[2] The community of Greene was first a postal area called, "Elm Springs" that was established in 1855 three miles southwest of the current town on Coldwater Creek.

In 1871, the railroad selected a site on the east side of the Shell Rock River for a train depot and roundhouse, drawing the Elm Springs Post Office and community to that site.

In 1871, the postal area name was changed from Elm Springs to Greene in honor of Judge George Greene, president of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Minnesota railroad who, along with J. W. Traer and others, purchased the land for the new community.

Judge Greene gave generously of land and money for the new town.

[3] The Shell Rock River bisects the town, with the state Highway 14 and County Road 13 bridges connecting the two sections.

Hispanic or Latino persons of any race comprised 0.6% of the population.

33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city was 99.36% White, 0.27% African American, 0.27% Asian, and 0.09% from two or more races.

36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Clayton F. Thomas, Trails to Train Tracks, The History of Elm Springs: A vanished Butler County, Iowa Settlement, 2015.