. With a population that rarely exceeds a few dozen residents, this rural community exemplifies the tight-knit spirit found in small towns across the country.
Though its size may be modest, McMullen is a testament to the resilience of rural communities that continue to thrive amidst the changing landscapes of America.
Odanah, Wisconsin
Population: 51
Home to the Menominee Indian Reservation, Odanah offers a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage. With a population of 51, the town's life revolves around traditions passed down through generations. Visitors can witness powwows showcasing vibrant regalia and captivating dances or delve into the fascinating history of the Menominee Tribe at the Tribal Museum.
Riverside, Wyoming
Population: 63
Located just south of Yellowstone National Park, Riverside may be small in size but grand in natural beauty. With a population of almost 60, this town offers a serene escape, perfect for soaking in the majesty of towering mountains and pristine rivers. Imagine fly-fishing for trout in the Snake River or trekking through lush meadows – memories waiting to be made in this pocket-sized paradise.
Akhiok, Alaska
Population: 64
Akhiok, located on Kodiak Island in Alaska, is a prime example of a small community surviving against the odds in a challenging environment. With a population that barely reaches 64, Akhiok showcases the resilience of Alaskan villages.
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, it provides a unique blend of tradition and isolation, offering an insight into the life of those who call the Last Frontier home.
Ouzinkie, Alaska
Population: 105
Ouzinkie, located on Spruce Island in Alaska, is one of the smallest cities in the US, with a population usually below 150 residents. Accessible only by boat or plane, Ouzinkie offers a unique lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
The town reflects the resilience and resourcefulness required to thrive in remote areas, where residents depend on each other for support.
Aubrey, Arkansas
Population: 107
Situated in the eastern part of the state, Aubrey is a tiny town with a population that often remains around 100 people. This rural community exemplifies the quiet simplicity and close-knit bonds often associated with small-town America. Aubrey provides a glimpse into the challenges and joys of maintaining a community in the face of population decline.
Benson, Vermont
Population: 259
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Vermont, Benson exudes a quaint charm that whispers of simpler times. Its 259 residents live amidst farmland and maple forests, embracing a life deeply connected to nature. Visiting Benson means savoring freshly baked bread from the local bakery, exploring antique shops brimming with treasures, and indulging in the quiet beauty of rural Vermont.
Vernon, California
Population: 328
While California is known for its sprawling cities, Vernon stands out as one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state. Nestled within the urban fabric of Los Angeles County, Vernon is an industrial powerhouse with a population that pales in comparison to its economic impact.
Primarily an industrial zone, the city hosts numerous businesses but has a residential population that is remarkably small. Its story is one of contrasts, where a tiny population plays a crucial role in driving economic engines.