Webster City was originally called Newcastle by settlers of European descent.

Willson was elected to the Iowa State House the next year and, with John F. Duncombe, crafted a bill to divide the very large Webster County in half.

33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Webster City is the headquarters of several companies, including Vantec,[clarification needed]Van Diest Supply Company, Mary Ann's Specialty Foods, Webster City Custom Meats, and Tasler.

Webster City's top industries are advanced manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, food processing, agricultural related products, and warehousing and distribution.

[14] Since 2010, Webster City has attracted new projects and business expansions, including the Van Diest Medical Center, a $35 million critical access hospital; and a $13 million competition gym at the high school[15] Public education in Webster City is provided by Webster City Community School District,[16] with Webster City High School, Webster City Middle School, and Pleasant View or Sunset Heights for elementary education.

U.S. Route 20, a four-lane east-west corridor through north central Iowa, was built along Webster City.

The city has a municipal airport with a 4,007 feet (1,221 m) runway and full-time Fixed-base operator.

A junction of lines of the Canadian National and Union Pacific Railroads is located in Webster City.

Webster City has eleven parks, two golf courses, indoor and outdoor community swimming pools, a recreation center, more than seven miles of walking trails, and many camping areas: Webster City is home to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, which holds the county fair every July.

In addition, the fairgrounds is home to the Historic Hamilton County Speedway.

Webster City's annual community celebration is the Boone Bash River Dash, which features a cardboard regatta.

The Daily Freeman Journal is the city's local newspaper and is published Monday through Friday.