Britton was founded in 1884 as a stop on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.73 square miles (1.89 km2), all land.

There were 658 housing units at an average density of 901.4 per square mile (348.0/km2).

41.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 667 housing units at an average density of 951.0 per square mile (367.2/km2).

37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western Railroad provides rail service to Britton.