[3] Stuart got its start in the late 1860s, following construction of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad through the territory.

[4] It is named for Charles Stuart, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to the city.

[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.58 square miles (6.68 km2), all land.

Hispanic or Latino persons of any race comprised 3.3% of the population.

31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Stuart is within the West Central Valley Community School District.

The former was established on July 1, 1971 by the merger of the Stuart and Menlo school districts.

[12] Four buildings in town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: