Appleton City was originally called Arlington, and under the latter name was platted in 1870.

[6] The Hudson City School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.15 square miles (2.98 km2), all land.

There were 617 housing units at an average density of 536.5 per square mile (207.1/km2).

40.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 635 housing units at an average density of 554.3 per square mile (214.0/km2).

36.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.