[5] Sources differ whether it was named for A. N. Bassett,[6] or J. W. Basset,[7] a pioneer settler.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.44 square miles (1.14 km2), all land.

There were 410 housing units at an average density of 931.8 per square mile (359.8/km2).

The racial makeup of the city was 98.4% White, 1.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.2% from two or more races.

43.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

43.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.